Janine GriffithsA group of entrepreneurs found themselves reconnecting with hope, purpose and possibility during a recent Trust Leeds marketing workshop in East Leeds, with many describing the experience as nothing short of transformative.
The marketing workshop featured a full-day Getting Going and Growing Marketing workshop delivered by Trust Leeds at the Shine Centre in Harehills. Participants got the opportunity to build their confidence, sharpen their storytelling and learn practical marketing skills from two industry specialists: Rebecca Collins from The Conscious Communication School and Rhiannon Amber from Brain Friendly Marketing.
Both shared simple, accessible techniques aimed at helping small local businesses stand out, from understanding the psychology behind brain-friendly marketing to developing an authentic brand story. The day was designed for people running or launching Leeds-based kitchen table businesses, offering guidance on getting into the right marketing mindset, finding a compelling ‘Why’ and building a plan that works in the real world.
Attendees said they valued the mix of expert advice, encouragement and peer support, with many leaving with clearer goals and renewed motivation.
One attendee said the session helped them push open doors they thought were closed for good, adding: “This group is some of the best cheerleaders. This course has enabled me to open some of those very locked doors again and be able to see what’s on the other side. The ability to try and be hopeful… I’m open to what’s around the corner for me.”
Another participant spoke about arriving feeling directionless and leaving with a renewed sense of agency and explained: “I was so lost, this course has not only shown me how to be my own boss, show me it’s possible, given me the information that I need to be successful, but it’s also reignited my soul, I have belief in myself again, I have confidence again, and I have some control back in my life.”
The workshop formed part of a wider programme funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
However, the Getting Going and Growing Marketing workshops were just the first in a series of workshops that Trust Leeds is holding this year to help entrepreneurs in Leeds thrive in their careers. BYOB participants also got the opportunity to join the Getting Going and Growing Finance workshops held as part of a two part series in February and March.
These free, additional, in-person workshops are part of an ongoing initiative to help all BYOB participants get to grips with some of the most challenging aspects of running their own business.
Trust Leeds now hopes that the momentum built in these sessions will carry forward as the next Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) programme prepares to open.
Liza Kellet, founder of Trust Leeds started the BYOB programme around six years ago and said that she designed the programme to help people increase their confidence and take the steps towards setting up their own enterprises.
She explained: “It’s about the small steps and having the confidence and courage and the courage to take those next steps. That’s what the value of Be Your Own Boss is – it helps people build the confidence, courage and knowledge they need to move towards self employment.”
The upcoming BYOB cohort begins on 11 March and will offer another chance for East Leeds residents to gain structured support, build confidence and explore self-employment in a nurturing environment. Details can be found at the end of this article.
Sign up to the BYOB programme here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/be-your-own-boss-11-tickets-1982272703016?aff=oddtdtcreator
