If you've ever thought about running your own in-person workshop - whether that's a half day, a full day, or something even bigger - this post is for you.

Because a few weeks ago, I did exactly that. And now I’m sharing the wins, unexpected lessons and what I wish someone had told me prior to starting the process.

The Fear of Speaking in front of Others

Something I haven't shared on this podcast yet is the fact that I used to be petrified of speaking as myself in front of other people. Which might surprise anyone who knows me - given that I actually loved being on stage - I studied Drama at GCSE, A-Level, and as part of my degree. I performed in dance shows throughout my childhood and with an Amateur Dramatics group in my twenties.

But as my last guest Hannah Douglas so brilliantly put it - it was the act of taking on another character that I loved. As myself, I genuinely thought I was a little bit boring. That I didn't have anything to bring to the table that hadn't already been said by someone far more interesting than me

If this sounds familiar, then it’s probably because those are the exact doubts that hold back so many women of our generation.

Coaching changed all of that for me. My self-awareness was raised and my confidence along with it. I began to realise that what I have to share - my thoughts, my opinions and my insights do matter, and people want to hear them. That's something I now work on with my clients every day.

My first real step into delivering any kind of workshop came when I worked at ITN. I offered to run coaching workshops for the Wellbeing Network alongside a colleague who was also a coach in training. I was nervous, I remember my whole body shaking. But the feedback taught me that people were genuinely benefitting from what I had to share and from that moment, I knew that workshops had to be part of my business.

Fast forward to meeting Leanne Davies, Marketing and Visibility Strategist, at a networking event. Our paths kept crossing and we were always gravitating towards each other. What Leanne brings in terms of visibility and what I bring in terms of the voice - our skills didn't just align, they completely complemented each other. One conversation led to another, and that's how Unmistakable was born.

Why Unmistakable?

The actual definition of unmistakable is ‘not to be mistaken for anything else,’ ‘to be clearly recognised,’ and ‘very distinctive.’ And in a world where standing out, being remembered, and staying top of mind has never mattered more - that felt like exactly the right aspiration.

We wanted every female founder who attended to leave with an increase in confidence, a belief that what they have to say genuinely matters, and the tools to show up and communicate it in a way that felt completely right for them. ‘Unmistakable’ captured all of that.

The Day Itself

When the day arrived, it was everything we'd hoped for and more. From the stunning venue and the most delicious lunch I've had in a very long time, to the safe space created for vulnerabilities to be shared, and the exercises and challenges completed with pride by all.

The feedback has been incredible and I don't say that to blow our own trumpets, but because I was genuinely proud of what we'd created. I knew we'd put a brilliant day together. What I didn't anticipate was how much the women in that room would show up and give to the day itself.

Their willingness to share, to try things that felt uncomfortable, to really show up for themselves and each other. We created a space for women to feel seen and heard and we witnessed shifts happening right in front of us. That's not something you can plan - it just happens when the right people are in the right room.

Five Lessons That Will Help You Do the Same

1. Online and in-person serve different purposes - but both matter

I delivered two free online workshops last year, and I'm so glad I did. They're accessible, lower cost to run, and reach a wider audience. But in-person creates something different entirely - a connection and vulnerability that you simply can't get through a screen.

The lesson: if you're new to workshops, start online to build your confidence and test your content. But before you feel ready (and that's the most important part) take it to the next level. In-person is truly where the magic lives.

2. Collaborate with someone who complements you

Going into this with Leanne meant we each brought something the other didn't have. My 20-plus years in television production and expertise in voice and communication. Leanne's expertise in visibility and marketing, and the experience she'd had building a community of over 100,000 women with Run Mummy Run.

We also came from a place of having walked the walk. Leanne had to get over her visibility fears to become the face of her community, and I had to stop hiding behind the camera and start speaking to it, to become the face and voice of my brand - both of which we now help our clients with.

What also became apparent - and we hadn't anticipated this at all - was how well our practical strengths complemented each other too. Leanne is fantastic on social media; I'm very happy sending emails. Leanne got great joy out of creating our branding; I was quick at putting together a sales page and funnel. The load was shared naturally, and it made the whole process more enjoyable and fun.

The lesson: look for someone whose strengths work alongside yours. Trust me, it makes the whole thing far more sustainable - and a lot more fun along the way.

3. Be strategic with your marketing

This was perhaps our biggest learning. As it was the first time we'd run Unmistakable, we didn't have a waitlist - so we were marketing entirely to the audiences we already had. And while Leanne and I both have engaged audiences, we underestimated the energy and time that consistent marketing over two months would take.

The marketing consisted of social media posts, emails, and promoting the workshop at networking events within our local area. With the location being specific, we knew it wouldn't be accessible to everyone, but we were hopeful all the same.

The lesson: build a waitlist in advance if you can, and implement a strategic marketing plan that protects your energy throughout. And make sure you're still showing up and promoting your own business during that period - something that fell away a little for both of us at times.

4. Create space for conversations to flow

Leanne and I created a brilliant day from start to finish, but we had some rigid timings initially planned. What we took away was the value of being a little more flexible with time for interaction and conversation, because when those conversations flowed, that's when the real shifts happened.

There's nothing quite like seeing like-minded women support and encourage each other. Some of my most memorable moments from the day were when attendees were sharing and resonating with what each other had to say. If we'd moved on to the next thing, those moments simply wouldn't have happened.

The lesson: allow extra time for conversations to flow. The structured content matters enormously, but the moments between the content are arguably even more important.

5. If something feels scary, it's probably exactly what you need to do

I was always a bit dubious when people said this to me, but now I know otherwise.

Leanne and I were nervous going into this. We had all the thoughts you'd expect - would anyone want to come? What if we did all the promotion and numbers were really low? But our purpose in providing this space for ambitious female founders who wanted to up-level their voice and visibility was bigger than the fear we felt.

As it was, we had no need to be nervous. And we've already set a date for our second event.

The lesson: the thing that is scaring you the most is likely to be the thing you need to do in order for your confidence to grow.

Whether you're thinking about running your own in-person workshop, collaborating with someone for the first time, or simply stepping into any kind of in-person opportunity - I hope this has given you something useful to take away.

If hearing about Unmistakable has sparked something in you, sign up to our waitlist, to be first in line to hear about our next event: Waitlist - Unmistakable

Prefer Audio?

You can also listen to this episode on my podcast: She Speaks to Scale.

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Download my free 5 minute camera confidence audio here

When you’re ready, here’s how I can support you:

I'm Sarah Collins - Media trainer, Communication Coach, and former Senior Television Producer for ITV & ITN. I work with ambitious founders and spokespeople in businesses to help them communicate with clarity, confidence, and composure in the moments that matter most. If you've got a podcast, interview, or speaking opportunity coming up and you want to feel truly ready for it, this is how we can work together:

Founders who want to become an expert voice in their field

Organisations who want their representatives to become credible spokespeople

Photos by Charlotte Webb Photography - CHARLOTTE WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY