When I was first approached by Lisa Carden of A & C Black Publishers to write 'Delighting Your Customers' I nearly turned down the opportunity as I didn't think I had the talent to write a book. English was my worst subject at school and as my children will tell you, I don't know many long words! But I realised that I am always telling people to never turn down an opportunity and I was about to do just that so in a wild moment I signed the contract and was committed to write 40,000 words in just five months. It was very hard work but when I saw the book on the shelf at Waterstones in Oxford Street I was so excited that I just wanted to tell everyone in the shop that I had written it. Now four years later the revised Edition is out today and I'm hoping to write another book soon. Never underestimate your talents because you will never know what you are capable of unless you try and persevere.
On Wednesday September 14th I attended the Autumn meeting of the Financial Mail Women's Forum at Fredericks Restaurant in Islington. Unfortunately Jennie Agutter who was booked to be the speaker wasn't able to make it due to her filming schedule and Deborah Hollamby who was to stand in for her was taken ill so there was no speaker but it gave the members an opportunity to network and promote their businesses or events. I met two very nice girls from Bloomberg Bank who were attending the event for the first time and enjoyed talking to them.
Afterwards I dashed home because the Wessex Women were meeting at the Cloud Hotel on that evening and as the Hotel is still fully booked I was needed to help in the restaurant. I wasn't able to listen to Lord Ian Strathcarron's talk but I heard alot of laughter coming from the room and I had some excellent feedback about his presentation from the members who I understand thoroughly enjoyed it. Here is Karen Guttridge's account of his talk.
Following in the footsteps of Mark Twain, Lord Strathcarron proposed "The Moral Regeneration of the Human Race." To draw an analogy from medicine- when a healthy person undergoes vaccination they receive small amounts of the disease-producing microbe thereby ensuring that they do not fall victim to the disease ever again. So perhaps in the same way, we may refer ourselves immune to the 7 deadly sins [wrath, greed, sloth, pride, gluttony, envy and lust] by permitting ourselves to dabble with 'just a little' of each one! It is hoped that our memory of the negative experience [ such as shame] gained by such indulgence will be enough to discourage any further sinning!
Eventually we will be sin free! My mind boggles and as Karen says "Where's the fun in that?"
It's been a very busy week for me and on Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the pilot of a new competition -The UK Business Speaker of the Year. Motivational speaking is a subject I am very interested in and it is becoming an important part of business. The idea is to create an event that will bring the UK's top business speakers to Bournemouth and make people aware of the the brilliant conference facilities in Bournemouth. The final was held in the Ocean Theatre, Pavilion Dance, there were 8 finalists and I was disappointed to see only one woman amongst them. However it was a very interesting and entertaining evening and was sponsored by RT Media a local branding communications agency that has become very successful since it started in 2002. If anyone is interested in developing their voice for public speaking I can recommend an excellent teacher at the Winchester Voice Studio. Her name is Amanda Smallbone for further information you can contact Amanda at amanda.smallbone@me.com.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Oct 26th when Christine Dyke will be talking about women in politics, I look forward to welcoming you to this event.
I often recommend a book and this time I thought I would like to recommend 'Delighting Your Customers' by Avril Owton MBE published by Bloomsbury. Delivering excellent customer service without breaking the bank. Every one of us can make a difference to the customer's experience in our company often by being just kind and caring.
'Customers don't always care how much you know until they know how much you care'
Take care
Avril
Monday, 19 September 2011
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Back to School.
With the school holidays over I'm sure the majority of you are pleased to see the children go back to school! For many of us trying to juggle children or grandchildren with our careers is always challenging. However I hope you were able to enjoy quality time with your families. I spent two glorious weeks in Tenerife with some of my family and came back to work totally relaxed and recharged ready for the challenges that face me daily.
September is one of my favourite months, there is a certain calm about it however the Cloud Hotel is still very busy in September as the more mature customers come to enjoy a break when the children have gone back to school and before winter sets in. Although the evenings are drawing in the days can be warm and sunny if we are lucky!
I have a busy month ahead of me with networking events and Award Ceremonies to attend. The next Wessex Women's Network event is on Wednesday September 14th when Lord Ian Strathcarron will be our speaker. The title of his talk The Moral Regeneration of the Human Race a sideways look at morals! Apparently a very amusing speaker so I look forward to welcoming you to the event. There is always an opportunity for you to promote your business or charity event during the evening as well as network with the other members.
