MumPreneur

Long Time, No Speak!

It's been a long time and SO much has happened since I last blogged!

We've had so many fabulous Athena meetings and a wonderful new intake of new Athena REgional Directors so the Silver and Magenta Army continues to march on.

But I must say my three major highlights over the last couple of months have been (in chronilogical order!), the Regional Conference, Athena expanding internationally into Australia....AND being a Finalist in the Prowess Awards for 2008!

A World Free Of Plastic Bags?

It's great to hear that a major retailer is finally taking the bull by the horns by taking a major step in helping to reduce the demand for plastic bags.

M&S announced plans last week that they will be introducing a scheme whereby if you need plastics bags for your purchases, you will be charged 5p per bag.

A really courageous move by M&S, but a necessary one to make a significant impact in helping to reduce the demand for plastic bags.

Email Etiquette

Over the last few weeks, I've been experiencing a love/loath relationship with email.

Undoubtedly email is a truly fabulous way to communicate quickly and with ease, at any time of day (or night!)

However, it's interesting to see how there is an increasing number of people who are using email to communicate thoughts/feelings when picking up the 'phone or having a conversation face to face would be far more appropriate!

Can You Grow A Business In A Downturn Of The Economy?

Interesting debate on Radio 5 Live today and it's one that often comes up on the networking circuit. It is possible to grow a business during a, as Duncan Ballantine put it on 5 Live today, "pause" in the economy?

My answer (along with everyone else's on the debate!) is a resounding YES!

The First Female President???

I must say I am finding the whole Presidential Campaign absolutely fascinating. Not only is it a great marketing insight but the way the candidates are using their influence (or not as the case maybe!) to gain support, is extremely interesting.

Interesting New Taskforce?

I really like David Davis, Conservative MP. Not only is he down to earth, he's a self made man who was brought up in a single parent family in a council house. He's now the Shadow Home Secretary and has now set up a very interesting task force on social mobility...

Student Gems

Gerrards Cross Athena Member, Joanna Ward, co-founded this brilliant company. Student Gems is a website which brings together students, from a wide range of subjects, and clients who are looking for a particular service.

The 'Real' Coach!

Many of you know that I have been working with a variety of coaches over the last 6 years and I really can't express just how important and invaluable it is, to work with the right coach for you, at the right time, on the right project!

I have been working with Carole-Ann Rice over the last year, and she is amazing! Not only do I find working with her makes me achieve fabulous things, I also find it a bit scary journey - she really holds me accountable.....

The Pumpkin Plot

I'm continuously amazed at how enterprising women can be.

We had a great first meeting back for Amersham Athena this week and one of the new visitors to the group (who has now joined us as a member - hurrah!) spoke about her new business venture.

Given how many businesses I hear about, I was completely amazed at her proposition - what an obvious gap in the market....

Bring Back The Red Blooded Bitch...so says Julie Burchill!

Another excellent piece by Julie Burchill in Friday's Women's section of The Guardian. It really resonated with me given an encounter I had over the Christmas period....