FROM
VISION TO EXIT The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building and Selling a Business, by
Guy Rigby, Harriman House, ISBN 978-0-85719-147-2 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer, Serial
Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful
Life Coach™, Strategic Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises.
http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Or: The A-Z encyclopaedia of Business Reference
KnowHow for new and established entrepreneurs.
No need to
keep you in suspense. I couldn’t possibly cover in this review all I want to
say about From Vision to Exit other than if you’re in business you need this
book ***** 5 stars!
This is the book that I would love to have written about
starting, growing and selling a business! Insightful, comprehensive, information
packed practical ready reference on just about everything you could possibly
need to know to successfully negotiate your business from start to finish–and beyond!
Many entrepreneurs never reap the
real potential value of their business upon exit but here’s the handbook to
building and selling your business at the right price. Having been
(successfully) through the process myself I know that ‘book value’ ‘assets
value’ and ‘market value’ can bear no resemblance at all to what your business
is really worth – the ‘right price’. Bonus, there’s also a chapter on buying
and building a business – been there too! Follow Guy Rigby’s advice and you
will come out on top!
From Vision to Exit brings you incredible added value, an extra
dimension, from an entrepreneur who is also a chartered accountant, bringing
you all-round knowledge that is vital to making the most of your assets. You
would expect me to say if there’s anything that disappoints and there is but
only a little – more on the process of Vision development please for those
entrepreneurs who aren’t clear about creating a shared vision! – but this in no
way detracts from the book and perhaps it is time I put pen to paper on Vision
development – it is part of my every day business after all.
I love it that Guy agrees with me
(I cringe when Dragon’s Den applicants fall for this!) to not give too much of
a business away too early on. Oh! the equity sacrifices that some entrepreneurs
make when pitching for investors, not realising that those extra 10 or 20% when
applied to the new value of their business in a couple of years time could be
worth £millions more.
Even more delighted that Guy mentions
‘Board Evaluation’. As Chairman of various organisations, I’ve always believed
in (and introduced) Board Evaluation, a vital, effective tool for upping our
game and business improvement. Creating Shared Vision is also a role of boards.
Both are powerful processes when performed well.
Value, marketing, networking,
collaboration, cloud computing, global village, IP, ‘buried treasure’, and so
much more. Comprehensive, well thought out, carefully crafted, practical and
opportunistic companion and business expert at your fingertips.
Top Tips at the end of each
chapter, insightful, information packed, just about everything you could think
of or want to know about how to successfully negotiate your business from
vision (through growth) to exit! Added bonus when you buy this book, you
also receive the ebook version free. All of this knowhow needs to be shared!
Read and keep as a handy
reference. Better still, because some changes take time, pick out the areas
that you need to pay attention to in your business and draw up a plan of
action. So
Step One, Buy From Vision to Exit now! And get a head start.
***** 5
stars! Highly
recommended
PLAY
YOUR BRAIN, Adopt a Musical Mindset and Change Your Life and Career, by Anette
Prehn and Kjeld Fredens, Marshall Cavendish Business, ISBN 978-981-4328-58-6 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer, Serial
Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful
Life Coach™, Strategic Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises.
http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Possible alternative subtitle? How to Prime Your Brain for Success.
Best little book to help you understand your brain, your co-partner, to
help you escape a thousand ingrained habits and tap into a powerful resource to
achieve your greatest success. The potent combination of authors Anette Prehn
with her coaching and leadership knowledge and expertise and Kjeld Fredens with
his medical, neurobiology research, expertise and knowledge produce a work
whose whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
The art of playing your brain lies in striking a balance between action
and reflection, between that which creates results and that which forms
perspective. It’s a paradox indeed! Your musical brain is both holistic and
analytic, concrete and abstract. We Coaches have long known the power of
engaging both hemispheres, accessing the creative right brain alongside our
analytical and logical (‘hot air fuelled egotistic but clever) left brain, to
give us the best of both worlds. Enter your Musical Brain!
You’ll have to read for yourself to discover what the eight keys of your
inner piano are but you will recognise them and start on a journey of newfound
discovery. Of all the work I have been involved with on this topic, going for
your vision by programming yourself for success, this is amongst the easiest to
read, understand and employ – but yes, to get the most from this book, you have
some work to do but I promise ‘you are worth it!’
The need for self-coaching, self-leadership as we grow increases.
Understand why a smile before learning something new helps you perform
better – so smile now! There’s dilemma between the ‘inner’ and the ‘outer’ game
because to win the ‘outer’ you must first master the ‘inner’.
Excellent chapter on Vision, the hobby horse I am known to
criticise the lack of! Good interactive work on exploring our values,
what really matters to us and is truly important in our lives and I encourage
you to invest some work in it. “Values and Action are twins” sets the scene for
greater understanding and serves as a useful reminder that ‘walking the talk’
is rooted in values, in congruency of actions and words. Identifying our core
values is not always easy so the seven exercises are both a good grounding and
a refresher. Going against our values causes conflict, holds us back, this is
why surrounding ourselves and working with like-minded people increases our
success. When values are at the centre of attention, so are beliefs! Behaviour
demonstrates a person’s core values whether they are explicit or not,
consciously aware of it or not.
Packed with useful explanations including why “cells that fire together,
wire together” and vice versa.
There’s some NLP in here but there’s so much more to help us understand
our ‘complexity thinking’ and take a more informed lead to turn it to our own
advantage, vastly enhance our self-direction while gaining a deeper
understanding others.
Powerful insights from tacit knowledge (and how to get them), a new look
at our Circle of Influence, Life Logic, Experiments, Exercises, Checklists,
‘Slow System’ v ‘Fast System’, Growth v Fixed mindsets, Resilience, “Bounce-back
ability”, welcome to your new life of adventure!
Thoroughly valuable book, packs a punch way beyond its size, even Coaches
will learn something, and recommended for everyone. A library essential, a
thoughtful gift that we’re definitely adding to our online bookstore of
inspirational, motivational, personal and business development success titles! http://mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk/YourBookstore.aspx
Highly
recommended
THE
CEO’s STRATEGY HANDBOOK , How to create, sustain and accelerate profitable
growth by Stuart Cross, Global Professional Publishing ISBN 978-1-906-403669 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer, Serial
Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful
Life Coach™, Strategic Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises.
http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Do your CEO a favour and order a copy of The CEO’s Strategy Handbook
straight away. No matter how successful we are, there’s always room on the
learning curve for what will enhance performance. Entrepreneur? Running a small, medium or
large business with growth ambition? You guessed it – this is for you too!
A subtitle of ‘How to translate Strategic Vision into Operational
Success’ would have been equally valid. Though clearly written for CEOs, from
my experiences both of being Chair of the Board and being a Board Member in the
private, public and third sectors, I suggest that the CEO’s Strategy Handbook
is essential reading also for Board Members and Chairmen and will
enhance their ability to both challenge and, also importantly, support their
CEO to turn creating success strategies into a way of life.
Stuart Cross has the right credentials to know what he’s telling us –
been there, done that, bought (and sold) the t-shirt and much more besides. His
impressive track record includes major achievements as Head of Strategy and as
Head of New Store Formats for Boots the Chemists plus a long list of other
major change and performance improvement roles. Here he distils the learning
essence from his successes into a handy paperback that punches well above it’s’
weight and price.
At the very least this handbook is a must-have refresher but more than
this, it’s a right-hand compendium of all an effective leader CEO needs to know
– and then some. Packed with learning
points from useful Case Studies, self-tests, explanatory charts, maps, frameworks
and action plans plus Key Points repeated at end of each chapter for easy
assimilation. Touches upon Leadership Styles, different strategies for
different purposes, makes the roles and responsibilities of a strategic CEO
from a growth driven company absolutely clear.
Stuart takes issue with the ‘balanced scorecard’ and shows an alternative
way in which the sum of the whole definitely does exceed the sum of the parts. Find
how to mind the gap between top down change and bottom up delivery, tricky
situations to successfully negotiate at the best of times.
Stuart’s take on Vision, well Vision Statements, disappoints me
but is based on his own experiences, and I understand why. I too have seen statements
that lack any substance and it’s pretty clear from the minute you walk into an
organisation. Over 20 years I’ve worked to reignite people’s inspiration and
passion throughout companies by facilitating them to interactively create their
shared Visions, from which their Values unfold and Strategies are set to
stretch them to their next level of performance and success. Stuart admits his scepticism but of course
what’s important is how the Vision was arrived at The Vision process itself,
delivered well, and the change it brings, is strategically important. I’d love
to review a revised edition with a really strong chapter on Vision.
Essential reading for company and organisational leader(s) determined
upon securing long-term success. I
strongly recommend this handbook as a resource not only for CEO’s, Chairmen and
Board members but also business studies students, tutors, lecturers, business
advisers and business support organisations. Studying the CEO’s handbook can
only benefit everyone with a desire for creating, sustaining and accelerating
profitable business growth.
We’re definitely adding this to our online bookstore of inspirational,
motivational, personal and business development titles! http://mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk/YourBookstore.aspx
Highly
recommended
THE
FIRE PHILOSOPHY Cope with change and live a happy life, by Liam O’Connell
&Steve Lille, Accent Press, ISBN 978-1-908-086914 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer, Serial
Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful
Life Coach™, Strategic Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises.
http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
With anticipation I read The Fire Philosophy, the latest book from Liam
O’Connell
is co-authored with Steve Lilley. Following on from his excellent
Don’t Feed the Ducks and, forerunner to this title, My Fire’s Gone Out! I was
not disappointed. Coping with change and finding happiness are the theme so if
these are on your agenda, read on. Otherwise, there are still lessons to be
learned, so read on anyway!
The Fire Philosophy brings us up to date with the trials and tribulations
of the four little devils who were endeared to us in My Fire’s Gone Out! Having
learned important lessons while stoking the fires of hell, they regained their
motivation and sense of purpose only in the meantime to fall back into the rut
of routine “Wake up, go to work, work hard, go home…” This time they get to
grips with life once again in order to avoid some very dark places!
Sparky, Oxy, Diesel and Stubbo are unique characters in which you’ll
recognise the traits of people you know and have the opportunity for a little
more empathy and understanding.
Two of the sayings that I’m known for ‘Opportunities often arrive
disguised as challenges’ and ‘It’s not what happens to us but how we respond to
what happens that’s important’ are clearly demonstrated in this second little
parable. Do we always see what’s under our noses? I think not and the little
devils (some at least) fall into the same trap at first.
“Meanwhile up in the real world…”
is used as a device to introduce the true and thought-provoking but brief and
inspiring life stories of James, Owen, Lisa and Mike that aptly illustrate the
life-changing lessons in ‘Thoughts from the flames’. An added bonus is the
courage of offering up, very briefly, the author’s stories, their motivation
for writing The Fire Philosophy. We’d all do well to heed the words from the
scrolls and thoughts from the flames.
I strongly recommend you to read My Fire’s Gone Out! before reading The
Fire Philosophy. Though the latter is a stand alone work, reading the two
brings greater context.
80 neat little pages with important key life messages, powerful stories
and lessons simply told and beautifully illustrated..A big little gem to read
in under an hour but learn for a lifetime. Packs a punch far beyond its size. One
of my best books for 2011. We’re definitely adding this to our online bookstore
of inspirational and motivational titles! http://mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk/YourBookstore.aspx
Highly
recommended encourage you to visit http://www.liamoconnell.co.uk
to find out more
RIP
OFF YOUR NECKTIE AND DANCE- By Leen Zevenbergen –Global Professional Publishing
Ltd – ISBN 978-1-906403-69-0 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach,
Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Strategic
Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Hop on
now. Discover the Chaordic Alternative. Next stop Culture Change Central!
“Revitalise
your business with innovation and entrepreneurship”, sets the scene so you know what to
expect, only you don’t because you’re in for surprises. Leen begins with a
“passionate plea for authenticity in entrepreneurship” and goes on to decry
‘loincloth’ projects-somewhat worse than sticking plaster. I give this book 5 ***** and
say buy it now!
