Womens Alternative Network

Leadership With Heart

2009-09-11T11:22:00.002+01:00

Do you know many corporate leaders that lead their people with heart and soul? That have that special magic of unleashing the power of the whole person – body, mind, emotions and spirit?

If you do, I want to hear about them please. This type of leadership is something that I haven't seen too often, particularly in the big organisations and yet I know there are some heart and soul leaders out there somewhere. Please ask them to get in touch.

I'm researching how these types of leaders came to lead this way, whether they've always led this way, who and what influenced them to be such inspiring forces behind people's jobs and lives. Where did they start, whether there was a pivotal moment that stirred them to focus on the latent energy and purpose within their people.

Over the coming weeks I want to explore what other leader's attitudes are towards leading with purpose and whether they are willing to change, adapt trial some of the ideas that I hope are going to come this way. I'll gladly share my research with anyone that is willing to help.

TV Appearances

2009-07-01T13:39:00.004+01:00

Hi I'm Ann Martin

Recently my web strategist Kirsty of http://www.openbookagency.co.uk/ put together a show reel of some of my TV appearances over the years and reminded me of the huge success at such an early age and so quickly.

Most of the are snippits from a previous business I ran, Ann Martin Associates, which included corporate clients such as Marks and Spencer, IBM, Hilton Hotel Group, Britannia Airways, British Midland Travel and others but today as a Professional Speaker and Executive Coach many of these loyal customers have asked me back to Coach their Executives and run Coaching Courses with Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).

So I hope you enjoy the short video - do excuse the interesting hairdos!
http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Aa2a-lYXM

Ann Martin

Are you in your flow?

2009-07-01T13:19:00.003+01:00

Hi, I'm Ann Martin and this week I had an amazing coaching session with one of my corporate clients. I'll call him Jim for confidentiality reasons.

Jim holds a very senior position in a UK blue chip company and although he has led people in large organisations for over 30 years in recent months he admits he has lost his leadership edge. He has been very overwhelmed with workload and staffing challenges and came to me wondering whether to leave his company for a complete change in life. As we started to discuss the options it was soon apparent how much he has enjoyed working at this organisation and how he feels such a part of it but that he had been working so hard and so many hours that he had become completely sucked into all the problems and could only see negatives.

One simple question shifted his thinking. I asked him to describe to me a time when he felt he was completely 'in his flow', when he had an abundance of energy, when he found things 'easy' and he was at his very best, performing and getting fantastic results.

He smiled and immediately it clicked with him that in recent months he had stopped doing all the things he is so brilliant at ie listening to and motivating his managers and instead had got stuck in the workload.

I received an email from him a short while ago telling me he had delegated much of the workload and had spent 2 days coaching and inspiring his managers, something that he is a natural at and certainly puts him back in his flow.

Why not take advantage of a free 15 minute coaching discovery session email me on ann@the-alternative-network.com.

Ann Martin

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Aa2a-lYXM

Starting A New Business Scary or Thrilling?

2009-06-19T16:51:00.003+01:00

I was delivering a Financial Planning workshop yesterday for Nottinghamshire Business Venture in conjunction with the Business Link New Start Up Service. www.nbv.co.uk and www.businesslink.co.uk

One of the delegates, a wonderful guy whose business idea is teaching team working skills through outward bound courses, unbeknown to me spent much of the workshop thinking about how scary the idea of going into business is, although at the same time he was very excited about the opportunity.

He later came to chat with me and told me that there had been a particular point of my presentation at which he had completely switched from the 'scary' thoughts to how thrilling it was going to be. That point had been when for some reason I broke away from the financial speak and started to talk about the fact that the first few years of struggling to get my business started and trying to get over the hurdles, although difficult and exhuasting, were the best years of my life. I called those years 'character building' years, but that this character building had led me to help other businesses such as the ones right in front of me yesterday.

This all had come to pass because the night before, my web strategist, Kirsty Farelly had uploaded to my website a video of 20 years of television appearances I had made. These included the BBC, ITV, GMTV and a show I had partnered with Marks and Spencers for which was filmed and appeared on The Clothes Show. As I clicked on the 'view' button the memories of all those fantastic years came flooding back. These are video clips that had been retrieved from old tapes 20 years or so ago (your ought to see the varying hairsyles!). I was amazed at how emotional I had become watching the video uploaded to my website.