The revised edition of my book Delighting Your Customers [delivering excellent customer service without breaking the bank] published by Bloomsbury is to be released on September 19th. It is packed with essential advice and is aimed at small business owners who want to help their businesses reach their full potential. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon. I hope anyone who buys it will find it useful and enjoy it.
Talking of books I am reading Alan Sugar's autobiography at the moment and what a fascinating story it is. Like so many successful people he did not go to university and hasn't got a degree but has always found a way to make money even as a young lad. At a time when so many of our young people are starting university I do wonder if some of them would do better to go into the workforce and use their entrepreneurial skills and talents. Not one of the Dragons on Dragons Den have a degree!
Finally. 'There are those who think they can and those who think they can't. Funnily enough they are both right.' Henry Ford
I suggest you think you can, you achieve more that way.
Till the next time
Avril
September is one of my favourite months, there is a certain calm about it however the Cloud Hotel is still very busy in September as the more mature customers come to enjoy a break when the children have gone back to school and before winter sets in. Although the evenings are drawing in the days can be warm and sunny if we are lucky!
I have a busy month ahead of me with networking events and Award Ceremonies to attend. The next Wessex Women's Network event is on Wednesday September 14th when Lord Ian Strathcarron will be our speaker. The title of his talk The Moral Regeneration of the Human Race a sideways look at morals! Apparently a very amusing speaker so I look forward to welcoming you to the event. There is always an opportunity for you to promote your business or charity event during the evening as well as network with the other members.
The revised edition of my book Delighting Your Customers [delivering excellent customer service without breaking the bank] published by Bloomsbury is to be released on September 19th. It is packed with essential advice and is aimed at small business owners who want to help their businesses reach their full potential. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon. I hope anyone who buys it will find it useful and enjoy it.
Talking of books I am reading Alan Sugar's autobiography at the moment and what a fascinating story it is. Like so many successful people he did not go to university and hasn't got a degree but has always found a way to make money even as a young lad. At a time when so many of our young people are starting university I do wonder if some of them would do better to go into the workforce and use their entrepreneurial skills and talents. Not one of the Dragons on Dragons Den have a degree!
Finally. 'There are those who think they can and those who think they can't. Funnily enough they are both right.' Henry Ford
I suggest you think you can, you achieve more that way.
Till the next time
Avril
Monday, 8 August 2011
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
An Undercover Agent?
The subject of the talk for the Wessex Women's Network meeting on Tuesday evening was ' An Undercover Agent' and the ladies arrived thinking they were going to hear stories from a spy! How surprised they were when the speaker Hazel Wilson announced she was a corsetiere and was going to talk to us about corsets and bras! However Hazel's talk was very interesting as well as entertaining and what a fun night it turned out to be with so much laughter. [Hazel has a fantastic figure!] But there is always a serious side to our meetings when members are given the opportunity to give a short presentation about their business or any events, including charity events, they may be organising. Jan and I have witnessed members grow not only their business but also their confidence and it has given me personally great pleasure to be part of it. Sharing experiences with like minded women helps encourage women to reach their full potential in their business life and their personal life.
Many of the members of the Wessex Women's Network are Mothers and the meetings give us the opportunity to share our family problems with each other and to realise we are not alone! Being a Mum is often more stressful than running a large business and it is important for us Mums to be-able to have some fun and let our hair down too, whatever our age!
It's the school holidays at the moment and that is always a stressful time for Mums trying to keep the children occupied and I smiled to myself today when I asked my eldest daughter how are things she replied "we're trying to work our way through the school holidays" Probably the sentiment of a lot of Mums.
On July 17th a Charity Cream Tea was held at the Cloud Hotel as part of the Hampshire Food Festival and a grand total of £811-00 was raised that was shared between Naomi House Hospice and Beaulieu Countryside Education Trust. Our next charity event will be the 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' to be held at the Cloud Hotel on Friday September 30th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please put it in your diary because everyone is welcome, we hope to raise a lot of money.
The following day I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Radio Solent by Katie Martin about running a bed and breakfast. However as in most of my interviews Katie was more interested in my career as a Tiller Girl but as they say all publicity is good and I have learnt never to say no to any opportunities that are offered to me that will promote my business. A lesson to be learnt by all businesswomen.
The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday September 14th when author Lord Ian Strathcarron talks about the The Moral Regeneration of The Human Race. The mind boggles?