Thought leader Leen
Zevenbergen aims to get everyone out of
their straight jackets, to think out of the box, and a high five from me for referring
to ‘vision’ in his first sentence, since this is the birth of business
transformation. (As a Vision Facilitator am I biased? Of course yes! Vision changes
everything!) And it all begins with Leadership. How can a leader inspire others
if they are totally uninspiring, this is part of the problem for which Leen offers
solutions.
Is yours a ‘Conscious Company’
that demonstrates strategic keenness, energises people and stimulates creative
thinking and inspiration. Yes? Well then, you are amongst the minority, the pack
leaders. Say No? Better find out what this is about then before it’s too late
to change!
When business is going well, who
sees trouble coming or even thinks about it? Learn how to avoid complacency now
with the ‘Nightmare Competitor’. “Paradoxically”, Leen tells us, “from time to
time a good nightmare guarantees in the long run a better night’s rest”. Don’t
ask, but read the book. From the end of the second chapter I already knew there
are too many important lessons here to cover
Businesses are living through a
time of extreme control and regulation (straight jackets). Life is easier by
fitting people, staff, customers, into little boxes. Anxiety rules! This spells
death for innovation and entrepreneurship. Yes, authentic leadership and
transparency are the new kids on the block. Build a new (I say ‘shared’) corporate
vision = revitalise your business. We’re reminded that everyone has creativity,
how much of it people display outside of the workplace and how easy it is to
turn it on. Welcome to the company where people achieve what’s necessary and
also have fun!
Leen thinks we’re guilty of
murdering the ‘thrill’ of business and proceeds to show us how to put it back.
Having persevered past chapter one I walked into a library of desirable futures
packed with stimulating ideas for better business backed up by great examples.
Leen and I share some common ground in business experiences: especially in how
people should be treated; the value of their collective role in turning their
company around; that slash and burn can turn business survival into terminal and
turnaround needs some investment, however small, in processes like these.
As I’ve experienced first hand
when facilitating my SI White Table Visioning Process™, given permission and
opportunity to work together as a team, group or company to create a shared
vision for the organisation, people bring about positive transformation. ‘Shared vision’ just two little words that in
practise are hard to achieve yet offers major impact.
Leen describes what true creativity looks like, from both an entrepreneur’s and a manager’s
perspective and how smaller companies have the market edge, how to create
‘flow’ and when “doing nothing” is right for everyone. Get rid of the ‘guilt
trip’, read for yourself what this is all about and learn something invaluable
today. Smile if you must then understand
the question – What is ’idiotic’? Something brilliant!
http://www.nextgenerationbank.nl/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Leen_Zevenbergen-2.jpeg
http://www.leenzevenbergen.nl/
Beautiful A5 full colour
creatively designed 223 pages of short chapters, manageable chunks of learning,
packed with wisdom and ingenuity. Excellent Case Studies of creative and
entrepreneurial companies, great book references and joy of joy a pretty decent
section on ‘vision’.
Highly Recommended
5 *****
The
Activity Illusion – Why we live to work in the 21st century and how
to work to live instead, by Ian Price –Matador - ISBN 978-1-848769-496 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial
Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life
Coach™, Strategic Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
“A four day week and then three days’ fun”. Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s 1953
prophesy, ambition and hope for British workers, without any drop in income, has
not been achieved. Part of the reason now may well be self-inflicted and
threatens work-life balance!
The aim of The Activity Illusion
is to help you break the vicious circle of hyperactive work practises and shows
how to fix it for you and your organisation. Though not all may apply to you,
“Email is Ruining my Life” and “Lunch is for Wimps”, there are some
eye-openers. Delivers what’s practical
and valuable to help you in “Taming the Technology Beast”, dealing with
“People” and much more.
We may not all be taking
hyperactivity to the max but be honest now, how often do you flip into your
email while performing other tasks? While you’re there, do you feel an urgent
need to respond to inbox messages? How much time do you spend on your mobile?
Is it becoming another limb?
As you’d expect from the title,
‘hyperactivity’ is a constant theme throughout. We’ve created the technologies
and gadgets to be constantly on call and alert and we’re using these to the
max! If we could work in our sleep we would – and why? What is it that we’re
all avoiding with ‘busyness’?
Do we really want to change? And
if so, how? Are a couple of the key questions to cause us to stop and think, and
which reminds me that we each have choices over everything we do, whether we’re
working for someone else who is boss or ourselves as the boss (we’re often
hardest on ourselves!)
We have learned so much from the
Japanese, including Kaizen, widely practised in improving manufacturing
efficiencies. Somewhat surprising then to learn that people in Japan
have also entered the Karoshi Zone, officially certified as ‘death by
overwork’! A sound reason then to reduce and eliminate hyperactivity at work,
one of the biggest stressors of the modern world.
Much potential for change is laid
firmly at the boss’s door, which could well be all of us! A pointing finger
indicates that leadership must lead by example. The culture and environment of
the organisation, large or small, reflects the leadership style. Hyperactive
staff working long hours is no guarantee of working quicker or
effectively. Past a certain saturation
point tests show the reverse is true. Like any activity or addiction, hyperactivity
is a choice. Brilliant because that means we can change. Just as well, since studies
have shown that between 10%/20% of payroll cost is spent unproductively as a
result. In the current economic climate, in anyone’s calculations, too much
waste!
Excellent reference to Malcolm
Gladwell’s “Tipping Point” – how little things can make such a big difference,
as well as disturbing findings from the “Good Samaritan” psychological experiment. The issue of “values” is raised; references
to “visionary” companies and many useful references
to published studies, psychology,
leadership, organisational management. There’s substantial value in the chunky
sections, including “Focus” and all leading up to “Freedom from Hyperactivity,
the virtuous circle.
It is worth reading the whole 210
pages to be fully enlightened and choose what steps you will take. With all the extra time you’ve made from
implementing what you’ve learned, for yourself or your organisation, follow up
the informative references, work less, be more effective and have fun…
Recommended
WHACK
around the head – Purpose Passion and Power at work right now! - By Sharon Eden
–Ecademy Press – ISBN 978-1-905823-85-7 Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial
Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful
Life Coach™, Strategic Insight, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises.
http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
“Be yourself. Everyone else is already
taken” –Oscar Wilde, sets the scene for ‘WHACK around the head’ which could well have
been titled ‘HERE’S YOUR WAKE UP CALL!’
A
warning! And a promise! Just by the title I sensed that ‘WHACK around the head’
had important learning to offer and I was not disappointed. This is a tool for
change, a journey to self-growth, to discover or rediscover your Purpose,
Passion and Power, Sharon’s
mantra for you – see how it works! Though expect to be told quite bluntly some
‘home truths’ in the process. And don’t blame me if your new ‘Outtayerbox You’
is a bit of a handful!
Gremlins,
Shticks, Rocks Off, full on! ‘WHACK around the head’ is not for the
faint-hearted or a text to glance through while doing something else or even pick
out snippets from and think you’ll instantly improve your lot. Study all
thoroughly, do the exercises and then flick through again to make it stick and
you will be rewarded.
Inner Leadership Coach,
Psychotherapist and NLP Trainer Sharon Eden has the credentials to deliver life
changing support, drawn from her own and others’ experiences. Sharon created
the ‘Whack around the head’ methodology to be direct, yes, at times startling,
but most of all a big, bad wake up call for everyone who needs to take back
control and Live their WHOLE life.
Invest time and thought to ‘WHACK
around the head’ – everything worth having demands this!
This is all about YOU! YOU are
the central character in your potentially life-changing story.
Here’s your great opportunity,
right now, whatever else is or has been going on to distract you, to connect or re-connect with your true
purpose in life, reignite your passion and go forward in hand with your power.
On first reading ‘WHACK around
the head’ I was half-way through before I realised that I just couldn’t put it
down – had to get to the end. Not recommended though unless you’ve set the time
aside to do some serious thinking, exercises and planning. You’ll need to
devote planned time, think of it as a real project with a tangible outcome. Coaches
and Mentors may be attracted, since they are always working on personal development
and growth, as much for clients as for themselves. Much of what I have read is
not new, however approaches are, and new approaches are always refreshing. This
is book is for everyone though.
‘Why WHACK around the head’?
Well, I was curious! You see the title to me reads as this is your ‘Wake Up
Call’ because I’ve had my own ‘WHACK around the head’ more times than I care to
remember. Mostly they were very, very real and on occasion life-threatening. Believe
me when I say that life-threatening and near death experiences absolutely do
make us reassess the lives we are living. Many WHACKS are really out of our
control – road traffic accidents, chronic illness, but oh boy, many are
self-inflicted – I’ll leave you to think on that!
Stay with ‘WHACK around the head’
– it’s no easy ride - and face up to the questions you’ve been avoiding. Stick
with it and persevere on the length of time you spend doing the exercises until
you’ve exhausted your answers. Sharon’s
approach is different, refreshing, and it really works.
Find and harness your Purpose,
Passion and Power but do more…Inspire others to join your newfound ‘Outtayerbox
YOU’. Let’s be generous and share this opportunity to make life better for
everyone!
Remember Chickens Can Fly! Read
it to find out what that’s about. Packs a punch bigger than its 256 pages. Find
Sharon at http://www.sharoneden.biz
Follow her http://www.twitter.com/sharoneden
Recommended
WANNABE
A WRITER WE’VE HEARD OF? By Jane Wenham-Jones – Accent Press Ltd – ISBN
978-1906373979 - Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor,
Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Everything is Possible™,
and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
It’s
official! Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of? is my Best Big Book 2011 (well
approx 300 action packed pages) – so far! If I could give you a copy I’d do it
- best is to suggest you get yours right now – and enter the Blurb writing
competition before 30th April 2011!
Don’t be
deceived! Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of? is not only…for writers, authors,
journalists.. but very much also…for everyone, entrepreneurs especially, whose
aim is to raise their profile!! Never was learning what’s great for you so
much fun!
Jane (she’s done it again)
Wenham-Jones has the reputation of “self-confessed media tart”. You name it –
or haven’t yet thought of it – and Jane (is there anything she wouldn’t do to
raise her profile?) has already been there and done that to get the publicity
that gets her face (and the rest of her) onto celebrity shows, into celebrity
networks and her books onto the best-selling lists.
Packed from cover to cover, in
this latest edition, the follow up to her hugely successful “Wannabe a Writer”,
she has summoned the expertise, advice,
do’s and don’ts of people, authors, celebrities, prs – people we’ve heard of - who used their wit to become household names
through television, radio, newspapers, magazines, books and have significantly
expanded their networks with social media.
Fabulously funny with wicked
sense of humour Jane reveals all about her antics as a novice then developing
her expertise leading on to extremely clever exploits covering the “Campaign
Trail” plus how to:- find 1001 topics
for your press releases, perfect your elevator pitch; hone your ‘shout line’ or
‘sound bite’ and so vitally shares ‘what not to do’s’, stark warnings drawn
from practical experience.
Keep your notebooks or marker
handy because you learn something valuable on just about every one of 300 or so
pages, excellent internet pros and cons, blogging, Facebook and much more
including the finale “Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of? Blurb Writing Competition”
‘Useful Info’ details things to
join, read, do plus online tools, websites and blogs to visit. The knockout
Index reads like ‘Who’s Who’ and contains more important web and blog addresses
that will help on your journey to be heard of than you can shake a stick at!
Jane’s thought of everything – from what to wear, say and do in every situation
to (and what not to) to hair colour and wrinkle removal! You know that people
make up their mind about you within 3 seconds of seeing you, even if you never
speak one word! Frightening thought!
Yes, I admit it, Jane and I know
each other! We met through “Women Speakers”, (there’s a very useful quote on pr from MD Sylvia Tidy-Harris) where
we’ve both been represented as inspirational public speakers. It was still a
surprise though to be asked to contribute a few snippets to Wannabe a Writer
We’ve Heard Of? Was it perhaps as a newsletter publisher, or blogger, or my
exploits as owner of a successful international marketing, pr and
communications agency resulting in volumes of media coverage and television,
radio and personal appearances for myself and clients? Who knows!
Exploits from my own unwritten story
do mean that I recognise something brilliant when I see it! And what Jane has
pulled together for us definitely is! Admit surprise though to read “As Valerie
Dwyer warned me darkly…” so I leave you to find out what that is all about! There’s ALWAYS something new to learn and
you’ll certainly find it here. Learning was never such fun!
