PierToPeerCoaching

Recession, what recession...?

If you believed the media you would think all businesses were in imminent danger of demise...so perhaps it's because I studiously avoid any news about the economy and am just "getting on with it" that my business/es are flourishing?

Today I had a new client call (someone I connected with at a recent Money Gym Property Event) we were clearly on the same page and she's just become my newest VA client.  Last week the same thing happened (this time the connection was through Facebook - and a recommendation from Janet Swift - thank you!).  Again we "clicked" and as soon as she secures funding we are ready to go.

Meanwhile I got an email out of the blue from a VA who is looking to find her replacement prior to retirement - apparently I was one of a few carefully chosen potentials...

Has it got to do with clearly all my debt at the end of January?  Launching a new joint venture business last month? Taking a 3 1/2 hour lunch break to catch up with a good friend today? I'd guess all of the above...and doing what I love to do...making connections, effortlessly!

It seems that believing in yourself comes when you let go of trying so hard and just do what you love to do...it's then that everything starts to fall into place.

Life is for enjoying...and I'm convinced it's contagious...just try it!

The Magic of Monaco

I feel I've been living the high-life this week...working at the book launch for a client of mine that took place at La Salle Empire, Hotel de Paris in Monaco on Tuesday evening. The event was a cocktail party and charity auction in aid of the Born Free Foundation and we were privileged to have Virigina McKenna speaking at the event. (I love being virtual, but it was a treat to working face-to-face and something I most definitely will build into my business!)

Having been involved with the project over the last few months it was a delight to meet many of the sponsors in person (with whom I'd only previously been in contact through phone and email).

Monaco itself is like nowhere else I've ever been - a tiny principality with so much wealth concentrated into an area the size of London's Hyde Park, sitting on the edge of the Mediterranean sea. My welcome to this tiny state began magically enough by being given a lift by a US-based film producer (on his way to the Cannes Film Festival) whom I'd sat next to on the plane - the last bus had left 20 minutes prior to our flight landing. The gentleman in question was invited to the party and I've now connected with one of his colleagues with whom I may work in the future...networking at its best!

(Image from the book: "The Magic of Monaco")

WE Connect

I recently attended an introductory seminar run by WE Connect a new organisation that is linking women-owned businesses with multi-national corporate clients. The idea is to raise awareness in the corporate sector of the difference potentially gained by working with businesses run by women, and give those smaller providers a link to decision-makers within these global brand name companies.

Whilst at the stage of expanding my own VA business, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for the challenge (but may well be in the next few months - watch this space!)

A coaching colleague of mine, Suzanne Doyle-Morris was one of the first women-owned businesses to be certified for the scheme and writes about her experiences with the process in her blog.