Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter April 2012 April 2012 April 2012 April 2012

“Because I wanted to “Because I wanted to “Because I wanted to “Because I wanted to combine my hobby with combine my hobby with combine my hobby with combine my hobby with an income, and still have an income, and still have an income, and still have an income, and still have

time for my family!”time for my family!”time for my family!”time for my family!” Aparna Nardekar of KiyA

Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter

Leicester Business Women would like to welcome you to our April newsletter.

This newsletter is Leicester Business Women’s fourth newsletter for 2012 and we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing our stories, information articles, support and advice with you all not to mention giving our members the chance to advertise to over 1000 women in Leicester and Leicestershire. The Leicester Business Women project is continuing to grow bigger and better, still with new ladies joining every week with wonderful business ideas and the passion to take the step (which can be huge) to self employment, and through the help and support of the programme of workshops, one to one coaching appointments and networking events. For some the journey can be longer than others, all depending on their idea and situation but here at Leicester Business Women, the team enjoy watching their business idea, motivation, confidence and drive to succeed grow and grow while they following their dreams. Leicester Business Women’s programme of workshops are continuing throughout the year, not to mention our networking events which will cover a wide range of business related topics, this newsletter contains further infor-mation and dates on all these plus information on Leicester Business Women’s FREE Business Lounge, ECDL courses, information on choosing the right business name, motivational tips and much much more!!! Please do forward this information onto as many women that you can. Skills for Enterprise are also running a new programme to help women who want to start their own businesses from the county, further information on Leicestershire Business Women is contained in this months newsletter. For further information about the Leicester Business Women programme please contact Nicole Hocking on 0116 251 8730 or view our website www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk

“I think that the work and time that Leicester Business Women “I think that the work and time that Leicester Business Women “I think that the work and time that Leicester Business Women “I think that the work and time that Leicester Business Women devote to helping people who want to set up in business is great, as devote to helping people who want to set up in business is great, as devote to helping people who want to set up in business is great, as devote to helping people who want to set up in business is great, as the workshops help a person decide if self employment is for them, the workshops help a person decide if self employment is for them, the workshops help a person decide if self employment is for them, the workshops help a person decide if self employment is for them,

and they go into different areas that other business training and they go into different areas that other business training and they go into different areas that other business training and they go into different areas that other business training schemes don't, like the passion plan, this helped me to work out schemes don't, like the passion plan, this helped me to work out schemes don't, like the passion plan, this helped me to work out schemes don't, like the passion plan, this helped me to work out

what I wanted to achieve, and having a visual piece of art work to what I wanted to achieve, and having a visual piece of art work to what I wanted to achieve, and having a visual piece of art work to what I wanted to achieve, and having a visual piece of art work to constantly refer to has helped me, this is still helping me as Iconstantly refer to has helped me, this is still helping me as Iconstantly refer to has helped me, this is still helping me as Iconstantly refer to has helped me, this is still helping me as I have have have have

been able to achieve some of the things that Ibeen able to achieve some of the things that Ibeen able to achieve some of the things that Ibeen able to achieve some of the things that I first put on my first put on my first put on my first put on my passion plan, it's a constant reminder of what I have been able to passion plan, it's a constant reminder of what I have been able to passion plan, it's a constant reminder of what I have been able to passion plan, it's a constant reminder of what I have been able to

accomplish, and also what I'm still striving to do.accomplish, and also what I'm still striving to do.accomplish, and also what I'm still striving to do.accomplish, and also what I'm still striving to do. I have diversed from my original idea and am now offering a wider I have diversed from my original idea and am now offering a wider I have diversed from my original idea and am now offering a wider I have diversed from my original idea and am now offering a wider

variety of items and services within my business, it’s through variety of items and services within my business, it’s through variety of items and services within my business, it’s through variety of items and services within my business, it’s through being able to adapt and be versatile that my business is progressing.being able to adapt and be versatile that my business is progressing.being able to adapt and be versatile that my business is progressing.being able to adapt and be versatile that my business is progressing.

Also I feel that being able to go intoAlso I feel that being able to go intoAlso I feel that being able to go intoAlso I feel that being able to go into the Leicester Business Women Head quarters for advice the Leicester Business Women Head quarters for advice the Leicester Business Women Head quarters for advice the Leicester Business Women Head quarters for advice recently has helped me to realise where my business is going. As I was offered a business recently has helped me to realise where my business is going. As I was offered a business recently has helped me to realise where my business is going. As I was offered a business recently has helped me to realise where my business is going. As I was offered a business

appointment this will help me to determine what’s the next step with my business, as I feel that this appointment this will help me to determine what’s the next step with my business, as I feel that this appointment this will help me to determine what’s the next step with my business, as I feel that this appointment this will help me to determine what’s the next step with my business, as I feel that this is when lots of self employed people need extra advice, so it's good to know that is when lots of self employed people need extra advice, so it's good to know that is when lots of self employed people need extra advice, so it's good to know that is when lots of self employed people need extra advice, so it's good to know that

Leicester Business Women is there, especially as they now have their face book page, Leicester Business Women is there, especially as they now have their face book page, Leicester Business Women is there, especially as they now have their face book page, Leicester Business Women is there, especially as they now have their face book page, which people can access from their phones.which people can access from their phones.which people can access from their phones.which people can access from their phones. Thank You Leicester Business Women”Thank You Leicester Business Women”Thank You Leicester Business Women”Thank You Leicester Business Women”

Cheryl Leadbetter of POVRIC

Leicester Business Women’s April Newsletter

Includes

****

When Choosing Your Business Name

Leicester Business Women’s Forthcoming Networking Events

Leicester Business Women’s FREE Business Lounge

Case Study - Liz Knight of Holistic Massage Therapy

Motivation Tips

Leicester Business Women’s Coaches & Advisors

Leicester Business Women’s Training Programme

ECDL Courses

No Shows

Leicestershire Business Women Programme

We hope you enjoy We hope you enjoy We hope you enjoy We hope you enjoy

More ways of connecting with Leicester Business Women As well as our monthly newsletter and there are many other ways of keeping up with our information, success, our stories, forthcoming events and advice5. Check out our webportal - www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk Join our facebook group - www.facebook.com/#!/groups/386715381358641/ Like our facebook page - www.facebook.com/#!/leicesterbusinesswomen Follow us on Twitter - LBW_network

We look forward to seeing you there…..We look forward to seeing you there…..We look forward to seeing you there…..We look forward to seeing you there…..

“Contacting LBW is the best choice I have made. I am currently on a course of “Contacting LBW is the best choice I have made. I am currently on a course of “Contacting LBW is the best choice I have made. I am currently on a course of “Contacting LBW is the best choice I have made. I am currently on a course of workshops and every person I have met has been truly inspiring and down to workshops and every person I have met has been truly inspiring and down to workshops and every person I have met has been truly inspiring and down to workshops and every person I have met has been truly inspiring and down to

earth. I am just doing my homework on personal survival budget earth. I am just doing my homework on personal survival budget earth. I am just doing my homework on personal survival budget earth. I am just doing my homework on personal survival budget ---- this has forced this has forced this has forced this has forced me to look at something that makes me feel sick to the pit of my stomach... But me to look at something that makes me feel sick to the pit of my stomach... But me to look at something that makes me feel sick to the pit of my stomach... But me to look at something that makes me feel sick to the pit of my stomach... But

now I have the figures in front of me, I can put a big black line through one of my now I have the figures in front of me, I can put a big black line through one of my now I have the figures in front of me, I can put a big black line through one of my now I have the figures in front of me, I can put a big black line through one of my biggest fears. I now know that my family can survive my first year in business biggest fears. I now know that my family can survive my first year in business biggest fears. I now know that my family can survive my first year in business biggest fears. I now know that my family can survive my first year in business

without having to make any income from my business... without having to make any income from my business... without having to make any income from my business... without having to make any income from my business... This is truly liberating!!! Thank you so much x” This is truly liberating!!! Thank you so much x” This is truly liberating!!! Thank you so much x” This is truly liberating!!! Thank you so much x”

Karen Sealey

When Choosing Your Business Name

There are plenty of things you have to consider when starting your own business, and choosing a name for your business is one of the ‘biggies’ but this can be creative and enjoyable, there are just a few things to keep in mind to ensure you don’t regret your business name in the future. And although you maybe wanting to show your individual personality on your business name there are other issues to consider5. creating the right impression - think about your customers as well as your personal preference. Top tips taken from the Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk

• Do you want the name to reflect what your business does - moving, cleaning, building? Or would something more abstract be suitable?

• Would it be a good idea to include your own name?

• Do you want a traditional-sounding name, conveying durability and old-fashioned values, or a modern name, suggesting a fresh, innovative approach?

• Think about the future - avoid words or phrases that are likely to date quickly.

• If you're likely to be trading overseas, check that the name doesn't mean anything inappro-priate in the relevant languages.

• Think about callers and customers and websites - avoid very long names, strange wordings and unusual spelling. If you're planning to advertise in directories such as the Yellow Pages, think about using a name that appears near the beginning of the listings for your type of business.

• If you're focusing on the local market for your product or service, think about using the name of the city or town in the business name.

• Keep your trading name creative, but your corporate name bland. This will give you the flexibility to develop other brands and trading names in the future.