Are you
worthy? Well find out. Get on and enter
the Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of? Blurb Writing competition (see back pages
entry form) for the chance to get published and a slap up lunch in a top London
restaurant with author and ‘media tart’ Jane Wenham-Jones; Accent Press
Managing Director Hazel Cushion and W H Smith book buyer Matthew Bates. Come
on, what are you waiting for? For more visit http://www.wannabeawriter.co.uk
follow http://www.twitter.com/UWannabeawriter
Highly Recommended
100 RULES FOR ENTREPRENEURS – Real-Life Business Lessons – Neil Lewis – Harriman House – ISBN 978-0857190277 - Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises.
http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
100 Rules for Entrepreneurs – Real-Life Business Lessons focuses on core ‘first principles’ in business from which the rules then flow. Neil Lewis’s entrepreneurial pedigree cannot be denied. Here are lessons of incalculable value from an entrepreneur who built a $12 million business from a £2,000 back bedroom start-up, survived ten years with the last two years of decline delivering the most entrepreneurial lessons, then walked away with nothing. But then he picked himself up and started all over again!
As a serial entrepreneur who has been head hunted to turn businesses around I would like to see this book as a reference in every business library. Wondering what you can learn and pitfalls to avoid? Better get your hands on a copy, read now and apply your rules!
100 Rules kicks off with a version of Tennyson’s classic In Memoriam “It is better to have tried and failed than to have never tried’. The important thing is to learn from experience. These insights into what can go wrong when an entrepreneur’s first business booms then busts? Priceless! As is conviction, knowledge that it needn’t break anyone, true entrepreneurs just get over it! Start again!
‘Just do it’ is Neil’s call to learn but importantly, to action. All journeys begin with the first step, you can think about things forever but it is action that makes things happen. Armed with these lessons affecting all areas of business you have sound advice on your side that will help you in many ways from cutting costs to employing right to improving profits and much more besides.
‘Boom times’ can be a load of ‘hot air’, a time to learn from your mistakes. ‘Bust times’ (recessions), (as I know from personal experience) can be times of greatest innovation and opportunity. Through it all though there’s an emphasis to know and take care of yourself. You’re the captain of your own ship and it’s sensible to think about alternative measures of success than purely money. You’re encouraged to ‘Sharpen the Saw’ as in Stephen Covey’s ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’.
Sound advice to know your strengths and weaknesses; have a boost every now and again; go on holiday, you’re NOT indispensible (or shouldn’t be). (I remember being told quite frankly that people were capable and everything was under control during my very first vacation when I rang the office to see how things were. Felt strange, but very satisfying, not to be needed in my own business)!
I’d like to have seen more substance in Rule 64 about the power of Vision, especially Shared Vision with wider company input, ownership and delivery of the Values, Mission and Strategic Action Plans that flow from these. After all though, company failed, and lack of these may be one reason why?
‘To Stop’ list, great idea; win/win negotiation; power of 3 in KPI’s; Business Angels; Freelancers; Interim Senior Managers and, importantly, avoiding the ‘diversify’ trap; warning to not too speedily dilute your own holding in the business (those desperately seeking finance may) plus Business Exit Strategies. The latter doesn’t mean you’ll definitely action; advantage to think through even if the solution is a big money buyout!
There’s fundamental truth in Neil’s quote ‘Business comes and business goes – but you’ll always be an entrepreneur (someone who starts businesses)!’ I’ve never met a true entrepreneur yet who either found satisfaction working for someone else, or who gave up completely after their first failure.
His postscript expresses hope that 100 Rules for Entrepreneurs will add three years to learning and maturing process for every entrepreneur/would be entrepreneur reader. An additional resource, one outcome from all this learning, is the new MediaModo entrepreneurial accreditation scheme to revolutionise the way investors and entrepreneurs work together. Look out for it!
Start up, student or seasoned entrepreneur, there’s valuable advice in 100 Rules for Entrepreneurs! Highly Recommended
JUST GET ON WITH IT! A CARING, COMPASSIONATE KICK UP THE ASS! By Ali Campbell – Hay House – ISBN 978-1-84850-161-4 - Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Just Get on With It! really is what it says on the cover – A Caring Compassionate Kick Up The Ass! No more procrastination or excuses. Want to turn your life around? Then begin!
Refreshingly, Ali Campbell, ‘Mr Fix It’ to celebrities, business leaders and even royalty, makes it clear that he does not provide within this book all the (coaching and other) answers that we seek in order to live a fulfilled life. However, more importantly and with guidance, he shows us how to recognise, reconnect with, trust and harness a power that many have lost touch with, possibly the most valuable resource in the universe embedded deep within us, our gut feeling, intuition, call it what you will.
Ali is keen to point out that ‘this is not a fluffy or typically touchy-feely type of coaching book’ but a collection of lessons and learnings gathered together from clients, books, teachers, trainers, therapists and his own journey trying to stay ‘positive’ growing up in one of the most cynical (yet wonderfully caring) places on earth. Despite this, or perhaps even because of it, Ali brings alive the idea of ‘effortless effort’.
Although the material is not entirely new, the approach is! Conventional coaching wisdom teaches that ‘the answer lies within’. What is often missing however, is the tools at hand (24/7 if needed) to work this out for yourself. To identify when that little voice in your head (a voice that everyone has) is telling (not always little) white lies or made up stories to sabotage your plans. A sharp reminder that we are the ones who give reality (and emotions) to our thoughts, or not! The power in ‘Just Get On With It!’ is not only to read and absorb but also to work through what you are required to do. This will take some discipline but the rewards are there to be had.
Coaches know that every single person has choices. The choices we make decide whether we’re happy or sad, successful or stuck, fulfilled or frustrated. Indeed that’s what we coaches are here to do – help people to turn their lives around. In order to do this, to provide the best possible support to clients, we continually (never-ending process) study, read, review, retrain, update, refresh.
‘Just Get On With It! gets 5 Stars! Why, because even as a seasoned Coach, who has helped, encouraged and supported hundreds of individuals and entrepreneurs to realise their visions, I felt refreshed, as if I myself had just received a swift and Caring, Compassionate Kick Up the Ass!
Highly Recommended
Start Me Up! – Over 100 great business ideas for the budding entrepreneur - Sonia Williams - Accent Press - ISBN 978-1-907-01650-9 - Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Billed as ‘An essential resource for the budding entrepreneur – start me up! lives up to the promise!
As a Coach, Mentor and Business Development Specialist myself to budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and growth-aspiring entrepreneurs over several years, I recognise the valuable content of start me up! Aimed at novices seeking ready-made business ideas, there is also plenty in here for those who have been doing business for a while including reminders and resources for conducting your own business review if performance improvement of your business is on the cards. Pay attention to the Business Plan section, an added bonus of ‘How To’ information on all aspects necessary for upping your game.
In this rapidly changing world, lust for new trends and search for a ‘greener’ business environment, there’s always something new to learn. Sonia Williams begins by emphasising, quite rightly so, that the idea for your new or next business may just be right under your nose. Advising on the merits of being dissatisfied with the status quo, encouraging you to find a better way to do things (and referring to James Dyson among others who have found this route into mega businesses) but above all imploring you to find and follow your passion in order to be successful.
Advice on overcoming self-limiting beliefs (is Sonia an NLP or CBT practitioner, I wonder? This rings my Coaching bells anyway!); encouragement to seek out your niche(s) and not only how to capitalise on trends for the next big thing but a comprehensive section all about 13 key trends that will help you towards future-proofing your new venture from the start.
Still stuck for your business idea? Well read on – Sonia provides details of 134 no less, with web links to most so that you can follow through for yourself! Some well-tried and tested but she’s also sharing her own ideas for something new as well as what a little market research of hers has revealed could be the next opportunities. Many of these businesses can be started and run low cost, from home to start (or continue) or as an add-on to business that you already have. What’s not to like!
But wait! What about your Business Plan – the essential for all start-ups, even if they veer off in another direction you need this basic tool to begin with and then to update your forecasts and targets as business develops. Personally? I wouldn’t be without some form of Business ACTION Plan (ACTION is key) and find over-achieving against business plan targets a huge source of satisfaction! Well, for all those who worry about preparing a Business Plan or looking for additional ideas – here it is, handed to you on a plate, included in the price of your book – when combined with all the other information in here it is a priceless package!
The brief guide to getting yourself (and your business) on the web (OK you’re probably here already if you’re reading this – but have you got a site with a shopping cart so that you’re earning 24/7?) It’s so easy when visitors can just click away merrily buying your excellent and innovative products and services as the whim takes them. The lowdown is all here from someone whose been there, bought the t-shirt and done it – many times over!
As a ‘serial entrepreneur’ who started out in a small way at the beginning, in the early days I successfully tried some of the (now) established ideas in this book. I know that they work and can build you a start-up platform to something much bigger. There’s no better source of advice and inspiration than that which comes from those who have!
Start me up! is a useful addition to every library. Limitless potential outlets, but especially as resource material for schools, colleges, enterprise academies, business support agencies, pre-start and start up enterprise courses including The Prince’s Trust Business, Young Enterprise and Job Centre Plus Advisors for their clients! We’ll soon have a nation full of entrepreneurs when enough people get their hands on start me up! Why wait a minute longer? Buy the book now and explore entrepreneurship!
Highly recommended
Managing Conflict at Work – Clive Johnson & Jackie Keddy- KoganPage - ISBN 978-0-7494-5952-9 - Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Conflict Prevention, is most definitely much better than cure when it comes to conflict management!
Managing conflict is a key strategic issue that needs to be globally recognised as the responsibility of all leaders and managers, within and (despite the title reference to ‘work’) outside of commerce. A wider understanding by individuals would reduce the substantial costs in time, energy, resources and money to business, communities, countries and continents and subsequent toll on people.
What could be better than the opportunity to be guided through the whole process by two experts in this field? In this one handy tome, Clive Johnson, a coach, consultant and trainer in workplace conflict management and Jackie Keddy, a high level mediator and conflict specialist, present all you need to know about preventing and sorting out disputes, disagreements and conflicts, including those with potential for high level escalation.
£400 billion UK total costs and approaching $300 billion in litigation alone are the ball park figures today, yet strategic conflict management is often given little attention in management training. The recession has seen a sharp increase in business disputes. Under pressure, budgets have got to be met and workplace relations are strained when staff cutbacks occur.
Clive and Jackie provide a keen forensic analysis and comprehensive solutions-based approach that looks at all eventualities, is easy to understand and produces results. ‘MC’ is much broader than mediation, it can affect everyone in an organisation and building in prevention, creating a ‘happy company’ is definitely much better than having to undertake a cure. Like a virus, it’s better to keep it out in the first place because even the act of dealing with it can leave long-lasting damage that’s not evident on the surface. However, if the worst comes to the worst you couldn’t have a better text-book than this to guide you through what you need to do.
Learn how to reduce; diagnose; decide which approaches will resolve difference cases. Gain a powerful model for mediation; stem, prevent and channel; deal with escalated disputes and learn how to harness the power of positive conflict. Instil powerful techniques to assess the impact of your management strategies and a variety of micro-tools and templates provided. All backed up by the bonus – a range of online resources to download with regular updates to support the conflict manager http://www.managingconflictatwork.com
Clive and Jackie are so committed to driving the resolution process into mainstream that they have also launched http://www.conflictmanagementforum.org as an additional resource for you.
All very logically laid out, the authors’ expertise shines through the 260 packed pages. Appendices contain a range of tried and tested conflict management micro tools to help you plus practical templates for managers, mediators and individuals experiencing conflict. Rounded off with online resources links, useful references and detailed index, this is a serious and insightful text that is as much dedicated to conflict prevention as to promoting and providing the knowledge and tools for everyone to effectively understand and manage conflict at work.
Don’t be like those who wait for an accident before they sort out their insurance. Preparation is everything. Know where you stand and what you need to do. The best endorsement for Managing Conflict at Work is to buy your own copy now and be prepared! http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk Highly recommended
Don’t Feed the Ducks! - In Your Business or in Your Life – Liam O’Connell - Accent Press - ISBN 978-1-90701652-3 - Reviewed by Valerie Dwyer - Serial Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, founder of My Wonderful Life Coach™, Everything is Possible™, and other enterprises. http://www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
He’s back and he’s done it again! Liam O’Connell, author of “My Fire’s Gone Out”, the inspirational story of three little devils managing change that I named ‘Best Little Book of 2010’ at time of reading, is back with Don’t Feed the Ducks! – less metaphor, more hands-on cultural change programme.
