From Energise - The Talent Liberation Company

You are here: Home / Archives for Rachel Brushfield

Rachel Brushfield

Comfortable self-marketing for women

By //  by 



Most women dislike ‘blowing their own trumpet’ (marketing themselves)

This is normal.

How you feel is typical for women.

BUT #balanceforbetter, the theme of 2019 International Women’s month, will not happen until women feel more comfortable and competent ‘blowing their own trumpet’.

Many women simply don’t ask for what they really want.

Why is ‘blowing your own trumpet’ important?

This subject is really really important because:

•Women live longer on average than men

•Lifespans are increasing so the issue is becoming more significant

•Many women take time off the career ladder, magnifying the effect

•Women naturally worry and focus on others at the expense of themselves

Women stop their own success by NOT ‘blowing their own trumpet’.

Don’t hide your talents away!

What crafty ways do you use to AVOID ‘blowing your own trumpet’?!

Common methods women use to avoid ‘blowing their own trumpet’

•‘Oh it was nothing really’

•‘Just part of the job’

•‘You’ not ‘me’

•‘We’ not ‘I’

•‘Anyone would have done the same’

•Bad hair day

•Focusing on others

•Assuming their hard work will be noticed

•Working harder

•Keeping busy

•Displacement/distraction techniques

Insights about women

I have done many events on this topic – these are observations having heard women talk about this subject.

•Women generally worry and are anxious, lacking in confidence

•Women fear rejection

•Women lawyers worry even more than an average woman, because their job is to spot risks!

•Women alleviate worry by focusing on others

•Women do a higher than average proportion of household management and childcare/caring responsibilities, so they have less time to market themselves, especially if they work part time 

•Women focus on doing the work and doing it we

•Women find marketing themselves uncomfortable, so avoid it

•Women are still in the minority of senior decision making positions

•Women lack sponsors

•Women are not men. They think differently.  Yet differences between men and women are not acknowledged to avoid stereotypes.

4 useful practical tips to make blowing your own trumpet more comfortable

•Tip 1) Give an example i.e. evidence to back it up e.g. I am really good at x because the client said y

•Tip 2) ‘Blow your own trumpet’ indirectly – it feels more comfortable for women e.g. write an article

•Tip 3) Think of the benefits of ‘blowing your own trumpet’ to others e.g. being a good role model for your daughter or niece

•Tip 4) Find 1 way that does feel comfortable and do it more e.g. if you like networking, do more of it

We’ll be exploring these 4 tips in more depth in future blogs.

You CAN become more comfortable ‘blowing your own trumpet’, I promise.

How can we help you ‘Blow your own trumpet’ to achieve a career breakthrough?

Get in touch for a free 20 minute telephone consultation: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Stephen Poole’s guest blog part 3 of 3 about his portfolio career

By //  by 

This is a three-part guest blog by Stephen Poole for Energise, The Talent Liberation Company. This is part 3

Read part 1: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/stephen-pooles-guest-blog-part-1-of-3-about-his-portfolio-career/

Read part 2: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/stephen-pooles-guest-blog-part-2-of-3-about-his-portfolio-career/

Biog

Stephen Poole is a self-employed, award-winning values driven Project Management and Learning & Development professional delivering solutions with passion, drive and with a talent for bringing people together to build relationships. He uses a blend of empathy, creativity and customer focus to deliver results.  He possesses a substantial delivery track record in the international trade and development, UK logistics, not for profit sectors and the UK Civil Service.  He has delivered in complex, high profile and politically sensitive roles and programmes directly contributing to; London bidding for and winning the 2012 Olympics, the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium, Social Care Learning & Development operations and building capacity in Governments overseas.  Engaging with ease and diplomacy with all stakeholders, the many roles undertaken have directly supported members of the public, Top Civil Servants, Cabinet Ministers, Senior Business representatives and Governments across the world.  Committed to delivering sustainable outcomes, Stephen began building a portfolio career in the Summer of 2016.

Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?

Who?  My supportive partner, who initially had concerns about the sudden loss of income certainty from a salary, but who has since seen me happier overall, whilst meeting my commitments.

