I have just returned from a weeks holiday in Lanzarote, the weather was hot and sunny and I relaxed on the beach every day and read three very inspiring books. I came back to work feeling refreshed, motivated and full of new ideas. We all work so hard juggling family with our careers that it is really important to give ourselves quality time to enable us to unwind and relax to be-able to function well and stay healthy. I am very lucky to have a great team supporting me in my business. Having such a committed team allows me to go away knowing that the Cloud Hotel will carry on without me. The flight home was delayed by three hours due to the French air traffic control being on strike so I didn't arrive home until 3-30am on Friday. I had to be up bright and early on Friday to prepare for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at The Cloud Hotel in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Many friends and colleagues came, some of whom I hadn't seen for some time and I had a lovely time catching up with old friends. As well as having fun we raised £620-00 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Thank you to everyone who came and generously supported the event.
I am still enjoying my Nordic Walking with Karen Guttridge of Slimfocus. Karen is going to be the speaker at the next meeting of the Wessex Women's Network on Oct 12th. The title 'Change Your Thinking Change Your Weight' is bound to be a popular subject as we are all very conscious of our weight so please book early to secure your place.
The evenings are drawing in and the clocks will be going back at the end of October. The dark cosy evenings are a good time to catch up on your reading and one of the great books I read while I was on holiday was 'Winning' by Clive Woodward. Sir Clive Woodward was the coach for the England Rugby team that won the World Cup in 2003. Although rugby isn't probably one of your favourite sports you can learn alot about team work and leadership from his book. I found it inspirational.
The nice thing about team work is you have others on your side.
Avril
Friday, 1 October 2010
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Tell The World About It
September is one of my favourite months, it seems to bring a calmness to the New Forest. The Cloud Hotel continues to be very busy as the more mature customers wait for the children to go back to school before enjoying a break in our tranquil setting. However life for me is anything but tranquil and I continue to do talks, attend events both locally and in London and enjoy life.
On September 3rd I was invited to attend the official opening of Pavilion Dance in Bournemouth. Having performed at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth in two Summer Shows and a Pantomime in the early sixties I was interested to see this new project. I was so impressed with the new facilities, wonderfully spacious studios and an intimate theatre for performance. We were entertained by some energetic and very talented young Street Dancers.It is so rewarding for someone like myself who is so passionate about dance to see such talented and enthusiasic young dancers. Dancing gives you discipline, stamina and drive that you can take into any proffession. For more information go to http://www.paviliondancesouthwest.org.uk/
Earlier that day I had been invited to join 90 Retired Partners [staff] of Tyrell and Green for lunch at the Masonic Hall in Southampton. Following a delicious lunch I had the pleasure of presenting my talk 'The Show Goes On' to them and what a great audience they were. I always dread talks after lunch because it is a time when people often drift off to sleep but I managed to keep them all awake, including the 95 year old who was an amazing lady.
One of the best pieces of advice I received when I first took over the running of The Cloud Hotel was from the late American Restauranteur Bob Paton. He said 'Always tell the World About Yourself' because you can very quickly be forgotten. Getting good publicity for your business is invaluable and as I told you in a previous Blog I was lucky enough to be approached by Emmett & Smith, a PRcompany in London to be interviewed by Good Housekeeping Magazine. I'm delighted to tell you that the article is out now in the October issue. I'd like to pass Bob Paton's advice on to you. Never turn down a PR opportunity if you want to survive in business particularly in these difficult economic times. Another way of promoting your business is by giving talks and presentations to local clubs and organisations. I know most people dread having to speak in public but once you've overcome the fear it's not only fun but great free marketing. There are organisations like Toastmasters where you can learn public speaking and I can recommend Brian Tracey's book Speak To Win, How to present with Power in any situation. He has given me lots of new ideas.
On Saturday I went to Jennifer Nutburn's Ball in Brockenhurst. Jennifer attends our Wessex Women's meetings regularly and she and her husband Phil have been organising this annual Ball for the past 9 years. The proceeds go to Naomi House Children's Hospice and they have raised thousands of pounds for Naomi House and raised £9990-00 at this year's Ball.. Sadly Jennifer announced that this would be their final Ball but many congratulations are due to both of them for all their hard work. I had a wonderful time and haven't danced so much for years.
Finally a reminder about the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at The Cloud Hotel on September 24th from 10-30am-11-45am. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Please come along and bring your friends.
'The future belongs to those who follow their dreams' Eleanor Roosevelt. So don't just dream it do it!