Opening with the words – “Let me paint you a picture. Imagine for a moment…” you get the feeling that Liam is something of a visionary; combine this with one outstanding phrase from the author’s own journey, “It’s a long ride, it’s a fast ride and if you fall out it’s your last ride”, and you’re spot on. The way this change programme is conveyed is just what’s needed for seekers of practical methodologies to bring about real and lasting improvement. This is reading with a capital ACTION!
“Happy, focused people = happy customers”. Too obvious you say? But I would posit regrettably a still all-too-novel approach for some and don’t we know it! We know (hopefully) how it feels to walk into a business where the atmosphere buzzes, there’s passion and enthusiasm, positive vibes in an upward spiral – doesn’t seem like work at all! And we’ve experienced the opposite. No guesses where the saboteurs skulk, but Liam outs them, no padding, straight to the issues, even the ones some of us would perhaps rather ignore at their peril, but not those who still want to be in business in the upturn!
With chapter titles like “Smell the Culture”; “Shock the System”; “Can’t be Arsed Ltd”; “Let Me Entertain You”; “Sex, Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll” it’s clear that this is certainly not a run-of-the-mill self-help book - you’re in for an interesting ride and a worthwhile read. You’ll meet the very ducks you shouldn’t feed at any cost, amongst them the ‘Mood Hoover’. I’ll leave you to explore why “Hoovers Really Suck!” and we’re not talking vacuum cleaners. See who these little quackers remind you of, find out their effect!
Passion, belief and attitude are key words for every coach so you would expect to see them here, and you do, frequently. No surprise, because passionate people can move mountains. Belief is how you know you’ll achieve what you set out to and the right attitude (which dictates all human behaviour) makes it all possible. “Belief is the key”. “If you believe in something enough and are determined to make it happen, more often than not it will come true”.
No nonsense approach to a difficult task. Light touch with humour close to the surface at just the right points. Packed with real-life examples of people and business transformation, including how to make what’s already good even better, plus brief glimpses into the author’s own journey from a violent childhood, through his ‘tipping points’ to the global success he enjoys today.
184 well set out pages, 23 easy on the eye chapters with simple rules and key messages repeated for emphasis, concludes with Liam’s one page Life Story Cartoon plus 4 page, 23 point Guide to Cultural Change and Service Excellence – the Action Plan template to begin your transformation straight away! Highly recommended
Want help to avoid ‘round pegs into square holes?’ Whether you want to match, or be matched, to specific jobs and career/development opportunities the ‘know thyself’ mantra could not be more appropriate in today’s competitive arenas. Be at least well-informed, read the book and make up your own mind.
Psychological Testing is exactly what it says on the cover. It delivers an invaluable working understanding for Boards, ‘HR’, management, leaders, team builders, students, career developers and much more…to achieve the best fit and maximise potential. Whether you’re keen to get to the top yourself or want to find the right people for your business, neither of which is especially easy, you will benefit from reading!
So popular, this second updated and enhanced edition from an exceptionally qualified and experienced author comes 17 years after the first, which is still in daily use! Stephanie shares her personal experience and wealth of knowledge about off and online testing, a selection of the most commonly used tests with categories that focus especially on intelligence and personality assessments. In non-technical language she explains what each test involves; when to use and how to combine with other tests to reveal a rounded picture of someone’s strengths and weaknesses. Importantly, you’ll get a real flavour of what it is like to do the test yourself, in the words of someone who has been there, and done that.
You may be familiar with some of the most established and respected tests, including Watson Glaser Critical Thinking; Raven’s Progressive Matrices; Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Belbin’s Team Role Model Test – all are still widely used. You are taken through 14 of the most popular which are analysed and reported in detail. Fascinating, but understandable, to see the DMT described as ‘mind-blowing’ of all the tests in this book – but when you read the specific details – it is clear to see why…Most helpfully, words with specific meanings within the psychological testing discipline are highlighted the first time they appear, and explained in the glossary.
User-friendly for the non-specialist. Clear focus on practical use beneficial to the first-timer. Check the scenarios, there’s sure to be one for you. A useful learning tool for a small business taking on people for the first time. When you have ambitions to develop, people are key! There’s also a timely warning for potential users and helpful perspectives from ‘Testees’ and ‘Users’.
Matching people to company culture is nowhere more important than in a small business aspiring to grow! It rubs off! With hindsight, I see that I’ve been really ‘lucky’ with my own intuition from my early days as an employer over 20 years ago. ‘Attitude’ is paramount for me because skills can be taught. I also placed high importance on practical tests. From one employee up to 6 in a short period of time was a steep learning curve. By happy accident we developed a cohesive team that looked out for each other! My first ever employee writes to me from Brazil that she has started her own import/export and translation businesses! My second, whom I funded through accountancy training, became a successful property developer. I digress, in wondering if entrepreneurial skills rub off - stories for another time!! It’s amazing what the right people will do though – in their element and provided with opportunities. For ability to make a complex subject simple and user friendly - Highly Recommended
Robin’s aim is to keep you on the right path (legally and otherwise), so the humorous angle running through is appreciated. Serious and sometimes tough topics include negotiating; keeping costs down (which in itself can ‘grow your profits’); taking on staff. He touches on homeworking/home-based business (surprisingly does not mention Enterprise Nation that fabulous online resource for these business types).
Growing sensibly – yes that’s the key! Getting the infrastructure right – vital! Culture – yes every business has it - intentional or not, like it or not! Vitally, Robin mentions the age old adage “never have one client worth more than 20% of your total business” – a sticky wicket out of which I’ve been head-hunted to help more than one business survive over time by quickly broadening their customer base! It still amazes me how many entrepreneurs, business founders, directors have not thought out their ‘exit strategy’.
There is a saying about business owners, SME’s in particular, wearing several hats but I like Robin’s thought about three hats being ‘creationists’, ‘expansionist’ and ‘caretaker’. This is a different and useful way to think. There’s an emphasis here on grow small and slow, protect your steady, profitable income/generator(s) plus notes on expansion and/or going international. Going international? Easier than you may think. There’s a whole host of support out there. I was amazed in the 90’s at how much, and how quickly, interest in a new (but traditional) English teatime food product that I launched took off in Japan!
My only issue in the whole brilliant book is for novices to beware thinking that the bottom line in cashflows is always profit. It is not for a sole trader, at least where taking out ‘drawings’, this affects cashflow but does not lower profit – it’s a balance sheet item! However this is corrected in a later explanation. I have found cashflow forecasts to be incredibly motivational towards attaining business growth and success – targets to be met. So, cashflow is exactly what it says on the tin – the projected flow of actual money (cash) in and out of the business at specific predicted or planned dates. I would recommend also keeping tabs on your level of creditors (what your business owes to suppliers). Understanding your finances is fundamental. If more is owed out than you own and/or are owed, you may be in deep trouble!
YOUR COMPANY ON A PLATE! The great ending to START-UP SMART is Robin’s basic outline example of a model start up company to earn you £50,000 year 1 and £100,000 year 2, complete with cashflow and balance sheet forecasts plus blank Business Plan pages to write your own. You can adapt these in any way you desire. If Robin can do the serial entrepreneur bit, so can you. What’s more he wants to help you to and has set up The Start-Up Smart Competition for under £5,000 business start-up ideas from 18-30 year olds in the UK. Winners announced November 2010. More at http://www.startupsmart.co.uk
So what’s stopping you? If you’ve read the book - go there right now! If not, buy START-UP SMART now! Added value insight to the serial entrepreneur mind & how you too can do it! Highly Recommended
Coaches and others will recognise what is happening here but there’s great value to be had from sharing this book as a tool to get some key messages across to other people. Condenses the spirit of self-belief and reinforces in 81 enjoyable pages the timeless truth that with change comes opportunity, provided you take a little time to think, spot it and confidently work it through! Inspirational and Motivational. Peppered with common sense and realism. A refreshingly light treatment of a sometimes all too heavy topic! (More please!!)
‘Thoughts from the flames’ is a neat device to précis and remind us all of the fundamentals of change and the positive action we can take to keep our fire (and our passion) alive.
Handy pocket sized self-help or help others little book you can take anywhere anytime, delightfully illustrated pages also reveals the moving and inspiring story around the team behind the book. I can’t wait for the imminent video!
Promoted as the NEW 'Who Moved My Cheese' and a One Hour read, during my lunch I finished this in 30 enjoyable minutes, my ‘Best Little Read’ so far of 2010. I still cannot explain it but I felt so energised after reading My Fire’s Gone Out! I’m a highly motivated, positive and optimistic individual and yet there was still something ‘je ne sais quoi’ for me!
We know that it’s not change per se that’s necessarily the challenge but definitely how we react to it that matters. For example, when faced with serious illness that has no cure but can be ‘managed’, my own reaction has been to say, ‘I will not look or behave like I am ill’ because I know this would have a negative impact for me and adverse effects on other people. But by taking this attitude we manage to summon up from somewhere deep within us resources that no-one would believe possible. And we all have this innate ability – it’s a personal choice whether or not we use it to achieve our potential. I’d love young people to read this before they get too set in their ways! Buy and read My Fire’s Gone Out! Enjoy it! Refresh the parts that other little devils cannot! Do family, friends, schools, everyone, a favour. Share it! Get the spark back to relight your fire, and remember to keep your fire burning! Highly Recommended
Emma (Enterprise Nation) Jones has done it again!! Everyone can learn a thing or three from Working 5 TO 9 How to Start a Successful Business in Your Spare Time
We’re talking SERIOUS BUSINESS here! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that spare time (or home based for that matter) business isn’t serious! (for serious read IMPORTANT, VITAL for you, your family, community and UK plc)! DECLARE an interest? You bet! As a reviewer of Spare Room Start Up, the ‘thriller’ first enterprise book from Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones, I anticipated ‘Working 5 to 9’ being an inspiring, invaluable and practical guide to starting and growing a successful spare time business with the potential to take over your life! It lives up to expectations.
Yes, learn from the wealth of experience and resources packed into 250 pages, go into ACTION, you’ll jump start your new venture. Those of us who’ve been there can still learn a thing or two!
In a job but not sure for how much longer? Want to pursue a passion, hobby or skill for light relief and extra income? Dream of becoming your own boss but not quite sure where to start. Or already out there operating your business for a while? Want spare time to be full time? Then read on! As a serial entrepreneur whose first spare time businesses successfully fledged, I can confirm that with enough determination and the know-how and know-who then “Everything is Possible™”
Packed with 50 or so real-life case studies of 5 to 9ers, of all ages, with start up funding in many cases of less than £500 which was quickly recouped from sales income, Working 5 to 9 blows the myth out of the water that every new business needs £thousands to get off the ground. We are still talking SERIOUS BUSINESSES here! Big Oak Trees from Little Acorns Grow with a little help from their friends! Founder of a business centre that provided essential support to help spare time businesses launch, I ought to know. Many were trying their wings to see if their ideas could really fly while holding down full-time day-jobs. Although you don’t have to – we turned out a couple of millionaires and a few with letters after their name on the journey - it’s all about what you really want from life. There’s always a happy medium.
Emma has covered all bases to keep you on the right path, help you navigate past pitfalls, over plateaus, backed up by statistics including that 100% of businesses are using social media; 78% holding down a day job; females leading the way by 63% v males 37% - hardly surprising since spare time can be really ‘family-friendly’, which I know from personal experience and as a UK Champion for Women’s Enterprise and former member of the UK Women’s Enterprise Taskforce.
Excellent sections include ‘Make Money from Your Blog’. Featured businesses of a wide variety range from social media website owners to accountants, lawyers, electrical resellers, even beer producers and rare breed pig farmers! There’s a wealth of helpful information for artisans and craft-makers, including cost-effective online shop creators and other resources. Jam-packed with ideas if you’re stuck for new ones (no jam-makers though!) and valuable tips for your own short-cuts to success.