You also have to ensure that your business name is available, depending on whether you are a sole trader, limited company or a partnership there are rules and regulations your need to bear in mind. If you are setting up a limited company the Companies House website www.companieshouse.co.uk contains all the information, rules on name endings, ‘same as’ rules and further regulation which is essential your check first one your chosen business name. You also will be able to check the index of company names to ensure you don’t use a name which is already taken and register your business name and other details. This will then ensure that no other company will be able to use your business’s name in the future If you are registering as a sole trader if would be good to check the companies house website to ensure your business name is free, should you want to change your business status to a limited company in the future. Also check availability with local phone books, business directories and the internet. For further information on choosing, checking and registering your business name check out the

““““The flexibility it gives me to work at my best times during the day. I have been The flexibility it gives me to work at my best times during the day. I have been The flexibility it gives me to work at my best times during the day. I have been The flexibility it gives me to work at my best times during the day. I have been so much happier now I’m doing a job that I really enjoy and am able to control my so much happier now I’m doing a job that I really enjoy and am able to control my so much happier now I’m doing a job that I really enjoy and am able to control my so much happier now I’m doing a job that I really enjoy and am able to control my

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome much better.”Chronic Fatigue Syndrome much better.”Chronic Fatigue Syndrome much better.”Chronic Fatigue Syndrome much better.” Justine Bates of Jus Bakes

Mediation ............ a better way Mediation ............ a better way Mediation ............ a better way Mediation ............ a better way

Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution

Through Mediated Through Mediated Through Mediated Through Mediated

SettlementsSettlementsSettlementsSettlements

A mediation service to assist when family relationships break down

• For married or unmarried parties

• Pre, during or post separation or divorce

• Arising from relationship or civil partnership problems

• Involving family disputes

• Concerning child-centred disputes including those involving

grandparents or other family members

• A mediator will help you to make your own decisions about

managing legal, financial and separation issues

• The process is taken at your pace

• You make the decisions about what is right for you/your family

• Mediation is a less acrimonious and a more cost effective method

of resolving disputes than court proceedings

The average total cost for divorce proceedings is in the region of £14,000 (The Independent January 16th 2012). Trinity Family Mediation’s total costs are currently unlikely to exceed £1,200 - 1,400 per person and may be less.

For further information please contact Anita Hall on 07827321005

or visit www.trinityfamilymediation.co.uk

Private Clients Only

Pre Pre Pre Pre ----Litigation MIAMs Litigation MIAMs Litigation MIAMs Litigation MIAMs

undertakenundertakenundertakenundertaken

Forthcoming Networking Events

Not only do Leicester Business Women’s networking events present you with further knowledge and information on business elements such as finance and marketing but our events give our members the opportunity to network amongst other like minded women from Leicester, of whom all have a passion, drive and their own reasons for wanting to start up their very own business. Check out one of our previous events on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MAVM-HLMZ0

See below Leicester Business Women forthcoming FREE networking events, list of dates, times and topics which we be cover by the team while giving you the chance to network with each other

Come and share your passion with others/..

****

♦ Wednesday 20th June 2012 from 9.30am - 1.00pm

Finance Refresher and HMRC Delivered by Jim Hewitt and HMRC

A review of the financials, and a chance to share understanding and practise the skills. Elements such as sensible pricing for your products or services, forecasting your profit,

calculations and formulas for the frightened, a practical look at book keeping systems – keeping track of your income and expenditure plus a chance to get any answers to any questions or queries you may have.

♦ Wednesday 25th July 2012 from 5.30pm till 8.30pm

Planning for Christmas Events Delivered by Lou Gimson

We all know Christmas comes around far to quick!!! This event will ensure your business is ready, help you be ahead of your competitors and that your business don’t miss out -planning is the key!! Lou is here to help with advice and support, she will go through a number of key points that you should be considering and helping you

plan your ideas and marketing for the run up to Christmas.

♦ Wednesday 22nd August 2012 from 10.00am - 1.00pm

Marketing and planning - what’s your strategy Delivered by Lou Gimson and Leicester Business Women ambassador

How do you market your business? Does your business stand out from the crowd? Does your business get seen by your target market?

Come to this event to through some ideas about with Lou and other Leicester Business Women members...get creative with your thoughts!!

Refreshments and lunch will be provided

Call Leicester Business Women today to book you place on 0116 251 8730

Business LoungeBusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeBusiness Lounge Advantages of using our Business Lounge:

♦ Work / research in a professional business environment ♦ Use of laptops with high speed internet access ♦ A chance to work / meet with likeminded women ♦ Refreshments while you work ♦ Leicester Business Women team near by to

help with questions, research etc ♦ Easy reachable Leicester city centre location

“The business lounge at Skills for Enterprise is a great environment to work in. It gives you the feeling and privacy of working within your own office. I found that as there were no distractions such as noise and lot's of people up and down, Hannah and I were able to focus on goals and tasks that we had set ourselves that needed to be

worked on together, for example we were able to expand on our business plan - Also the use of the laptops with free internet gave us the opportunity to act in the moment”

Leah Golde and Hannah Ingram of Hi Fit

Ask the Leicester Business Women team for further information and book your slot!!

