YOUNG ONES LISTEN UP, IT'S YOUR AMBASSADOR SPEAKING...

The other week I was asked by the Prince's Trust to become one of their ambassadors. For those who read my blog Oprah Wannabe, it will come as no surprise that such a request has had me grinning for days. I love running my own businesses and love it even more that through it I'm able to inspire the younger generation. Times have changed from when I was 18 years old, working for free (whilst studying) and holding down a part-time job to gain experience in the industry I later wanted to have a career in.  Nowadays you mention the words "work for free" to an over 16 - 21 year old and they'll look at you like you just dissed their Mum. So because of this I happily grab any opportunity I can to tell 'tomorrow's generation' my story. To tell them how they need to get off their backsides and go chase their dreams, whatever they may be, by doing whatever it is they need to do to gain the relevant experience to be good if not the best. They need to be told and told again that with self employment you get out what you put in; so should you be one of the younguns reading, apologises if I'm repeating myself.



So, my role as a Prince's Trust ambassador requires me to commit to four appointments per year and I have my first one tomorrow. I'll be giving a talk to a class of Year 11 kids about my Prince's Trust experience to date as well as my experience of running a business. I haven't quite worked out exactly what I want to say, I've been mulling over it the last few days and will jot my plan later tonight, once I've defrosted my toes and eaten some dinner, (I type this sat at the Emi & Ben stall in Greenwich market). Whatever approach I do decide to take, I hope I'm able to keep them engaged and I hope they are receptive to what I have to say. I suppose I better make sure I park the turquoise Almera 10 streets away, as I don't want to be pelted with eggs, or have cheap school toilet roll stuck on my back due to being uncool.

Wish me luck.