I know what you’re thinking ‘here we go, another one of these New Year, New You articles’.  Please stick with me here!

New Year is an inspiring time, chance to start afresh, make changes and focus on new things.  It’s a time full of hope, but how long do you let that hope last?  Think back – how long did it take you to give up on last year’s resolutions?  How long before hope dwindled, old patterns returned together with the frustration of not achieving what you want to achieve.

Why set goals?
In order for us to achieve something, however small, we need a focus.  Even if it’s to tie our shoelaces or to do up a button.  You focus on getting your shoelaces tied or your button done up and you do it.  In fact you’ve probably done it so many times it’s second nature to you.   There was a time when it wasn’t second nature and you had to consciously make an effort to do it.  The same can be said of anything you want to achieve.  You just need to get started, take small steps and soon it becomes familiar and comfortable.

What type of goal setter are you?
Do you set goals or resolutions every year and give up before January is out or sooner?  Or do you purposely not set goals because you don’t want to disappoint yourself?
Both situations result in stress, frustration no focus.  Not having a focus is giving up on what’s important to you and potentially going where others decide to take you.  Would you ever get into a taxi and say ‘Take me anywhere’?  Probably not, but by not setting goals that’s exactly what you are doing.

Some tips for making 2012 your best year yet.

1. Write down 3 areas in your life that are important to you.  This could be home, work, family, money, personal development, health and fitness.
2. Decide how you could make 2012 even better in each area.  Write down an outcome or goal for each area.
3. Now get started in each area, however small, just get going.  (Top tip – if you’re doing this before Christmas, start now!  By January you’ll be ahead of the game)
4. Do something every day towards your goals.
5. Sign up for my free newsletter, packed with tips, interviews and exercises all to help you reach your 2012 goals.

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Are those toes a bit too cosy?

At the Ladies at 11 2011 conference I suggested that everyone in the room should set a goal that ‘made their toes curl’.  Since that fabulous September day it’s been remarkable how many people have referred to that statement.  It clearly struck a chord with many.   The more I think about it I guess it’s quite visual.  Also, if you concentrate for a moment you can probably create the feeling easily.

Regardless of your favoured goal setting theory, smart goals, realistic goals, action goals. How about getting started by identifying one thing you need to do but just thinking about it makes those little digits on the ends of your feet scrunch up in fear or avoidance?

• Is it making a phone call, maybe to a potential new client or prospect?
• Is it dealing with a fear about technology?
• Is it talking to a partner about a communication issue that is bothering you?
• Is it speaking to your bank or a financial advisor about a money worry?
• Is it addressing a work issue that’s got out of hand?
• Is it facing your time management issues?

Whatever it is, give it a go, by getting started and taking action you’ll create momentum, you’ll feel better about it.  Test those toes!

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Ladies at 11 Business Awards, winners, sponsors and finalists

Friday 7th October saw a lively evening at Sandown Park for the inaugural Ladies at 11 Business Awards. The sparkling evening, sponsored by Natwest began with a champagne reception.  A difference on this occasion was the inclusion of men in this event, it was lovely to be able to take our husbands and partners along too.

Sarah Martin, Founder of Ladies at 11 welcomed us all before we filed through into the main room for a delicious dinner.

I’m sure I wasn’t alone in probably not enjoying my meal as much as I could have done as I was quite excited and apprehensive about the main event which of course was the award presentation. Imagine my dismay when I read the programme for the evening to find that we had to wait until 10.20pm for this to start.

The evening was expertly compered by Lynne Parker from Funny Women.  A raffle was held to raise funds for Eaves, a London-based charity that provides high quality housing and support to vulnerable women.

Throughout the evening guests were wowed by the creations of Miss Ballooniverse.

Carolyn Currie who heads up the new business development team for women for Natwest gave a presentation about women in business and female entrepreneurship.

Then came the presentation of the awards and the winners were as follows:

1. Inspirational Woman Award sponsored by MDM Associates – Winner - Lynne Parker, Funny Women

2. Entrepreneur of the year award sponsored by Tony Purslow Ltd. Mercedes- Benz Guildford – Winner - Samantha Kelly, Funky Goddess

3. New Business Award sponsored by Sandown Park – Winner - Diane Dunkley, RM2 Music

4. Continued Business Success Award sponsored by The Surrey Chambers – Winner - Zoe Brown, BWebsites

5. Networking Champion Award sponsored by Best of Guildford – Winner – Laura Hart, Voice Coach

6. Ladies at 11 Outstanding Contribution Award – Winner – Sue Bown, The Coaching Zone

7. The Natwest Award for the outstanding business success, judged from all the winners – Winner – Lynne Parker, Funny Women

Me winning my award, feeling very chuffed!

So I won the Ladies at 11 Outstanding Contribution award!  I am delighted for this award because I believe completely in what Ladies at 11 stands for.  I attended the second ever meeting of Ladies at 11 over three and a half years ago.  I have coached and mentored Sarah Martin along the way.  I know that Sarah and Ladies at 11 will go far, just you watch.

I am flattered by Sarah’s very kind comment on the night that without my support there would be no Ladies at 11. Wow, what can I say!

Congratulations to all of the winners and the finalists. With thanks to the sponsors and judges for an excellent event and to Ladies at 11 of course.

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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It’s an exciting week, Friday 7th October sees the first ever Ladies at 11 Business Awards ceremony at Sandown Park and I am delighted to have been nominated for the Outstanding Contribution Award.

The awards event sponsored by Natwest range from Entreprenuer of the Year, Inspirational Woman Award, New Business Award.  You can see a full list of awards and nominees here.  I am delighted to be in the company of Camilla Campbell, Laura Hart, Lynne Hardy, Lindsey Collumbell, Zoe Brown and so many more.

Ladies at 11 is a networking company for women who are serious about growing their businesses.  It’s a networking group with a difference because it’s focused, supportive and works.  It’s a subject very close to my heart and I love what it does and what it stands for.  I am so happy just to be nominated and of course if I win it will be a terrific achievement.

We even got a mention is this week’s Surrey Advertiser:

Item from Surrey Advertiser 30 Sep 2011

So it’s fingers crossed, I may even write a brief acceptance speech…..just in case.  Wish good luck to everyone else who is nominated.  And let the party begin…..

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Does networking come naturally to you, if not, this workshop is for you.

It is a well-known fact that 80% of business is passed through referrals. Networking, be it offline or online is a hot topic these days and the opportunity to network is everywhere.

Networking is a low-cost option to get out there, connect, find new business and grow your business. However it has to be done properly.  We’ve all been in the uncomfortable situation listening to someone droning on about how good they are, what they can do for you and the benefits of using their product.  This is not the way to go.

Even though it’s low-cost, networking can be a big investment in time.  So it’s important to do it correctly and efficiently ensuring you get the most of each networking opportunity you encounter.  Having the correct networking skills is of utmost importance.

On Thursday 13th October 2011, Laura Hart, Voice Coach and are taking part in an event in conjunction with the Surrey Chambers of Commerce.  Starting at 1700, this two hour information filled practical event entitled ‘The Art Of Natural Networking’ will help you to network in the most efficient and productive way.

Book your place now

Who should attend?

It is aimed is aimed at business people who have a need or requirement to network within their business sector, to build business relationships or who are keen to raise their corporate profile more broadly.  Also, small business owners who wish to get out into the networking scene and make the best of every networking opportunity for their business.

Book your place now

Why should you attend?

• 80% of business is passed through referrals
• Networking if not done properly can be a big draw on time.
• You will learn practical tips and gain information of making the best of every networking opportunity.

