A little word about authenticity from Seth Godin from our wedding venue where we came for a walk in the sun.

I have this week off of work. It's a full week with lots to do as usual but also time to work on the Wheeliehogs. So, yesterday I got myself ready to record 6 stories whilst sat in the sunshine. They were sunshine appropriate stories so yesterday was perfect. It took me nearly 3 hours to find the microphone. My house looked as though a poltergeist had visited. I pulled out furniture, looked through draws and cupboards, but no luck. Strategy: sit with a coffee, relax and see if I remembered where it was, and I did...phew! I could still fit a couple of stories in before attending a late afternoon appointment. Great. Got them recorded. Reviewed the stories that evening and realised I hadn't turned the microphone on. No sound. I'd read them straight through with no slip ups as well. Grrrrrr! Yesterday felt like a waste. I'd wasted time. I couldn't attend HQ training and achieved very little. Looking back. I got to sit in the sunshine and read the stories through. I learnt to double check the microphone before recording. I cleared out some draws and cupboards. Today is also sunny, so I get to sit in the sun this morning and do it all again before heading off to more appointments this afternoon. I can catch up with the training. And, tomorrow is also sunny. Wriggle Room. Spot on!

Pick yourself! Don't wait for someone else to do it for you. You pick you.

Exciting news - I have just received my first ever funding and I can buy my much awaited tool!! Those who were in this group last year will remember how hard I worked at trying to get funding for a new tool - a leather Clicker Press. I tried for a technology grant but didn't qualify because my tool doesn't plug in...! Out of the blue a couple of weeks ago my advisor from the same Business Enterprise told me of an opening with a different fund/grant. As soon as this money became available, she thought of me. The timescales were/are short but I fitted the criteria and today the money arrived in my bank account. It doesn't cover the whole cost but covers most of it. The clicker press allows me to cut out leather shapes quickly using metal dies. This will mean I can make products quicker, freeing up time to make and earn more. It opens opportunities for more regular wholesale customers. It will also help me avoid injuries. I am so so excited. This is a great opportunity and great timing as I go back to doing my business full-time at the end of this month.

Who inspires you most? What did they do to inspire you? How can you inspire someone else? You probably inspire lots of people, you just don’t know. Start by telling those who inspire you that they do.