I hope you are all enjoying the summer months and having some time to unwind, relax and maybe read. Have any of you read Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach? If you haven't may I suggest you do because it is a brilliant book and can be read in a day. I just love it and it helped to change my life in times of despair. It taught me life is for living.
"Everyday brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance" Oprah Winfrey.
And how I love to dance!
Avril
Many of the members of the Wessex Women's Network are Mothers and the meetings give us the opportunity to share our family problems with each other and to realise we are not alone! Being a Mum is often more stressful than running a large business and it is important for us Mums to be-able to have some fun and let our hair down too, whatever our age!
It's the school holidays at the moment and that is always a stressful time for Mums trying to keep the children occupied and I smiled to myself today when I asked my eldest daughter how are things she replied "we're trying to work our way through the school holidays" Probably the sentiment of a lot of Mums.
On July 17th a Charity Cream Tea was held at the Cloud Hotel as part of the Hampshire Food Festival and a grand total of £811-00 was raised that was shared between Naomi House Hospice and Beaulieu Countryside Education Trust. Our next charity event will be the 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' to be held at the Cloud Hotel on Friday September 30th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please put it in your diary because everyone is welcome, we hope to raise a lot of money.
The following day I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Radio Solent by Katie Martin about running a bed and breakfast. However as in most of my interviews Katie was more interested in my career as a Tiller Girl but as they say all publicity is good and I have learnt never to say no to any opportunities that are offered to me that will promote my business. A lesson to be learnt by all businesswomen.
The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday September 14th when author Lord Ian Strathcarron talks about the The Moral Regeneration of The Human Race. The mind boggles?
I hope you are all enjoying the summer months and having some time to unwind, relax and maybe read. Have any of you read Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach? If you haven't may I suggest you do because it is a brilliant book and can be read in a day. I just love it and it helped to change my life in times of despair. It taught me life is for living.
"Everyday brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance" Oprah Winfrey.
And how I love to dance!
Avril
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Dancing in the Rain
If you read my previous Blog and have seen the final quote 'Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass it's about dancing in the rain' little did I realise when I wrote it that we would be dancing in the rain and have been for too long. I think we are all waiting for the storms to pass so we can enjoy some sunshine and get out into the fresh air. So many events have been spoilt by the weather this month including the Isle of Wight Festival, the Test Match at The Rose Bowl, Ascot and all the school fetes and local events that so much work goes into to make the day a success. I have often wondered where the expression 'Flaming June' came from because June is often a very unsettled month, you only have to think about how many times the matches at Wimbledon have been interrupted because of rain and the weather isn't looking too promising for this coming week either!
However we must always look on the bright side of life and the weather cannot take away the companionship of family, friends and work colleagues. I attended the Annual Award Lunch of the Women in Banking and Finance at the Dorchester Hotel recently and over the years that I have been attending the event I have made friends with some inspirational women who are in the profession. The room is always buzzing with women of all ages who are trying to achieve and be recognised for their talent in finance, not always easy in a profession still dominated by men!
I have been invited to be a judge at the 'NatWest everywomen awards' again and I would encourage you to either nominate yourself or to nominate an inspirational woman that you feel should be recognised for her success. This is a prestigious award and the award ceremony is held at the Dorchester Hotel on December 7th.You can find details of how to enter at http://www.everywoman.co.uk/
I am looking forward to welcoming you to the next Wessex Women's event on Wednesday June 29th when Ron Taylor will be talking about the 'Spice of Life'. By then I hope we won't be still dancing in the rain but will be-able to enjoy some time together in our secluded garden before listening to Ron.
I am pleased to say that I am moving into the twenty first century and as well as having a Face Book page on the Cloud Hotel web page I have joined Twitter and am learning to Tweet so I need some followers!
Finally
OUR LIVES ARE LIKE THE COURSE OF THE SUN. AT THE DARKEST MOMENT THERE IS PROMISE OF DAYLIGHT. London 'Times' Editorial 1984
Let's hope the sun comes out soon
Avril
However we must always look on the bright side of life and the weather cannot take away the companionship of family, friends and work colleagues. I attended the Annual Award Lunch of the Women in Banking and Finance at the Dorchester Hotel recently and over the years that I have been attending the event I have made friends with some inspirational women who are in the profession. The room is always buzzing with women of all ages who are trying to achieve and be recognised for their talent in finance, not always easy in a profession still dominated by men!
