August 2006

Support for your business

Hearing a talk recently about support for those starting and growing a business gave me plenty of food for thought. 

David North, Director of Faringdon Enterprise Gateway was the speaker this week at the other networking group I run, Chippy Lippys.  He told us about all the different elements that make up the Gateway and how it benefits businesses in the area.  It made me reflect on all the things I took for granted until I started my own business.

In the corporate world there are people who deal with the finances, marketing, administration, human resources, training and development and so on.  You have built in social interaction and the opportunity to brainstorm ideas with others.

When you go out on your own, suddenly there isn't anyone else to do all those things, it's all down to you.

So what have I found helpful as I develop my business? 

• Recognising the things I'm good at (and consequently what I find difficult);
• Knowing when to call in the experts (such as finding a great accountant - mine is Sam Sadler of Sadler Talbot, an LTL member, who's helped me set up good financial systems and is always at the end of the phone with straightforward advice);
• Building in time to work on my business as opposed to in my business (so planning, brainstorming and reviewing what's working - and what's not);
• Identifying my niche by looking at the clients who have benefited most from my services and who I've enjoyed working with, then identifying common ground amongst them;
• Networking - to meet other people running their own businesses, to get/give support and advice, to help me practice my sales pitch and to raise my profile.  By developing these relationships I've got people to call on when I've got good news to share, I'm having a bad day or I need a sounding board;
• Seeking out others in a similar business to myself and asking them about what worked and didn't work for them;
• Using the services of organisations such as the Faringdon Enterprise Gateway and Business Link that provide support and advice, together with opportunities for networking, mentoring, training and meeting other like-minded business people;
• Investing in my on-going personal and professional development.

So what's worked for you?

If you are interested in great networking, then come along to the LTL Summer Networking Party on Tuesday 22nd August at the Cherwell Boathouse in Oxford.  This event is open to everyone - members and non-members alike, partners, friends and colleagues.  So whether you've been to an LTL event before or if this is your first time - make a date to join us for a glass of Pimms, a barbecue and try your hand at punting if you fancy it.  Click on the event link on this newsletter and book on-line.  I look forward to seeing you there.

What about your personal and professional development?  Would you like to find the keys to your success and effectiveness?  If so, then register your place at our September workshop.  See below for details.

Lesley Reader

Managing Director LTL and Emerging Potential

www.lesleyreader.co.uk

Register by 6th September to secure your place on our autumn workshop - Unstoppable You!

26th September 2006 from 9am-12pm

Do you notice that while there are some things in your work you just can't wait to get on with, there are others you put off and avoid as much as you can?  What would it take to be unstoppable in every area?

In this workshop you will:

• examine the obstacles you create to your own success and that of your business
• remove the blocks to personal and business success
• know what you need to do to break through to a new level of effectiveness

The workshop will be led by Kate Mercer of Shine Consulting, who specialises in helping frustrated business leaders achieve the results they instinctively feel they should.

Cost for members £35+VAT and for non-members £45+VAT

CALENDAR

Click on the title for further information and to book your place

Tue 22 August

Special Summer Networking Event - All welcome!

Pimms & Punting

Tue 26 September

Unstoppable You!

Uncover the keys to your success and effectiveness

Tue 26 September

Guest Speaker T.B.C.

Tue 24 October

Guest Speaker T.B.C.

A Warm Welcome To new/renewing members:

David Rickwood

Edmund Gibbs

Sue Rees

Sue Rees Associates

Jackie Gaff

Jackie Gaff Planting and Garden Design

Copyright © 2006 Ladies That Lunch & Emerging Potential. All rights reserved.

Ladies That Lunch
Phone 0845 330 1078