Well it's a sight for sore eyes, but I hope for any new start businesses it gives you a little hope. All the TV appearances and PR came very easy - it was just a matter of picking up the phone and writing a few letters (they'd be emails today!) and being very, very persistent.

Enjoy the viewing http://www.the-alternative-network.com/.

Ann

It's what's behind the problem that's the real problem

2009-06-15T09:18:00.002+01:00

There's an old Chinese saying "there's plenty of room at the top but it's very crowded at the bottom".

On a sales and marketing course I was delivering, just at a point where we were discussing our top customers someone asked me to describe my target market. I told her that I choose to coach only people that are truly committed to changing something in their lives. She said, oh are you a bit like a councellor? Do you fix people? I said no, I definitely don't fix people. She said, ok so do you advise people? I said no, I don't advise people. She said do you train people? I said yes I do deliver training courses and give people access to information for them to improve their knowledge, but when I'm coaching people it's really a matter of helping them to access answers that are already within them.

Having said that, at the appropriate times, I do spend approx 20% of my coaching consultations explaining some models that they might find very useful such as how 'changing someone's environment won't always solve the problem, but helping them discover their top values might.

Take for example, someone who is finding it difficult to manage their team. They could try moving to another company, but sooner or later the old problems are likely to crop up again. By understanding what's important to the manager about managing their team such as respect, recognition, rewards you have the motivation behind finding solutions.

Running away from problems doesn't help. But finding the motivation behind solving the problems is key to success.

So what problems are you trying to ignore at the moment? Not enough customers? Not enough income? Working too hard for too little? Well that isn't the problem. There are plenty of customers out there and plenty of money.

What is the cause behind you not finding the right ones?

Speak again tomorrow.

Ann

Copywriter Please

2009-06-13T08:42:00.002+01:00

Hi there

I'm looking for a copywriter to speak at my Alternative Network Event on 17 September in Nottingham. Do you know anyone who:

Is very experienced and has plenty of examples to share - copywrite for websites, blogs, articles etc?
Is an engaging speaker?
Is local to Nottingham and will value the opportunity to speak to a group of 30 - 35 business owners and have exposure to several hundred more

Let me know if you do.

Many thanks

Ann

7 Tips for Social Networking

2009-06-13T08:30:00.002+01:00

I've recently started spending just an hour or so on a Saturday morning browsing videos on UTube and I am finding this a great way to speed up my learning. I suppose it depends on how you learn best but for me watching short clips and then moving on to the next gives me a good all round perspective on different subjects.

I've just been watching David C Skull on social media networking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-qmF7vgBZ8 so easy to listen to, really nice guy who makes things simple.

Kirsty Farrelly of www.openbookagency is currently giving me one to one lessons too - I've found it really helps to actually put things into action as you are learning.

Let me know who or what you've been watching to learn.

Speak soon
Ann

In the Flow

2009-06-08T18:55:00.003+01:00

This last month has been absolutely fantastic. The more I love the training, coaching and speaking I'm doing the more keeps coming. Talk about Law of Attraction!

One of my twitter followers, Julie Isaac said today "Remember, you don’t have to wish or wait for inspiration to “strike.” Just focus, relax & expect"www.WritingSpiritResources.com.

And don't you just find that when you are in your flow morre and more inspiration comes too?

Still smiling about my next Alternative Networking meeting on 24 June being sold out. Watch this space - another one on the way.

Until later
Ann

Get more done when it rains

2009-06-07T10:43:00.003+01:00

So I've been sitting here listening to the torrential rain in Robin Hood country for nearly 5 hours now. Such a dreadful shame for all those outside event organisers today and of course those that had high hopes of attending.

For me, well, I've just got on with lots and lots of great marketing, caught up with emails and done some fantastic research and development. So I'm pretty happy about the situation. There will be days of sunshine ahead and I'll be the first to take a day out to replace today.

Just checked on paypal and noticed my 24 June Alternative Network event is completely sold out, yey! So do I organise an additional event? Yes, I think so, maybe 7 July. After all, we are 'want to have more customers and to make more money' don't we?

Hope your days is as productive as mine has become.

Ann

Recession and Mindset

2009-06-05T13:23:00.002+01:00

I'm having some really interesting conversations with a wide variety of people about the affects of the recession. These sorts of conversations are unavoidable since I spend most of my day either coaching or facilitating entrepreneur/corporate workshops. There seems to be a real division between those that are seeing and experiencing huge possibilities and are feeling very 'up' and excited and those that are experiencing, directly, the hard and real effects of redundancy. I'm sure everyone knows someone that is going through this.