I have been invited to be a judge at the 'NatWest everywomen awards' again and I would encourage you to either nominate yourself or to nominate an inspirational woman that you feel should be recognised for her success. This is a prestigious award and the award ceremony is held at the Dorchester Hotel on December 7th.You can find details of how to enter at http://www.everywoman.co.uk/
I am looking forward to welcoming you to the next Wessex Women's event on Wednesday June 29th when Ron Taylor will be talking about the 'Spice of Life'. By then I hope we won't be still dancing in the rain but will be-able to enjoy some time together in our secluded garden before listening to Ron.
I am pleased to say that I am moving into the twenty first century and as well as having a Face Book page on the Cloud Hotel web page I have joined Twitter and am learning to Tweet so I need some followers!
Finally
OUR LIVES ARE LIKE THE COURSE OF THE SUN. AT THE DARKEST MOMENT THERE IS PROMISE OF DAYLIGHT. London 'Times' Editorial 1984
Let's hope the sun comes out soon
Avril
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Looking Forward to Summer
I can't believe it is a month since William and Catherine were married, where has this month gone? I haven't even had time to write a Blog. I suppose it's far better to be busy than have time on your hands and I'm delighted how busy the hotel is but I'm still trying to find that work life balance everyone is talking about. Please let me know if any of you have managed it and how! Like most busy women I am trying to balance a business and enjoy my family, the grandchildren grow up so fast that it is important to try and spend some quality time with them.
On Tuesday May 24th the Wessex Women met at The Cloud Hotel expecting to hear Katherine Elizabeth to speak on her career as a Milliner. We waited and waited for her to arrive but when there was no sign of her by 7-30pm and we hadn't received a message we decided to network and enjoy dinner. We still don't know why she didn't come as we haven't been able to contact her? Luckily this is the first time a speaker has let us down and it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening with the ladies sharing some of their personal stories and having fun.
On May 11th I joined some of my staff to take part in the Midnight Ramble to Hurst Castle [and back!] to raise funds for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. Two of my daughters also came with me and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time although my legs ached the next morning. It's not the length of the walk that makes it hard going but the pebbles you have to walk on. However with my Nordic walking training with Karen Guttridge over the past few months I managed to finish the walk in good time this year. The Marine Cafe at Keyhaven did a great job providing everyone with refreshments on their return as well as a fun atmosphere with music and entertainers.
Last Thursday I attended a lunch and 'An Audience with Craig Revel Harwood' at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel. Having been a dancer myself I was keen to hear his story and what an inspirational story it is! He was very honest as well as amusing and I loved listening to how he started life as a chef when he left school in Australia to his career as a Drag Queen and how he is now one of the leading choreographers in this country. He also shared some amusing stories about Strictly Come Dancing where he is one of the most honest judges and as far as I'm concerned the best. If you want to know more about Craig's rise to fame buy his book 'All Balls and Glitter' but beware you do need to be broad minded. I personally can't wait to read it.
We are taking bookings for the New Forest Charity Cream Tea to be held at The Cloud Hotel on Sunday 17th July The price is £5-95 and all proceeds will be divided between Naomi House and the Countryside Education Trust at Beaulieu. Linzi Luker of Linzi's of Lymington will be providing the scones. This is an annual event and if you would like to come and support us and book a table please call The Cloud Hotel on 01590 622165.
The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday 29th June when we will have the pleasure of welcoming Ron Taylor on 'The Spice of Life'. He will be talking about the history of the herb and spice trade. I hope I will have the pleasure of welcoming you to the evening event although I know some of you will probably be on holiday then. If the weather is good we will be-able to have our drinks in the garden before enjoying dinner together.
I hope you are all having the opportunity to enjoy this lovely weather but whatever the weather is like remember ----
'Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain. Vivian Greene
Until next time!
Avril
On Tuesday May 24th the Wessex Women met at The Cloud Hotel expecting to hear Katherine Elizabeth to speak on her career as a Milliner. We waited and waited for her to arrive but when there was no sign of her by 7-30pm and we hadn't received a message we decided to network and enjoy dinner. We still don't know why she didn't come as we haven't been able to contact her? Luckily this is the first time a speaker has let us down and it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening with the ladies sharing some of their personal stories and having fun.