I met Emma some years ago at her hugely successful Enterprise Nation conference where I discovered psychological insights to what the label ‘serial entrepreneur’ really means! Tell you about that another time! She is an inspirational innovator with a keen eye for potential, so expect to hear a great deal more about her and these featured businesses. This leads me neatly on to the value of joining the Enterprise Nation community of 9 to 5ers and 5 to 9ers where I predict many more serial entrepreneurs emerging - www.enterprisenation.com
Working 5 to 9 is a treasure chest of practicality with 50 of the final pages dedicated to taking you from idea to business, covering everything from keeping your employer on side (if you have one) to research, planning, tax matters, shouting about your business and your life on the web. Look out for ‘The Golden Triangle’ and ‘Creating your own private Idaho’.
Aesthetically designed into the bargain it’s very tactile. At A5 you’ll need a slightly bigger pocket or bag but this makes easy reading, feels substantial and looks like you mean business! Comprehensive sections with useful links and resources that you can use straight away – what are you waiting for then! In fact, you may find the ‘Useful Links’ section alone worth the price of the book, an investment in improving your existing business or starting something new, franchises included. And yes, whether or not you’ve been humming Dolly Parton’s ‘Working 9 to 5’ there is a ‘Working 5 to 9’ written by Alan Law. While you’re at it be sure and visit www.working5to9.co.uk
Whether you’re a start-up with a clean slate, or have a business that needs revitalising, take a keen peek inside and you’ll find there’s lots of strategic and tactical insight into how these canny women have done it – created their own success stories, sometimes against all odds, and they are living the lives they love! A big bonus is the practical advice and useful help from the author, online and social networking savvy Mumpreneur Coach and Mentor Mel McGee.
Millionaire Mumpreneurs soon struck a chord with me. Mel dispenses useful help on many issues including dealing with guilt for mums. Having been there (just like Mel) in the early days of my enterprises, with three young children, I can see how important it is to share with you, if this is you, that even so - yes YOU CAN DO IT TOO! The mum stage is a vital enterprise opportunity that we keep on shouting about, which may be one reason why mumpreneurship is growing at such an enormous rate. And, wherever you want to run your business from, working from home has so much going for it. I’ve done the plush offices bit and home-based businesses and know which I prefer! There are not many offices I can think of where you can fit in a bit of ‘gardening leave’ at lunchtime.
‘Having it all’ and ‘being it all’ by ‘not doing it all’ is Mel’s especially good advice! How very true!! What’s the point of building a booming business to not have a life – whether that’s family or not? We need to work smarter, not harder, a lesson I’ve certainly learned from the days when, running several enterprises, I once flew in from Germany at 3.00am, went to bed until 5.00am and set off again for an important meeting to clinch a deal at 7.00am! Crazy or what? With the development of the internet and our online world, there’s no reason to punish ourselves this way any more. Last year, thanks to a broken wrist, (serendipity) I successfully took my international Coaching, Mentoring, Vision and Strategic Planning and Business Development processes online and have not looked back. Neither have clients and their enterprises! And here’s Mel with her Millionaire Mumpreneurs showing you how to make the most of a wealth of such opportunities, whatever your business. Truthfully now. Are you making the most of the power and flexibility of your online world?
With the right attitude, Millionaire Mumpreneurs is life-changing stuff. You know what stops women especially succeeding – fear. Mostly this fear is irrational but women are (thank heavens for it most of the time) emotional beings, so it’s understandable. However, really take note of what you learn in Millionaire Mumpreneurs and no worries (but plenty of planning and ACTION), you’re on your way.
If you look at your business brand or model, whether you’re only in the planning stages or you’ve ventured forth, and think you can’t recreate these very revealing and dooable Millionaire Models, ranging from Karen Knowler, founder of ‘Raw Success’ to Fabienne Frederickson, ”The Rainmaker” – think again. I’m telling you – read the book and not only will you begin to see the possibilities, but Mel will guide you into how to make it happen. Find out how to catapult yourself forward to financial freedom at the same time.
Handy bag-size edition, 173 pages packed with potential (yours), vital section ‘What Do You Want, Do You Really, Really Want?’ Why vital? Because the most difficult challenge is knowing what you want, your direction, being able to see it, because once you do, as any Coach will tell you, you’re on the way to getting there. The Appendix contains useful resources and weblinks that I encourage you to explore, and I am willing to bet that if you really want to succeed in business and pluck up the courage to contact any of us for help - Mel, the featured Mumpreneurs, me - we’ll be only too happy to respond.
When you come across this review, if you’ve any doubt, do invest in Millionaire Mumpreneurs; ask for it for your birthday; beg (don’t steal) borrow; cajole; ask your library to stock it, but get a copy somehow. Go visit http://www.supermummy.com for more and www.facebook.com/Supermummy for the chance to WIN a copy of Millionaire Mumpreneurs before 31st May 2010.
Mel is donating 10% of royalties from this book to charities supporting mothers and children. Highly Recommended.
In the post-recession world, where almost every aspect of a business can be replicated and competed upon, customer relationships that create the Unique Value in our business set us apart. This recession has changed what people value. This requires a business re-think to make the right changes to survive and grow.
The Relationship Revolution charts a way through, with useful advice on what’s needed before we push the Start Button this time around, ethical leadership at its heart. As a “Learning Organisation” much here that you will need to know about the importance of charting your “Moral Compass”, discovering your “Unique Value” and focus on a “Common Purpose” built upon a solid ethical foundation, the responsibility of everyone within the business.
“Word of mouth” and reputation cannot be bought and yet have far more worth than advertising. Larry talks about “Customer Unions” and the power of “focus”. On the (consumer and corporate) search for “value” and it’s meaning, he compares “It’s a Wonderful Life” to its corporate counterpart in asking who would care if your company went under. Larry exhorts us to “keep it simple” – today’s customers want less complication – simplicity and speed. Apple is shown as a great example of creating Unique Value, one of the “Value for Life” concepts posed by The Relationship Revolution.
Citing the 2007 run on Northern Rock, when the trust and confidence of ordinary citizens had bottomed out, people clearly felt that they had personally been betrayed. Global Recession soon followed and in 2008 Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. These two examples alone show that far greater value, with wider reaching ramifications, ie not only money, shares and indices, had been lost in the recession. In the financial crash, beliefs and faith were damaged too. Surveys show that customers everywhere were very angry – and rightly so! However, if trust and confidence in business had collapsed, then that for politics and politicians is at an all time low!
We’ve all had enough of misinformation. Those of us in business know that reputations take years to build and minutes to lose. How to “Close the Promise Gap”? Well, for a start, ignore it at your peril! Learn how to avoid “emotional contagion”; lethal cynicism = commercial consequences. Think about the powerful potential of emerging “customer unions” from online customer communities. The future’s all about collaboration with customers – together creating the products and services that customers want and need. In this digital online networking age, consumers now want to create, collaborate and participate. Consider the rise and rise of “reality shows”, online media, forums and communities, while newspapers that “talk at you”, are fighting to survive. “User-generated” reviews powerful – “Daily Cinema Living” – video inserts normal in magazines and flyers – ability to compare and contrast intelligence and adaptability are key-post-recession qualities for 21st Century business.
We share a favourite quote, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” – reminds me how very true, time and time again! It’s amazing how everything drops into place once we have prepared our strategic plans!
Isn’t it just common sense – being closer to and smarter with our customers – after all their success is our success, and vice versa, I’ve never thought differently! But it’s also interesting when and what technology can get in the way!
On the “War for Talent”, Larry asks “Is your company a Talent Magnet?” If not, strategic priority, where’s your Corporate Talent Plan?
Some issues discussed may seem more relevant to big corporate business, although for me most of this was not new, the customer always was and will be first priority because that’s the only way to operate a truly sustainable business. Many small and medium entrepreneurial businesses are operating these methodologies, even without realising it – or they would no longer exist! Even so, you’ll still find something of interest here. If you think that business could be better, or you’re ready for step-change, you will find something of help in The Relationship Revolution. Peppered with personal anecdotes and examples.
Recommended.
“Conventional marketing continues to exist within an economic hyperspace in which there are no physical limits on the availability of resources or on the number of holes into which waste can be poured. It also exists within the artificial bubble of ‘the consumer society’….” With comments like this in the preface, expect to be shown a vision for how different the world can be, and the difference that you can make, and you will not be disappointed.
Sustainability Marketing contains a wealth of valid and valuable information that you should know, whether you’re in business or not, a convert to the sustainability agenda or a complete sceptic, to take us towards the aspirational ‘One Planet Economy’.
This is an exceptional study text, drawing on the experiences of two experts in their field, emphasising spatially the global nature of the environmental and social issues at the heart of the sustainability agenda. Clear learning objectives, discussion questions, case studies, examples and research data and opportunities to reduce environmental impact. Importantly though, complex ideas made interesting and accessible.
The authors’ noble vision for ‘Sustainability Marketing – The Global Perspective’ is for nothing less than a transformation into a new sustainability-orientated marketing mainstream, helped by the revelations and learning in their book. And we’re not talking as in ‘nice to have’ or ‘opportunistic add-on’ but the kind of change that’s only possible through a brew of ingredients from the strengths of conventional marketing, sustainability perspectives of ecological and ethical marketing and insights from relationship marketing. It’s a heady brew this new fizz of marketing that’s economically, environmentally and socially sustainable – and it’s not difficult to either grasp or do!
A new marketing paradigm? Sustainable, value-based relationships with consumers. Power from online communities now brings ‘exponential potential’ - armed with Sustainability Marketing to guide.
Start following the timeline and you realise how long the whole environmental debate has been going on and how much sooner action could and should have been taken, at the very least to ensure a (literally) greener planet with more resources than now, that’s good for business but brilliant even for life and living. Referencing world change in the last quarter century, we kick off with the 1987 Bruntland Report through to our Millenium Goals, Millenium Ecosystems Assessments, release of Al Gore’s shocker ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, the Stern Report to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. A more profound truth perhaps though is that 1970’s is where realisation first began!
It is suggested that had we made this paradigm shift earlier, the whole global credit crunch debacle could have been avoided, and explains why we need to step up our game in order to prevent a potential repeat. The world is a system of systems – with every action having an equal and opposite reaction. Study the ‘Three Systems of the Economy’ and clearly see where it all connects and how developments in one area potentially impact neighbours but also those a greater distance away
In helping us see how to make the vital shift from sustainability micromarketing to macromarketing, Belz & Peattie conclude with reference to Kilbourne, that what’s holding us back is the ‘dominant social paradigm’ (DSP), how it must change and when the collective chips are down, as they now are, only “we”, en masse, together will bring about this change. Consumers hold a potentially mighty Power in this equation with global online communities, it’s just that we haven’t fully realised it or consistently organised this potential yet! If so inclined ‘Sustainability Marketing’ is an essential read.
Comprehensive and educational in every detail, an essential library addition; worthwhile reading for consumers; study material for everyone at whatever level; for all business, marketing and other disciplines: ideal for CPD; great to come back and pick out what works for you; the overview you need; information to smarten up your business; the knowledge to converse with others intelligently; the guide to bring about change, or the book that you think others should now read.....Highly Recommended
I admit to being a little sceptical before I got to grips with Guilt Trip. The whole arena of environmental sustainability, green issues, climate change is enjoying something of an unfortunate paradox right now from whichever side of the fence you sit on. However, after devoting the time to study as well as read this packed and thought provoking 266 pages, I wanted to give everyone a copy. A review is so limited because whether you are in business, a student or consumer – you need to know all that’s in here.
The authors have first class strategic and marketing credentials, know what they are talking about and do with some humour. What they are calling for, and we all need, is nothing less than a transformation of both action and communication from those organisations that are not yet fully, responsibly ‘green’. What they perhaps don’t emphasise enough is the increasing financial benefit in making this change.
Much you may have already suspected but oh! how much room for improvement there is, not only in marketing and pr of goods and services to businesses and consumers but how far many of us have moved from being prepared to take whitewashing or green washing from companies that aren’t as environmentally friendly and socially responsible as they would like us to believe. For the rest, we’re told why we, as consumers, (whether individuals or businesses) invite it upon ourselves to be misled – the messages suit the stereotypes and categories in our heads, so we lazily accept them – self excluded! Tokenism of the very worst kind is ‘outed’, ‘Trojan Horses’ revealed, once and for all.