Avril
On September 3rd I was invited to attend the official opening of Pavilion Dance in Bournemouth. Having performed at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth in two Summer Shows and a Pantomime in the early sixties I was interested to see this new project. I was so impressed with the new facilities, wonderfully spacious studios and an intimate theatre for performance. We were entertained by some energetic and very talented young Street Dancers.It is so rewarding for someone like myself who is so passionate about dance to see such talented and enthusiasic young dancers. Dancing gives you discipline, stamina and drive that you can take into any proffession. For more information go to http://www.paviliondancesouthwest.org.uk/
Earlier that day I had been invited to join 90 Retired Partners [staff] of Tyrell and Green for lunch at the Masonic Hall in Southampton. Following a delicious lunch I had the pleasure of presenting my talk 'The Show Goes On' to them and what a great audience they were. I always dread talks after lunch because it is a time when people often drift off to sleep but I managed to keep them all awake, including the 95 year old who was an amazing lady.
One of the best pieces of advice I received when I first took over the running of The Cloud Hotel was from the late American Restauranteur Bob Paton. He said 'Always tell the World About Yourself' because you can very quickly be forgotten. Getting good publicity for your business is invaluable and as I told you in a previous Blog I was lucky enough to be approached by Emmett & Smith, a PRcompany in London to be interviewed by Good Housekeeping Magazine. I'm delighted to tell you that the article is out now in the October issue. I'd like to pass Bob Paton's advice on to you. Never turn down a PR opportunity if you want to survive in business particularly in these difficult economic times. Another way of promoting your business is by giving talks and presentations to local clubs and organisations. I know most people dread having to speak in public but once you've overcome the fear it's not only fun but great free marketing. There are organisations like Toastmasters where you can learn public speaking and I can recommend Brian Tracey's book Speak To Win, How to present with Power in any situation. He has given me lots of new ideas.
On Saturday I went to Jennifer Nutburn's Ball in Brockenhurst. Jennifer attends our Wessex Women's meetings regularly and she and her husband Phil have been organising this annual Ball for the past 9 years. The proceeds go to Naomi House Children's Hospice and they have raised thousands of pounds for Naomi House and raised £9990-00 at this year's Ball.. Sadly Jennifer announced that this would be their final Ball but many congratulations are due to both of them for all their hard work. I had a wonderful time and haven't danced so much for years.
Finally a reminder about the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at The Cloud Hotel on September 24th from 10-30am-11-45am. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Please come along and bring your friends.
'The future belongs to those who follow their dreams' Eleanor Roosevelt. So don't just dream it do it!
Avril
Friday, 27 August 2010
Business should be fun!
I'm a great believer that as well as hard work business should be fun and members of the Wessex Women's Network have certainly had some fun this month.On August 21st I managed to get a table of 12 together [including three husbands] to attend the Festival Ball at The Pavilion Ballroom Bournemouth. The event raised around 45k which will go towards the Variety Club, the children's charity and Help for Heroes. It's good to get together socially and be-able to chat and find out more about each other and I discovered that Valerie and I both went to Blackheath High School and at the same time! I have known Valerie for some time but we never realised we had been to the same school until then.
Last night we enjoyed the Wessex Women's Summer Dinner. Although it felt more like Autumn we all had a great time. The plan was to enjoy a glass of champagne in the garden before dinner but the heavens opened and we had to stay inside but that did not stop us enjoying ourselves. We were entertained by Nell Montague-Rendell who started the evening with some of her favourite songs including Fields of Gold, Turn Me On and No One But You. We were all spellbound not only with her singing but her whole performance. She is a very talented young singer and I am sure she has a successful career ahead of her. We were lucky enough to be-able to enjoy a second performance from her after we had finished our main course and before I brought in Jan Hoy's birthday cake to celebrate her 70th birthday. Needless to say we all sang Happy Birthday but our voices were not as tuneful as Nell's! We were able to buy Nell's CD for £10-00 from which she gave £5-00 of each sale to the Country Education Trust. Not only do we enjoy ourselves at The Wessex Women's meetings but we try and raise money for our favourite charities.
