Jan 24, 2025
It really is as simple as trainers should be properly qualified. Thank you to those who have emailed us questions about who our trainers are, and who is and who isn’t qualified. I’ll answer those questions for you now.
I am always told that sometimes I would do myself more favours and probably earn more money for myself, by being ‘softer’, ‘easier’, or not as ‘indignant’, when I hear blatant lies or exaggeration out there in the world.
You can probably tell, this is going to be a bit of a rant-brace yourself!
Let’s improve the training across the firewalk and empowerment industry
By reading this and engaging with us, you simply must be a person who wants to improve themselves. And in doing so, wants to improve the lives of those you touch, in an even more credible and authentic way. I salute you!
You may actually be my competition, because if I help you to be awesome, you’ll no doubt be trying to compete in some circles for the same business as me. But you know what, that doesn’t matter, because you’ve raised the bar, and the whole industry has improved on average.
But what really ticks me off, is when people try to copy the great work we do to improve ourselves, but want to do it without investing the money, and without investing the time.
So, just so that you can be absolutely certain that we completely value the time and investment you make with us, we’d like you to know some facts.
Firewalk training facts:
Firstly, there is only one institution in the UK that set out to purposefully train people to facilitate firewalking events, and that organisation is ours, Firewalk UK. Having been trained by Tolly Burkan, of The Firewalking Institute which was the original body that set out to train firewalking instructors. We were all trained to the basic standard by The Institute who firmly believed that trainers should be properly qualified.
Secondly, there are a number of Master Trainers, around the world, who have persevered and paid to be trained to the next level. Firewalk UK holds Master Certifying status. Some have let their certifications lapse, but there are only about a dozen of us in the world, and we know who they are. In the UK, there is no one that trains to our standard.
Firstly, anyone else who claims that they are competent to train anyone in this field, have all learned only to produce an event.
In order to be qualified (in the same way any teacher is qualified), you have to go through a thorough facilitation training, where you are assessed, measured, tested for safety information transference, and mentored by a collection of people. You have to train to teach, as well as learn the latest advances in the scientific and business community world, so that you can be accepted credibly, otherwise, you’ll just end up selling for the lowest fees possible.
It is worth remembering that not long ago, a businessman, who ‘modelled’ the firewalk seminar- in other words copied it, without taking the course, ended up sending most of his Eagle Star Insurance delegates to hospital!
Comparing good with bad
However, if you are in business, you will know that you can only really comment on what is out there, when you get a testimonial from someone who has done both courses, to compare them.
So last year, we received a call from a very unhappy delegate, saying that he had received training to be a Firewalk Instructor, and felt that the training was wholly inadequate and that he couldn’t believe that what we had promised him from us, was what he had received.
Of course, he had bought the course, because it was cheap, and because he had been sold on the quantity of work the Firewalking Trainer had done, rather than the quality of his work, or quality of his training.
Well, I’ll leave the rest to be explained by OUR delegate. He came onto our course, and afterward was so livid at how much he was mis-sold the quality of the material, training, interaction, and safety, he wrote to us, and to this previous provider and gave him both barrels. He couldn’t believe how succoured he’d been.
Now, I am a firm believer in awesome quality and these are two of my mantras:
Price
There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man’s lawful prey.
John Ruskin (1819 – 1900)
Quality
Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, severe effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
William A Bernhardt
So, of course we have a 100% guarantee.
Now, if you want to train to do this fantastic event, to make sure that trainers should be properly qualified, I can promise you that if you cannot do it here in the UK, I will tell you who is the best person in your country, or close to your country. That’s my promise, and if you call us, and are open with us, we’ll tell you, because if you’re going to be changing people’s lives for the better, we want you to do it in the best way possible. That’s in our interest as well!
Okay, that’s it rant over, and we look forward to meeting you as a future superstar of empowerment in the future, if you want to look conscientiously at this path.
Steve Consalvez
Sep 15, 2024
Walk through fire, fundraise for hope: the Firewalk UK affiliate programme for hospices that helps raise funds long after the initial event. The fight against illness and the support of those facing end-of-life care is a constant struggle, demanding unwavering dedication and resources. At Firewalk UK, we believe that a powerful partnership can create a lasting impact. That’s why we are excited to introduce our dedicated affiliate programme for hospices, designed to empower your fundraising efforts and provide your supporters with a unique, empowering experience.
More than just a Fundraising Initiative:
Our affiliate program is about more than just generating revenue. It’s about forging a connection between your hospice and the exhilarating, transformative power of a firewalk. This partnership unlocks a unique avenue for fundraising, while simultaneously offering your supporters an opportunity to challenge themselves, conquer fears and raise awareness for your vital cause.
How the Firewalk UK Affiliate Programme Works:
1. **Walk the Walk:** The programme begins with your hospice organising and participating in a Firewalk UK event. This is an opportunity for your staff and volunteers to experience firsthand the empowering journey of facing their fears and achieving something extraordinary.
2. **Empowering Your Network:** Upon successful completion, your hospice receives a unique booking code. This code serves as your affiliate link, allowing you to promote Firewalk UK’s empowerment courses to your network.
3. **Fundraise with Every Step:** For each participant who books a course using your hospice’s affiliate code, your organisation receives a 10% donation from the total booking amount (excluding VAT). This ongoing fundraising stream provides continuous support without requiring additional investment or effort.
4. **Incentivise Your Supporters:** Not only does the programme provide a significant fundraising boost, but it also offers your supporters a 10% discount on their Firewalk UK bookings. This incentive encourages participation and fosters a sense of community around your cause.
5. **Friday Firewalk: A Unique Benefit:** As a testament to our commitment to hospices, participating organisations receive 10 free tickets to Firewalk UK’s highly anticipated “Friday Firewalk” event. Held four times a year, this exclusive event allows you to send individuals from your hospice to experience a sponsored firewalk, further boosting awareness and providing valuable networking opportunities.
6. **Marketing Support for Maximum Impact:** We understand the importance of effective marketing. To maximise your affiliate program’s reach, we provide you with comprehensive marketing collateral, including brochures, posters and digital assets. Regular content, including success stories and updates, is also available for your newsletters, website, and social media platforms, ensuring consistent engagement and inspiration for your community.
Benefits for Your Hospice:
* Elevated Fundraising Potential* The affiliate programme generates a substantial 10% donation with each booking, creating a continuous, passive fundraising stream.
* Enhanced Participant Engagement: The 10% discount incentivises supporters to participate, fostering a deeper connection with your hospice and strengthening your support network.
* Exclusive Access to the Friday Firewalk: The free tickets provide your hospice with a unique, valuable opportunity for fundraising, community engagement and networking.
* Comprehensive Marketing Support: We provide everything you need to promote the programme effectively, ensuring maximum reach and impact.
More than just a fundraising tool:
Our affiliate programme is about forging meaningful connections, amplifying your impact and inspiring a community of courageous individuals who are dedicated to making a difference. This unique partnership allows you to leverage the power of Firewalk UK’s transformative experiences to generate funding, engage your supporters and build a stronger, more resilient community around your hospice.
Joining the Firewalk UK Affiliate Programme:
Ready to ignite change and empower lives together? Join our affiliate program and start benefiting from this unique partnership.
To learn more and express your interest, simply contact Steve Consalvez at 01733 736307 or steve.consalvez@firewalk.co.uk. Steve will guide you through the process and provide you with all the necessary resources to make your participation a resounding success.
Click here for more information about our charity events
Together, let’s walk through fire and create a brighter future for those we care for.
Sep 13, 2024
Firewalk Fundraising: Ignite Your Event for Maximum Impact. A charity firewalk is a truly unique and powerful fundraising event. It’s a challenge that resonates with people, inspiring them to push their boundaries while supporting a cause they care about. But maximising the fundraising potential of your charity firewalk requires careful planning and execution.
Here’s a breakdown of key areas to consider when planning your charity firewalk:
1. Costs & Income:
* Budgeting: Start with a clear budget, factoring in venue hire, refreshments, marketing, certificates, t-shirts, safety equipment, insurance, volunteer expenses and first aid.
* Fundraising Target: Set a realistic fundraising goal based on the number of firewalkers you anticipate.
* Registration Fees: Registration fees should cover your direct event costs. Aim for £20-£35 per walker, or consider including a charity t-shirt for higher fees.
* Sponsorship: Encourage walkers to set a target of £100-£200 each.
* Boosting Profits: Explore corporate sponsorship, offering promotional opportunities in return. Additional revenue streams like raffles, paid refreshments and bucket shaking can also increase your total.
2. Target Audience:
* Segmentation: Identify different target groups (staff, family/friends, current supporters, local businesses, community groups, individuals).
* Marketing Approaches* Tailor your marketing messages and channels to each group. For example, use social media for younger audiences and local press for broader reach.
3. Marketing & Promotion:
* Channels: Utilise local press, radio, email, social media, word-of-mouth, posters/flyers, telephone and platforms like Eventbrite to spread the word.
* Messaging: Highlight the challenge, the cause, and the impact of donations. Use compelling visuals and testimonials to inspire participation.
4. Maximising Sponsorship:
* Ease of Fundraising: Provide clear instructions and offer to set up Just Giving pages for walkers.
* Multiple Options: Offer both online and hard copy sponsorship forms.
* Tracking Progress: Monitor Just Giving pages to track fundraising progress.
* Encouragement & Tips: Send regular updates, celebrate achievements, and offer fundraising tips.
* Match Funding: Encourage participants to ask employers for match funding.
* Incentives: Partner with a corporate sponsor to offer gifts to walkers who reach their target.
5. Communication & Support:
* Welcome & Guide: Send a welcome email with fundraising instructions after registration.
* Regular Updates: Provide regular email updates, offering encouragement and support.
* Resource Availability: Offer donation pots, posters, and t-shirts to assist walkers.