We’re told why the simplest, biggest messages of all are the ones that play to ‘communal fears’, that nothing unites people quite like a wholesome and mutual fear, and look at how the exploitation of this fact has created a cultural dependence on being afraid. The quest for ‘extraordinary’ in products and in people’s lives is succinctly explored and explained with an eye-opening look at what happens as our clamour for ‘extraordinary’ meets the power of what we’re prepared to do when we are afraid. But we go a big step further and discover how we ourselves are turning our fears into guilt.
But guilt is a different animal entirely. Guilt cannot be dealt with in the same way as fear so companies and governments need a new approach. Others can give us, then take away our fears with the right product or service – but we ourselves are the only ones, as yet, who can effectively deal with our guilt! And we, as large groups of individuals (power of the net and social networking only one example) are finding mass way of doing it. Think of our reaction to seeing the sweatshops where poor children produce shoes and clothes we crave. Footage of destruction of the rainforests in order to feed some new fad. We are wising up and asking “What are the other effects?” (of our purchases, decisions).
‘Frustrative non-reward’ crops up in reference to our addiction to the ‘new’, our obsession with novelty, in fact we’re perpetually in this state – a situation remarkably similar to simple fear. It’s not surprising then that the authors coin the phrase ‘The Age of Shopping’ to describe the time we’re living through. The fear? Fed explicitly or neurologically from the heart of mass communication messaging. But hold on! We’re into the new age of mass individual communications and social networking – and yes these are covered in some detail.
The Case Studies and examples of companies, politicians, governments and others ‘green washing’, or promoting their own ‘truths’ are most interesting. Read the fascinating example of ‘conditioning’ with a product sold on one continent as a pick-me-up energiser and on another as a sleep inducer. In other cases, we know when an oil company tells us that it is ‘green’ we do have to think twice and you can see here why we remain sceptical – we are wiser and more in tune with the planet (our only real home!) than the conglomerates give us credit for.
Refreshing expose´ but more importantly an educational text for how to make mutually beneficial and worthwhile change. For individuals and businesses, how to be a more savvy consumer, ‘put the power back into your pocket’. For the best business organisations and governments, the ones we personally want to support, how to truthfully capitalise on this new stage in the evolution of marketing communications. All explained within, concluding with excellent simple principles and rules to live by. Highly Recommended
VISION? MISSION? FOCUS? NLP? SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE? HIGH PERFORMANCE MINDSET? BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE (and how to lose money investing)? ISLAMIC FINANCE? ETHICAL OR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS? OPEN ARCHITECTURE? COMMUNICATION SKILLS? YOUR BRAND? Unexpected references in a banker’s text book. With impeccable credentials, the authors really know about people, cultures, business and the global community as well as being expert in the ultra high net worth banking and financial world. They say ‘clarity about your mission and possibilities’ are key; that ‘clarity is achieved through vision and focus’ and allude to ‘snakes and ladders thinking’ among other excellent ideas and strategies, then go on to share the tools you need to map the reality (of clients) and focus on the issues that will make a (wealth of) difference for them, or you, indeed anyone who wants to get the best out of their advisers!
ENTREPRENEUR? ULTRA HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUAL? (Or aspire to be?) You’ve made your money, now you need the right people to help you secure it, preserve it, grow it slowly or by quantum leaps, whatever! Find a banker, with the right mindset, skillset, colleagues and networks, all working by the holistic rules from understanding the knowledge in this book – you’re in great company! Curious? Then read it! At the very least you’ll discover how much better your bankers could be working with you and you’ll know how to change your relationships and advice received for the better. Pick up lots of useful tips for yourself in the process!
ULTRA HIGH NET WORTH BANKER? (Or aspire to be?) This book is a ‘must have’. When you understand and apply what you learn from this book you’ll create a virtuous circle that not only keeps your client but keeps them happy while also profitably increasing your target client base. This is a must read – it is where you should be to reach the pinnacle of your career and make everyone else happy at the same time.
Really, all any of us want is the best advice, from someone completely savvy that we trust implicitly, who not only knows our exact financial situation, our risk profile, our future ambitions, (and much more…) plus on their part - what they are doing with finances, (not only cash but bankable assets, insurances, private equity vehicles, everything!), the markets, best deals, tricks of the trade, law, taxation, IHT, Capital Gains, (and much more….) and if not them – they know a man (or team) who can – but they also understand our fears and concerns and share our resistance to losing everything through someone else’s dealings - and they’re a brilliant coach and mentor as well - we’re not asking for much!!
Packed with tools and techniques, you’ll learn or renew your understanding of beliefs and behaviours. Motivation, optimisation, opportunity net, risk management, negotiating fees, tax, disputes, lack of diversificiation. Concluding ‘Our Personal Recommendations’ with the ‘most important questions for success’ (who said questions are often more important than answers?), global Case Studies, excellent bibliography, useful websites, detailed index. Put The ULTRA HIGH NET WORTH Banker’s Handbook on your reading list right now, whether you’re an adviser or advisee! (Or aspire to be) Want to change for the better in 2010? Buy your own copy - and keep it safely by your side! It could well take wings and fly!!
Recommended
FREE SUPERSAVER DELIVERY HERE UNTIL CHRISTMAS so come on now!
LUCK!! LUCKY OR UNLUCKY? CREATE YOUR OWN LUCK? WELL MAYBE WE HAVE THE ANSWERS HERE! Whether you believe in it or not, ‘luck’ is often mentioned as a positive influence on the careers or fortunes of the brave and successful and the opposite for those who didn’t make it or had incredible reversals of fortune. The BIG QUESTION that we all want answered is, of course, how to create our own amazing luck, so read on….
When I first picked up this book, a saying sprang to mind used by a fortune teller I saw on television some years ago – “Think Lucky and You’ll Be Lucky”. I’ve certainly found this to be true and could write a book about it, but let’s focus on The Luck Factor for now – a book so good that it had to be reborn for a new generation and promises you at the start no need to consult oracles or magic to generate your own luck.
The author’s first words sum it up – “Prepare yourself for a strange journey”. This is not an academic book but a look at real life. The Luck Factor is brought alive by the author’s real (and often amazing) examples of both good and bad luck and the systematic approach of his quest to find answers and explanations to help us, including examining in some detail true stories experiences of hundreds of people, rich and poor, as well as investigating the nature of twins - with surprising results. You’ll discover serial winners and loses and that money isn’t everything. Charms, signs and portents, you’ll find we often receive warnings but many don’t recognise them – too busy ‘doing’ sometimes, rather than ‘being’, at least now and again.
Beginning his quest with ‘The Breaks’; Max goes on to explore many scientific and then occult and mystical ‘tries’ and theories including ‘Randomness’; Psychic’ and ‘Synchronicity’; before detailing the nature of ‘The Luck Adjustment’. Here are your answers and directions, including developing your own ‘Spiderweb Structure’ and ‘Hunching Skill’; why and how ‘Audentes Fortuna Juvat’, (Fortune Favours the Bold [and ‘Brave?] plus the nature of the ‘Ratchet Effect’. Throughout the book is packed with fascinating real life experiences of incredible luck but also amazing misfortune in his clear attempt to analyse and find ways to help us be more lucky and if possible to create our own good fortune.
Closing with the ‘Pessimism Paradox’ is an interesting touch, an eye-opener. I don’t want to spoil your read so no details here! But if it’s true? I’m seeing everyone in a whole new light! Max’s luck seems to have favoured him, with his other and no less diverting classic, ‘The Zurich Axioms’ yet another bestseller.
The Luck Factor is that promised 'strange journey' but better still, a fascinating read, whichever ‘luck’ camp you sit in – or outside even. What I’d like to see next? Given the changing world; ‘global warming’; the ‘credit crunch’ and all the other major excitements we’re experiencing, an updated Luck Factor for the 21st Century.
Interesting, thought provoking. Highly recommended. Take it seriously or laugh, your choice but worth the read. I’m interested in your feedback on this review, on the book itself and your own personal stories of ‘luck’ to info@mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
‘Fulfilled’ comes with a WARNING!!! It isn’t for the faint hearted, or the grazing reader, dipper in and out, searcher for fad of the moment or quick fix. Finishing this book is not the end of the story – it’s the opening of a door/crossing of a bridge into a new country for those with the humility, honesty and courage to stay the course. It has the potential to seriously change your life – however you will need to really work at it. Remember though that everything worth having – is worth working at. There’s no learning like, and none more powerful than, life experience. Deirdre shares the gift of her own transformation – that’s priceless!
Fulfilled is for those with the courage to change and a burning desire for personal fulfilment. By reading ‘Fulfilled’ you’ll experience change – but work through the programme and you’ll change your life and the world around you!
You’ll learn how to ‘tap into the fourth dimension’ – your inner resource – the true intuition that all we human beings possess but many have been denying. Dedication to discovering your ‘true purpose’ will be rewarded. Perhaps thankfully, I am not sure, not everyone has the opportunity to experience the critical ‘life or death’ or ‘near death’ moment, that ‘vital spiritual experience’ as Carl Jung described it, that for many of us has stimulated us to reassess the way we live our lives.
Deirdre was kind enough to inscribe the front of the review copy that she sent me with the words “It’s never too late to be Fulfilled, Deirdre x” How very, very true. If you’ve read what I say about ‘Attitude’ elsewhere, then you’ll agree. It’s important to share with you the context for Deirdre’s book. “From a tough childhood, subsequent addiction and uncertainty, Deirdre Bounds climbed her way out of a rock-bottom situation, started a business with no experience, and became a self-made multimillionaire, eventually selling www.i-to-i.com to a FTSE 100 company. Deirdre attributes her success WHOLLY to this 7 Step programme, which not only helped her overcome her addiction problems, but also allowed her to create the happiest possible family life and find real and lasting fulfilment in every other area of her life”. What better endorsement can you want?
Deirdre asks “Have you ever said “There’s got to be more to life than this?” A whole lot of people will answer ‘Yes’ but even faced with the potential solution, have they got what it takes to turn it around? I admit it - I found ‘Fulfilled – A Personal Revolution in 7 Steps’ a challenging read. That’s because as a Serial Entrepreneur, Coach and Mentor, who has also been challenged (and boy how so! Every decade of my life in particular but that’s waiting for my own book to reveal) but came at the solution from a different perspective, I nevertheless persevered. And it was worth it! You see, however you go about it, to really change your life takes work and in some cases more work than in others. What is common, in even different approaches, is the need to persevere – persistently – and believe that you’ll make it!
Fulfilled is a complete work to take you from A to B. How long will it take? As long (or short) as you want it to. Does it work? Well, clearly it did for Deirdre and for the thousands who signed up to the original programme as it was intended. The hardest part is often admitting the problem – some say that once that’s done you’re half way there. OK, sometimes there’s a lifetime of ‘baggage’ but what the hey! Dump it! Although even that’s easier said than done – but Deirdre shows how. There’s a necessary process. In fact all the necessary processes are structured and ready to work through. I don’t say follow because it’s a ‘work through’ book and process. You’ll need to set some ‘me time’ and be determined.
My review has nothing to do with the fact that Deirdre and I are both registered as motivational speakers with the same agency www.womenspeakers.co.uk, and also have life similarities (I don’t believe in coincidences) in what altruistic ventures and charitable activities we support. Deirdre’s an Ambassador for Young Enterprise and I’m a Champion for Women’s Enterprise www.womensenterprisetaskforce.co.uk You know, even though it’s a small world, you don’t always know who is standing next to you. I don’t believe in coincidences, so how this will pan out is anybody’s guess. What I do know is that if you’ve ever really hit rock-bottom; if you’ve attempted to change your life for the better and still haven’t managed it, invest the £10, be luckier still and sign up for our Winspiration ™ newsletter before 2nd September 2009 and you’ll access a 24-hour time-limited REALLY SPECIAL OFFER BONUS PACKAGE WORTH OVER £500! I was impressed enough to work out this special deal with Deirdre for you! If that’s a problem ask someone for your birthday present and if that won’t do it, go to the library, get the book, set aside the time and space and put in the groundwork at this. It’s not a quick fix, will not happen overnight (let me know if it does!) but I can see the potential….Do also go look at www.thepersonalrevolution.net
the website to help on your Fulfilled journey. Do visit www.deirdrebounds.com as well. Who knows what this budding serial entrepreneur will come up with next
Highly Recommended. If you’ve got true grit to stick at it and make the life change that you say you want - get Fulfilled!