Personally, I think this recession is really shifting people's thoughts and mindsets. Many are scratching their heads thinking there has got to be more to life than this and all of a sudden things I have talked about for years - motivation, unconscious mind, law of attraction etc etc ... you know ...the 'pink, fluffy' stuff, is being taken seriously and given due attention, especially when it comes to the bigu picture ie purpose.

I feel privileged to be helping both entrepeneurs and corporate executives through these times, what a fantastic profession to be in.

Ann

Business Live Conference

2009-05-28T13:58:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone

I had a really interesting morning attending the Business Live Conference at the Ice Stadium in Nottingham today. Saw some familiar faces and met some very interesting people.

One lady in particular stood out to me. She was very well dressed, had a wonderfully warm look and feel about her, huge smile and very professional approach. We got chatting over coffee and you know when you've met someone and felt like you've known them for years .... this was one of those occasions.

Turns out she was the speaker for the afternoon's session on 'Networking' from the Kintish organisation. What a great advertisement! We were talking about the fact that so many people go to networking events to network, but often don't feel comfortable actually speaking to people. There are some people that make it easy to network with. Here was one of them.

Question is .... how easy are you making it for people to network with you?

Regards
Ann

Networking Going Well

2009-05-26T16:11:00.002+01:00

Bookings for the next The-Alternative-Network meeting on 24 June going really well. You'd expect it with a topic like 'Getting More Customers' I guess wouldn't you?

I think the two things that separate companies that are doing really well and those that aren't is a) attitude b) marketing. Some are being left behind whilst others are really grasping the nettle and making great moves - there are some incredible opportunities out there and with the right approach and great marketing anyone can succeed.

Hope to see you at 9am, 24 June at the Waltons. Check out the website for details www.the-alternative-network.com

Ann

My Social Networking

2009-05-26T14:24:00.002+01:00

I never thought I would hear myself actually saying this but I'm on a real journey with Social Media Networking and I'm loving it.

I've never really enjoyed much to do with IT and all this web stuff but I know it is helping me to achieve the great things in life that are currently displayed nealty on my 'vision boards'. One of my dreams is to help a minimum of 10,000 people to achieve all the great things they want in their lives and of course as most of my clients are ambitious entrepreneurs and corporate executives Social Media and the Internet plays a huge part in attracting new customers.

Much of my time in coaching clients that also weren't 'grabbed' by emarketing and technology has been on changing their attitudes and approach and it's working brilliantly. That's why I choose to coach ambitious and eager people because they are so committed to doing whatever needs to be done to stretch and expand their thinking and thereby their results. For some it's a bigger change than others.

For me it has been a huge shift, but as I sit here with my french windows open, the sun streaming in and the breeze gently swaying the trees in the fields around me I can hardly complain can I? It beats getting stuck on a busy motorway anytime!

I'll be letting you know who is helping me, what resources I am using and what progress I'm making. I already have 70 followers on face book and almost 1000 Twitter followers and I've only just begun this thing. Exciting or what!

New To Twitter?

2009-05-15T07:18:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone

Ok, you're right, I haven't posted a blog for weeks - no excuses, just trying to get on top of Twitter and Face Book and Linked in and .......I'm currently trying to find out how to link this blog with my Twitter account - I'm sure I'll work it all out sooner or later, of course unless you are an expert on it and can give me a hand?

I keep reading everywhere that social media networking is the way to go and Kirsty, web strategist, keeps telling me so I'm on a mission, watch this space!Any feedback of your own experiences would be really valuable and success stories of how it's lead to relationships, orders etc even better.Speak soon thenAnnTwitter Updatesfollow me on Twitter
Link: www.womensalternativenetwork.co.uk

Hitting your financial goals

2009-03-18T20:51:00.002Z

So last time we spoke I talked about the fact that less than 1% of the population set financial goals. It's hardly surprising then that so many people are in such financial dilema. But there's a difference between writing SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timed) and writing goals that have got real emotion behind them. What would achieving your financial goal mean to you? How would your life be different? What choices would it give you? What sort of things would you stop doing and what great things would you start doing? And who else would benefit?

