business support Archives - Kirsty France Writes

Posted on 13th December 202213th December 2022 by Kirsty France — 1 Comment

Being in community

As we approach the end of another year, I paused to reflect on how much ‘being in community’ has helped me to grow emotionally and spiritually, and as a businesswoman.

But what do I mean by ‘being in community’? For me, it’s being an active member of a group that shares similar values. It’s being in spaces where I feel safe and have a sense of belonging. With lots of everyday demands and in the interest of self-care, I’ve had to be selective about how I spend my time.

Here are 5 questions I ask when choosing a community:

Do we share similar values?

If I’m investing time being involved in a group, it’s important that it’s about being supportive and celebrating each other. One of the things I’m most proud of when it comes to the Curvy Convo community that I created for plus-size women is how much we celebrate the achievements of our members Curvy Convo – Olivia Pitt. My ‘Keeping the Dream Alive’ coaching groups are perfect examples of this – check them out here: Group Coaching – Olivia Pitt. I also get that same experience in my early morning circuit classes. There’s no competition, just support and encouragement to give things a go.

What contribution could I make?

For me, it can’t be about just taking from the community. What could I bring to the table? What value could I add? My church community provides me with an opportunity to serve and lead, putting my skills, experience, and personality to good use. In networking groups, bringing joy has often been the most valuable contribution I could bring.

What could I learn?

Stepping into the role of being a businesswoman was alien to me after having been an employee for most of my working life. There were so many things I had to learn (and unlearn!), and I’ve been blessed to find a space in a business coaching group where I can be completely myself, unembarrassed about my lack of knowledge in some areas and fighting off impostor syndrome when it rears its ugly head.

How will it help me to grow?

I’ve been ‘doing life’ with other women of faith as a member of a mentoring group since 2014. This is where I learned about my identity and unique design. It helped me to understand myself a whole lot more than I ever did! I discovered that I am gifted in encouraging others. In the past two years, I’ve intentionally spent time with other women who share my gifting. This has helped me to confidently flow in my gifting, in complete alignment with my business as a Life Coach.

Can I really be myself?

In safe communities, I’ve allowed myself to be vulnerable and let my guard down so people can see beyond the smiles and laughter. I’ve shown up at times when I’ve felt broken, rejected, mentally drained, a failure. In virtual spaces, I’ve done the makeup-free, braless in PJs showing up as well – this all counts!

So, my question is, are you in community? You don’t have to navigate life on your own. You have nothing to prove. There’s so much to be gained by meaningfully connecting with others. As you enter a new year, maybe it’s time to consider who you could ‘do life’ with. You might be the missing piece of the puzzle that the group needs. Go for it!

Interested in finding out more? Let’s chat: Contact – Olivia Pitt You can find me on socials Courage Cultivating Coach (@oliviapittcoaching) • Instagram photos and videos or (13) Olivia Pitt Coaching | Facebook

Posted on 11th October 202211th October 2022 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Why does accountability matter?

Many of my clients enjoy checking in with me at the start of their sessions as to what they have achieved since our last session, proving that they have been accountable for their actions and if they have not looking at why this may be and if they are still important. When you are the owner of a business or in a senior position it is very challenging to be your true self. People struggle with goal setting and if you are at the top of your game who can you report into with tasks you have completed and or not. Where do you get the recognition for being accountable?

The definition of accountability

Accountability is when an individual or department takes responsibility for the consequences for their performance or actions. Accountability is essential for an organisation or society. Without it, it is difficult to get people to assume ownership of their own actions because they believe they will not have to face the consequences.

What are the main principles?

Anyone that follows the principles of accountability, transparency, participation, evaluation or feedback, are more likely to develop best practices and be more successful.

Why is this so important

Accountability eliminates the time and effort you spend on distracting activities and other unproductive behaviours. When working with people from a coaching perspective we help people be accountable for their actions, help them to value their work, when done right, accountability can really help people with their confidence as they learn to deliver when they say they will.

This week I was at the start of a coaching session and I asked my client what she would like to cover in the session. My client explained that she often gets distracted with everything going on in her business, so sometimes the important tasks can be forgotten about. She explained that she wanted to be held accountable to completing her daily jobs and felt it would be useful to report her accomplishments to me each day to feel the reward of explaining what she had achieved that day.

This client of mine is by no means alone. I speak to many people who are easily distracted, whereby one of the biggest culprits can be getting lost in social media. Social media is great for many things but it can also easily suck you in, then before you know it an hour has gone by. This not only wastes time, but it also leaves you feeling unproductive and increases the difficulty of focusing on new tasks ahead because of this disappointment.

Being accountable is really important for you and your business. If you book in an appointment with a client, how do you think that client will feel if you call them late or not at all? Do you think they will value you and your service? You are constantly building a relationship with your client. Just because they have started working with you doesn’t mean they may continue if you are always late or don’t meet deadlines, and they are much less likely to refer you. Learning to be more accountable is hard but if certain procedures are followed through and areas of importance and less important areas are highlighted this will help.

How I can help

In a coaching session we can look at what are you trying to achieve. Have you given yourself a realistic time frame to complete the task and is it providing value to you and your business? Are you committed to achieving a high standard when you complete the task or are there other things that are conflicting your ability to perform well? Coaching will help make you more accountable, deal with issues that are holding you back such as distractions and your values relating to business development.

I can help, you can book a FREE 30 minutes by visiting my website.

Posted on 22nd November 202125th November 2021 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

What do you get a business owner for Christmas?

