Mentoring Slots

I am currently offering a limited number of mentoring sessions to start-up and small businesses, focusing on anything and everything, from start-up to the dilemma of ‘what next’.
Having been in business myself for a number of years, with my company Stairsteady, I have experienced the ups and downs of growing it from a GCSE project in my front room, into an organisation that operates in the international marketplace.
Why am I doing this? Quite simply because I understand that bringing a consultant into your business can not only be expensive, it can be a daunting experience too.
Rather than getting bogged down in the obvious, I offer a new approach and a sounding board for those looking to move on to the next stage with their business, or those wanting to start up. You just tell me where you want to go and we will plan the route there, it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

The sessions can be one off, or on a regular basis and can take place either in Sheffield City Centre or in my offices just off J30.

All conversations are of course fully confidential and NDA’s can be provided on request.
Prices:
£15.00 for 30min £25.00 for an hour

The usual terms and conditions apply. This offer is only open to companies either under 1 year old or with a turn over less that £25,000. However, if you are a larger company and would like to discuss my business consultancy services, please do not hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation. If you would like to be considered email ruth@stairsteady.net

Balance

I am sat writing this post as I wait by my phone for a couple of phone calls- well you have to be productive- this post came out of the blue and I think is more of a response to the fact that I am ill.

I find that I use the word ‘balance’ as a kind of mantra in life. For me ‘balance’ is what I’m aiming for, whether its balance in work and home life or in time in the office and time spent out of it. I see ‘balance’ as being somehow the perfect medium. Now Balance has a lot of meaning or uses (thank you Wiki) but to me balance is all about not falling down, about a bit of everything and keeping in control. One of my favourite definitions of balance is

‘A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.’

I love the idea of being neutral. I think that the link to emotional stability is vital for me (I tend to work on the edge of stress a lot better, but I know that it’s not healthy.) just because I like to think I’m balanced does not mean that I am J we all have to aim for something. I am just very aware that I’m a work-a-holic I love getting involved with things and making things happen, and that can often be detrimental to many aspects of life, health being a vital one. Balance however is not an excuse for me to be lazy or not work, but it’s a reminder of a bigger picture. For many, business and work can get all consuming and I often need a reminder that the world and life itself is a lot bigger than that. For me my mantra is about reminding myself that to be my best and achieve what I want to achieve, I cannot focus solely on one aspect of life and forget the others. So that’s my current saying :)

Also things that have happened in the world of Ruth-
-crashed my car, thankfully no one was hurt, but I currently have a courtesy car while they fix mine
-I have been accepted as one of the 50 UK Female Enterprise Ambassadors
-The first StairSteadys have landed in Ireland- so exciting and I will hopefully put up some pictures when I get them
- I am currently living in an exam obsessed household and my brother does his GCSEs and my sister her A levels. I am so glad I don’t have to do them again.
- We installed a demo unit in Wiltshire, which meant I was lucky enough to spend a few days down there last week, great view, great food and great business.
- I officially have the most horrific coldy flu thing. Having so much vitamin c and Echinacea, I just hate being ill. (not enough balance)

So all in all an eventful week.

Does anyone else have a mantra?

Want to be part of something special?

Want to be a part of something special? Love F1 or racing? want to support young talent?
than this is for you. I have known Russ for quite a few years now (and anyone that follows the blog will have seen him mentioned in a past post) he has been called 'the next Hamilton' and is a very talented driver and now he is offering a really unique oppurtunity, not just to businesses but to individuals.

The Russ Danzey 500 Club

About the Club
We are delighted to welcome you to the 'The500Club', whether you are a regular race fan or you’ve never set foot on a race circuit. Join us to share the journey of one of Britains finest talents on his progression through the motor sport ranks. Get closer to the thrill of real motorsport action, play a part in a young driver’s career and enjoy all the benefits top flight motorsport has to offer.
The Cost
£500 is all it takes to become a member of Team Danzey. We can bring you into the action for a fraction of the real cost of competing, as well as playing a pivotal role in a driver’s career and providing a great platform for corporate use.
You won’t find a better value corporate option in motorsport.
By joining the 'The500Club' you and your guests will enjoy sharing the ‘buzz’ when Russ competes, as well as the atmosphere and camaraderie of a full race weekend.


