Wednesday 31 July 2013

Birthday Blog Post No. 11

Well it's the end of the month and that means the end of The Cool Rule Company's birthday celebrations (blub!).

So to round things off I've lined up the perfect guest blogger. Heather Carter is a life coach and motivational trainer specialising in Emotional Freedom Technique. I saw her speak recently and was so wowed by her that I just had to include her in this guest post series. Enjoy!
 

Hi, I'm Heather and I met Abi recently at a Teesside Inspire meeting where I was the guest speaker. I was giving a talk about procrastination. But just because I know a lot about the topic doesn’t mean I’m always perfectly well organised or on time. In fact, I was within a whisker of being late with this guest blog! Why? Because I made a note in my diary of the day it was due but I didn’t schedule time actually to write it: the most basic of mistakes!

Heather taking her blog post to the wire




















But do I have to be 100% perfect? No! Of course not. Who is?


And am I beating myself up because I made a fundamental and potentially embarrassing error? NO! What would be the point?


I’ve learned from it, and that’s the bit that matters. It was simply a timely reminder to practice what I preach (organisation, planning, forgiveness, acceptance, laughter, allowing).

Go on- laugh at those missed deadlines!





















I could have chosen to feel angry and negative about myself for my failure, and for having to knuckle down NOW to an unscheduled task, (and anger, like happiness, is always a choice).  But being angry or coming up with excuses wouldn’t have changed the fact that I had nearly let Abi down. However, it would have put me under extra pressure and would have stifled my ability figuratively to sharpen my pencil and get on with the task in hand. So I calmly and gently faced the error, gave it my curiosity, examined it with an open mind and allowed the solution to flow into me.

Make space in your mind for the good stuff




















The mistake itself was the inspiration I needed for the promised blog post on acceptance and allowing! (Accepting I had made a fundamental error and letting go of any negative emotion surrounding it; allowing inspiration to flow into the space in my head where a negative response could have been).


It was my emphasis on the importance of ‘allowing’ that Abi loved about my talk in June, which brings me neatly to what I loved about Abi’s fabulous Cool Rule Book when I saw it that day. I instantly loved the freedom built in to the framework of the book; the way her design signposts ideas and inspiration whilst creating space for the child’s own unique voice. I love the space she leaves for recording those truly individual decisions with quirky photographs or creative drawings. I love that every book of Cool Rules is a one-off; a unique record of one child’s earliest steps on the journey towards self actualisation and self respect.

Big Tot's on his way with his Cool Rule Book

















I really don’t think it’s an exaggeration to reflect that The Cool Rule Company helps to lay down the foundations for a family’s future ability to live in harmony through resolution and respect – and from there for the child to grow through life with the confidence that grows from an innate sense of self and others. From Cool Rules Cool Rulers will grow – so I can think of at least one very new young person who should receive one asap!





Heather, thanks so much and I think most of us could learn from your inspirational philosophies, especially us parents of little people who have our endurance and patience stretched as a daily practice!

Check out why Heather gives The Cool Rule Book such a glowing report at www.thecoolrulecompany.co.uk - you're bound to find at least one product to delight a tot in your life!

If you'd like to know more about what Heather does, you can visit her website at www.readyforchangenow.co.uk or by emailing her at Heather@readyforchangenow.co.uk
 

Heather will be giving a talk on procrastination to the Darlington Inspire Network on Thursday 12th September at 10am.

Heather will also be giving a free workshop on 'Health From the Inside Out' at Teesside University’s Darlington Campus on Thursday 22nd August at 5.30 and 7pm (email for confirmation of date and time), looking at the way emotions affect health and wellbeing including weight loss and gain. An 8 week weight balancing programme will start in September (dates TBA – please email for information).

Friday 26 July 2013

Birthday Blog Post No. 10


Today's guest blogger is extra special because she has played a starring role in helping The Cool Rule Company become what it is today. Anne Livesey has been my mentor, my agony aunt, my business planner and all-round expert at keeping me sane during the last year or so.


Hello my name’s Anne, and, up until a couple of months ago, I was an Enterprise Coach and Mentor at Derwentside Enterprise Agency. That’s me, Abi and Big Tot in the picture.


Basking in the coolness of the Cool Rule Book
















Currently I am the Business Manager at CHUF – the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. We raise money to help babies, and children who have to undergo heart surgery and transplant. You can follow us on Twitter, @CHUFOfficial (please!).