What you will learn

• What is networking and what it is not.
• Establish meaningful business relationships that lead to the acquisition of new clients and more business.
• Understand why it is crucial to network in today’s marketplace.
• Gain knowledge of how to prepare for networking events including devising and refining the business message for any networking audience

About Us

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Ladies at 11 Conference 2011, speakers, back row l-r Tiffany St James, Dylis Guyan, Sue Bown, Carole Ann Rice, Laura Hart. Front row Sarah Martin. Picture courtesy http://samjhanamoon.com/

Is it possible to experience inspiration overload?  Because that’s how I felt when I left the 2011 Ladies at 11 Back to Business conference.  My head felt fit to burst with all of those highly charged particles and dollops of motivation that were ladled on us throughout the day.   The only way for me to sort myself out after this was to go for a run and if you know me, you’ll know that running is not a usual pastime.

What made it such a phenomenal event?   Given that last year there were only fifteen of us there; this year saw in excess of 80 delegates listening to an impressive line-up of high-profile speakers such as Penny Power, Rachel Elnaugh, Cara Sayer, Tiffany St James, Emma Wimhurst, Dylis Guyan, Carole Ann Rice and er… ME!

Carole Ann Rice, one of the UK’s leading life coaches and myself opened the day with a call to action.  Our message was simple:

1. You’re here, well done.  For many multi-tasking busy women just getting there was an achievement.
2. Pack away everything else and give yourself the time to enjoy the day with purpose.
3. Write down one goal that’s a BIG stretch, one that makes your toes curl!
4. Take ACTION!  Make it HAPPEN!

We were followed by Dylis Guyan from IncreaseYourSalesIn30Days.com  Dylis is a high-hitting Sales and Sales Management Coach.  With an impressive CV of sales successes Dylis shared top tips on how to increase your sales in a recession.  She dished out sensible, valuable advice and strategy that we all need. One fact stuck firmly in my head is 80% of sales are made in between the fifth to the 12^th contact.

Penny Power

After a quick networking coffee, Penny Power, founder of Ecademy took to the stage.  Penny captivated the audience with her passion for social media.  She told her story of success and how ‘through the keyboard’ we can all connect, share and turn contacts from stranger to friend to follower. Her story is indeed inspiring.  I loved her analogy about serendipitous moments that appear during your life that she called ‘random dots’ and how we should be looking out for them.  The standing ovation she received for her speech was well-deserved.

A relaxed Cara Sayer followed.  Cara, inventor of Snooze Shadeis a natural

Cara Sayer

speaker who spoke to our large group with such ease it was like she was chatting to us all as a friends.  She inspired us with wise words of advice and of how by focus, determination and making measured choices for her family, she has invented Snooze Shade. An award winning product to help babies sleep on the go.

Lunch was then served, Sandown Park, our conference venue provided a variety of delicious buffet choices.  Including some rather interesting desserts, which I’ve only just remembered and forgot to go back for!  There was networking to be done, lots of people to meet and catch up with.

Rachel Elnaugh

Ex-star of Dragon’s Den, Rachel Elnaugh opened the afternoon session.  Rachel, who founded Red Letter Days, shared her experiences of how a business can go from dream to nightmare.  Learning from her nightmare, Rachel has inspired countless business owners to create Business Magic.  Rachel told us we should each have a ‘seven second sizzle statement’.  To be able communicate the value of our business in just 7 seconds.

The arrival of Tiffany St Jamesto the stage piled on more inspiration, this time in

Tiffany St James

the fast-growing arena of social media.  Tiffany, former Head of Public Participation for the UK Government advised us how to using a digital strategy can impact and grow your business.  Did you know that London is the Twitter capital of the world?

Emma Wimhurst

Time for a welcome cuppa, and of course some much enjoyed networking.  After tea we were introduced to Emma Wimhurst, who became a self-made millionaire from the success of Diva Cosmetics.  Emma author of BOOM! a practical, no-nonsense business book inspired us with her story.  She talked us through her 7 Business Disciplines, a straightforward method to grow your business.  We also learned that 85% of business women don’t have a business plan, interestingly 95% of men don’t have one either.