Speaking of which can I remind you all of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at The Cloud Hotel Brockenhurst on Friday September 24th from 10-30am - 11-45am. Please do come along to enjoy a cup of coffee, bring your friends with you and sample our delicious homemade chocolate brownies. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Avril
Last night we enjoyed the Wessex Women's Summer Dinner. Although it felt more like Autumn we all had a great time. The plan was to enjoy a glass of champagne in the garden before dinner but the heavens opened and we had to stay inside but that did not stop us enjoying ourselves. We were entertained by Nell Montague-Rendell who started the evening with some of her favourite songs including Fields of Gold, Turn Me On and No One But You. We were all spellbound not only with her singing but her whole performance. She is a very talented young singer and I am sure she has a successful career ahead of her. We were lucky enough to be-able to enjoy a second performance from her after we had finished our main course and before I brought in Jan Hoy's birthday cake to celebrate her 70th birthday. Needless to say we all sang Happy Birthday but our voices were not as tuneful as Nell's! We were able to buy Nell's CD for £10-00 from which she gave £5-00 of each sale to the Country Education Trust. Not only do we enjoy ourselves at The Wessex Women's meetings but we try and raise money for our favourite charities.
Speaking of which can I remind you all of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at The Cloud Hotel Brockenhurst on Friday September 24th from 10-30am - 11-45am. Please do come along to enjoy a cup of coffee, bring your friends with you and sample our delicious homemade chocolate brownies. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Avril
Sunday, 15 August 2010
A Can Do Attitude - - - - -
It's August already and there are only 18 weeks to Christmas! This year is racing by and it's been a while since I've had time to write my Blog. Like all of us I'm juggling work and family and have been spending time with my grandchildren whenever possible.
The July meeting of the Wessex Women was well attended and everybody thoroughly enjoyed Dr Denise Tylor's talk on hypnotism. Her talk 'Gaining the Competitive Edge Using Hypnosis' explained how hypnosis is an excellent tool for weight loss and great for improving sporting performance. She has worked with dancers, ice-skaters, golfers and tennis players, helped them to overcome fear of eg a particular jump [skaters] or generally to "up" their level to gain a competitive edge. Hypnosis can also be very effective for child related issues such as thumb sucking and bed wetting and for us adults our habitual behaviour such as smoking or overeating etc. A thoroughly absorbing and thought provoking talk. The Summer Dinner to be held at the Cloud Hotel on Wednesday Aug 24th is a chance for everyone to get together, network and have some fun. We are priviliged to have Nell Montague-Rendell entertain us during the evening. Nell is the daughter of David and Diana Montague-Rendell two very successful opera singers.
The Wessex Women's Network website has a business directory, it costs £50-00 + vat to have your business listed and is just another opportunity to promote your business. You will find the details of how to register your business on the Wessex Women web-site. http://www.wessexwomensnetwork.co.uk/.
On Thursday I attended the launch of Women 1st Femail Chef' Development programme at The Dorchester Hotel London. It was launched by Michael Caines one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs. He was AA Chef's Chef of the year in 2007, awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to hospitality as well as having 2 Michelin Stars. Michael lost his right arm in a car accident in 1994 but was back to work part time after 2 weeks and full time after 4 weeks. Not only is he an inspiration with his positive attitude and determination to not let adversity affect his career but also a charming and down to earth man. He spoke so much sense at the event and recognised that although the industry is trying to encourage more young women to become chefs it is very challenging for them. I had a very enjoyable evening and was able to catch up with some of my colleagues in the hospitality industry.
An important date for your diary is Friday September 24th. The Cloud Hotel takes part in the World's largest Coffee Morning every year in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, everyone is welcome between
10-30am and 11-45 am. to come and enjoy a cup of coffee and sample our moorish homemade chocolate brownies.
These are worrying times for businesses at the moment with so many cut backs and redundancies but I still believe it's the companies who give 5 star service and exceed their customers expectations who have a better chance of surviving this economic climate and come out of it not only stronger but more successful. I am reading a fantastic book at the moment recommended to me by Karen Guttridge whilst on my Nordic Walk. 'THE 25 PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS' by Jack Canfield and I'm now recommending it to you. A great read.
Remember 'A Can Do Attitude Makes The Impossible Possible'
Avril
The July meeting of the Wessex Women was well attended and everybody thoroughly enjoyed Dr Denise Tylor's talk on hypnotism. Her talk 'Gaining the Competitive Edge Using Hypnosis' explained how hypnosis is an excellent tool for weight loss and great for improving sporting performance. She has worked with dancers, ice-skaters, golfers and tennis players, helped them to overcome fear of eg a particular jump [skaters] or generally to "up" their level to gain a competitive edge. Hypnosis can also be very effective for child related issues such as thumb sucking and bed wetting and for us adults our habitual behaviour such as smoking or overeating etc. A thoroughly absorbing and thought provoking talk. The Summer Dinner to be held at the Cloud Hotel on Wednesday Aug 24th is a chance for everyone to get together, network and have some fun. We are priviliged to have Nell Montague-Rendell entertain us during the evening. Nell is the daughter of David and Diana Montague-Rendell two very successful opera singers.
