What stops us from taking up new challenges?

We are all creatures of habit and feel comfortable following our routines. They are safe - if a little boring at times!

Business is the same: we keep doing what we do because it is what we know and are comfortable with. However, it may not be the most lucrative way to earn a living and can seriously hamper business success. What’s stopping us? Fear!

Fear of failure very often prevents us from being creative and stepping out of our comfort zone in the business world. Innovation is lost and we stagnate in our orderly world. It is often the precursor to the death of a business.

How do we overcome the fear and take on new challenges and try new things?

Start by doing something on a regular basis which is out of your comfort zone. Do something really small at first. For example, try walking down the street on the opposite side to the one you normally choose. Or reverse the order you put on your shoes or move your desk to a different part of the room. Little challenges which you overcome easily will give you confidence to move to bigger tasks without feeling stressed and anxious. Sit in a different part of the room from your usual spot, and take a look at your business from a different perspective.

Start looking for new and different challenges. Every time you take on a new challenge and conquer it you will get a satisfying rush of endorphins. Now the uncomfortable will become an exciting opportunity rather than a fearful experience to hide from. Write down all the benefits to you and your business of taking up new challenges and getting more creative and pin them beside your desk as a reminder.

Make 2016 the year you get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

A New Year - New Challenges, New Outcomes

Did you approach 2016 with the thought that you wanted to make changes, sell your business and move onto new challenges in the near future?

Are you thinking of retiring or handing the business on to the kids in the next 10 or 20 years?

What if you have just started a business and are full of enthusiasm for all you are going to achieve?

You may have started out with an image of what your business would look like when it is running successfully, but have you thought about what you want your business exit to look like? The ending seems very unimportant at the outset compared to the immediate demands of generating sales and an ongoing income. However, if you pay no attention to this, it could be that you end up with a job for life, as you still need an income and the business can’t manage without you. It’s very flattering to think you are indispensable, but it isn't really the path to a guaranteed income in retirement and some time to do those things on the bucket list!

The other risk is that you will have a business of no interest and value to prospective investors or buyers when you want to move on or retire. Those with small businesses have put all their hopes, dreams and energies into building up sales and generating an ongoing income but they can become too close to the business and find that they haven’t invested the time and money to ensure the business continues to evolve and is still an attractive proposition.

While you are pondering your New Year resolutions and outcomes you are looking to achieve in 2016, it is worth spending a few minutes jotting down your exit plans!

I have a proven track record in advising businesses, from starting up to exiting, and I can guide you through the best way to capitalise on all the skill, effort and expertise you have invested in your business.

I'm hosting a webinar on how to ‘Sell your Business for Maximum Value’ on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 at 12.00pm (UK time). You can find out more and register here. If you're unable to make that date, still register and I'll keep you informed of other times.

Thinking of a business exit strategy?

What’s your best way out for a happier future?

I'm working on a new program around the issue - or problem - of business exit strategies. Recently I have been working with decision makers, owners of businesses and mostly men aged 50+ who are thinking about selling their business - or just doing something different.

Often an event has precipitated this new line of thinking, or they want to sell their business to finance their dreams - because they have big dreams! If this sounds like you, or anyone you know, it would be great to talk with you to get your insights into this issue.

Please call (01497 820 520) or message me so we can make an appointment for a ten-minute conversation.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Are there any short cuts to your 'personal summit'?

What amazing things could you do in your life if you could overcome your fears?

Butterfly Group Meeting Wednesday, 20 May 2015 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Hereford

Your irrational fears could be holding you back in achieving what you really want out of your life. Don’t let these fears conquer you.

Join us on Wednesday and learn some key steps to boost your courage, motivation, self-esteem and confidence.

If it's your first time joining us, there's no need to pay. Please contact me for more information by phone - M: 07831 379562 T: 01497 820520.

If you can’t make the meeting, you can keep up to date with future ones by signing up to our mailing list – see the link on the right hand side.

About the Butterfly Group

Many women suffer from a lack of confidence or low self-esteem that keeps them stuck in less than satisfactory relationships and jobs. Financial pressures and family responsibilities can also make life seem hard. If this sounds familiar to you, isn't it imperative that you take some time out for yourself to learn what it is you really want out of life?

Debs Adams and I started the Butterfly Group as a way for women to meet and work out life's challenges together. Our group helps women support each other through monthly meetings held in Hereford. Each meeting focuses on a particular theme or issue to which all women can relate in one way or another. We offer coaching in a supportive environment in order to help you define your goals and make positive life changes. You owe it to yourself to reconnect with your dreams and ambitions.

