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| Latest News & Opportunities Update |
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Greetings!
 Keep your+positive+ attitude and smile...
Whether we think that there are 'green shoots' or not there really is so much opportunity out there- right now and it's not just me saying it!! Read on for more opportunities, including money-making and money-saving tips.
You may need to take time out and come back to your news -that's OK. Just don't miss anything that might be just what you need right now. For those of us who focus on what we really want from today and the future, gather support from those around us and spend time creating it, the future's bright!
Listening to Dragon's Den's Theo Paphitis saying there's so much media 'doom and gloom' that even with his incredibly optimistic attitude, it's beginning to grind, agrees this is a fantastic time of opportunity for real entrepreneurs and he is 'most definitely making the most of it'. All things must change. Most often at the time of greatest upheaval the real opportunities are created - for those who know where they are headed, are keen eyed, prepared, and ready to make their move.
Possibly why our Visioning Session in January to kickstart 2009 Entrepreneurs Ladder year went down so well. (I have apologised to everyone left with the taste of lemon afterwards - that's how real a vision should be! and promised to work with sweeter fruit next time!!) By request, we've a tip sheet for you here - Thoughts on Vision
I look forward to the opportunity of working with you to shape and achieve your next level of success. Contact me anytime for a one to one into new business potential just email me to discuss...find solutions now
Whatever you are doing - have a fantastic week and exceptional year !!
Best wishes
Valerie
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Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2009 now open The 2009 Asian Women of Achievement awards will be the tenth anniversary of this wonderful celebration of Asian women`scontribution to British life. The awards started as a home-grown venture. Ten years on, they have establishend a life of their own. Receiving one of these awards is regarded as a truly meaningful credential that enables winners (and indeed shortlisted candidates) to push forward in their lives and careers. Awards Chairman, Pinky Lilani OBE., encourages you to help make the 2009 Asian Women of Achievement awards the most special yet - by nominating or letting her know about the talented Asian women who are making Britain an even more special place. Asian Women of Achievement back to top...
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Extraordinary Women-Still time to nominate come on!!
SMART WOMEN sponsor the Extraordinary Personal Endeavour award in the national 2009 Extraordinary Women Awards which will be held at the East Midlands Conference Centre on 21st April 2009. Nominations are now open for the following categories and it would be great to see plenty of East Midlands women among the nominations for:
Extraordinary Entrepreneurship
Extraordinary Personal Contribution
Extraordinary Personal Endeavour
Extraordinary Achievement in an Organisation
Extraordinary Young Woman
The overall winner will receive the Extraordinary Woman of the Year Award. Nominations close 14th February 2009. Know a woman who has achieved something extraordinary? Get your nomination in now!! Extraordinary Women back to top... |
Are you a MAD entrepreneur? 14th February 2009 d/line From Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Tom Hunter to Muhammud Yunus and Bill Drayton, entrepreneurs make a difference. They are acknowledged to transform our world technologically, financially, socially and increasingly environmentally. While they do this they are creating wealth in every sense of the word for themselves and for the people around them. Increasingly it is recognised that entrepreneurs present the solution to some of the world's greatest challenges. The entrepreneurial drive to Make-A-Difference, to make money in a socially, ethically, environmental or sustainable way, is capturing the imagination of the world's leading entrepreneurs. If this is you, or a company you know, read on. Annual competition to find the world's most investable MAD young companies across four areas: youth (up to age 25); social and sustainable; environmental; global innovation. Go for this if you want to be one of only 10 MAD Entrepreneurs at the World Entrepreneur Society Summit 2009. Ask us for the entry forms or go to... MAD Entrepreneurs
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YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS AND INITIATIVES
Enterprising Young Brits
Should the spotlight be shining on you? The Daily Mail Enterprising Young Brits Awards are now open and calling for entries! Are you fulfilling your entrepreneurial dream? Have you successfully mixed creativity with commercial flair, or demonstrated real determination in turning your ideas into reality? If so the Daily Mail Enterprising Young Brits competition could be right up your street! Part of the Make Your Mark campaign and supported by the Institute of Directors, the competition is open to anyone aged 30 and under who has made their idea happen in a new, innovative or inspiring way. Go, on... back to top.... |