What?  For me, it is my values and the changes I have made to my own behaviour.  Overcoming very entrenched fears around certainty, particularly financial, have been addressed by sufficiently planning ahead and trying to build reserves has enabled me not to get stressed, and to be proactive if I do become concerned.  This has been a major influence in my ability to manage a portfolio of diverse activities.  Today I could not imagine taking on a permanent role, it is just not who I am.

I do not take myself too seriously.  I do not take the view that everything I do must be at a certain level or remuneration…. I am senior therefore everything I do should be senior (I used to hear that in the Civil Service..:‘Stephen it is not good value for money for you to be doing your own photocopying’.  Note: when I left, we all did our own typing and photocopying!).  At one point last year, I took part in a International Video Seminar working with a major international donor organisation and was leading a presentation and discussion on an aspect of UK Civil Service reform with a Government Minister and his team. Visible above my desk, shirt and tie. Unseen, under my desk, cycling shoes and shorts as I had to go straight out when the seminar was complete. Use all your talent I say!

How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?

I use LinkedIn and personal networking.  A chance conversation can be a door opener, but they do need to know a bit about what you do now or have done – so powerful content can help keep that door open. I know that there is constantly room for improvement – this is my next target development area – changing my behaviour around this. Rachel also helps her clients to market themselves, so this is useful as part of what she gives as a coach.

What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?

Personal branding is an area I need to look into.  

What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?

If you feel something is wrong with your current career…it is.  If you have an idea, or even better an opportunity waiting – go for it, but in a way that suits your circumstances and comfort zone.  Don’t get me wrong, you will need to challenge your comfort zone, but not to the point where you set yourself up to fail.  

The world of work is changing rapidly. Employers are thinking more creatively and using technology to resource their businesses… so opportunities are being created in place of more traditional employee or employer relationships, which are diminishing.  For example, the food delivery business I work in manages the business operations, scheduling, communication and payroll through a telephone app.

Variety as they say is ‘the spice of life’!  

What 5 tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?

1   Gradual transition – do something in addition to your paid employment.

2   If you do it – love what you do, do what you love – it will show.

3   Plan for the unexpected – even projects with certainty can move.

4   Allocate time in your week to plan for 3 and look for opportunities at 2.

5   Be flexible and open to exploring your ideas.

More

View Stephen Poole’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stpoole/

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/when/

Contact Rachel Brushfield for a no-obligation chat about creating, marketing and managing your portfolio career: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Thanks alot to Stephen Poole for making the time to share his portfolio career.

Stephen Poole’s guest blog part 2 of 3 about his portfolio career

By //  by 

This is a three-part guest blog by Stephen Poole for Energise, The Talent Liberation Company. This is part 2

Biog

Stephen Poole is a self-employed, award-winning values driven Project Management and Learning & Development professional delivering solutions with passion, drive and with a talent for bringing people together to build relationships. He uses a blend of empathy, creativity and customer focus to deliver results.  He possesses a substantial delivery track record in the international trade and development, UK logistics, not for profit sectors and the UK Civil Service.  He has delivered in complex, high profile and politically sensitive roles and programmes directly contributing to; London bidding for and winning the 2012 Olympics, the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium, Social Care Learning & Development operations and building capacity in Governments overseas.  Engaging with ease and diplomacy with all stakeholders, the many roles undertaken have directly supported members of the public, Top Civil Servants, Cabinet Ministers, Senior Business representatives and Governments across the world.  Committed to delivering sustainable outcomes, Stephen began building a portfolio career in the Summer of 2016.

Read part 1:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/stephen-pooles-guest-blog-part-1-of-3-about-his-portfolio-career/

How has your portfolio career changed over time?

My first reaction to this question was yes it has changed, but then I changed my mind. It has always been governed firstly by my values – doing what I love and loving what I do, but secondly by not being prescriptive about what I do as long as it met the first (and I could afford to live). That remains my strategy.