If you are looking to enrich yourself in the company of like-minded women, our group meetings may be just what you are seeking. Imagine living life to the fullest and having the confidence to do all of the things you have always wanted to do!

Discover the wonderful benefits of Neuro Linguistic Programming

Basic NLP Techniques – Butterfly Group Meeting
Monday, 27 April 2015 from 6.30pm to 9pm in Hereford

"When you want new results, it requires new thinking."

Wise words indeed from the co-founder of NLP, Dr Richard Bandler. Join us this Monday evening for a taster of how NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) can help you - often with immediate results.

NLP is about the ability to discover and change the way we communicate (internally, with ourselves, and externally, with others) in order to achieve your specific and desired outcomes.

"You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are 100% responsible for fixing it." ~ Ken Keyes

If it's your first time joining us, there's no need to pay. Please contact me for more information by phone - M: 07831 379562 T: 01497 820520.

If you can’t make the meeting, you can keep up to date with future ones by signing up to our mailing list – see the link on the right hand side.

About the Butterfly Group

Many women suffer from a lack of confidence or low self-esteem that keeps them stuck in less than satisfactory relationships and jobs. Financial pressures and family responsibilities can also make life seem hard. If this sounds familiar to you, isn't it imperative that you take some time out for yourself to learn what it is you really want out of life?

Debs Adams and I started the Butterfly Group as a way for women to meet and work out life's challenges together. Our group helps women support each other through monthly meetings held in Hereford. Each meeting focuses on a particular theme or issue to which all women can relate in one way or another. We offer coaching in a supportive environment in order to help you define your goals and make positive life changes. You owe it to yourself to reconnect with your dreams and ambitions.

If you are looking to enrich yourself in the company of like-minded women, our group meetings may be just what you are seeking. Imagine living life to the fullest and having the confidence to do all of the things you have always wanted to do!

Are you on track to achieve your dreams this year?

Progress & Presentations - Butterfly Group meeting

Wednesday, 18 March 2015 from 6.30pm to 9pm in Hereford

We're already two months into 2015. How are you getting on with your goals that you've set for this year? Have you managed to stick to your New Year's resolutions?! Join us on Wednesday 18 March to report progress (or lack of it if you wish to share that!), and gain lots of hints and tips to get back on track with any goals that you may be struggling with.

Please contact me for more information or sign up on my website.

About the Butterfly Group

Many women suffer from a lack of confidence or low self-esteem that keeps them stuck in less than satisfactory relationships and jobs. Financial pressures and family responsibilities can also make life seem hard. If this sounds familiar to you, isn't it imperative that you take some time out for yourself to learn what it is you really want out of life?

Debs Adams and I started the Butterfly Group as a way for women to meet and work out life's challenges together. Our group helps women support each other through monthly meetings held in Hereford. Each meeting focuses on a particular theme or issue to which all women can relate in one way or another. We offer coaching in a supportive environment in order to help you define your goals and make positive life changes. You owe it to yourself to reconnect with your dreams and ambitions.

If you are looking to enrich yourself in the company of like-minded women, our group meetings may be just what you are seeking. Imagine living life to the fullest and having the confidence to do all of the things you have always wanted to do!

Communication, Emotional Intelligence and Personal Development Course - April 2015

Do you want to improve your communication skills, advance your personal development and perform to your maximum potential both at home and at work? Do you want to unlock the secrets of Emotional Intelligence and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) to give you the ability to communicate at a level above the spoken word?

We can help you to help yourself with our 'Communication, Emotional Intelligence and Personal Development course' which will run over two weekends in April 2015 at Clyro Hill Farm.

What Will You Learn?

The course will equip you with all the necessary tools to reach your goals; your communication skills will become more dynamic, and after learning about body language and facial expressions you'll gain a deeper understanding of your own emotions. Your self-awareness will increase, giving you the power to boost your performance and self-confidence.

Who Can Attend?

If you want add some sparkle to your communication and maximise your performance levels in a way that really gets results, this course is for you!

What Else do I Need to Know?

This feature-packed, four-day course will be held over two weekends in April (11/12 and 25/26). The price is fully inclusive of reading and study materials, lunch and refreshments during training.

Please take a look here for full details and give me a call if you'd like to know more - 01497 820 520.

Qualifications & Credit Framework
An optional accredited assessment is available for the course for £225. This includes all materials, assessment, support and accreditation. There are four units in the award. Three of the units are at Level 3 and qualify for three credits each. The fourth unit is at Level 2 and qualifies for three credits. This requires successful completion of a reflective diary/log during and after the course. For more information on the QCF please click here.