In for a Penny says ‘Plain speaking has never held Peter Hargreaves back’. It’s true, now a multi-millionaire, Peter built his investment company Hargreaves Lansdown with Stephen Lansdown, in the most savvy, practical and cost-effective ways possible and was never afraid to ask for what he wanted, especially if it did not already exist! He may have cut a few corners, but innovation is a key theme throughout this business career, revealed warts and all. The bonus is an insight into investment products but will not, however, teach you how to invest. The real lesson for us all is in the first two pages of Chapter 1 - how important it is to be exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age, that's when we absorb it without even knowing.
Reviewing this book is a shift from my usual themes but I wanted to because Peter’s company is one that I have watched with interest from the outset – from receiving his first newsletter and continuing to receive updates – knowing how well his company plays the waiting game for potential customers and must have been well rewarded for doing so! There are clear lessons about customer (and alliances) relationship development and insights into how to (and not to) treat people. And there’s a theme going on here – we’re both good Yorkshire stock, say as we find - though it may offend some people from time to time but isn’t it better to know the truth? Barriers? What barriers? Where there’s a will – there’s a way! We’ve each been good for the people we’ve employed – so it seems. Peter started his company in 1981 – just as I was launching my first business centre – so we’ve similar timelines but my itchy feet led me to be a serial entrepreneur with over ten businesses, while Peter persevered brilliantly with his one core business, pioneering new ideas, to make it a leader in the investment industry.
And now, even though they floated the company in 2007 for £800 million (and I admire the way that Peter and Stephen went about it – and must mention ‘The Rochdale Cowboy’ and Tracey Taylor), their typical Yorkshire stringent financial and economical thinking is still something that we can admire in terms of sustainability and knowing that the founders are still at the helm.
Peter’s comments have stirred quite a few memories from my own early days in business when he talks about some of his business issues. Makes me think of how I taught my staff to look for the easiest solution whenever anything went wrong, especially with equipment, as inevitably in business it does. For example, when the machines don’t work, think twice before calling in the engineers and technicians, for heavens sake look and see if the fuse in the plug has blown!! You’d be amazed at how many times, in those early days of my new business empire, that really was the problem. This one simple mantra saved us a fortune!! Memories also flood back of early days of computers and word-processing (in our case Amstrads then - thank you Sir Alan) and compatibilities (or not)! We all know that nature abhors a vacuum and will fill it – so the ingenuity (or foolhardiness) of leasing twice the necessary space and hiving half of it away behind false walls before staff knew about it, ready to expand into which they did from rapid business growth– is an interesting example of his belief in and passion for success.
I love Peter’s reference to the perfect example of what not to look for in a boss, Merryl Streep in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, although I have to say this is one of my favourite films but you’d have to be a woman (leader) to understand!
Peter says that he’s been interested in money since he was 11 – must have had a great upbringing then? I have to say that my entrepreneurial discovery of the value of money began when I was just three – but hey Peter got to the IPO and I get to talk to and inspire thousands of people to achieve their potential (from a serial entrepreneur’s perspective) through being a Coaching and Mentoring Enterprise Champion, keynotes at conferences Valerie Dwyer at Women Speakers and blogging!
This book will not turn you into an investment expert – that’s what Hargreaves Lansdown do! If you’re looking for a straight forward, tell it as it is, streetwise, tale of a business start up that became, and still is, a £ multi million success – you may just learn something, but don’t expect it to be totally PC. All said, I encourage you to read the book, and visit http://www.h-l.co.uk/
Time Management for Manic Mums
by Allison Mitchell. ISBN 978-1-4019-1563-6
TIME? – WE NEVER HAVE ENOUGH!!! But ever thought about how fast your future yearly supply is shrinking while you’re complaining of not having enough every day? Don’t have time to read this? WRONG! Right up front Allison Mitchell gives you the secrets of how to find time as she takes you in seven short weeks, only ten minutes a day, on the journey you need - ‘From Manic to Marvellous’. Don’t be fooled by the title – this book is for YOU! Be prepared to lose every excuse you’ve ever made about why you don’t have enough time - for whatever!
Now is the time to take control and make more time – for you and for the most important things in your life. Don’t put it off any longer!
“With only seven chapters to read, over seven weeks you can learn all you need to know in as little as ten minutes a day! With everything broken down into tasty, digestible morsels, this is as easy as eating ice cream”
Discover your brain’s SATNAV that’ll take you wherever you want to go! Look into your ‘Eye of Time’. Concentrate on your ‘Life Focus’ and ‘Values Focus’ you’ll feel much better for it!
The secret of this book’s success – train your brain! Like riding that bike – once learnt, never forgotten. No expensive course to go on – or systems to buy – it’s all here and it’s fun and memorable! I especially love the ‘Wine Bottle Theory of Time Management’ with all those healthy Apples, Blueberries and Cranberries…
Is your time more precious than gold? Or do you treat it like the sand in your egg timer? Would you like the secret of how to have a 25th hour each day?
If you’ve struggled through every time management book and system there is to no avail – this is the ultimate answer to what you were looking for.
Meet your amazing Internal Management Team, recognise and learn how to get them on side to help you. Learn to live in and savour the moment..
Time Coach Allison Mitchell has condensed her practical individual approach, amazing tools and techniques into manageable bite-sized chunks – to help you reorganise time and create more…Make plans now for what you’ll do with that extra hour each day!
Procrastination busters, creating new habits, it’s all here…Stark questions include “What do you really want to do/achieve before you die?” Now that’s a big question. And will we have time…the way we’re living now….
Time Management for Manic Mums (and everyone else!) is your best investment this year - for yourself, but also for everyone you know who is under constant time pressure. They’ll thank you for it. Be prepared to do the work and results are guaranteed. Come on – end the days knowing that you’ve done everything you said you would do!
Highly recommended
Supermummy™ - The Ultimate Mumpreneur’s Guide to Online Business Success - Highly recommended - Buy it here and now to boost your business....
Mel McGee -ISBN 1905430515. Reviewed by serial entrepreneur Valerie Dwyer, founder of My Wonderful Life™ Coach, ‘Everything is Possible™’ and other enterprises. www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
POWERFUL POTENTIAL to change your business and your life from the first few words – We’re having a …Business!!! – and it’s all yours with what really is the ULTIMATE GUIDE to Online Business Success!!
The sooner you buy – and try – the sooner, like Supermummy™ and her followers, you and your business - will fly!
Packed with ‘SUPERTIPS’ - this compelling guide is one of my best reads this year! Forget finding the work-life balance….this guide does it for you! Written by mother of three, Mel McGee, she distils the secrets of running a profitable anywhere business while getting the best out of her family life. As a mother of three myself, a serial entrepreneur with more than 10 enterprises under my belt, Mel’s advice resonates with my own experiences and so I know that what she says works! This IS the ultimate guide to online business success – to profiting from your experience as well as your products and Mel takes to through every step of the way to earning while you sleep 24/7!
But this guide is not only for Mumpreneurs – it is for everyone beavering away in every type of small businesses across the UK. This is the book that I would have been proud to write.
Since I gave a pre-mention of the book launch on 5th March 2009 in our newsletter I have had the opportunity to met Mel – her business is really going places and she would like you to go along with her. Visit her website and join to receive special offers and get instant access to tips and resources - www.supermummy.com
Handy sized paperback that you’ll be happy to pick up anytime, anywhere – in fact, let anyone try and stop you, once you begin!!
Highly recommended
Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones and other hilarious books
As reviewed by Valerie....
wannabe a writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones www.janewenham-jones.com and www.wannabeawriter.co.uk ISBN 9-781905-170814
Wannabe a writer? Whatever your answer, make sure and buy this brilliant book now. Witty, inspirational, funny, insightful, motivational, frequently side-splitting and almost, but not quite, irreverent. This talented author gives very practical ‘how to’ advice, avoids techno-speak or rubbish, cuts to the quick of what writing, and getting published, is all about. How wonderful that the author has been there, (four books) done that, (lots of published short stories, magazine and other articles) and got several t-shirts while, as it seems, quality testing immense quantities of wine! Don’t be surprised to discover your inner writer at last..this could trigger a whole new writing boom - or a very happy country!
Unputdownably frustrating when pressed for time, this is THE fantastically practical ‘how to succeed in writing’ book that I could have done with 20, 10, even 5 years ago. I cannot count how many ‘writing’ books I have used as doorstops, flower presses, packaging and firelighters! It is the happiest of accidents that I came across ‘Wannabe a Writer’ and better late than never!
Laid low on several occasions (years apart thankfully) by life’s little idiosyncratic knocks – pulmonary embolism, spine damaging road traffic accident, then shingles followed by rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis – with time to reflect I took up my trusty pencil and began to write ‘my book’ before more mundane things, such as daily living, could distract me yet again. I definitely tick Jane’s box that says whatever happens, do at least kick off and begin to write. Yes, I have produced 90,000 words several times over – one book at least – pity then that my musings are not all in one location so alas although I meet the ‘keep on writing’ I’ve yet to hit the ‘for heavens sake finish it criteria’ – but will one day…
Sensible advice abounds, from Jane and fellow authors, agents and publishers. The look at different genres emphasises the challenges with writing one’s ‘memoirs’ - something that rings bells because in my case truth really is stranger than fiction. Thankfully I have found that liberal use of humour and huge doses of optimism enable me to turn my life’s perverse experiences very successfully into inspirational keynote talks. Yes, the presentations and talks flow easily, but writing that elusive book is another matter and when you are being chased with requests left, right and centre, aye – there’s the rub!
Jane and I are definitely devotes of the ‘Attitude determines altitude’ school of thought, although I do wonder whether, if I followed Jane’s route to success, the future may hold a few too many ‘under the table’ moments than may be good for someone with my health record and medications.
Writing this now, I realise how much I have learned from Jane and also the many other authors who gave their tips. This book, indeed all of Jane’s other exciting titles that I have now discovered – ‘Perfect Alibis’, ‘Raising the Roof’, ‘One Glass is Never Enough’ – should not only be on your ‘to read’ list but also – for would-be writers and everyone who enjoys a good laugh – on your present lists. Christmas 2009 is coming….and birthdays, anniversaries, graduations…..Well that’s my present list sorted – how about yours??
Jane, if you should happen across this, fancy a spot of ‘ghost-writing?’ Seriously though, take your own medicine and get on with writing ‘Bugger the Diet and Everything Else That Life’s Too Short For’?? And be sure and send me the first copy!! Highly Recommended
Reviewer Valerie Dwyer is a serial entrepreneur, (founder of 10 enterprises, 3 of which were home based); coach, mentor and agent of change for over 1,000 other entrepreneurs; author, writer and inspirational speaker. A recognised Champion for Women’s Enterprise, she is a member of the UK Women’s Enterprise Task Force set up to increase the quantity, survivability and growth of UK women’s enterprises. Find out more at: www.womensenterprisetaskforce.co.uk; www.womenspeakers.co.uk and www.workingwoman.org.uk
Spare Room Start Up - by Emma Jones - the enterprising book that everyone of every age should read......
As reviewed by Valerie.....
Spare Room Start Up -Emma Jones www.spareroomstartup.com ISBN 1-905641-68-0
Spare Room Start Up could potentially be exactly what we need to propel UK plc into the top spot in the world economic performance league tables. This book should be essential reading, available for everyone in the UK that we want to encourage and inspire... |
Gripping as any thriller, for an entrepreneur that is, this is the book to take you from rags to riches quicker than Cinderella – when you take the lessons on board. Oh! that this enlightened read had been around when I started my first enterprise at the tender age of 18. On my travels, speaking at conferences and high-powered events, I have met some of the featured entrepreneurs from these Case Studies and also had the privilege to work with and share platforms with a number of home business start up entrepreneurs, including the late Dame Anita Roddick, and Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation. All lovely people, and this book should get the message across that they are just like us. I speak from experience when I say that starting a business from home is life changing but EASY! – when you know how.