On May 11th I joined some of my staff to take part in the Midnight Ramble to Hurst Castle [and back!] to raise funds for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. Two of my daughters also came with me and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time although my legs ached the next morning. It's not the length of the walk that makes it hard going but the pebbles you have to walk on. However with my Nordic walking training with Karen Guttridge over the past few months I managed to finish the walk in good time this year. The Marine Cafe at Keyhaven did a great job providing everyone with refreshments on their return as well as a fun atmosphere with music and entertainers.
Last Thursday I attended a lunch and 'An Audience with Craig Revel Harwood' at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel. Having been a dancer myself I was keen to hear his story and what an inspirational story it is! He was very honest as well as amusing and I loved listening to how he started life as a chef when he left school in Australia to his career as a Drag Queen and how he is now one of the leading choreographers in this country. He also shared some amusing stories about Strictly Come Dancing where he is one of the most honest judges and as far as I'm concerned the best. If you want to know more about Craig's rise to fame buy his book 'All Balls and Glitter' but beware you do need to be broad minded. I personally can't wait to read it.
We are taking bookings for the New Forest Charity Cream Tea to be held at The Cloud Hotel on Sunday 17th July The price is £5-95 and all proceeds will be divided between Naomi House and the Countryside Education Trust at Beaulieu. Linzi Luker of Linzi's of Lymington will be providing the scones. This is an annual event and if you would like to come and support us and book a table please call The Cloud Hotel on 01590 622165.
The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday 29th June when we will have the pleasure of welcoming Ron Taylor on 'The Spice of Life'. He will be talking about the history of the herb and spice trade. I hope I will have the pleasure of welcoming you to the evening event although I know some of you will probably be on holiday then. If the weather is good we will be-able to have our drinks in the garden before enjoying dinner together.
I hope you are all having the opportunity to enjoy this lovely weather but whatever the weather is like remember ----
'Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain. Vivian Greene
Until next time!
Avril
Sunday, 1 May 2011
The Monarchy, Love and Marriage
What a wonderful and happy day April 29th was not only for William and Catherine but also the Nation. I sat glued to the television and I must admit I had a tear in my eye as Catherine walked down the aisle to marry her Prince, she looked quite beautiful. It really was a fairytale wedding that we all dream of! Two days before the wedding the Wessex Women gathered to hear Jake Simpkin give a talk on the Monarchy. It seemed a good time for us to learn about some of the history of the Monarchy and he gave a most interesting and entertaining presentation.
We have enjoyed such lovely weather this Spring and the New Forest is awash with colour. The bluebells are out and the gorse gives the New Forest a glow with its golden yellow flowers. I went on my Nordic walk with Karen yesterday and we heard the cuckoo in the woods heralding that Spring is really here. Exbury Gardens are in full bloom now too and well worth a visit.
'An award winning hat designer for any occassion' is the subject of the next Wessex Women's Network meeting on Tuesday May 24th. Katherine Elizabeth is a London based award winning hat designer. Having seen some of the hats worn by the guests at the Royal wedding I am interested to hear her comments on some of them and to hear how she creates her hats and who for!
I am reading another good book that I would like to recommend to you. Apparently 'anything is possible if you dare to ask' according to Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. As women, we seem to find it difficult to ask for what we want. The 'Aladdin Factor' will teach you simple techniques to overcome the fear of asking for what you want. I recommend that you read it.
Finally 'You Never Really Lose Until You Quit Trying' Mike Dikta
I look forward to seeing you on May 24th
Avril
We have enjoyed such lovely weather this Spring and the New Forest is awash with colour. The bluebells are out and the gorse gives the New Forest a glow with its golden yellow flowers. I went on my Nordic walk with Karen yesterday and we heard the cuckoo in the woods heralding that Spring is really here. Exbury Gardens are in full bloom now too and well worth a visit.
'An award winning hat designer for any occassion' is the subject of the next Wessex Women's Network meeting on Tuesday May 24th. Katherine Elizabeth is a London based award winning hat designer. Having seen some of the hats worn by the guests at the Royal wedding I am interested to hear her comments on some of them and to hear how she creates her hats and who for!
I am reading another good book that I would like to recommend to you. Apparently 'anything is possible if you dare to ask' according to Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. As women, we seem to find it difficult to ask for what we want. The 'Aladdin Factor' will teach you simple techniques to overcome the fear of asking for what you want. I recommend that you read it.
Finally 'You Never Really Lose Until You Quit Trying' Mike Dikta
I look forward to seeing you on May 24th
Avril
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