There are few people who wouldn’t be familiar with the story of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google. Working from their Dorm Rooms in Stanford University, and several years later “upgrading” to a garage in Menlo Park California. Hence the term Google Digital Garage!  Grow with Google is very much about creating an opportunity for everyone to learn, to succeed and be heard. A business 2 community initiative that supports business, people and education. Fabulous fit for my values and my business! 

Their Women Will India initiative is very much focused on connecting women with the online world.  “When women gain access to information and the tools to make the most of it, they start new businesses, make new discoveries, transform their communities and change the way we all learn, work, and live”  

Their quote is lived out every day as we see an increase in women entrepreneurs who are creating businesses making a difference in the lives of others.  Heart Centred Businesses that are connecting Global Female Changemakers. Women who are developing and managing businesses based on empowerment, collaboration, and kindness.

BEST BUSINESS NEWS!

If you ask most people embarking on a new business venture they would welcome the idea of a Business Backpack, with business ideas that would support their journey to business success. Hopefully without reading too many business books or the huge array of “How to become a Millionaire Overnight on an Automated Income!” claims that are swamping the internet and business articles at the moment.

I might be old-fashioned here, I love face to face learning. I don’t think you can beat being in a space with someone who “knows their stuff”. I love the interaction, the energy you feel in a space like that. You also have a great opportunity to network “real conversations” with “real people”. Over 20 years ago I promised myself that I would learn at least one new thing every year; that promise has taken me around the world learning with some fabulous teachers, and has also enabled me to help other business women . 

BUSINESS BACKPACKS!
Google Digital Garage is located on King Street in the centre of Manchester. It has a modern feeling to the building; is very efficiently run, and you get the sense that you are in a place with people who “know their stuff”. It’s a fabulous free resource for anyone who wants to improve their digital skills. I believe they are there until November – hopefully it will be longer! Booking on sessions is really easy, you can choose from 16 courses, ranging from step-by-step coaching support to workshops, a fabulous range to suit most learning levels. They also have partner sessions on a range of subjects that you are also able to get access to.

BUILDING A BETTER BUSINESS!
 The speed at which the digital world is progressing can almost certainly leave you behind in a heartbeat. I know so many women who run Heart Centred Businesses who are overwhelmed by what feels like a huge mountain to climb, to stay current and visible. So I embarked on another learning journey taking me to some very unfamiliar spaces that have already proven a fabulous help to my business visibility. A real positive to this story is that as a Business Coach I am able to pass my learning to others, and to show how my learning has helped my business visibility. I only ever teach what has worked for me, and I have already recommended to many women, and men, that they take a trip to the Google Digital Garage.

MY TOP TAKEAWAYS!
I have created templates for all of my Social Media posting with key best practice pointers for each
Benefits:
• The time spent creating posts has reduced by at least 60%
• I have increased my knowledge and understanding of writing for Social Media that has resulted in an increase in engagement across all media.
• I have created templates for all of my Avatars which has helped increase my engagement and reach.
• I have gained an understanding in terms of insights and how they can help me be more effective with marketing my business.
I have established a library of free tools that enables me:
Benefits:
• To produce posts that are consistent in terms of brand/message and look so much better, and are so much easier to create!
• To write more effectively for each media, increasing my visibility and reach
• To understand and improve the visitor experience of my website

I now have a Social Media Strategy that doesn’t scare me! I have created a simple map that helps me to navigate and progress key actions without feeling overwhelmed. I am a Coach; have been for over 3 decades, that doesn’t make me a Social Media expert! That was never my intention. However I do feel this learning opportunity has provided me with a greater understanding and knowledge to navigate a world that we must all inhabit if we are to become visible.
Oh and the value to my business PRICELESS!

Quick Links to Google Pages:
You can read more about Grow with Google here: https://tinyurl.com/y734tuk6

 You can read more about their story here https://www.google.com/about/our-story/

 You can read more about what is available in Manchester here https://events.withgoogle.com/digital-garage-manchester/

Sally Bonnie is the founder of Visible Breakthrough Coaching, and the not for profit Inspire Women Oldham. Sally is an award winning Coach, and has over 25 years experience of creating and delivering life changing programmes for women/women in business. Inspired both from personal experience, and from seeing that there was a need to support women in a way that didn’t perpetuate their labels. Sally’s passion and obsession focuses on creating heart centred spaces and Retreats for women to transform and thrive.  You can access information on her Heart Centred Business Mastery Series Here https://tinyurl.com/yco46z3x   Taking the Leap Mastery Series is  also available as an Immersion Retreat Here https://tinyurl.com/yan72kfm