Call us on 0116 251 8730

The room is available at the following times: Monday 10.00am – 2.00pm Tuesday 10.00am – 2.00pm Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm Thursday 1.00pm – 3.00pm Friday 10.00am – 2.00pm

All th

is FR

EE fo

r

LBW m

embe

rs!!

Liz Knight – Holistic Massage Therapy Liz contacted Leicester Business Women in September 2011, and following successful completion of her training programme, she went onto start her business in October 2011, clearly showing her commitment and enthusiasm towards her business.

Liz has not stopped since (except of course for the occasional massage)!!! Since then, Liz has met with our advisor Sharon Roberts for a Business Growth appointment, where they went onto discover all the different ways that Liz could promote her business and who her target market was.

Following this, Liz gained a contract to deliver on site massage twice a month, and more recently has been successful in obtaining a contract with HSBC to be their on site massage therapist at one of their Leicester call centres – proving that anything is possible with focus and a clear commitment towards your goal.

So, how did she do it? Liz says that “having experienced the benefits of massage herself, she wanted to “having experienced the benefits of massage herself, she wanted to “having experienced the benefits of massage herself, she wanted to “having experienced the benefits of massage herself, she wanted to help others whilst having the freedom and creativity that self employment provides.” help others whilst having the freedom and creativity that self employment provides.” help others whilst having the freedom and creativity that self employment provides.” help others whilst having the freedom and creativity that self employment provides.”

Liz was stuck in a job which she felt was not really fulfilling her potential, leading her to become frustrated that she wasn’t able to do something meaningful to help people but didn’t know how to get started. She found that trying to work full time and fit in massage therapy in the evenings and weekends was extremely stressful and found that she began to dread doing the massage when she was tired after a long day at work. This was just one of the barriers that Liz had. She also faced many others, just like many women do such as time, feeling de-motivated, a lack of confidence and also not knowing who she was aiming her service at, making her feel that it was not going to be possible to do something which she really loves and is a real passion for her, leading to further de-motivation for her. Liz decided it was time to make a change, and she did so by handing in her notice (which coincidentally happened at the same time that the Leicester Business Women details landed in one of her colleagues email addresses!!!) Definitely meant to be – Liz thought!!!

By attending the Leicester Business Women programme, Liz was able to overcome many of her fears and

develop a confident and motivated streak. “I met so many lovely people in the same situation that I “I met so many lovely people in the same situation that I “I met so many lovely people in the same situation that I “I met so many lovely people in the same situation that I was in and by meeting the trainers and advisors who have given me so much support and belief was in and by meeting the trainers and advisors who have given me so much support and belief was in and by meeting the trainers and advisors who have given me so much support and belief was in and by meeting the trainers and advisors who have given me so much support and belief that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I feel that after completing the course I am a that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I feel that after completing the course I am a that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I feel that after completing the course I am a that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I feel that after completing the course I am a changed person, I am so much more positive but it is still work in progress. I really view the world changed person, I am so much more positive but it is still work in progress. I really view the world changed person, I am so much more positive but it is still work in progress. I really view the world changed person, I am so much more positive but it is still work in progress. I really view the world differently now, tend to see opportunities rather than problems.” differently now, tend to see opportunities rather than problems.” differently now, tend to see opportunities rather than problems.” differently now, tend to see opportunities rather than problems.”

Like many of our members, Liz knows the importance of making the most of all the opportunities that Leicester Business Women provide, and she has accessed the training programme, coaching and networking events and goes onto add that this support has been extremely useful.

So, what has Liz learnt that if she’d known when setting up her business would have made a difference?

“Again it’s a confidence thing, really just having faith in my ability to go for it. Also that “Again it’s a confidence thing, really just having faith in my ability to go for it. Also that “Again it’s a confidence thing, really just having faith in my ability to go for it. Also that “Again it’s a confidence thing, really just having faith in my ability to go for it. Also that running a business or working for yourself not just about being a massage therapist but also running a business or working for yourself not just about being a massage therapist but also running a business or working for yourself not just about being a massage therapist but also running a business or working for yourself not just about being a massage therapist but also about book keeping, marketing, contract negotiation, producing business documentation and about book keeping, marketing, contract negotiation, producing business documentation and about book keeping, marketing, contract negotiation, producing business documentation and about book keeping, marketing, contract negotiation, producing business documentation and giving aprofessional appearance.”giving aprofessional appearance.”giving aprofessional appearance.”giving aprofessional appearance.”

Liz initially never really believed that she would be trading or even making a profit, but has now learnt that all this is possible.

