Inspiration for a sustainable future in business

It’s all about focus and self-belief, keeping your head down and doing your own thing.

Following on from the recent article celebrating International Women’s Day 2019 in which Ruby asked local business women from around Worcestershire  what inspires them and how they’re making a difference in business, we explain about the collaborative and innovative approach that we take to public relations and what advice has supported and inspired the growth of our business.

Having been in the world of business for over 20 years, both employed and freelance, with over half that time spent in the utilities sector specialising in electricity trading arrangements, Ruby used her collective skills to launch You Do Better PR. Now in its second year of business and with a number of global campaigns under their belt, we hear how Ruby is paying it forward:

I’m passionate about collaboration and finding innovative ways to buck the trend and inspire others. I employ a model that utilises the skills and experience of associates, some of whom are in employed roles and work with me as their side-hustle and others are post graduate students with a flair for business. I work with them to undertake projects in which they excel, where I’m less capable and they shine.

To support others, Ruby joined the Enterprise Adviser scheme with the Worcestershire LEP, providing help and advice to the future workforce. Inspired by the advice given in recent interviews with business leaders, Ruby explores how our local peers can offer invaluable advice to support businesses around the two counties. When chatting with Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch, his advice was to “never say no”, suggesting that in the first instance it’s important to say yes to opportunity and secondly to find out how to make it work.

Sharon Smith, CEO of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, advised that she thought: “self-belief and the ability to adapt to change” even in the most difficult of circumstances were important skills to learn. Louise Hewett, founder and MD of Hewett Recruitment suggested that we: “visualise success and believe that anything is possible.” Kully Johal CEO and investor of GBR14, member of the first cohort of Betaden says it’s important to: “go out and shine”. This advice is mirrored by Julia Williams, business consultant and vice-chair of the Worcestershire Ambassadors agreed and encouraged us to: “support and lift each other up” and Jen Semini MD of ISO Quality Services Ltd, advised everyone to: “never stop learning”.

The advice of peers can support the growth and knowledge-base of your own business and provide a focus for you. This, coupled with hard work and self-belief, Ruby understands is vital for the success:

It seems wise not only to seize opportunities as they come your way but also to find your own focus by doing your own thing, your way, in order to create a sustainable business. It took me a while to realise that there is great worth in being yourself. Now I embrace it and seek out creative approaches to work, whether it’s via collaborate ventures or encouraging the associates I work with to learn new skills.

To see this article showcased in Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Direction Magazine, please click here.