The Racing Program
In 2011 Russell will race in an exciting program of events in the UK in Formula BARC the proving ground for many successful. The BRDC race championship has proven to be incredibly successful over the years with many F1 and Indy car stars progressing through the series on their way to the top.


Members Benefits
'The500Club' management has put an attractive package of member’s benefits together which are listed below. We are always interested in feedback from our members to help us maximise their enjoyment. Once you’ve joined you’ll receive an exclusive ‘The500Club’ member’s pack.


Exclusive Members Pack
'The500Club' welcome letter outlining your benefits and also a branded T-Shirt and cap,
• www.russelldanzey.om The website is designed to give you up to the minute news on Russell, his training and activities, post race analysis. Give us your email address and stay in touch via regular e-bulletins.
• Company or Individual Branding You will be able to have your own company logo/web address or individual branding on Russell's website for the season.
• Race passes Members can ring and book tickets for all races.
• Meet the Drivers and Team As members of the 'The500Club', you will have the chance to go behind the scenes at all race events by meeting the driver and race team and enjoy a guided tour of the race car.
• Corporate/Personal Track Days Members would have the opportunity to book a personal Trackday with Russ at some of the best UK's circuits.
• Recommend 4 members Introduce 4 new members and get your annual membership and
2 tickets for all races!
Recommend 10 members and get full corporate logo on car and suit
• Signed Framed Photograph An end of season signed photograph to enjoy at home or at work.
• Race Video You will receive a DVD of selected races throughout Russ's season, the on-board camera shows spectacular footage – just how Russ sees the track, a true driver’s eye-view!
• Club Magazine An end of season publication will be produced to include a season review, articles of interest, opportunities for members to promote their services and details of all members of the 'The500Club'
To optimise the benefits outlined above we seek a complete understanding of our members goals, whether you are a company or a private supporter. We aim to make sure that all associated benefits and rewards exceed your expectations, ensuring you enjoy an amazing experience whilst sharing Russ's incredible adventure.
Annual membership
Minimum investment of £500
‘The500Club’ will be delighted to discuss how your investment can be "tailor made" to ensure maximum benefit for you, your company and your guests.


so there is all the info you need, but on a personal note Russ is one of the most dedicated people i know and one of the most talented.
for more info email russ.danzey@mac.com

Thanks,
Rx

First Vlog

I hope everyone has had a restful bank holiday, we had my little cousin over to stay and had a lovely Sunday at my auntys. on the Monday we started on the Demo for a Daily Living Centre in Wiltshire. Me and Phil were very proud of our handy work (thank you Andy for giving us a guide on how to make it).
So i have been carrying around my flip camera and trying to record bits and bobs, im hoping to make this more of a habit. also Phil has got a lovely sparkly camera so im hoping for some better quality and more interesting pictures.

Independent Review?

Over the last few months I have noticed an increase in people selling me marketing in a rather bizarre (and what I feel as unethical) way. It started off by being offered a place to go talk to top level, government decision makers. This was an event aimed to make healthcare better and more cost effective for the tax payer. That sounded a really exciting opportunity; however we and many of the fantastic products out there that make everyday life simpler would not be joining them, because the cost of this was just too much. I was shocked that a chance to show and effect local government spending was being auctioned off to the highest bidder, meaning that smaller companies that could make a valuable and cost effective pitch were pushed away. This meant that the end user would not necessarily be offered my product because we could not fork out thousands of pound on a one day event. There was no assessment of the product (apart from careful flattery by the sales team).

The next incident that spurred me on the write this post was a phone call I got from a company saying that they were writing an independent review of a show that we had recently attended. Our stand had been put forward as one of the top 20 best stands and for a small fee we could be included and have our logo and contact details. I was shocked; I asked the women if we didn’t pay what would happen. She was silent. ‘An independent review’ I told her ‘was not independent if we were essentially paying for a spot in the top 20 list’. On moral grounds I declined her offer.
I understand that there is marketing and product placement and that in the world of marketing companies pay for exposure, however in these instances companies paying for an independent review, or to help governments offer tax payers the best products is not paying for coverage, it’s paying to influence the outcome. The end user does not gain, they do not get an independent view on a product, and we as tax payers do not get the best products and services, only the ones where the companies have paid to get in front of the right people.