Start writing your goal, first by making the goal in the present, as if it were now. For example it is .............. (put in the date that the goal will have been achieved), then continue by completing I am ..............(this could be something you are doing, or being) and then add in the last bit which is I have ............(something you now own, or have achieved etc).

Once you've done that keep reading it again and again and repeat it tomorrow, the day after and the day after that until the goal is done.

More goal stuff coming shortly.

Ann

Going for Goals

2009-03-15T20:34:00.002Z

Research shows that less than 1% of the population set and achieve goals on a regular basis. But those that do earn more than 95% of the world's wealth. So if you aren't attracting the sort of income you would like, ask yourself when was the last time you set a financial goal?
And how much belief, commitment and conviction was behind that goal? Without goals we stand still, or worse, fall behind.

So, stop for a moment. Write down a figure and a date you'd like to achieve it and then tune in again tomorrow. I'll be back soon. In fact, why not email me both and I'll send you my 5 top tips to achieving your goals, every time.

Ann

Loving what you do and doing what you love

2009-03-12T18:29:00.002Z

It took me a while to realise that not only is it important in life to do something that you love but, if you want to be successful in business you need to fall in love with what you are offering. Then what you are selling is your enthusiasm. The benefits, of course, is what people are buying and when you are truly passionate about something and you believe in it totally, then your conviction shines through and people listen, really listen. And they take action.

But loving what you do is not enough. To be successful in business you've got to love the vehicles that will help you get your message out in the first place, otherwise nobody will know about you. therefore - no business! Whilst I've always been passionate about personal growth and helping people transform their businesses and their lives, I've never been passionate about the marketing vehicles such as web, emarketing, twitter or blogging. Just the very mention of any of these used to send shivers down my spine.

I'm proud to say that finally I'm getting rather hooked. So much so that I've invited Web Strategist Kirsty Farrelly to speak at my next Women's Alternative Network event on 30 April in Nottingham. First I'll be applying my NLP and coaching skills by helping everyone overcome their 'wobbly' thoughts about the web and then Kirsty will help to take away some of the confusion and open up the door to some fabulous tools they can apply immediately. So watch this space, details will be coming soon.
Ann

New Horizons

2009-03-10T21:54:00.002Z

I've just got back from Rosjke Hasseldine's one year celebration of her Women's Power Circles http://www.womenspowercircles.com and had some really interesting conversations with women who are itching to leave their employed positions and 'do something different'. I've had the same conversations with many others recently and the one thing in common has been ..."but I haven't a clue what to do". All have wanted to start their own business and the most frustrating part of it, they say, is just not being able to come up with a business idea.

So if you are in the same position, then why not STOP trying so hard to think of what you could DO and think more about who you can BE. What does that mean? Well, ask yourself, who are you when you are being YOU, when you are being the authentic YOU, the happiest you, when you are in your flow, laughing, singing, joking, comfortable with yourself and others? Who are you when you feel passion, energy, when you really lose yourself in what you are doing. There could be a clue here for your new business idea.

Let me know if this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you.

Ann

Women and Recession - GMTV Survey

2009-03-09T09:25:00.003Z

GMTV's exclusive online survey has revealed that nearly half of women are now breadwinners in UK homes. With the economic crisis changing the dynamics in many people's relationships, couples and families are having to adjust to their new roles. http://www.gmtv.co.uk/
GMTV's online survey revealed that...
Half of the female viewers were the main breadwinner in the household
50% were forced to go to work, work more hours, or work full time, to earn more money for the family
38% said their partner's redundancy had an adverse affect on their relationship

Reading this article made me realise what incredible opportunities we women have to really influence the success of our businesses, careers and income.... yes, even during a recession, in fact more so. The time is ripe for us to get up and get out there and make a difference to the economy and our own lives. We have such natural skills that equip us to handle pressure, lead, delegate, innovate and collaborate and form great relationships with people that can help us and whom we can help. Is it just me or are you finding you are attracting just the right people and opportunities right now?

I know this recession is causing millions of people real challenges, but there are seriously some hidden gems lying there in the people around you, at this very moment. Just take a look, give them a call, get together for a coffee, attend lots of networking events. And ... be open to opportunities that are staring you right in the face. What you 'put out' is what you get back and this recession is only going to go away if we focus on what we want and take responsibility for the way we think about today, next week, next year. We need to focus on what we want, not what we don't want.

Back tomorrow.