An amazing cause










I’ve always been self employed and employed while bringing up my two children (who have both now left home…it’s so quiet…I almost feel redundant, well almost, until some kind of crisis arises).

In the past five years, alongside being employed as an enterprise coach, I also set up and run my own business, Gift in a Tin. At Gift in a Tin we provide a range of beautiful, handpicked gifts which are encased in elegant tins and personalised with a special message. It's the perfect answer for any special occasion.






    
Beautiful gifts encased in elegant, personalised tins





















Abi and I met over 18 months ago, on a cold February day in Consett (yes, I know what you’re thinking: that’s odd, Consett is normally so warm and sunny!).

As we sat and chatted, Abi told me all about her plans for her new business, The Cool Rule Company. Her enthusiasm immediately drew me in, and I was hooked! We just needed to devise a plan to pull everything together and unleash this amazing product range on the world!

Our first challenge was what the Cool Rule Book would actually look like, and how to get just a few samples printed. We used our Mumpreneur group to feed back to Abi, and she also ran a national trial which was very successful.


The final version of The Cool Rule Book




















This was real start-up phase.

Abi was relying on me as business coach and mentor (and business owner) to listen and impart pearls of wisdom. But it was clear to me; Abi was a very intelligent, creative sort, who had run successful businesses before. She had fantastic dreams, was overflowing with creative ideas, my job was simply going to be to harness all that wonderful enthusiasm, and just, well, be there.



We set about devising how to let the world know about the Cool Rule Book. There were social media marketing master classes from the amazing Pascal Fintoni and bookkeeping and finance with the all-knowing Jackie Oxley. So I can’t lay claim to be the only person who supported Abi on her journey.

But I am very proud to say that Abi has done an amazing job with her brand and her product development over the past year (I really love the reward charts). Her life is busy looking after Big Tot, Little Tot, and Turkish husband,  but Abi works long hours and never gives up. She is a true entrepreneur with natural grit and determination.

Can you see the grit and determination?




















Now, a year on, Abi has moved on from being a start up, and has found new connections who will help drive the business on and I know she will make a terrific success of The Cool Rule Company.


Anne might have to do a stint here












 My brief was to tell you all about me and my amazing products (Abi’s words, not mine). But that’s not why I wanted to write this blog – it’s just not about me. But with the risk of incurring Abi’s wrath and being sent to the naughty step, if you want to see more about what I do, you can find me on Twitter at @giftinatin or www.giftinatin.com


Anne, thank you so much for an overly-complementary blog post (two minutes on the naughty spot will do!) and thank you for every minute you've spent helping me since I made that call to you just over a year ago. Folks, if you want to check out Anne's fantastic gift range visit the Gift in a Tin website today, and don't forget about her amazing fundraising work at the Children's Heart Unit Fund.

If you're looking for ways to celebrate your toddler's behaviour, and promote happy family living in your home, visit thecoolrulecompany.co.uk - enjoy!


Tuesday 23 July 2013

Birthday Blog Post No. 9

This month, I've asked a load of totally rockin' business women to help me celebrate The Cool Rule Company's first birthday with a series of fab guest blog posts. And certainly, no celebration would be complete without today's guest who is known in more familiar circles as 'The Party Lady'. Get your party poppers ready folks, it's Maxine Johnston from 'Life's A Celebration'!



Hi there everybody. My name is Maxine and I run a party business called 'Life’s A Celebration'.

We’re all about celebrating here at Life’s A Celebration so I’m really happy to have been asked by Abi to help celebrate The Cool Rule Company’s first birthday.

Maxine's always in the party mood














Life’s A Celebration came about when my daughter was about to turn six and asked for a 'Musical Statues' party. I immediately thought, 'I can do that!' and looked around for a business that would just box up a party and send it to my front door. Now that would have been convenient. It seemed there was no such business so I set about setting up Life’s A Celebration.

As parents, we all know how stressful kids’ parties can be so the concept of my business is to just make parties as stress-free as possible. We box up a party and send out absolutely everything you need. It’s that easy.

Just part of the Life's A Celebration pirate and princess range




















After the business was launched the concept was so well received that I was soon being asked to provide party boxes for grown up birthdays too, as well as baby showers and hen parties. So the business quickly expanded into other celebrations too.

We now have our own premises and an ever-expanding product range.

Getting in the party spirit - but she's not walking the aisle yet!




