Business owner with a gorgeous Christmas gift — Photo from freestocks.org via Pexels

I know that when you buy Christmas presents it’s because you love the person you’re giving it to and you want to give them a treat. Buying them a business-related gift can feel a little bit boring. It doesn’t have to be. If you ask most business owners what they want you’ll get something along the lines of more sleep, snacks, alcohol and financial security (that last one applies every year, but especially now). The thing is, you can make their business owning life better and still give them a great Christmas present. Here are my top 5 ideas for great gifts you can buy your favourite business owner this Christmas.

1. Entertainment

A business owner’s mind is constantly buzzing, so get them a present that helps them switch off. That could be a film to watch at home, or cinema or theatre tickets for a night out together.

If they love reading, a Kindle could be perfect. I resisted one for years until my husband got me one for Christmas. I still love real books, but now I can carry a whole library wherever I go. Alternatively, buy them your favourite book or vouchers to choose their own.

2. Stationery

Stationery addiction is real and occasionally necessary. I get through notebooks at a ridiculous rate so tend to shop at the budget end of the market. (I’m looking forward to being back at expos where I can snaffle them for free.) One of my favourite gifts was the beautiful pen and pencil set that I use every day. It’s a small thing that makes life better. You could choose lovely pens or a classic Moleskine notebook. You can even get fab digital notebooks if you prefer.

3. Time saving Christmas gifts

No-one can buy time, but you can buy help. If you want to outsource to a particular VA/designer/writer but can’t afford it, drop some heavy hints. Share this post on Facebook and say, ‘did you know Kirsty does gift vouchers for her blogging packages (or service of your choice)?’

If that feels weird, choose something fun that will save time in other areas of their life. A nifty gadget, meal subscription or some chloroform to help them get the kids to bed. (Joke. I hope that was obvious.)

4. Lovely things for their office

A lovely office space became more important during lockdown, when we couldn’t easily go out for a change of scenery. I have a miniature chimp and a couple of plants on my desk, it’s very cheerful. A good Christmas gift could be a plant or a beautiful print.

You could also choose a gadget that makes their office a more pleasant place to be. Would they like to work to music but don’t have the kit? Could an office water bottle help them stay hydrated?

5. Things to eat and drink

Yes, I know, this is a gift you could buy for almost anyone. The truth is, I’ve never known so many snack addicts since I started hanging out with other business owners. Buy one of us a snack basket with biscuits, crisps and chocolates and you’ll have a friend for life. Tea and coffee will also be gratefully received.

It probably goes without saying that alcohol is always a win. I know a few freelancers who don’t drink, but not many.

What do you want to ask for this Christmas? Leave a comment and let me (or your family) know!

If you’d like to treat a business owner to my services this Christmas, visit my shop to find out more! (Or if you just want to treat yourself to some high quality content in 2022, let’s have a chat.)

Alternatively, why not start the New Year with regular content writing hints and tips straight to your inbox? I hate spam (I’m a vegetarian), I won’t share your details with anyone else and you can unsubscribe any time. I promise I won’t cry. Much.

Posted on 17th May 202117th May 2021 by Kirsty France — Leave a comment

Why I love being a VA

You love what you do, and you are happiest at work doing all those things you love, but how much time is all the admin that comes with it taking? Is it leaving you drained and robbing you of your weekends and evenings that you’d really like to spend with family or friends and have a break from the job? Worse still, is it keeping you awake at night?

Apart from the fact that most of us have to earn a living to keep a roof over our heads, everyone is driven with different goals and dreams, to earn a certain amount, to have that dream house, to move to a certain area, buy that nice car, or to be able to travel are just a few. How lucky you are to be able to do that doing what you love to do.

Why I got started

After a health scare and a wakeup call, I am driven by time. I know just how precious time is and no amount of money can buy it.

This is where I get the passion to do the role I do. Taking away all the time-consuming admin jobs from my clients gives them back time to use more productively and frees up time so they can enjoy the weekend and evening as they wish. By achieving work life balance, they will feel more in control and less stressed and enjoy life and enjoy the success they have worked so hard to achieve.

Why you might need a VA

Outsourcing to a VA is not easy to do, your business is your baby, and no one else can do it as well as you can, damn right they can’t – but is your business doing the admin?

Cash flow is the most important thing in your business, when you can see clearly where you stand, what monies are coming in and what monies are going out, then business/cash flow improves.
Sending invoices out in time and chasing up late payments is the first thing that improves your cash flow, yet the longer you put this off the more overwhelming it gets = bad for cash flow.
If you are too busy to check your emails and you miss all important orders and enquiries, then again this will affect your cash flow as you will not have invoices to send, so no cash flow.

A good VA can be your accountability buddy, someone that wants to see you succeed, and will do everything they can to help you achieve your goals. She is not a competitor. She is someone who you can bounce ideas off and someone who will make suggestions, she is totally on your side.

It may take a little while to find that “right VA” for you, just as every business is different and has different needs, so is every VA.

Why I love my work

I love working with my clients. Once we have done a bit of brainstorming, have systems in place that work for them and have everything organised, they feel that they’re back in control. Having gained their trust they know that all the admin behind the scenes is in safe hands, that is when I see their business thriving. The client is less stressed, so much happier and enjoying their business. When they have their evening and weekends free to do as they wish then I know that I am doing my role well and that I have achieved what I want from my job.

How nice to be able to kick off your shoes, sit back and relax knowing that all those boring admin chores are being sorted. One happy you and one happy VA.