Ann

Finding your flow

2009-03-06T16:45:00.002Z

So there I was last night, torch under the bed clothes reading Rachel Elnaugh's (ex Red Letter Days and Dragon's Den) latest book, Business Nightmare's - a fantastic read. She spoke at the KC Jones Women's Conference at Pride Park yesterday, a very inspiring event with other speakers Kavita Oberoi (secret millionnaire), Maggie Philbin (ex Saturday morning swap shop and Tomorrow's world presenter) and Karen Darke, explorer and motivational speaker.

Don't you just love being around positive, uplifting people? It gives me such a buzz and takes away the 'small thinking' that is so easy to slip into in the office in front of the computer! I certainly know that I'm in my flow when I hear inspirational messages and motivational talk. We really do need more successful women standing up there on stage. I told Rachel that one of my intentions was to inspire 10,000 people .... she said "why just 10,000, add some more 000s" so I did. And why not?

And just as I was thinking of changing my network branding I was almost accosted by a group of women who said leave it just as it is, it works, we love it and we'll be at your next event. OK, so I've got some more thinking to do. Thanks to Louise Third of Integra Communications for some friendly advice and the offer of a coffee and a chat about moving forward with expanding the network. This is what networking is about isn't it? Great friendships, great contacts, great advice and lots of support.

I'm off to buy some more batteries, I've got another 5 chapters to go yet!
Have a great weekend, Ann

What a difference a name makes!

2009-03-03T17:48:00.006Z

Don’t you just love looking at where you’ve come from and how you’ve progressed, in business, in life? I do. In fact I've got into the habit of focussing on what I can learn, even when I’ve made some real bloopers. But I’m chuffed to say, that the last 12 months has been quite spectacular for me. It started with a decision I made when I heard a few murmurs about a credit crunch being on the horizon. Could I defy it and grow my business anyway? The answer I’m delighted to say is yes. And I have. My coaching, training and network bookings are up on last year and after having been challenged countless times by men who also want to be in on the fun I’ve made another decision .... Yes, I’m opening my http://www.womensalternativenetwork.co.uk/
to men too, but will be ditching the old name and renaming it The-Alternative-Network.co.uk.

But more about that later. So watch this space!

I've been making some fantastic plans with Website Trouble Shooter, Kirsty Farrelly, http://www.openbookagency.co.uk/ to run a series of ‘Fit For Business’ sessions through the new network. Can't spoil the surprise yet, but I guess you could say it will be a 'no-nonsense' approach for those that really want to leap ahead with their websites, their marketing, their goals and their vision in 2009 - credit crunch or no credit crunch.

I'll be back with more news tomorrow.
Ann

A Few Words From Our Members

2008-11-11T07:39:00.004Z

Hello again

Everyone is talking about the economic downturn, including our members and how great that you are continuing to be so positive and spirited with your emails and comments. I thought I'd share a few with you:

Rebecca Bishop of Dandelion Graphics says "I do have some general advice about coping with the current climate and that is - switch the TV off when the news comes on! It's depressing hearing about the financial state of the country every day and it's not as bad as the media make out if you get out there talking to real business people".http://www.dandeliongraphics.co.uk/

Sonya Lee Davies of Etiquette says, "I won't be able to help you get rich, however, we do guarantee that you will feel much richer after first 10 weeks with Etiquette". http://www.etiquette121.com

Suzie Young of Urban Kneads adds "nuture relationships with existing clients and keep in regular contact with them so as to gain a stream of mouth referrals and feedback on other products and services they would like to buy from you". http://www.urban-kneads.com/

From the conversations I have had with many of you recently it seems that you are taking the opportunity to look very closely at what you are offering, how well you are doing it and who your target market is 'adding value' one way or another together with a little more flexibility in how you operate.

So far, touch wood, it hasn't affected me but then you'd expect that I hope ...... it's like a red rag to a bull to me. I just like to go out there and get more business to defy the odds. It's a great feeling when you know you've really earned it too.

Hope to see you all at next Wednesday's Colwick Hall Event.

Keep smiling

Ann

Rising High in Turbulent Times

2008-10-31T12:47:00.002Z

Good day

Funny where a chance conversation with someone can lead you? A few weeks ago when I was talking about the last recession in the 90's and the fact that I doubled turnover as a result of quite frankly getting sick and tired hearing about the doom gloom, I suddenly get asked to talk to businesses about coping with the recession. It was nothing to do with the person I had the conversation with, though maybe it is on a subliminal level. Which reminds me about one of my previous bloggs on 'The Law of Attraction'.