I first met Abi about eighteen months ago at a networking event staged by Derwentside Enterprise Agency. It quickly became obvious that we were going to get on and since then I think it’s safe to say that we’ve become firm friends, as well as co-working on various projects and events.

It’s been really good to see The Cool Rule Company develop from the seed of an idea to a fully-fledged business going from strength to strength. We love the Cool Rule vibe that Abi has created and her range of products for toddlers are fab. The Cool Rule Book is such a great idea for those parents that want to promote positive ideals within their families.

The Cool Rule Book that's sweeping the globe















So many happy returns The Cool Rule Company and here’s to many more birthdays to come!




Thanks for joining in with our celebrations Maxine. We love what you do and after the games you led at Big Tot's last birthday bash, it's safe to say he well and truly loves you too!

If you'd like to find out more about Maxine's genius party-in-a-box service, here are the details you need:

lifesacelebration.co.uk
maxine@lifesacelebration.co.uk
07852955800
facebook.com/LifesACelebration
twitter.com/maxine_johnston


And if you want to promote boundaries for your toddler with nothing but fun and happiness, pay The Cool Rule Company a visit today at thecoolrulecompany.co.uk. Enjoy!



Monday 22 July 2013

Birthday Blog Post No. 8

On our guest blog series today I'd like to introduce one of my most favourite business concepts I've come across this year. 'Magic Mummies' is a secret, undercover service for us Mums. Intrigued? Then read on . . .



Hi, I’m Claire and I own a business called 'Magic Mummies', every mum's best kept secret.

Claire - the original Magic Mummy









At Magic Mummies, we provide undercover services for busy mums such as baking cakes for summer fairs, making costumes, arranging parties and gift-sourcing. Our aim is to help take the stress out of everyday life and allow mums to spend less time juggling and more time on themselves and their families. But what makes Magic Mummies so special is that we deliver our services discreetly, which means our mummies can take the all credit if they want to.

Just a taste of what Magic Mummies can do for you




















Having just passed our own first birthday I jumped at the chance to write a birthday blog post for Abi at The Cool Rule Company.

I first met Abi at the Derwentside Enterprise Agency’s Mumpreneur group when we were both setting up our businesses at the same time. And as luck would have it I discovered a group of fantastic mums who have been great support ever since, not to mention the Derwentside Enterprise Agency mentors.

Magic Mummies, like The Cool Rule Company, is all about encouraging happy family living as well as making parents’ lives easier. The Cool Rule Company has a range with products to suit every parent's needs. They encourage the setting of simple, loving rules and a way to personalise the whole experience. After all, we all know that every child loves an excuse to look at photos of themselves!

Claire's gorgeous girls















As a mum of two girls myself I am all too aware how difficult it is to maintain a consistent approach to parenting. I’ve lost count of the number of reward schemes I’ve tried! But the Cool Rules are something quite special. They help keep everyone on track and they come in different guises: a Cool Rule Book, reward charts your little one can decorate, rocket and butterfly charts, posters - there really is something for everyone. Creating a balanced home life can be difficult, but The Cool Rule Company certainly helps you to find a balance that works for you.

The Cool Rule range




















There have been so many lovely occasions since my first encounter with Abi. The funniest time being when we went to a posh business networking event, took a wrong turn and had to run across a pristeen golf course with our high heels on and a toddler in tow! We just hoped the caretaker wasn't looking!


I just know that Magic Mummies and The Cool Rule Company will continue to collaborate as the businesses develop. I will be launching new Magic Mummy services soon and a new website at the end of summer so keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates.

I feel very fortunate that I was able to get to know Abi and experience The Cool Rule Company in its infancy, because it has gone from strength to strength in its first year. It is barely recognisable as the business that started a year ago. So Happy 1st Birthday to The Cool Rule Company! I can’t wait to see what you’ve achieved by your 2nd Birthday . . . hip, hip hooray!




Thanks Claire! We think Magic Mummies is a tremendous business concept and we're not surprised in the least that your first year has gone so well. 


If you'd like to contact Claire or find out more about how she can go undercover to help you, these are the links you need:


magicmummies.co.uk
facebook.com/magicmums
twitter.com/magicmummies



If you're also curious about what The Cool Rule Company can do for you and your family, check out our website at thecoolrulecompany.co.uk and like us on Facebook to be in on the Cool Rule vibe!