Spare Room Start Up is an excellent tool not only for helping people to make that start, but it is a call to stand up and take pride that a home based business is the most sensible and cost-effective way for many people to test, launch and grow their business idea in a safe environment. This applies to everyone but perhaps especially for people with illnesses, disabilities, children or caring responsibilities – all conditions which I have personally experienced. And let’s be clear, the lessons in this book also apply equally to all businesses.
Full of practical business and personal stuff; lots of brilliant Case Studies; easy to follow hints, tips and ideas; useful website links plus templates that you can use straight away for everything from sorting out your marketing plan to getting the pages of publicity that every business needs.Not only is Spare Room Start Up fascinating, educational, practical, easy to read and understand, with valuable lessons taking you through the process step by step, it is also a very tactile book, lovely texture, packed with beautiful colour photographs – it its unputdownable!
An ideal present (Christmas is still coming) for students, this book should be in all libraries and a recommended text for schools, colleges and universities. Make it available in crèches for the new generation of Mumpreneurs! Spare Room Start Up should be the handbook of all business advisers and business support agencies and organisations, including Business Links.
What’s more, this is an excellent coffee table book for every home and reception area even doctor’s surgeries – because it is great medicine. But watch out – it’s just the right size to pop into your bag and walk away with! Come on Emma - I’m already eagerly anticipating your next book – “How to grow your business from home”.
Highly Recommended
Biased? Perhaps! Reviewer Valerie Dwyer is a serial entrepreneur, (founder of 10 enterprises, 3 of which were home based); coach, mentor and agent of change for over 1,000 other entrepreneurs; author, writer and inspirational speaker. A recognised Champion for Women’s Enterprise, she is a member of the UK Women’s Enterprise Task Force set up to increase the quantity, survivability and growth of UK women’s enterprises.Find out more at: www.womensenterprisetaskforce.co.uk; www.womenspeakers.co.uk
www.workingwoman.org.uk
The eBay Business Handbook - Robert Pugh - how to beat the recession with an eBay business...
The eBay Business Handbook – How anyone can build a business and make money on eBay.co.uk by Robert Pugh – Harriman House - ISBN 978-1906659-03-5 Reviewed by serial entrepreneur Valerie Dwyer, founder of My Wonderful Life™ Coach and other enterprises. mywonderfullife@btinternet.com
Welcome to ‘The Good Life’. Learn ‘How anyone can build a business and make money on eBay.co.uk’. No need to rack your brains inventing a new money-making machine – Robert Pugh hands it to you on a plate! The book for everyone who has ever considered the idea of owning their own business and being their own boss; part-time to supplement other income, or a full time venture, but not yet taken the plunge. Already in business? There’s still some useful learning, much of which applies to offline businesses. For many, this will be possibly the best investment and opportunity of 2009!
What a fantastic time to start your own business, equipped with Robert Pugh’s eBay Business Handbook, almost no capital outlay required, a work pattern you choose and rewards limited only by your own actions!! Alternatively – a wonderful gift to encourage someone else into low risk exploration of entrepreneurship for themselves. Where else would you find all the information and advice you need to start and build a significant business with as little as 10p to invest at the start?
Dreams of giving up the day job – or heavens forbid – being pushed?? Read on. Billed as ‘Beat the recession with an Ebay business’, this fully revised and updated version of his best selling guide to succeeding on eBay now comes with Robert’s free www.ebaybulletin.co.uk Sign up now for his current adventures, new success strategies and latest tips and advice as they all unfold.
Reflecting on the challenges of starting my own first major retail outlet at just 18, this global shop-window with secure online payments is in another dimension entirely- within everyone’s reach!!
Comprehensive, easy to understand, plain English, this step by step guide through the stages to maximise eBay business success also anticipates how to deal with and overcome potential problems. Whether you’re an eBay novice or more experienced, you’ll learn something new. It does exactly what it says on the cover and comes first hand from a ‘man who can’, from a standing start selling his first LP to making money serious enough to focus on his niche, give up the day job, employ another, reach eBay ‘PowerSeller’ status and trade worldwide.
Packed with practical, easy to follow tools and techniques plus tips and hints to maximise success; effective marketing strategies; oft-elusive USP’s; money saving html shortcuts to create enticing shop windows; powerful sales tools, winning strategies on the timing of your auctions, plus pages of useful internet links, this is a both a reference book to dip in and out of but also a thoroughly useful and inspirational cover to cover read with a humorous intro diary. I am delighted that Robert mentions the excellent www.enterprisenation.com the home based business website started by long-time friend Emma Jones, author of Spare Room Start Up www.spareroomstartup.com most of which advice might so easily apply to your new eBay business.
Developing your online business, getting paid, managing the paperwork, exporting and the ‘legals’ (self-employment – if you’ve not already stepped over this threshold, income tax, NIC, vat) it’s all in here. It’s a must for everyone who has dabbled as an eBay amateur and wants to turn pro’ – however high your ambitions – you’ll find what you need to safely test out, begin and build your own online business. As with any business venture though, you’ll need to dedicate the amount of time relevant to your level of aspiration. At the very least, by using Robert’s techniques to refine your auctions, you will improve sales of personal items and easily recover the cost of this book.
A great reference book for anywhere there’s an opportunity to inspire people of all ages to have a low risk go at their own enterprise adventure. Highly recommended! mywonderfullife@btinternet.com
Reviewer Valerie Dwyer is a serial entrepreneur, (founder of My Wonderful Life Coach ™ and other enterprises); coach, mentor and agent of change for over 1,000 other entrepreneurs; author, writer and inspirational speaker. Recognised Champion for Women’s Enterprise, she is a member of the UK Women’s Enterprise Task Force set up to increase the quantity, survivability and growth of UK women’s enterprises. Find out more at: www.womensenterprisetaskforce.co.uk www.womenspeakers.co.uk www.workingwoman.org.uk www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Entrepreneurship, as with everything in life, It's all about Attitude - so take our test now, then again when you've read 'Making it' Check my attitude right now
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Making it - women entrepreneurs reveal the secrets of their success
It’s all about ATTITUDE – how right – how true!! The theme running through this entire book is the power of belief to make the life and business that you want. This resounds with me because when running ‘visioning’ sessions with women entrepreneurs my focus on success strategies emphasises the importance and power of belief, so this is definitely a good read for everyone searching for or refreshing their personal or corporate (small businesses definitely included) vision. While this book is aimed at motivating women to put their foot on the enterprise pedal –even seasoned and successful entrepreneurs would benefit from time out to read it.
Making it is easy reading material and has an extremely useful format. Carefully constructed chapters combine a clever balance of ‘mentoring moments’; personal ‘entrepreneurs’ experiences’ shared by the authors’; interviews with successful women entrepreneurs; ‘making it happen for you’ that stimulates further thought and includes a useful ‘check your attitude’ section followed by the workable and well worth doing (and all important) ‘three steps to action’ – without which all ambitions are destined to remain just dreams and visions.
A gentle and easy introduction into the power of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) in which we effectively programme our conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious mind for success. NLP has been around for a long time, is a key technique in the toolkit of most professional Coaches, quality training courses and networks of NLP professionals abound. Whether they know they are using it or not, (some people instinctively use this once natural trait, others still need to tune in), this mind programming is also a characteristic skill of successful entrepreneurs. Try out the practical tools for boosting your positive beliefs (useful at any time!). Believe me, if you have not yet tried this, it really works!
One reference that I especially welcome is the mention about the power of music in inspiring thoughts and ideas – an essential element of vision creation. Innovation and ideas are the lifeblood of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial organisations so Chapter 4 in particular resonates with me. I know the featured entrepreneur role model Dawn Gibbins of Flowcrete Group plc – admittedly predominantly through our emails after I launched the North West Regional Development Agency’s Women’s Enterprise Ambassadors programme in my capacity as a member of the UK Women’s Enterprise Taskforce. Dawn’s emails buzz and her thoughts are a clear indication of an amazing entrepreneur at work.
At 194 pages, this small but easy digest packs a punch beyond its size. Whatever you do though, don’t start reading it on your way to speak at a major conference or event if you do not want distracting, it will get you thinking in all sorts of worthwhile and, for some, possibly new directions. Pick this up when you have time out and can do the exercises and follow up action - perhaps on the train home or, should you have the luxury of a driver, it’s a great backseat read. While you’re at it – visit their website www.makingit.biz Recommended.
Why Women Mean Business – Understanding the emergence of our next economic revolution by Avivah Wittenburg-Cox & Alison Maitland-ISBN 9780470725085 Reviewed by serial entrepreneur Valerie Dwyer, founder of My Wonderful Life™ Coach, Everything is Possible™ and other enterprises. www.mywonderfullifecoach.co.uk
Seeking competitive advantage? It’s under our very noses! Want to ready your business/organisation for success in the ‘new economy’? Miss this revelation at your peril! You need to know! Here’s your route forward. Simply by understanding how to tap the dynamic potential of the women in your business or organisation and unleash their enterprise and creativity, you will boost business and gain economic leadership.
Whether you’re heading up a global corporation, government agency department, public or third sector organisation, SME (Small and medium enterprise), or a freelancer, adviser, researcher, writer in any way involved in the economics of success this is the book that you didn’t know you have been waiting for. Learn the language of ‘womenomics’ (go to www.WOMEN-omics.com sign up - welcome to the ‘gender-bilingual’ world.
I am on record as saying that the Board of any organisation without a balance of male/female thinking and decision making is not fit-for-purpose for C21st success because male and female’s think differently. Combine to bring the ultimate combination of logic and creativity. Why Women Mean Business provides compelling evidence of the economic corporate benefits. Fact and evidence-based reading for corporate and political leaders, futurists, in fact everyone working for a stable, balanced yet thriving economy. Chairmen, Boards, Executive Committees, Senior Management owe it to themselves to innovate, using ‘WWMB’ to make and sell the business case for balanced leadership and integrated workforces before setting targets and budgets.
Remember the old chestnuts - companies aren’t hiring women because ‘not enough of the right calibre apply’, and ‘recruitment agencies don’t provide enough female candidates’- tales told at all levels from Board, through Senior Management across organisations. If I had £1,000 for each time I heard these I’d have a big enough Trust Fund to support all those women’s enterprises that I am committed to helping to survive and grow!!! On looking more closely, I have always found that the right channels of communication and right networks were not being used to reach the target audiences and with a little tweaking the results substantially improve. This is also backed up by empirical research – so a little education and re-thinking would vastly improve the recruitment potential. Beware unconscious bias and subliminal discouragement – for heavens sake – such logic – make use of your female Role Models and also ask women to contribute to all material designed to attract women and ensure that women are involved in the recruitment and selection process!!!!
I am on record as saying that any Board of any organisation without a balance of male/female thinking and decision making is not fit-for-purpose for twenty-first century success. Why Women Mean Business provides the compelling evidence of the economic corporate benefits and is fact and evidence-based reading for corporate and political leaders, futurists in fact everyone working for a balanced and revitalised economy. The basic business issue is that Chairmen, Boards, Executive Committees, Senior Management, whoever, must see, make and sell the business case for balanced leadership and workforce before setting all targets and budgets.
Countries and companies that innovate to be more ‘women-friendly’ in the fullest sense (and I do not advocate positive discrimination – women want to be treated as equals) will be better placed to overcome the bourgeoning age, ‘loss of talent’, geo, socio and all other demographics and challenges to benefit the new resurgent economy.
Read up! Data monitor says that women in the US will control a mind boggling £22 trillion by 2010. In the UK, women are expected to own 60% of all personal wealth by 2025. There are now more female than male millionaires aged between 18 and 44, and more female than male millionaires aged over 65. (Carter 2006).
Goldman Sachs “Women’s Thirty” basket of stocks has out performed all global equities over the last decade, and predicts similar trends over the next decade. Staggering statistics aside you’ll find the evidence, references, tips, and solutions that you need to make your case for capitalising on the women’s enterprise economy.
Why Women Mean Business is essential reading and reference material to dip in and out of. Use it as a tool for yourself and others to become more enlightened about the untapped new potential for you and your organisation. 349 valuable pages. Highly Recommended