I left my Learning & Development Manager role within a year to focus on International Development work in 2017. I began to learn that the nature of such work could mean a timeline could change – often at a day’s notice, and so securing financial security became important, as an income profile was just a curvy line on a chart not a bank balance.  I looked around… I loved cycling and had heard that the new ‘gig’ economy was creating opportunities to become self-employed, to work when I wanted, how much I wanted.  So I signed up in 2017 and get paid to cycle about 200 miles a week!  No gym subscription for me! My Postman role too came about because of signing up to be a Christmas casual in 2018 – a way of life that looks for those little opportunities to create an income stream by doing something I knew I would enjoy.

When people ask you ‘what do you do?’ – what do you reply?

‘A bit of this and a bit of that’. If I am being serious, I will say I support overseas Civil Servants by helping them to learn from my own experience as a Civil Servant, feed local people and most recently have added – ensure they get their post each day! It all depends on who I am talking to.

To what extent did your portfolio career happen by chance/luck and to what extent was it planned?

I took me some time to build the confidence to move from direct employment to self-employment.  During my coaching, I had identified that the latter was the place I needed to be happy.  The opportunity, when it came, was by chance – it started with a conversation with a great friend who worked in International Development. She was very supportive, and I still work with her today. As those opportunities played out and the nature of how they come about and evolve has taught me the importance of looking and planning 3 – 6 months ahead.  

What do you most love about having a portfolio career?

Doing work I really enjoy, choosing what to do and just having control over that. I earn less than my previous career, but I am happier, not stressed, never get that ‘Monday morning feeling’ and feel a sense of delivering against my values!  

What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?

The life of an L&D contractor is somewhat uncertain – dates change, the nature of the opportunity changes so keeping an eye on my financial security is important.  In looking ahead, there could be a lot of work / investment that is needed to land a contract, but also it is important to invest time in continual professional development (CPD).  Building and striking this balance of earning/learning and investment of time to secure paid work is my biggest challenge.  

More

View Stephen Poole’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stpoole/

Find out common times in a career when people choose a portfolio career: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/when/

Contact Rachel Brushfield for a no-obligation chat about creating, marketing and managing your portfolio career: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Stephen Poole’s guest blog part 1 of 3 about his portfolio career

By //  by 

This is a three-part guest blog by Stephen Poole for Energise, The Talent Liberation Company. This is part 1.

Mini biog

Stephen Poole is a self-employed, award-winning values driven Project Management and Learning & Development professional delivering solutions with passion, drive and with a talent for bringing people together to build relationships. He uses a blend of empathy, creativity and customer focus to deliver results.  He possesses a substantial delivery track record in the international trade and development, UK logistics, not for profit sectors and the UK Civil Service.  He has delivered in complex, high profile and politically sensitive roles and programmes directly contributing to; London bidding for and winning the 2012 Olympics, the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium, Social Care Learning & Development operations and building capacity in Governments overseas.  Engaging with ease and diplomacy with all stakeholders, the many roles undertaken have directly supported members of the public, Top Civil Servants, Cabinet Ministers, Senior Business representatives and Governments across the world.  Committed to delivering sustainable outcomes, Stephen began building a portfolio career in the Summer of 2016.

What are the components of your portfolio career e.g. study, paid freelance work, part time job, volunteering etc.?

I am a consultant, get paid to cycle and spend lots of time outdoors. I specialise in Learning & Development working with overseas administrations to share my experience, insights and the lessons I learnt during a successful 22+ year Civil Service career at the very centre of the UK Government. I have a passion for cycling and food – so became a food delivery cyclist courier, and most recently a temporary Postman.  Given the flexibility this gives me, I have also volunteered with a service run by my old employer that supports people with mental health challenges through gardening.  The latter two activities subsidise the first which is my primary passion.  I am now researching interim opportunities in a range of sectors that fit my values.

How did your portfolio career come about?

After I left the Civil Service in 2011, I took some time out after a 22 year career in which I had become deeply institutionalised. I was determined to do something different, but to be who I really was in my future life and work – I looked at trades, cookery and lots of things I felt I would enjoy. Nothing really ‘grabbed me’, but at least I can now plaster a square or rectangular wall or ceiling and prepare a whole fish for cooking!  So I decided to invest time to look really hard at myself and undertook some coaching, working with Rachel Brushfield.  I gained some valuable insights about being values led – the most important of which are helping people, being independent / entrepreneurial and having the need for adventure.  The insights, gained via coaching, have a become a guide in my choices, and today, 7 years on, I still refer to my notes and workbook.