She knows that part of the process has been trial and error, however Liz has come a long way since first meeting us at Leicester Business Women. I’m sure the ladies who were on the city programme would agree that Liz gave an excellent talk about starting up a business and some of the obstacles she overcame as well as the highlights she’s had. From the day, I’d like to share a few of Liz’s suggestions or key tips that would certainly help you when starting in business: • Branding: Make sure you have a good brand which speaks for you. Marketing materials don’t have to be costly and can be done on a very tight budget. Look at websites like vistaprint http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/vp and moo.com http://uk.moo.com/ for this • Safety: Being a woman in business, especially if you are meeting clients at home or somewhere quiet, be aware of your gut instinct (that’s what its there for)! If it doesn’t feel right, don’t go or cancel • Support: Use the support at Leicester Business Women. Its about building a safe community for women who want support and guidance when starting in business and want to also help each other • Talking: How do you speak to potential customers or clients? Knowing what to say is critical and nothing speaks more than sincerity and building a rapport with your clients. The Leicester Business Women programme will teach you how to do this effectively! For more information and tips from Liz, please see our youtube channel leicsbusinesswomen or

follow the link here http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee

“Liz Knight giving her sparkling presentation was wonderful. “Liz Knight giving her sparkling presentation was wonderful. “Liz Knight giving her sparkling presentation was wonderful. “Liz Knight giving her sparkling presentation was wonderful. LBW members coming back to inspire others is key” LBW members coming back to inspire others is key” LBW members coming back to inspire others is key” LBW members coming back to inspire others is key”

Lou Gimson, Leicester Business Women’s Trainer

“Liz Knight’s presentation was very useful” “Liz Knight’s presentation was very useful” “Liz Knight’s presentation was very useful” “Liz Knight’s presentation was very useful” Bhanu Mistry

Motivation Tips What’s the first thing you think of in the morning when you open your eyes? For most women its things like “I must remember to make kids pack lunches for school”, “Must not forget to ring mum tonight”, “I’m not looking forward to doing my presentation at work later” or “Don’t for get to feed the cat” etc5 but its very unlikely that your first thoughts of the day are inspiring or motivation to ensure your day gets off to a good and positive start!! Leicester Business Women has collected a few thoughts to share with you, we would like you to pick one or two that is either motivational or inspirational to you and for the next week make this your first thought of everyday! To help you remember have it written next to your bed, over the mirror in the bath room or next to the kettle in the kitchen somewhere that you can read quietly to yourself or out loud within the first 10 minutes of your day5see if it makes a difference to you outlook and attitude for the rest of the day. • “It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow” Robert H. Goddard • “Act as if it were impossible to fail” Dorthea Brande • “My father didn’t tell me how to live: he lived, and let me watch him do it” Clarence Buddinton Kelland • “A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else” John

Burroughs • “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck” Tenzin Gyatso • “It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly” Mabel Newcomber • “You cannot climb a mountain if you will not risk a fall” Rick Beneteau • “The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who

do” Sarah Ban Breathnach • “Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire

which transcends everything” Napoleon Hill • “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it

daily” Zig Ziglar • “The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which

you first find yourself” Mark Caine • “It's usually the last ounce of effort that tips the scales of success” Rick Beneteau • “Success is waking up in the morning, whoever you are, wherever you are, however old or young, and

bounding out of bed because there's something out there you love to do, that you believe in, that you're good at — something that's bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again today” Whit Hobbs

Or you might have your own inspirational or motivational quote or phrase

How about choosing one of these or your own saying, phrase or quote and start being good to your-self from the very beginning of every day ☺☺☺☺

Leicester Business Women’s Coaches & Advisors

Leicester Business Women has a team of advisors will and waiting to share their knowledge, experiences and support to help women from Leicester succeed in following their dreams to self employment, after all they have all been through the process themselves and have plenty of story to tell I’m sure!!!

Lets introduce you to our fabulous coaches 5.

Lou GimsonLou GimsonLou GimsonLou Gimson Is an accredited business trainer, coach and author, with a wealth of enterprise experience. She works with businesses of all types and sizes. Her specialisation is bringing pre-start entrepreneur’s business dreams to reality and she has particular interest in women owned businesses and youth facilitation. She is an accomplished mentor, inspirational speaker and author of ‘Making It Women Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Secrets of Success’. As a fellow of the ‘Winston Churchill Memorial Trust’ Lou has spent time researching youth, female and main-stream entrepreneurship in the USA.

Lou uses the expertise gained as a fellow to develop and deliver enterprise training, facilitation, qualifications and competitions.

Jim Hewitt Jim Hewitt Jim Hewitt Jim Hewitt Jim is a coach, mentor, trainer and SFEDI accredited business advisor. He will help you with any finance queries you have, accounting, book keeping and IT. Jim specialises in Microsoft Office software and computerised accounting.

Jim’s Top Tips:

Choose something you feel passionate about to make your money.