Make Your Mark with a Tenner Make Your Mark with a Tenner is back and it is bigger and better than ever. In fact, this time it's doubled in size thanks to NESTA and some of the hottest entrepreneurial names in the business... For anyone who missed it last time round, Make Your Mark with a Tenner loans young people �10 for one month and challenges them to make as much profit and social impact as they can! Make Your Mark with a Tenner will take place throughout February 2009 and will be open to at least 20,000 young people aged 19 and under from schools, colleges and youth groups across the UK. This year's competition is supported by NESTA, the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts. The big name backers who have put up their own cash to show their belief in young people in the UK are the charismatic serial entrepreneur and star of Dragons' Den, Peter Jones - first business before he was 18 - and Michael and Xochi Birch, inspirational founders of social networking site Bebo. �200,000 in the 'Tenner Bank', means DOUBLE the number of tenners to loan to this year's budding young entrepreneurs. MYM also encourage young people to find their own tenners so they can extend the 'Tenner Bank' and play along at home. Prizes will be awarded to those with the most profit, the greatest social impact and for ventures in special categories such as Sport and Online. Go for it... back to top.... |
BOOK REVIEWS
Making it! Women Entrepreneurs reveal the Secrets of their Success -Lou Gibson and Allison Mitchell. Perhaps it was the first line on the back cover that really switched me on - "It's all about ATTITUDE". How right - how true!! We've said it so many times - this is what makes us what we are. This is a help book - not simply a set of Case Studies - although there are some great ones that we can all learn from, but there are useful entrepreneurial attitude quizzes and I'll defy anyone not to find some worthwhile food for thought from reading this handy sized paperback. I enjoyed it so much, I want to share with you, so go and have some fun with the Attitude-O-Meter on My Wonderful Life Coach where you'll also find the book review and a free e-chapter to give you a flavour of the help in store... Click here for full book review ... back to top... |
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Three ways to MAKE SOME CASH!
Whether you want to Earn it! Sell it! Or Claim it! You'll find some inspiration here...Have a look right now....at the same time discover what a useful money and financial site, in plain English with plenty of tips and advice this site is. We'll be interested in your thoughts on these valuable tips from Alison Hunt...and on what you think to the website.. email us Find the tips here..
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Make money online!Thanks to Emma Jones, founder of www.enterprisenation.com we've a fact sheet detailing 10+ Ways to Make Money Online. Click here and we'll send it back to you - it is worth the time to click. Money Making OnlineStill looking for more ways to make or save personal or business money - or indeed develop your business? We would like to help. Valerie has started and grown businesses through two recessions and been head-hunted to turn struggling businesses around for other people, so she knows a thing or two about how to find hidden value in a business...sort out finances and innovate - from an entrepreneurs perspective that is! Contact us here....
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FREE MONEY VOUCHERS
'Everyone loves a Deal' - 1,000s of Free Voucher Codes and exclusive discounts just a click away and waiting for you right now - you'll be amazed at how many top stores you can save money with vouchers from Voucher Codes UK back to top.... |
FUNDING AND FINANCE - What's your financial resolution this New Year?
�Angels Den - where entrepreneurs and investors meet
Angels Den provide entrepreneurs like you with every chance of getting funded. A new initiative is a tv show that supports entrepreneurs to make a great pitch (the precise opposite of Dragons Den!). Candidates for the pilot show have done some background filming at this month's SpeedPitching event. There will be more from this innovative outfit - find out more about Angels Den - they are a lively lot and always bringing along new opportunities for you to raise finance.
Their regular "speed-dating" style ensures that you get the maximum value out of your time with Investors. Angels Den are delighted to announce their brand new and exciting 'Pitching School' on afternoons of SpeedPitching events. Sessions focussed entirely on helping you and a handful of other entrepreneurs get your Pitch just right. So don't waste your golden opportunity to impress an Angel. Click HERE for more details. STOP PRESS - they are also launching a glossy magazine to place your business idea in front of carefully selected wealthy investors....deadline for the first edition - 4th February 2009. Go to Angels Den back to top... |
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LeicestHERday Conference, June 12th 2009, Leicester, UK
Celebrating International Women's Day, LeicestHerday continues to be recognised as the most dynamic, successful and largest event of its kind in Europe, attracting over 1000 girls, women and men each year. This year the theme is: "Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow"inspired by a desire to turn the camera on the women who make up the vibrant and diverse culture in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
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World Entrepreneurs Summit, 29th March 2009, London
Rebecca Harding and her team announce their second annual summit. This inspiring international event will put entrepreneurs of all types together with investors, business support professionals and agencies, large and small companies, coaches, mentors and policy and academic experts with a view to accessing the financial and network support that will provide entrepreneurs with platforms to change the world.
