In 2007 and 2008 I, Steve, undertook the ๏ฌnal period of extensive training to gain accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and being awarded certi๏ฌcation as an NLP Coach. It was one of the most fascinating and absorbing periods of learning in my life.
It was held in Hammersmith, London and I attended five 4-ยญday modules there over 5 months. At the end of each module we were asked to complete certain tasks, before the next module in a monthโs time. One of the most uncomfortable was that we had to ask 10 people we knew what they thought of us. Perhaps itโs an โEnglishโ trait, a โstiff upper lipโ sort of thing, but I did feel very awkward approaching people I knew. Anyway, I knuckled down and got on with it. I asked my brother, my Mum and Dad, Mary, my partner, a couple of folk I knew in my business life, and a few friends. I asked them to write down their answers after they had thought about the request. In my entire life up to that point I had never thought to ask such a question, probably due to a lack of con๏ฌdence and, for sure, not knowing what the answer might be.
I was truly amazed at the answers, and every one of them thought better of me than I thought they did. There were some startling positive criticisms too, which were very enlightening, that I have taken on board and have helped me become a better and more con๏ฌdent person.
Every three months or so for the last 3 or 4 years I have a morning meeting with a business advisor, which, in essence is that aforementioned coaching task aimed at my business ยญ Soar Valley Life Magazine. The outcome of the last meeting concluded with, ironically, this question aimed at our advertisers and just as importantly, you, our readers.
So, there you have it; What do you think of us, What do you think of Soar Valley Life Magazine, your wider community magazine?
Yesterday I was treated to a birthday meal by Ali, Simon and Lauren, our graphic design and social media team. They live in the North East, near Middlesborough, so we met half way, just off the A1 near Doncaster at a lovely place called Owston Hall.
Losing my shyness a bit, I asked them what they thought of me. This morning this was in my inbox from Ali:
In the heart of a Leicester town, A magazine brings lifestyle around,
Steve Johns, a publisher with passion,
His Soar Valley Life, a cultural fashion.
From fashion to food,
And everything in between,
His magazine showcases the local scene,
A voice for the community,
A platform for change,
A reflection of the valleyโs diversity and range.
Steve still drives,
his love for the craft,
it never subsides,
At Owston Hall,
We shared a meal,
In awe of his vision,
And his zeal.
A man of grace and style,
A publisher with a heart that’s versatile,
May his Soar Valley Life keep soaring high,
And his readership keep reaching for the sky.
Here’s to Steve,
A publisher,
A friend,
Whose magazine continues to transcend,
Happy birthday, Steve,
May your legacy live on,
As Soar Valley Life keeps shining on.
Your turn now then: What do you think of your Soar Valley Life Magazine?
We have created a page on our website with only half a dozen questions or so, and you can ๏ฌll it in there and submit it to us with your name and area where you live. Go to: www.soarvalleylife.co.uk/readersurvey.
For the ๏ฌrst dozen that we receive back before the end of June this year, we will deliver to your door a bottle of Hanwellโs local English award winning wine. As pictured above! Hanwell Wine Estate near Hickling are our newest advertiser and weโll be running features, competitions and news all about them for the next 12 months at least.
Steve