And then today, with a little help from Louise Third of Integra Communications, Heart FM get in touch for an interview next week. Hurrah! Once again, I've already decided to up my game and have a better year personally and professionally this year than last, which is quite something because last year was nothing to complain about.

So what's with the title, 'Rising High in Turbulent Time'? From my perspective, rising high is a choice. You can ride the quest of the wave or get pounded by it's force. I'm made a few strategic mistakes I admit it and some have cost me dearly, but it's where we go from here. Whether you are a business owner or employee there is one thing for sure. Remaining static could be a dangerous choice. Getting out, getting known, getting seen and being remembered is certainly going to work in your favour, if not immediately, then very soon. Don't forget, think it, feel it, see it and the Law of Attraction will do the rest.

Ann

The Message in a Brand

2008-10-31T12:27:00.002Z

I'm on a roll now. This is my second blog today. What have I learned? Clearly if I diarise it it gets done. Hardly brain science.

I was sitting in the reception of a client company, Cummins Generator Technology, yesterday when I picked up their corporate magazine and flicking through it I came upon a little red folded up booklet which informed all Cummins' stakeholders 10 Top Things To Know about their brand.

It made fascinating reading and I was kindly handed a complimentary copy of the magzine to take away with me.

So I've decided to model their example and put something in words today that I hope will help to reflect what me and my company's brand promise is all about.

It's more than a phone call to confirm your appointment. More than an email to answer your query. More than a meeting to explore the problem. More than a question to stimulate your thinking. More than listening behind the words. More than observing to see the shifts. More than acknowledging your commitment. More than believing your intention. More than expectation in your promise. More than achievement in your endeavours. It's all of these things and something more. It's the sum of past experience and the promise of tomorrow. It's the one thing I hope you can trust. My brand.

Mind Crunch or Credit Crunch?

2008-10-31T11:45:00.003Z

Hello again!

I know....... long time no blog! And since I have dedicated today to catch up on my writing (aren't you so proud of me Kirsty? ...she's the influence behind anything I do Web/IT wise) you may well see an abundance of blogs and articles over the coming months. Well let's face it, unless it's in the diary, does it get done? Must be something to learn from that!

So, where to start? Well the last 3 months have been some of the most interesting I can honestly say I have had in my life. Funny isn't it, over the years I've been on scores of courses, listened to endless tapes (or is it Ipods today?), read hundreds of books and spoken to many many wise and learned people that you'd think that I'd have the secret to the universe. But there's nothing quite like 'experience' when it comes to learning and change.

So now you are sitting there expecting to read about some catastrophic incident that occurred recently and all the woes, blood, sweat and tears that I battled through to emerge safely and sainly out the other end? Sorry to disappoint!

Ok so the credit crunch has had its effects on the Martin household, but how is it that I can 'hand on my heart' say that I feel even happier and more content than ever? My coach recently said (yes I know, I'm a coach why should I need a coach ...answer, don't we all if we want to continually be moving in the right direction ?) that real 'learning' comes through listening, I mean really listening, to something in your head or your body that's trying to get some attention and finding out what the heck's going on. And that includes when you're feeling really great as well as when you're having a freeky moment.

And the BIG shifts come from when you commit to getting a 'learning' from every good or bad situation.

So there's a credit crunch and for some it could mean them losing everything they have. For others it could mean having to cut back. How timely it was that Lesley Brown sent something to me recently that just puts everything into perspective. Let me know and I'll glady pass it on.

Until later

Ann

The Power Of Attraction

2008-07-10T11:10:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone

Last year I kept hearing about a documentary called 'The Secret'. You've probably seen it? I didn't do anything about it at the time, however, it was at the back of my mind for ages. Perhaps I should go on line and order it. Just as I had remembered , my broadband went down! Typical I thought. Then that night, someone, out of the blue, handed it to me telling me that someone else had recommended it to him. He had started to watch it but couldn't make head nor tail of what the heck it was talking about.

"It's The Secret", I said. I've been looking for that. Amazing, talk about the law of attraction!

So, I have to say, as soon as I started to watch it I was hooked. I kept playing it again and again, hey and guess what! It works. I cannot believe how many people keep cropping up in my life that I haven't seen for years! It happened 4 times yesterday with 4 different people. Though, they apparently came to see me because they had seen my photo and a promotion of an event I was speaking at.