The Wessex Women's Network website has a business directory, it costs £50-00 + vat to have your business listed and is just another opportunity to promote your business. You will find the details of how to register your business on the Wessex Women web-site. http://www.wessexwomensnetwork.co.uk/.
On Thursday I attended the launch of Women 1st Femail Chef' Development programme at The Dorchester Hotel London. It was launched by Michael Caines one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs. He was AA Chef's Chef of the year in 2007, awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to hospitality as well as having 2 Michelin Stars. Michael lost his right arm in a car accident in 1994 but was back to work part time after 2 weeks and full time after 4 weeks. Not only is he an inspiration with his positive attitude and determination to not let adversity affect his career but also a charming and down to earth man. He spoke so much sense at the event and recognised that although the industry is trying to encourage more young women to become chefs it is very challenging for them. I had a very enjoyable evening and was able to catch up with some of my colleagues in the hospitality industry.
An important date for your diary is Friday September 24th. The Cloud Hotel takes part in the World's largest Coffee Morning every year in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, everyone is welcome between
10-30am and 11-45 am. to come and enjoy a cup of coffee and sample our moorish homemade chocolate brownies.
These are worrying times for businesses at the moment with so many cut backs and redundancies but I still believe it's the companies who give 5 star service and exceed their customers expectations who have a better chance of surviving this economic climate and come out of it not only stronger but more successful. I am reading a fantastic book at the moment recommended to me by Karen Guttridge whilst on my Nordic Walk. 'THE 25 PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS' by Jack Canfield and I'm now recommending it to you. A great read.
Remember 'A Can Do Attitude Makes The Impossible Possible'
Avril
Sunday, 11 July 2010
A week in the life of-----
I can't believe a week has passed since I was having my photo shoot in London for Good Housekeeping magazine. However it has been another very busy but enjoyable week for me. I continue to do my Nordic Walking with Karen Guttridge three times a week and am already beginning to feel fitter. I had the pleasure of talking to the retired staff of Marks and Spencer on Tuesday, I have spoken to them before and they are always a lovely audience and very responsive which makes it more enjoyable for me.
The highlight of my week was opening an exhibition of Alan Carter's paintings at TheARThouse Gallery in Bournemouth. Alan and his wife Julia were both ballet dancers and great friends of mine and Julia decided to organise this exhibition of Alan's paintings in his memory. His paintings 'Choreographics' are unique and show the culmination of Alan's profession as a dancer, ballet director and choreographer as dance movements in graphic representation. The ARThouse Gallery is in Bourne Avenue Bournemouth and the exhibition of Alan's paintings will continue until July 25th. To view Alan's paintings visit ac.choreographics@googlemail.com It was an enjoyable evening and I was delighted to meet up with two dancers who were in Pantomime with me at the Hippodrome Theatre in Brighton in 1960! It's a small world.
Quote 'You are not here for a long time but you are here for a good time' so I hope you are taking time out to enjoy this lovely weather.
Avril
The highlight of my week was opening an exhibition of Alan Carter's paintings at TheARThouse Gallery in Bournemouth. Alan and his wife Julia were both ballet dancers and great friends of mine and Julia decided to organise this exhibition of Alan's paintings in his memory. His paintings 'Choreographics' are unique and show the culmination of Alan's profession as a dancer, ballet director and choreographer as dance movements in graphic representation. The ARThouse Gallery is in Bourne Avenue Bournemouth and the exhibition of Alan's paintings will continue until July 25th. To view Alan's paintings visit ac.choreographics@googlemail.com It was an enjoyable evening and I was delighted to meet up with two dancers who were in Pantomime with me at the Hippodrome Theatre in Brighton in 1960! It's a small world.
Quote 'You are not here for a long time but you are here for a good time' so I hope you are taking time out to enjoy this lovely weather.
Avril
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Tales from the Tower
The past few weeks have been manic for me with talks, business lunches and a full hotel, however I consider being busy better than being bored. The Wessex Women welcomed Tony Strafford, a retired Beefeater from the Tower of London, to the Cloud Hotel on Monday June 21st. Thirty four ladies came to hear Tony entertain us with tales from the Tower. I think the title of his talk 'Sex, Bishops and Money' was an attraction to the ladies as well as the fact he came in full uniform. He explained how certain expressions like 'One for the Road' and 'Hangers On' had originated, both from rather grisley circumstances and he assured us there had never been a ghost spotted at the Tower. He provided great entertainment and the ladies enjoyed having their photo taken with him by Compass magazine.The next meeting is on July 28th when Dr Denise Tylor speaks to us on gaining the competitive edge using hypnosis. Maybe she should have contacted the English football team before the world cup. Please book early as these events are very popular.
