Su Grainger

What gave you the idea for Vocal Power?

I trained as a hypnotherapist and EFT practitioner but my main passion and talents where in singing. Because of my own personal development within my training I reignited my passion and decided I could combine the two sides of my life by inspiring others. I set up Singing Our Socks Off workshops for ladies initially in Crosby then in Woolton. The class is designed to get ladies together and sing and develop their own talents by encouraging solo performances and group performances.  We organise events for the ladies to perform and raise money for charities in the process. Singing also has many health benefits and brings people together. Our workshops also include helping people become more confident in other areas of their lives.

What were you doing at the time you had the idea?

Caring for my husband, looking after my children. Then I started to take an interest in complimentary therapy initially to help him with chronic pain and a long term illness. I had not been in employment for over seven years.

What was the first thing you did to try and make the idea happen?

Trained as a hypnotherapist, EFT practitioner. Researched how to start a business, attended courses with Train 2000. Talked to women at networks. Spoke to a jobcentre plus advisor. Looked at other businesses with similar models. I had to research both therapy businesses and vocal coaches singing teachers etc

Who helped you, and how?

Tania Prince Manchester. For advice on setting up a practise and training in therapy. Train 2000 to produce a business plan. This was surprisingly insightful and useful. The MS society for providing me a grant to cover some of the cost of continuing my training as a therapist

Has anyone influenced you and if so who?

My business partner Kayte, she has encouraged and nurtured my talent for vocal coaching and teaching. She has also been instrumental in helping develop the idea of taking the business to a more profession level in the corporate field and education sector.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way?

It has been very difficult because of personal circumstances. My husband is ill with multiple sclerosis and this meant we were on benefits for a while. It also means have to work sporadically as I am his main carer I found it difficult to find information about what I could earn. There seems to be a lot for the disabled to get back to work but not their partners. I also had to start the business with absolutely no capital and funding. However I have tried not to let this hold me back as I know the business I have is viable, sustainable and useful.

When did the idea start looking viable?

When I set up my first singing workshop and found the response was so positive. Growth has been slow but this is mainly due to limited finances for marketing. However, I am patient and our groups are growing through word of mouth. I am seeing more clients for therapy particularly for smoking cessation, and I am patient enough to see this develop over the next year. I have received many testimonials from women who have gained confidence and enjoyed being part of our groups. The response from initial enquiries about our business workshops has also been positive and I have researched other companies offering similar services in other cities. They seem to be thriving and employ a number of staff.

Future plans for the idea?

To develop the vocal coaching/self image and performance anxiety into workshop modules these can be used in businesses, public sector and education for both teachers and pupils.

To organise in house talent competitions for businesses to help motivate staff, reduce stress and introduce fun in the workplace. We will then have competitions between other businesses. This will help promote business and raise funds for charity.

I also want to develop the Singing our socks off classes to become as well attended as going to a yoga class. I would like the classes to expand across the North West with teachers either franchising the class or becoming an agent. I have a vision of having many women gathered together from different classes in one venue and  all performing together.

We will also introduce themed weekend singing courses In Scotland and in Liverpool. These can be attended by people from all over the country. We will ally with a hotel or venue to arrange a package for the attendees and arrange an itinerary for the weekend.

How do you encourage enterprise in Liverpool / your company?

I have spoken at events before and always encourage anyone with ideas to pursue their interests. I have told a number of people about the help I have received and given them contact details for services I have used.

Some of the ladies from my workshops have taken their singing to the next level and some may eventually earn a wage from their talents. My role as a therapist is to encourage people to find and follow their passions and aspirations.

Do you attend any networks? If so which ones and how have they helped you?

I have attended Sefton Women’s Business in the early days. This was a great way to get to know what women were like who had their own businesses. (Having been out of the employment loop for a long time this was essential). Their events now clash with my classes so I don’t get the opportunity to go. I have attended events through 08 business connect and net in the city. These have both been useful in talking through my ideas making contact with other businesses who I can help and vice versa, and also getting to know the business community in our area.

Advice to anyone else who wants to make their idea happen?

I would always encourage people to aim to have their own business. If they have an idea a dream or a goal they must follow that. They need to research their business by looking at others who are similar, work through a business plan. This is essential for solidifying their idea and finding some of the pitfalls before they start. It is also essential if they want any loans or funding. Doing this in the initial days is imperative because once they get their business going they won’t have the time or inclination to do this.

A business plan also acts as a reference for the company to refer back to and keeps them on track. They should also find and connect with the resources available in their community from the local government to business run schemes. Find a mentor. Someone who is in their own business or in a similar business. Sharing stories, ideas and experiences will help them feel they are not on their own.

On a personal level they should be aware that they will have set backs and hard times, they will also have times of self doubt and doubt about the business. They should be strong enough to work through these times and call on the initial excitement and determination they had in the early days. If its not going to plan, step back, rethink and if necessary restructure. It’s too easy to give up too soon. Women are resilient and will be amazed at what can be achieved with a little self belief.