In September 2012, I moved into something completely new, something I would never have considered – Learning and Development.  I started a short contract with Royal Mail training postmen and women and then became Learning and Development Manager for an outstanding Mental Health Charity near my home in Bromley. In 2016 I was, by luck, given the opportunity to use those new skills to share my government experience by taking part in an International Development contract working with an overseas government.  I loved it, so that was the beginning… It was clear after my first few days of working that I had significantly underestimated the value of my government insight and experience and being able to use it to help people.  The experience was powerful enough to confirm the insights I had gained during my coaching with Energise in 2012. So I began my portfolio career by being in employment and managing my contract deliverables around that role.

What 5 tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?

1   Gradual transition – do something in addition to your paid employment.

2   If you do it – love what you do, do what you love – it will show.

3   Plan for the unexpected – even projects with certainty can move.

4   Allocate time in your week to plan for 3 and look for opportunities at 2.

5   Be flexible and open to exploring your ideas.

More

View Stephen Poole’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stpoole/

Find out common times in a career when people choose a portfolio career: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/when/

Contact Rachel Brushfield for a no-obligation chat about creating, marketing and managing your portfolio career: https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Lorna Turner‘s guest blog about her portfolio career. Creating your future part 2

By //  by 

This is part 2 of a 2 part guest blog for Energise – The Talent Liberation Company.

Lorna Turner biog

I have over 20 years’ experience in business development, initially in the private sector, before moving on more recently to working primarily with social enterprises and ethical businesses. I am a co-owner of two businesses; The Fruit Tree for Business LLP and Court House Care Services (Devon) Ltd. The Fruit Tree for Business is a partnership with Debbie Stewart. We provide business advice, training and consultancy services. We have both set up and run various businesses in the past 15 years. This hands-on real experience is of tremendous value to our clients. We offer one to one business advice sessions, a range of training courses including some of the more complex topics of legal structures and governance for social enterprises and co-operatives, as well as the introductory guide to starting a business and consultancy services such as developing business plans for community buildings, options, appraisals and associated funding applications. My other business is a Residential Care Home. I am a co-director of Court House Care Services (Devon) Ltd with my partner, Marcus Lyward. His background is in the Care Sector and along with my business skills, plus a great manager and some fabulous staff, we have a growing social business. Consequently, I now have in depth knowledge of the Care sector and am learning more every day.

Read part 1 of Lorna Turner’s guest blog about her portfolio career:

Fast forward 20 years, and I have two businesses; I own a residential care home supporting the elderly with dementia with my partner who has a background of 30+ years in the care sector and I run a business advice and consultancy company for the not-for-profit sector – The Fruit Tree for Business. My time is split across the two and they complement each other well. I have a specialist knowledge within the care world which is a market that is growing and one where the social enterprises and voluntary sector are being encouraged to develop innovative community-led models of care.

What do you love about your portfolio career?

I feel very fortunate to love what I do. Discovering the world of social enterprise, social businesses and co-operatives was a light bulb moment and it still gives me enormous satisfaction. They offer alternative business models which in my view are a vital part of a local and global economy and part of building a sustainable and better future for all.

How has coaching helped you?

Through my journey, there have been times where coaching has been vital. It’s been my critical friend, my ally and my sounding board. Rachel is truly gifted in her field. I think coaching is both art and science of which she has an abundant understanding of both.

5 tips for people considering a portfolio career

1 Understand your strengths and weaknesses (what can you offer that’s unique) and identify areas of interest

2 Research those areas of interest and assess whether they are right for you as part of your career or whether they need to stay as interests and hobbies

3 Be clear about your financial position – and have a plan to develop your portfolio career without stressing the finances e.g. what could you do part-time, evenings or weekends?

4 Have or build confidence to talk to others, network, use social media in your career options

5 Write down your plan and be accountable to someone who can give impartial advice (most family and friends tend to be naturally positive). In my experience, the process of writing helps the brain assess our thoughts and ideas. Don’t worry, plans can always develop over time – they aren’t set in stone.

