Why the name Purple Pyjamas?
As the Founder and Chief Changemaker of Purple Pyjamas, I (Vickie Burkinshaw) have worked out you can achieve a lot in your pyjamas – build a business, write a book, run a household, have fun – I’ve done them all – and at the same time!
I never realised the importance of pyjamas until my Mum packed some bright purple pj’s with a matching dressing gown in my hospital bag when I had my first child. As a fiercely independent career woman, I thought it was ridiculous and I wouldn’t need them. How wrong I was – on so many levels. Motherhood changed my perception of more than pyjamas! I discovered a new world of learning – with every age and every stage. Priorities changed and I viewed the world differently. My Mum knew to be gentle with me with the changes. I went from corporate executive to Mum. After 7 years with The Body Shop and learning the importance of profits with principles, I decided to leap into a business that could help people navigate change. Motherhood prepared me to see the world like entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs, and social innovators – through a unique lens. I called on the wisdom of my mother’s group (and still do) to share experiences and ideas around parenting. I call on my network of colleagues as a brain’s trust for business.
Pyjamas, became a symbol of comfort and strength. I know the courage it takes to admit you need support from others. If you are prepared to embrace change I will come out of my pyjamas to work with you. I know that it helps to thrash around ideas to get to a point of decision-making. This is why I became a facilitator of change.
Why work with us?
You are probably really good at what you do: social innovator, creator, crafter, writer, builder, sparky, mechanic, manager, team leader, committee member. But just because you are great at your trade or passionate about your cause does not necessarily mean you know how to find a pathway to success. That’s how we can help. We ask the questions, challenge the sacred cows, consider the views of stakeholders and provide options for actions.
How we work
We use meetings, courses and workshops to bring out the issues that may be preventing you from achieving the success you want. Many of us juggle many hats so we work on a partnership model that can work around you and your business/ household / community / personal needs. While we love belly-to-belly communication, video conferencing, group chat, phone, emails and messaging can work just as well.
Facilitation
Vickie Burkinshaw is a professional facilitator. She knows how to get to an outcome with everyone being heard and valued. She knows that groups have the answers to success and can expertly extract ideas to create action plans. As an expert in the art of facilitation you will leave her session wondering why she came! She is currently passionate about strategic planning, business development reviews and improving the efficiency of projects by facilitating kick-off meetings. If you are managing a project that’s about to start or have one that’s losing traction talk to her about facilitating your next team meeting.
Workshops
Being self-employed is different than running a business. It can be a lonely endeavour when you are everything from CEO to Marketing Manager, from Bookkeeper to Receptionist. Your ultimate goal should be to earn money while you sleep (or while you are holidaying overseas!). We can help you do this. We run regular workshops and small group coaching programs to support local businesses to develop expertise in areas such as pricing, presentation skills, social media, systems and processes and setting your vision. If you want to learn some tips and tricks to grow your business, improve your BOJO (business mojo) and meet up with other small business owners to share ideas, contact us to find out about the current program of workshops or make a suggestion.
Audits
In a business that has been operating for 2-5 years simple improvements can be made by reviewing a few key areas. We can assess the health of your business by undertaking an audit of your marketing or your systems and processes. The marketing audit involves a review of your branding, social real estate, voice, vision, positioning and strategies. A systems and processes audit unpacks the way you conduct your business and communicate with your customers from pre to post-sales. Contact us to find out more.