PLUS - Three firsts: Launch the World Entrepreneur Society (WES); Launch the WES online Forum and Academy; Announce the results of their first competition to find the world's Make-A-Difference (MAD) entrepreneurs. Speed networking, speed pitching, open-space and "think tank" sessions on the day. To find out more and to book your place go to WES 2009 Going fast, so book now! To discuss the MAD competition, sponsorship, hosting a fringe event or breakfast, or taking one of the exhibition stands, email Delta Economics info@delteconomics.com
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VISION TO VOICE Leadership in the Global Age, 2 May 09 Boston, MassCelebrating 30 years of Women's Achievements, Simmons College School of Management, Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton kicks off conference keynote addresses by four extraordinary women, herself and award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Build-A-Bear Workshop� Chief Executive Maxine Clark and former U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello, M.D. Find practical skills, new perspectives, and innovative ideas to apply in both your personal and professional lives. This premier conference is an unmatched opportunity to learn from and engage with some of the world's most successful women. Register now for an extraordinary event guaranteed to energize and motivate. Learn more... back to top.... |
EVENTS - Shimmy yourself fit!! Belly Dance those extra pounds away
3 February 2009 6pm - 9pm, The Quarter Restaurant, 41 Halford Street, Leicester, LE1 1TR -you've still got time!!!
Belly dancing has emerged as one of the hot new workout trends in recent years. Learn the basics of the beautiful art of belly dancing with Janet Rose. Janet will take you through how to combine movements into natural, artistic dance routines that help to enhance your physical and psychological well-being.
A great way of staying fit in a friendly supportive atmosphere. It helps tone muscles and flexibility, burns calories, helps students to de-stress and can be learned by people of all fitness levels. To book your place contact: Sandra Pollock, Women in Management, on 0797 722 7872 or e-mail: wimleicester@managers.org.uk
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Business Bras and Bubbly!
Networking at Bravissimo, 5th Feb 2009, Nottingham
Last May Smart Women ran a hugely successful informal networking event hosted by Bravissimo Friendly and informal and with discounts from Bravissimo thrown in. Could it be better? Only if it was free - which it is! Bookings are flowing steadily in but they're able to accommodate even more networkers than last time so bag your place while you can.
Whilst there's no charge, Francine does need to keep track of numbers so download the booking form here (emailing back is fine) and don't forget to invite a few friends. download the booking form here(emailing back is fine) and don't forget to invite a few friends.
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Entrepreneurs Ladder, 10th Feb 2009, Serenity Spa, Sheffield Are you in your Element? Come and find out with Ruth Adams - explore the importance of self-understanding and those elusive team dynamics...Meeting once again in Sheffield's fabulous Serenity Spa. Full information and booking form online at Step up... back to top... |
HP / Aurora International Women's Day event, 5th March, London
IWD connects talented women and that's exactly what HP's doing with Aurora. Technology's a cool places to be right now: innovation, vision, problem solving. Our champagne networking lunch features top speakers like Julie Meyer, founder of dotcom's First Tuesday and CEO, Ariadne Capital. Held at the Royal Exchange (London EC3) for 50 women, email if you're thrilled by the tech sector and networking. back to top... |
Tee-Party Spring Green Taster Saturday 28th March 2009 is a date you definitely don't want to miss. Those savvy style consultants are coming up with more great alternative deal finding events.From complete Novice to Golf-Flirt, Bunker Babe to Green Queen, our fabulous event is ideal for all!
Take advantage of their early birdie discounts .....back to top... |
Connect U Business Tee-Parties - another initiative from those savvy style consultants, by popular demand and coming soon to the prestige De-Vere Hotels - Belton Woods, Lincolnshire. If you're fed up with the traditional approach to business networking and want an alternative that guarantees to introduce and connect you to big business,register your interest now to avoid disappointment! For more information, or to register, contact them now. Click here for more... back to top.... |
SOMETHING NEW - COOL CANVAS!
Celia Pontin has been telling us about how her company can transform your precious images - anything from photographs to create stunning individual canvasses - or collages to draw lots of happy memories together-to drawings, paintings - lots of requests for children's artwork cluttering up fridges - into fantastic canvases - your own personal works of art.