* Event Itinerary: Share a detailed event itinerary two weeks prior, covering parking, timings, attire and refreshments.
* Post-Event Appreciation: Send thank you emails with photos.
* Feedback & Evaluation: Collect feedback from participants, volunteers and sponsors to improve future events.
6. Logistics & Post-Event Activities:
* Venue & Safety: Ensure the venue meets firewalk requirements and a thorough risk assessment is conducted.
* Event Schedule: Create a detailed schedule for setup, welcome, marshalling, photography, refreshments and closing activities.
* Staff & Volunteers: Allocate sufficient staff and volunteers to cover all areas.
* Press Release & Social Media: Share the success story with local press and highlight the event on social media.
* Fundraising Deadline & Gift Aid: Remind participants of sponsorship deadlines and maximise Gift Aid opportunities.
* Thank You & Database: Express gratitude to everyone involved and update your database with new contacts.
By implementing these strategies, you can turn your firewalk event into a truly impactful fundraising success!
For further information about making the most out of your firewalk, use a company who offers you more, visit Steve Consalvez: Giving Back. Book a charity firewalk through Firewalk UK and we’ll help you ever step of the way!
Aug 14, 2024
Digging Deep into Trainer Credibility: In the realm of personal and professional development, the allure of self-improvement is powerful. We’re bombarded with promises of unlocking our potential, achieving peak performance and mastering the art of success. But before we dive headfirst into a course or workshop, a crucial question arises: how qualified is the person teaching us?
Just like we wouldn’t trust a heart surgeon who learned their trade from a YouTube video, we shouldn’t blindly trust any trainer who claims to hold the key to our success. A reputable trainer is not just a charismatic speaker or a compelling writer – they are a beacon of knowledge, experience and proven results.
The Importance of Due Diligence
Investing time and money in self-improvement is a worthwhile endeavour. However, it’s an investment that deserves careful consideration. Jumping into a course without researching the trainer’s credentials is like buying a car without checking the engine. You might end up with a lemon, leaving you disappointed and frustrated.
Here’s why digging deep into a trainer’s credibility is essential:
1. Ensuring Quality Content: A credible trainer is not just a regurgitator of information. They are a seasoned expert who has dedicated years to understanding and refining their field. They can provide valuable insights, real-world applications and evidence-based strategies, making their course a truly enriching experience.
2. Gaining Practical Expertise: It’s one thing to read about a concept; it’s entirely another to experience it from someone who has walked the path themselves. A trainer with practical expertise can guide you through real-life scenarios, offer tailored advice and provide valuable feedback, helping you truly internalise the knowledge.
3. Building Trust and Confidence: Knowing that you’re learning from a respected professional builds trust and confidence in the process. This translates into increased motivation, a deeper understanding of the material and a higher likelihood of applying the teachings to your life.
4. Avoiding Wasted Time and Resources: Choosing a trainer without proper research can lead to a course that is poorly structured, irrelevant or simply a waste of time. By researching their credentials, you can ensure you’re investing your time and money wisely, getting the most value out of your learning experience.
The Pillars of Trainer Credibility
So, how do you assess the credibility of a potential trainer? Look for these key pillars:
1. Experience: How long has the trainer been practicing in their field? Do they have a track record of successful implementations? What kind of experience do they bring to the table?
2. Education and Certification: What formal education do they possess? Are they certified by reputable organisations in their area of expertise? This demonstrates a commitment to continual learning and professional development.
3. Client Testimonials and Reviews: What do previous students say about the trainer’s teaching style, content and effectiveness? Websites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews and LinkedIn can offer valuable insights into their reputation.
4. Publications and Achievements: Has the trainer authored books, articles or research papers? Have they won awards or recognitions for their work? These achievements highlight their expertise and commitment to contributing to their field.
5. Network and Affiliations: Are they connected to respected organisations or influencers in their industry? Do they actively participate in professional events and conferences? This indicates a desire to stay at the forefront of their field and be part of a community of knowledge sharing.
Beyond the Basics: Unveiling the Hidden Gems
While digging deep into trainer credibility via formal credentials is essential, there are other aspects that can unveil a trainer’s true potential:
* Passion and Enthusiasm: A passionate and enthusiastic trainer can truly inspire and motivate learners, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.
* Communication Style: Does the trainer’s communication style resonate with you? Are they clear, concise and able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand?
* Transparency and Honesty: Does the trainer openly share their limitations and areas of expertise? Do they acknowledge when they don’t have all the answers? This demonstrates authenticity and a commitment to providing accurate information.
Investing in Your Growth
By taking the time to research a trainer’s credibility, you’re making a wise investment in your personal and professional growth. You’re choosing to learn from someone who has earned their place as a trusted guide, ensuring that your learning journey is enriching, impactful and ultimately leads to tangible results.
So, before you click that “enroll” button, remember: due diligence is not just an option, it’s an investment in your future.
Read all about experts we work with such as Dan Brulé
Read all about us and our credentials here.