Take great pride in all your achievements, however small; let them spur you on to even greater things.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” (Confucius said that).

Sharon RobertsSharon RobertsSharon RobertsSharon Roberts Sharon has many years of experience in the Enterprise industry and has had the experience of speaking to the Prime Minister about Business and Enterprise. She will definitely be able to get your business off the ground. As well as working in Los Angeles with some of the top US entrepreneurs. She has

particular expertise in grant finding and personal management skills.

Other areas that Sharon can help you with include:

• Motivating and Inspiring Others • Developing the entrepreneurship mindset • Turning ideas into commercial success • Daring to dream big!!!! • Consciously being successful in business and impression management and visual selling. “First Impressions really do count”

Sharon’s Top Tips:

• Believe in yourself when those around you don’t, have faith in your abilities and in all that you can do. Success is 90% Attitude and 10% Reality!

• Just imagine what you could do if you weren’t afraid to fail. List all the reason’s why you think you might fail and then come-up with the solutions why you won’t fail.

If you would like to book a coaching appointment

please contact us on 0116 251 8730

Belgrave Area TBC Belgrave Area TBC Belgrave Area TBC Belgrave Area TBC

Training Programme Leicester Business Women’s training programme of workshops are still proving to be a huge success with our members gaining knowledge of business elements such as the legalities, marketing, finance but also overcoming motivation and confidence issues. Setting up in business can be a learning curve with many obstacles to over come, our programme of workshops helps the ladies attending face some of their fears and set out of their comfort zone. The workshops also aim to get to the core of your passion - the real reasons you want to start your own business, be your own boss and follow your dream. For many women its having the flexibility to work around family and children, to further their skills, or just simply to earn an income from a hobby they enjoy. Our next available programme of workshops are listed below

Don’t miss out on the FREE opportunity and call us today for further information and to book your first appointment with team.

Call us on 0116 251 8730 or email nicole.hocking@skillsforenterprise.co.uk

Date Time Venue Workshop

19.06.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Belgrave TBC

Now Is The Time

21.06.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Belgrave TBC

Your Passion Plan

26.06.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Belgrave TBC

Your Financial Planning

28.06.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Belgrave TBC

Motivate Yourself

03.07.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Belgrave TBC

Your Style, Your Selling, Your Brand

05.07.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

Belgrave TBC

Influence Your World

Date Time Venue Workshop

04.09.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

TBC Now Is The

Time

06.09.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

TBC Your Passion

Plan

11.09.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

TBC Your Financial Planning

13.09.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

TBC Motivate Yourself

18.09.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

TBC Your Style, Your Selling, Your Brand

20.09.2012 9.15am—2.30pm (to start 9.30am)

TBC Influence Your

World

“I wanted to start my own business as I wanted to have a job that I enjoyed doing, “I wanted to start my own business as I wanted to have a job that I enjoyed doing, “I wanted to start my own business as I wanted to have a job that I enjoyed doing, “I wanted to start my own business as I wanted to have a job that I enjoyed doing, then it doesn't feel like I'm working.then it doesn't feel like I'm working.then it doesn't feel like I'm working.then it doesn't feel like I'm working. Baking cakes is my passion Baking cakes is my passion Baking cakes is my passion Baking cakes is my passion ---- love making, love making, love making, love making,

creating new design of cakes and of course eating them! Also wanted to be creating new design of cakes and of course eating them! Also wanted to be creating new design of cakes and of course eating them! Also wanted to be creating new design of cakes and of course eating them! Also wanted to be able to work around busy family life.able to work around busy family life.able to work around busy family life.able to work around busy family life. Owning my own Owning my own Owning my own Owning my own

business is exciting and challenging and I'm really pleased business is exciting and challenging and I'm really pleased business is exciting and challenging and I'm really pleased business is exciting and challenging and I'm really pleased the Leicester Business Woman helped me achieve this”the Leicester Business Woman helped me achieve this”the Leicester Business Woman helped me achieve this”the Leicester Business Woman helped me achieve this”

Susan James

“I have gained a lot of confidence, enthusiasm and the workshops have really “I have gained a lot of confidence, enthusiasm and the workshops have really “I have gained a lot of confidence, enthusiasm and the workshops have really “I have gained a lot of confidence, enthusiasm and the workshops have really empowered me into really starting my won business.”empowered me into really starting my won business.”empowered me into really starting my won business.”empowered me into really starting my won business.”