I just hate it when I watch a film or something that someone at the side of me has watched already and insists in giving me a running commentary about it. So I won't spoil it for you. Just get it and enjoy it. Then try it!

I'd love to hear your comments, views, experiences. Let me know.

Ann

Has Spring sprung?

2008-04-01T08:51:00.004+01:00

I think I'm in heaven! At last, the sun is shining and the birds are singing and I think I've just been born again! I'm not complaining about the winter we're just emerging from, but you've got to admit, sunshine and the birds chorus makes life seem very different. Where did all that energy come from - I feel 10 years younger!

I've been up for several hours already, probably like you, coffee in hand, computer on my lap and already have added a dozen or so things to my 'to do list' this morning. Today is the day when I get everything 'scratched off' and then I reap myself a reward (tip from my Business Coach) this afternoon for all my efforts. Don't you just love storming through all those tasks and feeling that wonderful sence of achievement and pride!

I've already booked myself on 3 Business Networking events and arranged 2 Life and business Coaching Sessions with my coach over the next month. It can be pretty lonely working for yourself, even if you have lots of staff. I'm at my best when I'm meeting up with my business buddy, networking or speaking with my IT guru Kirsty.

Associating with like minded people is a must for me. There's so much negative stuff around us all of the time - you just switch on the news and here it comes - murders, rapes, war, the state of the economy. Why do they give us so little good news?

Well, perhaps it's down to us to create it. And create it we do. I get so excited when I receive emails from members of this network that tell me about something you've just achieved - it could be a small task that you've been putting off for ages or a conversation you've been avoiding. And the impetus it gives us all to then go on and get something else done is worth doing that little thing in the first place.

Well, time to get back to the list. And now I can scratch this little job out!

Bye for now.
Ann

Time To Reflect

2008-03-14T14:06:00.004Z

So this is what normal life is like is it? I say normal, because this is the first time in months that I've cleared my diary, got through piles of paperwork and given myself some time to just sit back and reflect.

The problem is that I seem to do it over endless cappucinos and cake - it's just got to be done sometimes!

It has been such an eventful time setting up the network and finishing off many projects that I've been working on. But I have to say, the last few months have been tremendous and talk about personal growth .... I wonder where all the information goes... I mean how much can the mind cram in!

I've embarked on lots of networking myself in the last few weeks and I'm absolutely loving it (hence all the coffees and cakes!). It's such a good thing to catch up with old friends and associates and see who's doing what and who can help who.

It makes me realise how much networking I did when I set my first business up in 1984 - because many of my contacts were doing just the same thing and I keep bumping into people that I've know for 20+ years. Scarey isn't it! And it's just so amazing that we don't look a bit different!

So, I'm about to start planning the next Women's Alternative Business Network Meeting on 13 May. It's going to be a really full day with lots and lots to learn and apply. I'd really recommend you attend the morning session as well as the afternoon session. You will get so much out of it - we are going to cover alot of ground and you will want to go away and reflect just the same as I am doing, on what's really important to you, where you are going and what you are going to be putting in place to get there.

The day will explain who and what has been influencing where you are today and how you can change many of the values and beliefs that are no longer serving you.

There will be areas covered on business values, leadership and communication too.

So, have a great weekend. Live and enjoy life and I'll buy you a cappucino if we bump into each other, like the other 10 or so members that I've seen already this week!

Best wishes
Ann

Carpe Diem - Seize The Day

2008-02-26T20:08:00.001Z

I’ve just spent the most fascinating week in Switzerland at St Gallen University studying entrepreneurship and it was a trip that will most definitely never be forgotten. The Swiss chocolate had a lot to do with it of course and I’m still shedding the pounds! The words ‘inspirational’, ‘educational’, ‘motivational’ and ‘creative’ spring to mind. Huge thanks to Richard Dearden and Nottingham Business Venture for the opportunity.

For any Women’s Alternative Network Members that are attending the Barclays/NBV sponsored ‘Women’s High Achievers’ workshop at Aura, Newark on 5 March, I shall be demonstrating some of the entrepreneurial teaching methods that came out of the course. We shall be kicking off with a video of ‘October Sky’ and discussing what makes an entrepreneur, what leadership skills really count and what strategy needs to be in place to grow a successful business. If you fancy joining us please email Sparr@nbv.co.uk for further details.
For those of you who love to be inspired by ‘dreamers’ and ‘doers’ then check out the film – it’s wonderful and enough to move anyone to action. But be careful not to blow yourself up … you’ll have to watch the film to understand that last remark.