Last, but of course, by no means least, Voice Coach, Laura Hart came to the stage.  Laura cleverly used examples from the day’s events to highlight how we can get the best from our presentations.  Laura, who works with blue chip organisations dished out tip after tip of how to make the best of your voice, your presentation and to communicate your business message best.

Do you see what I mean by inspiration overload?  My mind was brimming with ideas, thoughts, plans and more.  What I needed was time, time to get my thoughts together and start putting all this good stuff into action.

That’s exactly what I’ve done and I hope you have too.  And those toes are not curling quite as much as they were.

If you missed it, you missed a treat, looking forward to seeing you next year

Thanks to Samjhana Moon for taking pictures on the day and for supplying the picture for this article.

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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It’s back to school time!  I remember it well; the sweet heavy smell of Autumn in the air, the shiny new Clarks shoes (how I hated them!), the three sizes too big blazer and the disillusioned feeling of wishing the holidays could go on forever.  It’s a familiar feeling as September begins.

It’s time to get refocused.  If you’re running a business, it’s a very important time to make these last four months of 2011 count.  What needs to happen?  It’s highly likely that your answer will be along the lines of make more sales, get more clients and earn more money.  With the tough financial situation continuing, if you are struggling to make sales or convert sales leads into customers  it’s time to get focused and hone those sales skills.

I have recently interviewed sales expert Dylis Guyan, of www.IncreaseYourSalesIn30Days.com Dylis is a power-house of sales and an expert in her field.  In the interview she shares her top tips on getting focused and making more sales.

This exclusive free interview is packed with valuable information and Dylis gives a step by step guide on how to stop struggling to make sales and instead hit your sales targets.   So ask yourself the following questions.

Are you struggling…..

• To deal with the “Financial Crisis” and the impact it is having on your sales?
• To find the type of customers you want to see you?
• To convince your customers that your product/service is the best?
• To hit your Sales Target.
• Do you have a team or teams struggling to meet Sales Targets

Register below to receive your free copy (I am giving the first 50 copies away for free, after that I will be charging for this)

 

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

We respect your email privacy

Email Marketing by AWeber

 

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Roses, still looking good

You’ve set your goal, it’s clear, you’re focused, it feels great, all is going well.  Then – you hit a setback, something gets in your way and that’s it – you give up and the dream is gone.  Does this sound familiar?

You’re losing weight and you have a crisis and BANG you go back to your old patterns.  You’ve given up smoking and something stressful happens and you head for the nearest tobacconist.  You are focused on a business goal to make 20 sales calls a week and someone says something negative to you and that’s it – all the good intention – gone!  Old, bad, frustrating patterns return, all the good work undone.  Why does that happen?

A friend came to see me last weekend and bought me 12 beautiful yellow roses, they are so spectacular.  I’m convinced their fragrance has a hint of lemon, just gorgeous.  Today, much to my dismay I noticed that one of the roses had drooped and it wasn’t looking very healthy.  So I quickly removed it from the vase and instantly renewed the display to its former splendour.  Did I have to throw all of them away NO!

So, why, when you have a setback do you throw your whole goal away?  Just find a strategy to get back on track, limit the damage and get focused again.

How to get back on track when you lose focus:

1. Read your goal again (assuming it’s written, if not write it down)
2. Imagine yourself when you’ve achieved your goal.
3. Make a list of what you’ve achieved so far.
4. Write down 3 steps you can do that day to get back on track.
5. Do the first step immediately!

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Charles Dickens 1812 – 1870

If Charles Dickens wanted to come and speak at your Book Club would you say ‘No thanks, you’re too old?   Would Emmeline Pankhurst or Adam Smith get the same reaction at your networking group?   Or, how about if Sir Winston Churchill wanted to speak at your Speakers Club would you say ‘Sorry pal you’re just a bit over the hill and we’d rather hear from someone younger’?  Of course you wouldn’t!  So why do you tell yourself ‘I can’t do that because I am too old to?’

