Turning Passion into Pounds

If you’re a mum, then I’m 99.9% sure you will have heard of Vicki Psarias, aka Honest Mum. You most likely read her lifestyle blog, www.honestmum.com, or follow her on pretty much every social media platform going. It’s impossible not to be inspired by Vicki’s hard work and well-deserved success.

What happens when you get Vicki on a stage along with four other talented women, all super successful in their respective fields, with a packed audience full of entrepreneurs? M.A.G.I.C.

The event

‘Passion into Pounds’ was an event held at the British Library in support of International Women’s Day. I managed to get some time ‘off-duty’ (thank you hubby), and hot-footed it into London to attend.

Vicki hosted the event along with Jessica Huie MBE, PR-master and founder of Color blind Cards. They were joined by three panel members, including Jo Morell, co-founder of The Pool and former MD of Bauer Publishing, Natasha Courtenay-Smith, journalist and author of The Million Dollar Blog, and publishing guru, Alison Jones.

This event was also live-streamed to innovation centres in Africa, enabling entrepreneurs in countries such as Nigeria and Ghana to listen in and submit questions via Twitter.

I love to learn. I’m such a geek. I took a notepad and I pretty much filled it up, with really terrible handwriting. But I don’t care. There is so much to be gained from listening to other people’s experiences and the words of wisdom they have to share.

The panel shared their stories and anecdotes, and what they’ve learned along their various journeys in the business world. The common theme is that they have all left the comfort and security of top jobs in big corporates to start their own businesses.

Sharing is caring

Vicki talked about how she was one of the first bloggers to share online how to become a professional blogger. She she said didn’t understand why no one was sharing that information. “Share your art,” Vicki enthused. “Why not? Be fearless. This will give you the confidence to continue to share.”

So, in the spirit of sharing, here are a few little gems I took away from a very inspirational evening.

Self belief

• “Real power comes not from what we do, but from who we are.” – Jessica, on how to develop belief in your self.
• “Online is a democratic platform. Yes, you need to have tenacity, confidence and hone your voice. But your unique voice matters.” – Vicki, on getting yourself heard in a crowded online space.
• “One of my favourite quotes is by Victor Hugo: ‘Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.’” – Alison, on how you hold the power, not the branch.
• “I always think that if I wanted to be a brain surgeon, I could be. I’d just need to do the training.” – Natasha, on the importance of self-belief.
• “What would you do if you weren’t scared?” – Jo, on taking chances.

Finding clients, or an audience, and keeping them

• “Meetings, meetings, meetings! I literally had meetings for three months.” – Natasha, on how to get clients when you’re starting a new business.
• “Define your audience. Get to know them until you’re blue in the face. Have a purpose about your business that is bigger than profit.” – Jo, on how to keep your clients.
• “Have an authentic voice.” – Vicki, on connecting with your audience.

Learning

• “Creativity is a muscle to be exercised.” – Vicki, on continuously honing your skills.
• “Keep learning. It’s never too late.” – Natasha, on the joy of going back to college and getting your student card with 10% discount at Topshop!
• “Be inquisitive, be curious, be nosey.” – Jo, on knowing your business and your audience.
• “Failure is not an option.” – Vicki, on making sure you capture every opportunity.

Your relationships

• “Pay attention to who you have around you. Find a partner who supports what you do.” Jo, on the importance of relationships.
• “Small-minded people focus on what they can’t control, like the weather and Trump. People with vision focus on things they can control.” – Natasha, on having an open mind.
• “Focus on what you can do for other people.” – Jo, on how to stop self-obsessing.

Your passion

• “Maternity leave is brilliant for giving you perspective.” – Jo, on taking time to step back from your corporate world.
• “Try lots of things to find your passion. Follow what feels right.” – Vicki, on finding your path.
• “Passion will override everything else.” – Vicki, on the importance of loving what you do.
• “I am the storyteller. I am also the protagonist. But I’m in control of my story.” – Vicki, on the power of the blog.

What did I learn?

 These are the key points I took away with me:

• Believe in your self. Trust your instinct and have confidence in your decisions.
• Surround yourself with positive people who will support you and bring you up. Give back to others.
• Always look for opportunities and be ready to embrace them when they arrive.
• Find your passion and pursue it.
• Keep learning, all the time.

I left feeling hugely motivated and with an even stronger belief that I’m following the right path for me at this time. A big thank you to all the amazing panel for sharing your inspiring words.

Did you attend this event? Let us know in the comments below.