More

If you are interested in setting up a social enterprise but not sure where to start, contact lorna@the-fruit-tree.co.uk

Interested in a portfolio career for yourself? Download your copy of our free report Discover Portfolio Careers:

View the Fruit Tree web site:

http://the-fruit-tree.co.uk/about-us/

Current Heritage Lottery Funded community project in Newton Abbot:

View The Court House Care web site:

Twitter: @Courthousecare

Lorna Turner’s guest blog about her portfolio career. Creating your future part 1

By //  by 

Lorna Turner biog

I have over 20 years’ experience in business development, initially in the private sector, before moving on more recently to working primarily with social enterprises and ethical businesses. I am a co-owner of two businesses; The Fruit Tree for Business LLP and Court House Care Services (Devon) Ltd. The Fruit Tree for Business is a partnership with Debbie Stewart. We provide business advice, training and consultancy services. We have both set up and run various businesses in the past 15 years. This hands-on real experience is of tremendous value to our clients. We offer one to one business advice sessions, a range of training courses including some of the more complex topics of legal structures and governance for social enterprises and co-operatives, as well as the introductory guide to starting a business and consultancy services such as developing business plans for community buildings, options, appraisals and associated funding applications. My other business is a Residential Care Home. I am a co-director of Court House Care Services (Devon) Ltd with my partner, Marcus Lyward. His background is in the Care Sector and along with my business skills, plus a great manager and some fabulous staff, we have a growing social business. Consequently, I now have in depth knowledge of the Care sector and am learning more every day.

How did your portfolio career begin?

I came out of the corporate employee world about 20 years ago and I moved back to my home county of Devon. I left London and an international jet-setting life having well and truly burnt myself out. It was a major crossroads for me. I think a lot of people have those crossroads, just points in time that occur for different reasons where we are forced to stop and think. It was certainly a time when my mental health needed to be a priority. Over the next few years, I struggled to find what I really wanted to do. I’m not sure that the phrase ‘portfolio career’ had even been coined, but it was where I was heading. It was through a voluntary position that I found the world of social enterprises and not-for-profits and when I had a ‘light bulb’ moment. My business skills could be used to support the development of businesses to benefit people and planet. Great! However, earning a full-time living was not going to be quite so easy. So as this developed, I looked for other opportunities. Always with a view that it needed to be something that I would find interesting and challenging.

5 tips for people considering a portfolio career

1 Understand your strengths and weaknesses (what can you offer that’s unique?) and identify areas of interest

2 Research those areas of interest and assess whether they are right for you as part of your career or whether they need to stay as interests and hobbies

3 Be clear about your financial position – and have a plan to develop your portfolio career without stressing the finances e.g. what could you do part-time, evenings or weekends?

4 Have or build confidence to talk to others, network, use social media in your career options

5 Write down your plan and be accountable to someone who can give impartial advice (most family and friends tend to be naturally positive). In my experience, the process of writing helps the brain assess our thoughts and ideas. Don’t worry, plans can always develop over time – they aren’t set in stone.

More

If you are interested in setting up a social enterprise but not sure where to start, contact lorna@the-fruit-tree.co.uk

Who is a portfolio career for?

View Lorna Turner’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornaturner/

View The Fruit Tree web site:

http://the-fruit-tree.co.uk/about-us/

Current Heritage Lottery Funded community project in Newton Abbot:

http://the-fruit-tree.co.uk/news-and-views/

View The Court House Care web site:

https://www.courthousecare.co.uk/

Twitter: @Courthousecare

Sarah Broad’s guest blog about her portfolio career part 2

By //  by 



  • This is part 2 of a 2-part blog for Energise.

Mini biog

My career has allowed me to develop a distinct set of skills and experience in HR and Recruitment within the legal and professional services sector. I set up Attune Flexible Jobs 2 years ago, to help clients advertise their business support roles and showcase their flexible / agile working with stories, case studies, and thought leadership. We also provide consultancy and bespoke flexible working solutions. For candidates, we provide a one stop shop for professional roles on a flexible working basis, connecting candidates to employers, so the hard work is done and there is no need to worry about when to have the flexible working conversation. Also, advice, training and coaching programmes. As a qualified coach and MCIPD professional I have coached many individuals, managers and teams to ensure flexible working is beneficial for everyone. I also write and provide guidance, advice and updates on flexible and agile working and have been interviewed for many different publications. I have been on radio and podcasts in the UK too.