Bhanu Mistry

“The course has impacted me greatly enforcing my self belief, whilst meeting “The course has impacted me greatly enforcing my self belief, whilst meeting “The course has impacted me greatly enforcing my self belief, whilst meeting “The course has impacted me greatly enforcing my self belief, whilst meeting others who are doing similar things” others who are doing similar things” others who are doing similar things” others who are doing similar things”

Jaimini Parmer

LBE 12LBE 12LBE 12LBE 12 Leicester Business Event is back for a sixth successive year on 11th October at the King Power Stadium, we are pleased to announce that for the second year running, the Federation of Small Businesses will play a key part in the exhibition as one of the LBE12 sponsors. Organised by Hi 2 Events, the event is the region’s premier business to business Trade Show and provides decision makers in the midlands region with inspiration, advice and networking opportunities. The event offers the ideal platform for showcasing new products and services, as well as hearing from entertaining and motivational speakers who will provide advice on a range of business issues. Exhibitors and visitors will also be given the opportunity to pick up vital business tips in the workshops and networking sessions, which will run throughout the exhibition. To register for the event or to book an exhibition stand please visit www.leicesterbusinessevents.co.uk or call 0116 240 2330 or email info@hi2events.co.uk

Skills for Enterprise in conjunction with learndirect e-business are delighted to offer clients access to a range of IT courses to help gain or develop today’s IT skills. The online courses include Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Powerpoint which are widely used and recognised in businesses of today. The online courses can be studied from home where a suitable Internet Connection is available or at our learning centre on Colton Street in the City Centre. Courses are flexible and can be studied around other business commitments. These Microsoft courses are available at the highly competitive price of £15 + VAT per course. If learners are currently unemployed, but actively seeking work or self employment then full funding may be available. Please contact either Vipul or David to find out more information on 0116 2518730.

National Diversity Awards

This year, the National Diversity Awards are being hosted by tv presenter and Big Brother winner Brian Dowling.

This is a prestigious black tie event, focusing on and celebrating the achievements of grass- root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them acknowledgment towards their commitment and excellent work in developing positive role models for society.

The awards are being held in Manchester on Wednesday 21st September with a number of categories including positive role model, community organisation and entrepreneurial of excellence awards which will be split into five categories including race, age, disability, gender and LGBT. Other awards include Diverse Company Award and Lifetime Achievers Award.

These awards have been created to highlight and showcase the efforts of those who have demonstrated an outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion within today’s society; thus embracing the excellence of all our citizens irrespective or race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.

We are asking all our members and partners to help nominate someone they believe should be nominated by completing the forms here http://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/

No Shows Thank you As you maybe aware, the Leicester Business Women programme is running exceptionally well across the city and we hope that this continues for as long as the project does. One of the successes that we’ve had through the programme is managing to reduce our no shows since the start of the project (all the way back in 2009). So far, we’ve worked out that no shows on workshop attendance have been consistently dropping over the past few years. Good news as this means, ladies are turning up to workshops (or confirming where they wont be attending) so thank you for that, its helping to make this project a huge success and we assume that it is also partly due to great feedback you are telling your friends and families about it. Below are the figures with regards to attendance on our training programme: 2009 40% no shows 2010 35% no shows 2011 28% no shows 2012 (so far) 20% no shows Want a more detailed breakdown? Let us know and we’ll send you further information. Attendance on our networking events is a little bit disappointing, but this does tell us that we need to work a bit harder on the events (and we hope that an annual diary of events helps with this)! We have also taken on board your feedback as well as looking at the sorts of topics that will help you get started in business as well as develop your business, including a number of interesting topics such as bartering and negotiating and social media. We hope you not only get a chance to learn and get inspiration, but also network with like minded women in the room. So, here are the figures for non attendance at networking events: 2010 47% no shows 2011 33% no shows 2012 (so far) 31% no shows The good news is that the number of no shows are decreasing, so once again, thank you for advising us of this. Again, if you’d like a more detailed breakdown please contact us. Whilst we appreciate that sometimes you will not be able to attend these events, we do ask everyone that should you be unable or even unsure whether you are attending, you contact us to confirm this as we can only book a certain number of people onto our training programme and networking events and normally have a waiting list of people who can take your place.

Leicestershire Business Women Programme

As you are aware and as this newsletter shows the Leicester Business Women has been a huge success, with plenty of stories to tell of women from Leicester who we have helped and supported to start their own businesses and become self employed. Well Skills for Enterprise are now pleased to introduce our new programme for county residents

Leicestershire Business Women Programme

This excellent new programme has been designed to support your lifestyle incorporating your business into it. This is a four day programme created to get your business up and running! The Leicestershire Business Women programme will cover the following areas:

• Raising your confidence and motivational levels

• The practicalities of business start up

• Developing your focus and determination,

• Working with our team you will develop the action points that you need to start your business confidently

• Become a more confident you - able to approach others and talk about your business confidently

Most importantly, we will support you in getting your business started and put you on the path to a more confident and motivated you.