As a result of the Switzerland course I’m also adding another dimension to the complimentary ‘Stepping Stones To Leadership’ workshop on 11 March, 0845 – 1200. If you enjoyed watching ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ you will remember when Robin Williams asked the boys to ‘tear out’ a page of their poetry book and to replace it with their own verse.

My invitation to you on the 11th (or before) is to start writing your own verse of life.

See you on the 11th.
Carpe Diem, Seize The Day.

Warmest wishes
Ann

The other day someone asked me how I managed to always keep so positive and full of energy

2008-02-02T13:03:00.000Z

The other day someone asked me how I managed to always keep so positive."You always seem so happy and full of energy", she said.

A million thoughts flew through my mind like a turbo train racing through a tunnel. And if only she had seen me 30 minutes earlier! My BT land line had gone down, so too my broadband, my computer took a dislike to me and my mobile died - all within 24 hours! She happened to bump into me on the way to library, resigned to the fact that we all at the mercifull hands of technology and how vunerable it leaves us feeling when we rely on it for our income!.

The 'always keeping positive bit', well that's not always true. I have my moments like all of us, but I guess I've learned to get out of it quicker and not get stuck for hours in negative stuff that takes me nowhere.

The IT problem is no different from others really. I've learned to step back and look at the 'grander purpose' - a phrase that years ago would have left me feeling rather synical. But today I find it gets me out of the problem and into 'what I can learn' from it. Then within a few minutes, I've got wisdom, solutions and I'm on my way again.

I'm really looking forward to the next Stepping Stones To Leadership and Business Networking event on 11 March (check http://www.womensalternativenetwork.co.uk/). The morning is going to be spent looking at why so many women hold themselves back from stepping up and becoming all that they secretly know deep inside they can become.

Your comments, feelings, experience and anything else you would like to add would be most valued and appreciated so why not post something on the forum.

Since my last blog I have had some incredible and insightful meetings with members of the network. Lesley Brown is going to take a few moments to talk about her wonderful women's cause, for women who have been abused at some point in their life www.sheuk.org but we have a terrific success story to tell as a result of the work that has gone into this group.

Kay Wilson from support4mothers is going to tell us a little about her business idea of supporting mothers of new bornes - a well needed service.

So, until the next blog, keep positive, keep happy and I hope to hear from you soon.

Warmest wishes
Ann

I was wondering this morning what I would write for the very first blog .....

2008-01-16T22:29:00.000Z

I was wondering this morning what I would write for the very first blog of the Women’s Alternative Network. I was thinking should I just see what happens today, give a few details of any last minute hitches and then give an honest account of how I’m feeling about the content and what I am going to deliver tomorrow?

As the day proceeded it became obvious that the time was just going to fly on by and before too long I received several last minute bookings and attempted, again, to update the delegate list. I realised that no matter how hard you try, things sometimes don’t always go according to plan. For me, that’s a tall order, because I like things to run perfectly.

Only a few minutes later, a jet plane flew right over and very close to my house. My new puppy, an adorable white and champagne fluffy ball, suddenly disappeared. I didn’t see her go, but the door was open and I assumed she’d made a run for it.

So now I’m running through fields, down lanes and into farmer’s yards calling for the pup to come home. This wasn’t what I had in mind. I’d still got to print off handouts and evaluation forms. Where was the day disappearing.

Tired, wet from the rain and feeling helpless I wondered how well I could rise to the challenge of delivering two upbeat presentations and keep everyone else uplifted – because after all, I’d already received many calls of expectations.

A while later, two grubby ears appeared from underneath my kitchen units – the pup was wedged. But at least she was safe and I was looking forward to a great day on Thursday and to meeting lots of new and interesting people.

It’s fantastic being able to meet and chat with likeminded women who are looking to improve their work, income, health, relationship or some aspect of their life in one way or another. And what has delighted and amazed me is that this started with just a few emails to the people I had met over the years. Suddenly the network is growing at a pace and we haven’t even had the second meeting yet.

I’m so thrilled and grateful for those spreading the word.

So back to my notes – a few last minutes changes, a bath, a glass of wine and an early night.

Hope we get chance to speak tomorrow.

Warmest wishes
Ann