Read part 1 of Sarah Broad’s guest blog about her portfolio career:

 https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/sarah-broads-guest-blog-about-her-portfolio-career-part/

What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?

Keeping on top of everything can be a challenge and giving everything equal attention. Switching off and compartmentalising isn’t always easy but has got easier with practice.

Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?

I have a good support network, for example friends to help if my children are ill.  I also have the benefit of the infrastructure with my client e.g. an IT person, their network, a web person and recently a Digital Mum to help me.

How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?

Networking and I get new work from word of mouth recommendation.

What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?

I don’t have a personal brand.

What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?

Keep up your networks, keep in touch with people, not just when you need something. Be clear about what you want and ask. My first freelance job was after I was chatting to someone at a friends party. I said I was looking for a new role working from home 3 days a week – happy to do evenings. 3 weeks later I got a phone call with exactly that.  It was only suppose to last 2 months but lasted over a year and then led on to a headhunting project.

What benefits do portfolio careers bring specifically to women and mothers, rather than to men?

Portfolio careers provide flexibility but it also hones into your specific skillset. Portfolio careers are not rigid so you must be the type of person that can work with fluidity and adapt accordingly, particularly at the beginning. Working mothers are more likely to need flexibility but the benefits are not exclusive to women. If you can’t find a flexible job, a portfolio career is work you can design and deliver on your own terms. Just keep an open mind about how this might work. 

What tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?

  1. Work out your finances – what you need to live on.
  2. Keep up with your network.
  3. Be open-minded and flexible.
  4. Work out what you want and don’t want.
  5. Be clear about your philosophy for life – know yourself and make sure your work fits with your life.
  6. Be ready for a steep learning curve and be prepared to learn new skills and push out your comfort zone.
  7. Have a good support network.
  8. Feel the fear and do it anyway – just have a go!

More

View Sarah Broad’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-broad/

Look at the Attune Jobs web site:

https://www.attunejobs.com/

Follow Attune Jobs on Twitter:

Interested in a portfolio career for yourself? Get in touch to arrange your 20 minute free telephone consultation:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Stuart McHale’s guest blog about his portfolio career

By //  by 

Mini biog

I am a business consultant, advisor and NED with ambitious and growing businesses. Over 35 years I have managed growth in excess of £160m organically and through acquisitions; business start-ups including franchising and internet trading; and business restructuring including disposals. My early career was marketing products and customer development, progressing into strategy and planning. I gained experience in procurement, supplier partnerships and supply chain management along the way. I moved into general management with my first acquisition of a multi-site distribution business and then was Managing Director of a multi-site manufacturing and distribution business. I have broad sector and market experience working in automotive, rail, leasing, capital equipment, technology and consumer goods.  Geographic experience includes several European markets, North America, Asia (including India, Japan, Korea) and Australia.

What are the components of your portfolio career e.g. study, paid freelance work, part time job, volunteering etc.?

Currently I am a director and shareholder in three businesses and provide consulting services to two further businesses. I have recently started volunteering with Young-Enterprise as a business advisor.

How did your portfolio career come about?

In 2011 I completed a significant business disposal resulting in an opportunity to evaluate what career challenge I wanted to embrace next.  At the time due to family circumstances, I decided to pursue a portfolio career.  This enabled me to reduce my working hours and gave me significant flexibility around my work.

How has your portfolio career changed over time?

Since 2012 I have seen a consistent flow of challenges from clients all seeking help to overcome hurdles that they found difficult (in some cases impossible) without assistance.

When people ask you ‘what do you do?’ – what do you reply?

“Less than I use to” but still helping business owners and leaders to overcome challenges and solve problems.

To what extent did your portfolio career happen by chance/luck and to what extent was it planned?

My switch to a portfolio career was not planned. It was the response to family circumstances which were outside of my control.

What do you most love about having a portfolio career?