Here’s a little more about the skills you will be learning:

Day 1 Look at which is the right business structure for you Focus on your vision for the future Put you fears behind you Start putting a plan into place to get started Increase your self confidence

Day 2 Incorporate a whole life plan for you business Develop precise vision for what you want to achieve Begin working towards your business plan Develop tools and techniques towards a plan to suit your audience

Day 3 Develop better understanding of key financial terms Understand and develop your cash flow forecasts, helping you to ascertain when you peak periods will be and what you will be doing in your down time Gain confidence in finance for business Begin preparing yourself for success Work out what your break even point is Also focusing on your profit and loss and calculating your profit margin and mark up

Day 4 How to gain your customers and keep them loyal Begin working towards a details and effective marketing strategy Find out what you are really selling and what does this mean for marketing?

That’s not all we will also be offering you the opportunity to have a one to one business advice appointment with Lou Gimson,

author of the world wide selling book: Making It, Women Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Secrets Of Success

Want to find out more? Contact us today on 0116 251 8730 or email heena.mistry@skillsforenterprise.co.uk

leicesterShire

businesswomen

Meeting Rooms for Hire Professional & Convenient Business Facilities

For more information and bookings, please contact us on

0116 251 8730 or e-mail info@skillsforenterprise.co.uk.

www.skillsforenterprise.co.uk

Room Seats Includes Per day Per 1/2 day Per hour

Meeting Room Ideal for smaller meetings and intimate business appointments

Up to 4 people Internet access £60.00 + VAT £35.00 + VAT £10.00 + VAT

Boardroom Ideal for meetings, interviews and business appointments

Up to 8 people Internet access £90.00 + VAT £50.00 + VAT £20.00 + VAT

Training Room Ideal for workshops, lectures and presentations

Up to 30 people Internet access Data projector

Laptop Flipchart

£200.00 + VAT £120.00 + VAT £30.00 + VAT

IT Suite Ideal for trainings and computer based workshops

Up to 12 people Computers Internet access

£200.00 + VAT £120.00 + VAT £30.00 + VAT

To ensure availability, please book in advance. Please note: No Parking is available with room hire. Terms and Conditions apply.

All prices include: Tea, Coffee and Biscuits. Lunch can be provided as an optional extra.

Looking for a city centre venue to hold your business meetings or simply want to impress your clients with clean and professional surroundings? Then look no further, our meeting rooms are available to hire by the hour, half day or full day.

Skills for Enterprise offices are easily reachable by all major routes and are only 5 minutes away from the train station. Our rooms are light, spacious and comfortable with a receptionist to meet and great in a professional and friendly manor.

Want to see you business here?

This exciting newsletter will give you the opportunity to advertise and promote directly to our database, all are female and based in Leicester / Leicestershire.

In addition, we have a large partner database who will also receive the newsletter.

Our next edition will be in May, does your business have any special offers / deal or information to share?

Are you holding or attending any events that you think business ladies in

Leicester / Leicestershire may benefit from?

If so, let us know!!

How would you rate Leicester Business Women’s newsletter?

Is there anything you would you like to see featured in our next newsletter? What would you like more / less of?

Leicester Business Women would like to make our newsletters as informative and exciting to all our members and ladies in Leicester so we would love your feedback.

Contact Leicester Business Women today on 0116 251 8730

If you missed our January, February or March newsletters check out our website!

http://www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk/news/774-january-newsletter.html

http://www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk/news/800-february-newsletter.html

http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/leicester_business_women_newsletter_march_2012_edi

Full of information on our business lounge facilities, registering your business, social media,

financial planning, hot desking, market stalls, tips on pricing your product/service, virtual office, confidence and much much more!!!

"Leicester Business women have given me Focus, "Leicester Business women have given me Focus, "Leicester Business women have given me Focus, "Leicester Business women have given me Focus, to move forward.to move forward.to move forward.to move forward.

The trainers & mentors are priceless & are always The trainers & mentors are priceless & are always The trainers & mentors are priceless & are always The trainers & mentors are priceless & are always there to givethere to givethere to givethere to give me me me me a helping hand to step out ofa helping hand to step out ofa helping hand to step out ofa helping hand to step out of my my my my

fear zone intofear zone intofear zone intofear zone into a zone of exciting opportunities.....enablinga zone of exciting opportunities.....enablinga zone of exciting opportunities.....enablinga zone of exciting opportunities.....enabling me to me to me to me to take a bigger leap thentake a bigger leap thentake a bigger leap thentake a bigger leap then I ever could of imagined I I ever could of imagined I I ever could of imagined I I ever could of imagined I

could ....could ....could ....could .... "Making the impossible ..seem possible!""Making the impossible ..seem possible!""Making the impossible ..seem possible!""Making the impossible ..seem possible!" Thanks to Lou, Jim, Heena & Nicole”Thanks to Lou, Jim, Heena & Nicole”Thanks to Lou, Jim, Heena & Nicole”Thanks to Lou, Jim, Heena & Nicole”

Bali Sangha-Jenkins