I'm inspirationalised out!

We are up to our eyes in snow today and although the New Forest looks like fairy land it certainly doesn't do my business any good. The phone hasn't stopped ringing with people canceling their bookings. This morning I had to put on my overall and cook breakfast for the guests staying at the hotel as the chef was stranded. I haven't done that for a long time!
On November 17th I attended the 'everywoman'  annual conference and as usual came back to work feeling inspired, motivated and ready to change my business, if not the world! Sam Roddick, the daughter of Body Shop legend Anita Roddick was the keynote speaker. We heard how she overcame several obstacles before discovering her entrepreneurial spirit and starting her business Coco De Mer. She obviously has inherited her Mothers drive and it is her passion, dedication and boundless energy that keeps her motivated to succeed. There were some excellent masterclasses in the afternoon and the conference concluded with a motivational presentation by Penny Mallory. Having run away from home at 14 and scraped through school she went to London to find fame and fortune but ended up living in hostels for a couple of years. She told us how she took control of her life turned it around and is now a television presenter.She was the first woman in the world to compete in a World Rally Car. These women are so inspirational and I think by hearing  their stories and their struggles it encourages other women to reach their full potential and to reach for their dreams. Don't dream it, do it!

Another of my passions is dance, I am a Life Member of The Royal Academy of Dance. On November 19th I was invited to do a presentation at the Pavilion Dance Centre  about the Tiller Girls. It was a Vintage week-end with lessons on the jive, jitterbug and lindy hop! With the help of Karl Jones of KNdesign I managed to create a Power Point presentation on the history of the Tiller Girls. It was lovely to see so many people of all ages attending the Dance Centre, the place was buzzing.

On 23rd November I had the honour of being invited to be the speaker at Pat Wyeth's charity dinner to be held in the Conservative Club New Milton. Pat is the Chairman of the New Forest District Council .I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and being treated to a delicious meal.

The highlight of my week was attending 'everywoman's' official launch of the Modern Muse book at Adam Street Private Members Club in London. Modern Muse is a major initiative designed to inspire and engage the next generation of female business leaders and entrepreneurs by showcasing successful women of today in all walks of business life.The project is setting out to reach one million young women and girls over the next three years, to inspire and motivate them to look at business careers and entrepreneurship as a way to achieve their dreams. The publication of the book shines a spotlight on 100 inspirational women who are all vibrant, successful entrepreneurs and business women, personifying the 'Modern Muse'. Anyone who is interested in  getting involved with Modern Muse or would like more information about the project go to http://www.modernmuse.co.uk/
great
It was a full house for the Wessex Women's Network Christmas event. Lesley Bradsworth, owner of Charisma in Fawley presented the ladies with a wonderful fashion show of evening wear, day and casual wear. There was something for everyone and I can't wait for the snow to disappear so I can pay Charisma a visit.There was a great atmosphere during the evening and the raffle raised £150-00 for Refuge for women and children, another charity close to my heart.

Finally the big day had come for the finalists of the 'everywoman' business awards. This prestigious event was held at The Dorchester Hotel in London on December 1st and attended by over 200 women. As one of the judges it was a tough job to choose a winner from each category. The standard was very high and all the finalists had achieved success but like everything there can only be one winner. There was so much energy in the room and it was buzzing with excitement as each winner was announced. It was a fantastic day and I was lucky enough to be joined by my eldest daughter Amanda and four of my friends.  A great day was had by everyone.

Remember 'You don't have to be great to get started but you have to get started to be great' Les Brown

Avril

The Season for Awards

On Tuesday October 12th The Wessex Women met to hear Karen Guttridge of Slimfocus give a really interesting talk on weight control. If only we would eat less, stop snacking and exercise more we could all look as great as Karen. She explained to us that crash diets are only a temporary measure but if we changed our eating habits and ate less the weight should stay off and we could still indulge in our favourite foods. She also told us about Nordic Walking. I am hooked on Nordic Walking and go out with Karen for an hour's  walking three times a week. I feel healthier and fitter for it and it is also great fun.

Wednesday was another busy day for me, up at 5-30am to be in London to judge the 'everywoman business awards'. This is my 5th year of judging these awards and I always love the day. The awards are given to women in four different age groups and this year I was judging the under 25 year olds. I always come home totally inspired and humbled by the stories of some of these women and how they have overcome adversity and made a success of their lives. The awards are presented at a glittering lunch at the Dorchester Hotel London on Wednesday December 1st. If you would like to go to the event or know of anyone who would like to sponsor a table contact http://www.everywoman.co.uk/. It is always a wonderful event and great for networking.

It must be the time of the year for awards because on Thursday October 21st I am attending the South East Tourism Beautiful South Awards For Excellence at Mercedes Benz World with Jan Hoy.  Anne Paterson is a finalist in the self catering catagory. Anne regularly attends the Wessex Women's meetings and we wish her  luck and success on the evening.

I have been invited to be on Radio Solent next Wednesday on the Alex Dyke Morning Show. The BBC want to encourage the over 55's to get on-line and overcome their fears with computers and being well over that age I am going to discuss the subject with Alex. I always enjoy my visits to Radio Solent, everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

I don't get to see television very often but one of my favourite programmes is The Apprentice so I was delighted when I heard there was a new series coming to our screens. However what a disappointment it has been so far with such appalling behaviour from the ladies, if that's what you can call them! Their behaviour gives business women such a bad name and is no example to young women wanting to succeed in business. I'm a great believer that being aggressive gets you nowhere but being feminine does! Hopefully they will improve their behaviour in time before they become a laughing stock.

The next Wessex Women's meeting is on November 30th. Lesley Bradsworth of Charisma in Hythe is presenting a fashion show so this will be an ideal opportunity for you to come and chose your Christmas party dress.

I'm reading another fantastic book 'Goals' by Brian Tracey. If you don't have time to read you can buy all these great motivational books on CD and listen to them while you are in your car.

'You don't have to be great to get started but you do have to get started to be great' Les Brown

Avril