The aspects of a portfolio career that I enjoy most are the variety of challenges, the flexibility in terms of time management and being able to spend a lot more time working from home.

What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?

A portfolio career can bring some uncertainty in terms of regular income. Working with typically five businesses at a time, it does require the need for a discipline of time management and of being focussed.

Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?

Self-discipline.

How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?

I am fortunate in that I spend little time marketing myself.  The engagements I get come from referrals, people I know and have worked with or worked for and who know what I can do and how I do it.  Staying in touch with a network of colleagues is important so that they are aware I am still active and occasionally available.

What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?

I work with a group of consultants at HEART of business and this alongside my own name are the “brands” I have become known by.

What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?

Careful planning is required for those considering a portfolio career and ensuring that it provides remuneration from the early stages, or they have a financial cushion in place to enable it to have time to grow. Also planning the services you will provide and to whom, working capital requirements, collaboration with trusted associates and how you will manage taking on the running of a business yourself.  Ideally find a mentor or coach or a supportive group who can help you.

What 5 tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?

1       It is not for everyone, do an honest assessment of your skills and capabilities and of your strengths and weaknesses.

2       Make a plan.  You will be running a business.

3       Be clear how you are going to win business, doing what and for whom.

4       Know how you will make yourself distinctive and able to compete.

5       Collaborate, build (or join) a team you can trust.

More

View Stuart McHale’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mchale/

Browse the No Limits Creative web site:

https://www.nolimitscreative.co.uk/

Read about the Heart of Business (HOB) network:

https://heart-of-business.co.uk/

Visit the Partner in Business web site:

http://www.partner-in-business.co.uk/

Interested in creating your own portfolio career? E mail Energise to arrange your free 20-minute telephone consultation:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Sarah Broad’s guest blog about her portfolio career part 2

By //  by 

This is part 2 of a 2-part blog for Energise.

Read part 1 of Sarah Broad’s guest blog:https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/sarah-broads-guest-blog-about-her-portfolio-career-part/

Mini biog

My career has allowed me to develop a distinct set of skills and experience in HR and Recruitment within the legal and professional services sector. I set up Attune Flexible Jobs 2 years ago, to help clients advertise their business support roles and showcase their flexible / agile working with stories, case studies, and thought leadership. We also provide consultancy and bespoke flexible working solutions. For candidates, we provide a one stop shop for professional roles on a flexible working basis, connecting candidates to employers, so the hard work is done and there is no need to worry about when to have the flexible working conversation. Also, advice, training and coaching programmes. As a qualified coach and MCIPD professional I have coached many individuals, managers and teams to ensure flexible working is beneficial for everyone. I also write and provide guidance, advice and updates on flexible and agile working and have been interviewed for many different publications. I have been on radio and podcasts in the UK too. 

What are the challenges of having a portfolio career?

Keeping on top of everything can be a challenge and giving everything equal attention. Switching off and compartmentalising isn’t always easy but has got easier with practice.

Who or what helps you to manage your portfolio career?

I have a good support network, for example friends to help if my children are ill.  I also have the benefit of the infrastructure with my client e.g. an IT person, their network, a web person and recently a Digital Mum to help me.

How do you approach marketing your portfolio career?

Networking and I get new work from word of mouth recommendation.

What if any, is the personal brand used for your portfolio career?

I don’t have a personal brand.

What advice would you give to someone considering a portfolio career?

Keep up your networks, keep in touch with people, not just when you need something. Be clear about what you want and ask. My first freelance job was after I was chatting to someone at a friends party. I said I was looking for a new role working from home 3 days a week – happy to do evenings. 3 weeks later I got a phone call with exactly that.  It was only suppose to last 2 months but lasted over a year and then led on to a headhunting project.

What benefits do portfolio careers bring specifically to women and mothers, rather than to men?

Portfolio careers provide flexibility but it also hones into your specific skillset. Portfolio careers are not rigid so you must be the type of person that can work with fluidity and adapt accordingly, particularly at the beginning. Working mothers are more likely to need flexibility but the benefits are not exclusive to women. If you can’t find a flexible job, a portfolio career is work you can design and deliver on your own terms. Just keep an open mind about how this might work. 