Plus. if you've a Vision for your company, (if not - why not begin now?) or are in the process of creating or refreshing your Vision, here's an ideal way to make it permanent and share it!! And on a personal level - Find inspiration... Children`s Art on Canvas, Photography on Canvas, The Celebration Canvas back to top.... |
| FREE DOWNLOAD - SMART WOMEN NETWORKING
100 Tips for Successful Networking
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| RED HOT OFFERS FOR CHASING THE SUN!
Looking for your dream holiday? From 20th February through March 2009 and beyond some Red Hot offers now available.
Contact our expert Personal Travel Adviser, Jackie Frith, who with 20 years experience in the travel industry welcomes your challenge to find the best deal for you. Jackie Frith Remember the name, we'll be telling you soon about Jackie's exciting new travel venture.... back to top... |
Travelling Mamas 2009
There is life after Motherhood, says travel writer Beth Blair. And it is worth writing about. Hence the blog Travelling Mamas.
"We realized that by using our sister-like chemistry combined with our experiences, we could start a blog to inspire moms to travel and remind them that life doesn't end with motherhood ."
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RESEARCH AND REPORTS
Challenges and Opportunities for Growth Survey Report
Rebecca Harding over at Delta Economics has sent through thereport from a recent piece of entrepreneurial research that makes interesting reading and proves a worthwhile evidence-based contribution to plugging the knowledge gap on enterprise and entrepreneurs. With the apt introductory title 'Entrepreneurs - cogs in the Economic Engine' 'Challenges and Opportunities for Growth', the report aims to provide insights into the way in which entrepreneurs are motivated, how they grow their businesses, how they utilise the support structures in the public and private sectors (including access to finance), how they create value and how they manage the opportunities and challenges of growing a business. Informative charts and comparisons plus several useful Case Studies, whether you are an entrepreneur or someone within an organisation championing or supporting entrepreneurs here's your copy back to top.... |
RESEARCH
Women in the Recession (not our R word) - tell us your experience
Evidence is being collected on the effects that the current economic climate is having, particularly on women's enterprise. We have been asked to contribute to the debate and would welcome your thoughts, experiences and ideas for solutions to particular enterprise challenges that you are experiencing. All information remains confidential. email Valerie back to top... |
ENTERPRISE SUPPORT NETWORKS
Enterprise Nation
Have a look at what our friend Emma Jones (founder of Enterprise Nation) has to say about Mentors - I love this!! Itmay also help people who are not aware of the value of mentors to understand a little bit better why and how we do what we do!!
Commercial coach, professional nagger, mentor "Whatever you decide to call them, having someone to act as a commercial reality check in your business is invaluable. Finding someone with business experience who is prepared to meet with you and make you accountable could make the difference between meeting and missing your targets. Having met a man who will serve this role with Enterprise Nation, I recommend the position to you all". Emma Jones - too true Emma!!
http://www.enterprisenation.com/ back to top... |
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Christina Trindade, founder of Working Woman and Valerie's co-founder of Entrepreneurs Ladder, for her exciting project with The City School Sheffield, helping and supporting women entrepreneurs in Malealea. We've seen the fabulous handmade jewellery that one of their enterprises makes and encourage you to support them to grow their enterprises and develop their self-sufficiency and independence. WELL DONE Christina!! Find out more... For unique jewellery, fashion, calendars and more Visit the shop back to top |
| CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Karen and Nigel Lowthrop, founders of Hill Holt Wood Social Enterprise - Royal Visit HRH Prince Charles brought the seal of success to Hill Holt Wood that is "Proving the Value of Ancient Woodland in the 21st Century"
Find out more about the royal visit, photographs and their wonderful work educating excluded young people and teaching them skills related to promoting and preserving the environment. |
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Julia Gash of Bag It Don't Bin It!
On the news that she has attracted �30,000 of Angel Investment. WELL DONE Julia - and thanks again for producing the fab branded eco-bags for the Working Woman Expo 2008! Discover Julia's excellent products here back to top... | |
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About Us
Founded by inspirational serial entrepreneur Valerie Dwyer, with ten enterprises under her belt and over 2,000 others assisted to start and grow, Valerie Dwyer Group incorporates Strategic Business Development, a unique Visioning process, Coaching, Mentoring, Networking, Seminars and Workshops. Valerie Dwyer is a passionate UK and international advocate and Champion for Women's Enterprise and member of the UK Women's Enterprise Task Force, lobbying, speaking and writing on this topic. Every day clients achieve another success, our testimonials say it best! More:
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Sign up now to having a fantastic 2009...
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