This article was first published by Females in Food
In our latest ‘What’s Cooking’, we hear from Rachael Hedges, Founder of RMH Consulting and marketing at Wiley, a company that designs and builds food processing facilities. Rachael started RMH Consulting whilst working for Wiley, and through sheer accident found herself with a client who needed what she had to offer and virtually overnight her consulting business was up and running.
Rachael loves helping her clients see their business’ potential, helping them set goals and receive insights they were not able to imagine previously. Having specific knowledge in the food and beverage space, Rachael loves to align marketing strategies that are just right.
Rachael is driven by those who inspire her and equally finds true strength in connecting with like-minded people who share her passions.
How would you describe the business you are in?
There’s actually two businesses, I split my time between and both are food related. Wiley designs and builds food processing facilities. RMH Consulting is a business and marketing consultancy that helps food businesses, be it hospitality, production or service, to understand (and often develop) their business goals and how these align with their marketing strategy to see real benefit and growth.
YOU ARE BOTH NEVER READY AND HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
What do you love about your work?
People! I work with a wide range of people on a huge array of activities. I love creating that ‘a-ha’ moment and helping them to realise their potential and work-shopping their opportunities. No day and particularly no client is the same which keeps me on my toes. Workshops are popular at the moment and to watch a client come in and re-imagine what they’re doing, work on their goals and understand their business at a deeper level is my absolute favourite. I am inspired by inspiring others.
What part of your job would you gladly give away?
Hmm… invoices? There’s nothing that truly makes me cringe.
If you were starting out in business again today, what piece of advice would you give your younger you?
Go for it now, don’t wait until you think you’re ready. You are both never ready and have everything you need to succeed all at the same time. it’s a true paradox. You’ll get there.
Women start business 41% of the time to solve a problem? Sometimes this means we have a great vision but don’t have enough resources to sustain our business for the long term. Tell us what resources you started your business with.
I started by accident (of course), I spoke at a conference and I met someone who had a problem I could solve. And I really wanted to help them! I had money saved but nothing else in place. The next day I had an ABN and a contract. I was fortunate to be in a position to pay myself right away. However, I definitely did not understand my worth and could have been paying myself more, earlier!
As you know we are passionate about women #backingthemselves. So tell us about a time in the last twelve months that you’re really proud of.
I went part time at Wiley to spend more time focusing on RMH Consulting. It was a hard jump. I proud that I made the jump and that I am able to make both work together unanimously.
I AM INSPIRED BY INSPIRING OTHERS.
As we are always growing and learning, what is the one thing you would like to take time to learn more about?
Currently I am learning more about leadership psychology – it’s absolutely fascinating. When you understand why people behave the way they do, you are able to lead in a better way, and work to your team’s strengths. The more I learn, the more I am able to integrate into my business across many areas. From the way I communicate with clients and suppliers, to rethinking the messaging on my website. I particularly love integrating psychology into my client’s marketing campaigns. It provides a greater depth and reaches the subconscious.
The world is changing so fast and technology enables us to do so much more. We’re interested in which app you could not live without and why?
Social media – I am a social and connected person. In saying that, I have recently found Smiling Mind which is for mindfulness to try and have a little downtime too!! Life is a balance and I have to work hard at finding it.
Why did you decide to become a member of Females in Food®
I love communities. I love contributing to and growing communities. That’s how I became involved in the digital world in the first place. As soon as I saw FIF I knew it was something I could contribute to and learn from.
We love to celebrate the successes. Can you give us an example of how joining the Foodpreneurs Formula™ has positively impacted your business?
I really enjoy contributing to the private Facebook group and sharing knowledge, hints and tips that can help other FIF in their marketing. I have met some fabulous women through FIF, both industry peers and clients. I hope I in turn, have positively impacted their business too!
Thank you Rachael.