A small rant for a Tuesday morning and maybe it’s the fact that I am naive and have too a strict moral code, but to me that doesn’t sound reasonable for the end user, that would use that information to buy a product or who wouldn’t get the product they needed because it wasn’t on the list...

Rant Over,
Ruth x

In and Out

In-
Friends- I am so lucky to have so many supportive friends. Thanks :)

Start Up Saturday- I am very excited to be starting to lead a ‘start up Saturday’ workshop at Staples on the 21st may. It’s a 12 week course that will help and guide someone to start a business. The course is written by the very talented and knowledgeable Emma Jones who is heavily involved with ‘Start up Britain’. I can’t wait to see other people take the first step in business.

The Tudors- I know many people discovered this TV series a while ago, but my sister got me into it and I LOVE it. I’m fascinated with history and having read ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ this time period is intriguing, I would really recommend it.



Ireland- its coming very close to people in this lovely country being able to buy The Stairsteady and I can’t wait! I am so excited, watch this space.

Out-
Blogging- ok that’s a lie really, it’s not ‘out’ I have just been really busy, I am hoping this will be the start of more regular posting. I have some ideas for new posts and vlogging but it all relies on time.
Being able to walk- I did the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday and my feet are not impressed with me. I however am very pleased that I managed to complete it in 13.1miles in 1hour 51minutes.
The weather- it seems that we have had our summer; I’m finding it very hard to dress in a morning with the ever changing weather. Hopefully it’s not the last of the sun this year.

Have a good week,
Ruth x

Rachaels Comment: A different perspective

I recently have had to use a wheelchair because of my M.E. and it has brought with it a whole different outlook on everyday things. There are so many things that this experience has brought that I had never even thought about. I have used crutches on a long term basis so I thought I already understood many of the accessibility issues that come with day to day life but how wrong was I!!
One of the main things I have noticed is how much of my day to day life is dictated by how other people provide access to buildings. So many places have car parks with only one or two dropped curbs and those all seem to be positioned at the entrance where all the cars are driving in and out not near the place that they are serving. Supermarkets have always put everything well above my head height (I‘m only 5 foot 1!) but now anything above the first three shelves and I need to get help. The height of door handles and post boxes are also so variable. I have found that I now have to pick shops and hairdressers etc not on their services or stock but on whether I can actually get into them. Looking for a day trip or holiday also takes on a whole new focus; only places with suitable paths, lifts, facilities are doable. The last time we went out for a walk and a picnic the table was at shoulder height, the list is endless!

It’s not only out of the house that there are new challenges I had strange shaped biscuits the other day as I couldn’t see far enough back onto the work surface to see if there was dough under my cutter, my beautiful circles turned out more like I’d bitten each and every one of them.. I’d only tested one or two! Sinks are also not just the thing of purpose they once were, now they are something to be battled with I have lost count of the times I have only been able to reach one tap or I’ve not been able to retrieve what I’d dropped into the bowl, or worse still been unable to switch the tap off again so emerged covered in spray from trying! My cooker also no longer has four gas rings but two as only the front two are reachable now.. Cooking for a family is interesting with only two pans!

One of the really unexpected things that I found was that my tastes SHOULD have completely changed the minute I got in a wheelchair... If Supermarkets are to be believed since I can only reach the first three shelves I’m no longer able to enjoy spicy curry, Thai, or chilli that’s on at least shelf four, instead I must love Korma, casseroles or sweet and sour instead! Dark Chocolate is out only white or milk is in reach; mild cheddar and double Gloucester are ok but no Haloumi, goat’s cheese or brie!
It’s not just supermarkets either, no matter how much I trawl the internet looking for an attractive solution to getting soaking in the rain there really is nothing out there unless I want a poncho, now surely just because someone is in a wheelchair they don’t lose all sense of fashion? Holidays are the same if I look for accessible holidays everyone seems to make assumptions that I would like a nice quiet cottage somewhere, what about all those wheelchair users out there that want an active, exciting break?

Although this sounds like me letting off lots of steam and frustration what I really wanted to do was just to get people to think about how easy it is to take for granted that you can just choose what you do and when. Please please don’t assume that just because someone is in a wheelchair that they have particular tastes and desires. Everyone is different whether they are in a wheelchair or able bodied, please try to see beyond the metal to the person sat in the chair. Maybe you could take some time to look around you and see if you too can see things from another perspective?
Keep steady,
Rachael