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
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Message in a Brand
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.
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?
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
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
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Power Of Attraction
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
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
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Has Spring sprung?
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
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
Friday, March 14, 2008
Time To Reflect
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
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
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Carpe Diem - Seize The Day
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