On June 30th we celebrated Lucy's 18th birthday with champagne and cakes. Lucy was 10 weeks old when Mandie, who is her Mum started working for me. Now Lucy is a competant and hardworking member of staff who is usually on duty with her Mum at the Wessex Women's meetings, a real family affair. I have watched Lucy grow into an attractive and confident young woman.
I have had some great publicity during the past few weeks thanks to a PR company in London called emmett & smith. I have details if anyone is interested. I am sure I have mentioned this before but I was given some excellent advice by Bob Paton a famous American restauranteur 'Tell the world about your business'. I took his advice and I always say yes to any good publicity that I am offered. Business is tough now and you have to keep reminding everyone that you exist.
On Friday I was up at 5-30am to go to Farnborough to present my talk on Customer Service to the ladies attending the Bizz- Fast Forum sponsored by 'Everywoman' and Nat West Bank. I am passionate about customer service and I believe it's the companies that deliver five star service and exceed their customers expectations who will survive this recession and come out of it stronger and more successful. However it was a disappointing attendance. What always amazes me is that ladies book to come to these events but don't turn up. It's only those people who make an effort and persevere who will succeed. The ones who ' GET UP, DRESS UP, and SHOW UP'.
After my presentation I had to be whisked into London to be made up and dressed up for a photo shoot for Good Housekeeping magazine that had been arranged by emmett & smith. It was a fun day, and so uplifting to be amongst young enthusiastic and creative young people. I am going to appear in the October edition of Good Housekeeping with three other inspirational ladies. Again a wonderful opportunity to promote my business and meet interesting people.
Talking about opportunitys to promote your business I would like to remind you about the 'everywoman' awards that provide the winners and runners up with excellent marketing material. The closing date is July 30th so if you would like to either nominate yourself or a colleague you haven't got much time left. You will find all details on http://www.everywoman.co.uk/
It was such a beautiful day on Saturday that I took the opportunity to spend the afternoon relaxing with my eldest daughter Amanda on the beach at Steamer Point Mudeford. It was lovely to have the chance to spend some time together and catch up with all our news. It is important that you take time out of your business to be-able to relax and come back to work refreshed with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
We all put things off that we don't want to do but read Brian Tracey's book 'Eat That Frog' it's brilliant.
Now that the World Cup is over [well it is for the English] and Wimbledon has finished, both sports with disappointing results, it's time to drag yourself away from the television and enjoy some fresh air in the beautiful countryside.
Avril
On June 30th we celebrated Lucy's 18th birthday with champagne and cakes. Lucy was 10 weeks old when Mandie, who is her Mum started working for me. Now Lucy is a competant and hardworking member of staff who is usually on duty with her Mum at the Wessex Women's meetings, a real family affair. I have watched Lucy grow into an attractive and confident young woman.
I have had some great publicity during the past few weeks thanks to a PR company in London called emmett & smith. I have details if anyone is interested. I am sure I have mentioned this before but I was given some excellent advice by Bob Paton a famous American restauranteur 'Tell the world about your business'. I took his advice and I always say yes to any good publicity that I am offered. Business is tough now and you have to keep reminding everyone that you exist.
On Friday I was up at 5-30am to go to Farnborough to present my talk on Customer Service to the ladies attending the Bizz- Fast Forum sponsored by 'Everywoman' and Nat West Bank. I am passionate about customer service and I believe it's the companies that deliver five star service and exceed their customers expectations who will survive this recession and come out of it stronger and more successful. However it was a disappointing attendance. What always amazes me is that ladies book to come to these events but don't turn up. It's only those people who make an effort and persevere who will succeed. The ones who ' GET UP, DRESS UP, and SHOW UP'.
After my presentation I had to be whisked into London to be made up and dressed up for a photo shoot for Good Housekeeping magazine that had been arranged by emmett & smith. It was a fun day, and so uplifting to be amongst young enthusiastic and creative young people. I am going to appear in the October edition of Good Housekeeping with three other inspirational ladies. Again a wonderful opportunity to promote my business and meet interesting people.