What tips can you share for people considering a portfolio career?

  1. Work out your finances – what you need to live on.
  2. Keep up with your network.
  3. Be open-minded and flexible.
  4. Work out what you want and don’t want.
  5. Be clear about your philosophy for life – know yourself and make sure your work fits with your life.
  6. Be ready for a steep learning curve and be prepared to learn new skills and push out your comfort zone.
  7. Have a good support network.
  8. Feel the fear and do it anyway – just have a go!

More

View Sarah Broad’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-broad/

Look at the Attune Jobs web site:

https://www.attunejobs.com/

Follow Attune Jobs on Twitter:

Interested in a portfolio career for yourself? Get in touch to arrange your 20 minute free telephone consultation:

https://www.inspiringportfoliocareers.com/portfolio/connect/

Sarah Broad’s guest blog about her portfolio career part 1

By //  by 

This is part 1 of a 2-part guest blog for Energise.

Mini biog

My career has allowed me to develop a distinct set of skills and experience in HR and Recruitment within the legal and professional services sector. I set up Attune Flexible Jobs 2 years ago, to help clients advertise their business support roles and showcase their flexible / agile working with stories, case studies, and thought leadership. We also provide consultancy and bespoke flexible working solutions. For candidates, we provide a one stop shop for professional roles on a flexible working basis, connecting candidates to employers, so the hard work is done and there is no need to worry about when to have the flexible working conversation. Also, advice, training and coaching programmes. As a qualified coach and MCIPD professional I have coached many individuals, managers and teams to ensure flexible working is beneficial for everyone. I also write and provide guidance, advice and updates on flexible and agile working and have been interviewed for many different publications. I have been on radio and podcasts in the UK too. 

What are the components of your portfolio career e.g. study, paid freelance work, part time job, volunteering etc.?

I am self-employed and work from home 2 days a week and in an office 2 days a week. I have a retainer, working 20 hours a week for one of my clients, a recruitment company, managing their social media and marketing, I have my own recruitment business Attune Flexible Jobs and I am a career coach supporting clients through their careers whether they are looking for a new role, promotion or development opportunities.

How did your portfolio career come about?

Slowly. There was no plan – although it was something I had thought about previously. My career heritage is working in recruitment and professional services. When I was made redundant, (the day I returned from maternity!) I decided to freelance and then my marriage ended – it was a difficult time. The client I am now working with on a retainer offered me a Recruitment project which I successfully delivered. It then  led to another and another! I also did a 6 month course to learn social media marketing which helped rebuild my confidence and I started up Attune Flexible Jobs. I had been coaching for years so this part of my portfolio career was my stability!

How has your portfolio career changed over time?

It has got bigger and I have been able to adapt to the changes over time. I have gone from projects to a retainer with my main client which suits me as I have two children under ten. I am also an extrovert so like being with people and working in an office. I soon realised working on my own all the time was not for me. My portfolio career has given me flexibility and freedom – flexibility is important so I can be there for my children.

When people ask you ‘what do you do?’ – what do you reply?

What I say I do has changed over time. It also depends on who I am talking to but in the main I would say I work in recruitment – I am a Marketing Manager for a recruitment company, run a flexible working job site and career coach individuals.  They are all interlinked.

To what extent did your portfolio career happen by chance/luck and to what extent was it planned?

My portfolio career wasn’t planned. It happened as a result of circumstances 3 years ago and has evolved through networking, being adaptable and working out what I like and don’t like.

What do you most love about having a portfolio career?

I love the flexibility and variety. It is fluid and I can design it to fit my life. It might mean that I work some evenings or weekends on one or all of my projects or I can do some of my telephone career coaching in the evenings. As my kids get older, I may evolve some of my projects and work part time 4 days a week.

Part 2 of Sarah Broad’s guest blog about her portfolio career coming soon.

More

View Sarah Broad’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-broad/

Look at the Attune Jobs web site:

https://www.attunejobs.com/

Follow Attune Jobs on Twitter:

Interested in a portfolio career for yourself?

Download your copy of our free report Discover portfolio careers:

Who is a portfolio career for?