Working with School Leaders to support your Education Operations

'Ow do?

For those of us old enough to know better, you'll recognise the title as a line from The Fast Show's Jesse. He keeps popping into my head when I'm thinking about what to write in this newsletter because I don't just want it to be me rambling on about what I've been doing this week.

For example, "This week, I have mostly been writing Internal Scrutiny reports..." or "This week, I have mostly been trying to learn about...". You can fill that last one in with a huge number of things I'm discovering I know nothing about! 

Even with all my years as a SBL, running a small business was always going to be a challenge, but it's oh-so exciting at the same time. There is such a lot going on. So much positivity. So many people to meet. So much to do...hence writing this newsletter on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

I'm most excited about some new developments coming to the services offered by 1st Pillar. I never wanted to do this on my own but I keep having to remind myself that we've only really been in operation for a month and a half and that the business will inevitably evolve into something we might not be expecting!

The plan is to keep you informed, and entertained through this newsletter, please pass this email to friends and colleagues so they can sign up on the website using this link. Then we can be there anytime you need us. Thank you.

Actually, it's this term which is now old. We're now nearly at half term - I know some schools have already started - and it is always a good checkpoint to reach. The beginning of a new school year is always a challenge to settle in new pupils, induct new staff, restart the curriculum cycles, remember new passwords...and what is it we're all doing here? By the time we get to the end of October, we're all ready for a break to the school day routine, even if we're still working.

Take some down time over the half term break to enjoy the pleasures of autumn. Rest and recuperate before the fun filled descent to Christmas next term.

One of the jobs on my "new business to do" list is to write templates, so as customers present themselves, we have got the required processes ready to support their needs.

I'm trying to be proactive in producing, as far as is possible, action plans, timelines, frameworks, training slide decks and aide-memoirs. However, it was recently pointed out to me that, admirable though this is, I'm not actually doing any "sales".

As an SBL, I've never had to "sell" a product or service, and I'm finding it daunting. I can't keep putting it off though. On Thursday, I was very fortunate to hear Anthony Bennett speak at the South Gloucestershire School Business Leaders Group. He was so inspiring. I'm not usually a crier at emotional stories or films, but even I had to bite my lip. If you get the opportunity to hear him speak - definitely say "yes".

His workshop on team work and positive thinking gave me a good tip. Just resolve to send 5 emails per day which are focused on selling your services, and build the number you send as you become more confident. So, starting tomorrow. I'm going to do just that. Watch out world - here we come!

There are, no doubt, busy times ahead for us all next term. Remember, you are not on your own in this. As we, at 1st Pillar, reach out via this newsletter and wish you a very happy half term, do the same for your work colleagues and network.

And there are two more tips I'd like to share from what I have mostly been doing this week...

Make your bed in the morning and, next year, plant more parsnips!

Emma