Talking about opportunitys to promote your business I would like to remind you about the 'everywoman' awards that provide the winners and runners up with excellent marketing material. The closing date is July 30th so if you would like to either nominate yourself or a colleague you haven't got much time left. You will find all details on http://www.everywoman.co.uk/
It was such a beautiful day on Saturday that I took the opportunity to spend the afternoon relaxing with my eldest daughter Amanda on the beach at Steamer Point Mudeford. It was lovely to have the chance to spend some time together and catch up with all our news. It is important that you take time out of your business to be-able to relax and come back to work refreshed with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
We all put things off that we don't want to do but read Brian Tracey's book 'Eat That Frog' it's brilliant.
Now that the World Cup is over [well it is for the English] and Wimbledon has finished, both sports with disappointing results, it's time to drag yourself away from the television and enjoy some fresh air in the beautiful countryside.
Avril
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Challenging times!
I have just returned from my Nordic Walk in The New Forest with Karen Guttridge of Slimfocus. Not only is walking great exercise but it's fun too and I am hoping to reduce my waistline so I can get back into my size 10 trousers again. Karen is a member of Wessex Women's Network and I can recommend her to anyone wanting to get fit and lose weight. She is full of knowledge and ideas and makes losing weight such fun. I am planning on Nordic walking three times a week, I'll let you know my progress!
It's been another busy week for me with a talk to the Wallington and Fareham Amateur Winemakers Circle on Monday night and another talk today for the Emsworth and District U3A. I really enjoy giving my talks because not only do I meet some friendly and interesting people but I hope that by hearing my story it will encourage women to fulfill their dreams and to reach their full potential. SO DON'T DREAM IT JUST DO IT!
I love hearing inspirational stories and on Wednesday evening I attended the The Wow Summer Celebration at New Place Shirrell Heath. Wow is a firm of proactive accountants based in Andover Hampshire. They offer an innovative approach to Accounting, Financial Planning and Business Advice to small businesses.The Wow Network is for business owners and Wow hold events with interesting speakers throughout the year. The evening started with a refreshing glass of Pimms in the sunshine! It was a perfect summer evening and the speaker Martin Palethorpe left us in no doubt as to how you can create a world class business using some inspiring insights from his race to the North Pole. Martin is a leading Organisational Consultant and Motivational Speaker and I came away with loads of notes, ideas and was totally inspired by Martin's courage and determination to succeed. I admire anyone who faces such extreme challenges. The nearest I have ever come to that is when I went on a women's challenge in the Malvern Hills in 1995 to raise money for breast cancer. I walked 30 miles, slept under a bivouak and went across a quarry on a zip wire. You don't have to enjoy the experience but these challenges stretch you and makes you discover you can do things you never thought possible.
I often recommend a book for you to read so I thought it was a good opportunity for me to mention my book 'Delighting Your Customers'. As we are told we are heading for some hard economic times I believe those businesses who look after their customers and give five star service will survive and even succeed. Remember the customer pays our wages.
Avril
It's been another busy week for me with a talk to the Wallington and Fareham Amateur Winemakers Circle on Monday night and another talk today for the Emsworth and District U3A. I really enjoy giving my talks because not only do I meet some friendly and interesting people but I hope that by hearing my story it will encourage women to fulfill their dreams and to reach their full potential. SO DON'T DREAM IT JUST DO IT!
I love hearing inspirational stories and on Wednesday evening I attended the The Wow Summer Celebration at New Place Shirrell Heath. Wow is a firm of proactive accountants based in Andover Hampshire. They offer an innovative approach to Accounting, Financial Planning and Business Advice to small businesses.The Wow Network is for business owners and Wow hold events with interesting speakers throughout the year. The evening started with a refreshing glass of Pimms in the sunshine! It was a perfect summer evening and the speaker Martin Palethorpe left us in no doubt as to how you can create a world class business using some inspiring insights from his race to the North Pole. Martin is a leading Organisational Consultant and Motivational Speaker and I came away with loads of notes, ideas and was totally inspired by Martin's courage and determination to succeed. I admire anyone who faces such extreme challenges. The nearest I have ever come to that is when I went on a women's challenge in the Malvern Hills in 1995 to raise money for breast cancer. I walked 30 miles, slept under a bivouak and went across a quarry on a zip wire. You don't have to enjoy the experience but these challenges stretch you and makes you discover you can do things you never thought possible.
I often recommend a book for you to read so I thought it was a good opportunity for me to mention my book 'Delighting Your Customers'. As we are told we are heading for some hard economic times I believe those businesses who look after their customers and give five star service will survive and even succeed. Remember the customer pays our wages.
Avril
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