This is a common theme I hear, people limiting themselves because of their thoughts.  They won’t start their own business, they won’t apply for a new job, they won’t look for a new relationship, they won’t learn something new.  All this because they believe that they are too old, too young, too tall, too short, too fair, too dark, too anything-they-want-to-focus-on!

What other people think of you is their opinion and to be quite frank about it, it’s none of your business!  It’s a waste of your energy even trying to think about what they think because I guarantee you’ll be wrong!

If there’s something you want to do – then do it!

Sue Bown

Works with businesses and individuals to get better results, more efficiency, less stress AND more success. I play golf too, especially in the sun!

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Louise Reynolds, Property Venture, busy working mum

I started my company Property Venture with a view to striking a positive work, family-life balance, as well as pursuing a passion in property. I had done all the city-commuting bit, doing a demanding job and still trying to have a family life, but cracks were starting to appear.

So Property Venture® was born, to make an ethical mark in the overseas property scene, operating a low overhead business model and allowing for home life. So,am I achieving it?

Well a typical, recent, Monday looks like this…

My alarm goes off at 6.40 a.m. but my alarm clock knows that there is a big difference between it going off and me getting up!  But, I am in action at 7.20 a.m. corralling, cajoling, chuntering and just generally getting the kids ready for school.

By the time I have dropped off at their schools at 8.25 a.m. and 8.35 a.m. respectively, I can be at my office desk at 8.45 a.m.  My low overhead business model means that my work is close to the childrens’ schools.

I check e-mails first thing to see if anything urgent needs to be dealt with and my Twitter Direct Messages, through my Hootsuite panel, as well as a whistle-stop at my Facebook Property Venture Company Page. When I first started using social media for business I was scared stiff about how much of my time it would sap away from doing productive, “hard-nosed”, work.  Now it has become part of my weekly routine and by using all the support tools, management suites and pre-saved tabs on my internet browser Firefox ( I find it more robust than Internet Explorer), I believe it has helped me become a more prolific and efficient business communicator.  This and property-forum posting have helped build the business profile on the property scene. I now have a following of over 1200 on Twitter (I like to think it’s because I have something valuable to say about property and investing, but it may be some people have nothing better to do…), and on LinkedIn and Facebook I have over 500 valuable connections respectively.

I try to limit my time on this so I can start with meaty projects.  It’s that time of month again…(no not that one…) when I send out my e-newsletter to my database.  I make sure I have all my Property Blogs and Press Room posts up to date (my latest mention has been in A Place in the Sun for my Turkish tips), as I feature them all in my newsletters. This mailing can be quick, or really time-consuming, depending on technology.  I use 1shoppingcart to manage my database and if I don’t work in the mornings, it chugs along more slowly when the USA wakes up in the afternoon.  Still, I console myself that last month’s newsletter got a promising 19% open rate, so there must be interest in all my latest tips on overseas property buying.

I manage to grab time to follow up on a Spanish property enquiry and have a conversation with the Spanish Lawyer I am working with to help people who have paid a deposit on an off-plan property, but have not got a finished property to show for it. This has hit a nerve for many, who have had a frustrating time dealing with this from afar.

I don’t usually take a lunch break, which is part of my way of extending my working day.  This is even better if the children have after-school clubs, so I don’t have to pick up until 4.15 p.m. I then get home and do a bit more work, although this isn’t a great way of making sure the children do their homework properly.  I have often found myself feeling guilty at Parents’ evening for not doing better at this!  Anyway, it seems a small price to pay for that ever-seemingly-elusive, work life balance.

Louise Reynolds is the Director at Property Venture® and would love to connect with other Business Ladies either through Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn

Property Venture® has been featured or mentioned in: The Sunday Times, The Times Online, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Independent on Sunday, Homes Magazine, HSBC Liquid Magazine, Easyjet Magazine, London Homes & Property, A Place in the Sun

If you would like to write about a day in your life and how you manage your own work/life balance, please get in touch with sue@thecoachingzone.co.uk.

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