The Kitchen Table Network

ThinkRight Night ...

The night of Thursday 19th Feb was our very first ThinkRight Night with Lorraine Ewing-Bowman of ThinkRight Achieve More.   Due to the stormy weather, numbers were down a little but it was a fun night. Thanks to Lorraine's hubby John for lugging equipment; Ben Brock (General Manager of the Grand View) for allowing Lorraine to play mind games with him; and Niko Papasideris for use of his music ... particularly 'JOY' ... the note we finished the evening on!

~Click on photos to enlarge~

1.  Lorraine Ewing-Bowman doing her thing.
2. Adrienne Dufficy and Michaela Bolzer.
3. Biz Picton and Lorraine.
4. Karyn Trevor-Jones; Denise Kolcze; Michelle Worthington.
5. Liz Irvine and Angie Speck.
6. John.
7. Cr. Toni Bowler and Jackie

1. 2.                  

3. 4.    

5.       6.   

7.

ThinkRight AchieveMore Full Day Workshop Feb 8th ...

thinkright for life!

Full Day Workshop: Sunday 8 February 2009

This workshop is one of our foundation courses and will establish your strong foundation to HAVE, BE or DO whatever you genuinely want in life, career or business.  This course is highly recommended even if you have participated in personal development workshops in the past.

Our unique and highly effective strategies to help you achieve the life you WANT are contained in this workshop.   Highly entertaining, with awesome tools for living a happier, healthier life, this workshop will set you right onto the pathway of where you want to be.

We hope to see you there!

Click on the link for full information:

Thinkright for Life Full Day Workshop 8 February 2009

The "Someday" Disease ...

 

Do You Have It?

By Sonia Ricotti

 

 

 

"Someday" is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.

-Timothy Ferris, The 4-Hour Workweek

 

Do you have the "someday" disease? I am amazed at how many people share their dreams with me and tell me how "someday" they will make their dreams come true. "It just isn't the right time right now" is what they tell me. We have a tendency to shelve our dreams for a later date:  when the kids grow up, when we have more money, etc. In other words, we are waiting for the stars to line up before we make that "big" move. I hate to break this to you, but the stars usually never end up lining up. There is always something that "comes up" that will stop you from achieving your dreams.
 
On my recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I was reading The Last Lecture by RandyPausch (I highly recommend reading it). He states in his book:
 
"The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough. They're there to stop the other people."
 
Those brick walls will always present themselves; it is up to you to figure out how to get to the other side.
 
The only time you have is "now." So start taking action toward living your greatest life.  Don't focus only on the end result, but also focus on enjoying the journey. Life is short. Think about it, how fast has the last five years passed you by?
 
I have been following my "dream life" now for several years and I have to tell you, that a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into achieving it.  It wasn't always easy, but it was all worth it, and I loved and appreciated (brick walls and all) every second of the journey (and still do).
 
So I ask you, are you suffering from the "someday" disease? If so, what action will you take today to cure yourself?

   Sonia Ricotti is president of Lead Out Loud, a world renowned transformational leadership and self-development firm that helps people achieve professional and personal success. She is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, a leadership expert, a humanitarian, an author, and a radio host for the popular inspirational Internet talk radio show, Lead Out Loud Talk Radio.    www.leadoutloud.ca

Staying Focused ...

I am proud of myself.  And I am proud of my friends.

Because in most cases, if you were to see Lorraine Ewing-Bowman, Jackie and me sitting around a table,  steam billowing from freshly brewed coffee (or, as it was in this case, tea) the banter would be lively; the laughter plentiful.  Amongst the mix of accents ~ Lorraine is Scottish; Jackie's English and I'm Australian born and bred ~ the opportunity to get a word in edgewise is generally limited.

However, seat us around a table where Lorraine is functioning in the capacity of our Business Coach and the situation is very different.  And, I must admit, our diligence at sticking to the task at hand has taken me somewhat by surprise!  Of course, there is still a little room for fun and joking but mostly we adhere to our agenda and manage to cover all areas set for discussion by the end of our session.  This has taught me a big lesson this week ...

The importance of being focused.  Taking aim; taking issue; taking action.  Not forever, just for a specified time.  It's so much easier that way.

We are ALL busy women and I'm the first to put my hand up and nominate as sometimes having a brain so overwhelmed by duties that, in the muddle of my mind, there are days I actually end up achieving very little.  At these times, when I'm running around like a chook with its head cut off,  I'm now going to ask myself  'Busy doing what?'.  And then pinpoint what needs to be done. Find my focus.

By setting a time frame to concentrate ~ to focus ~ on just one thing, issues are able to be addressed and dealt with without the clutter of 'all the other stuff'.  I am now applying this to other areas ... like the clean up of my messy study.

With all that creative energy being focused solely on the business of The Kitchen Table Network, the proliferation of ideas and the simple resolution of outstanding issues has astounded us.  The lessons each of us takes away from any situation are personal and perhaps this is one that Lorraine doesn't even realise she has gifted me with this week ... The Importance of Being Focused.  

Ain't that the truth!

MERITS OF A BUSINESS COACH ...

WHAT DO BARBRA STREISAND AND TIGER WOODS HAVE IN COMMON?

"In addition to being at the top of their respective fields, Streisand in music and Woods in golf, they both work with a coach.

Why would someone at the top of their chosen profession need a coach?

The answer is quite simple. They realize, as do top performers in every field, the value of having someone on the sidelines watching their every move and making sure they're on track. They know that, while they are doing what they do, it's important to have someone watching their every step and providing feedback to help them be their best.

Today, smart entrepreneurs are doing the same. Understanding that, rarely does anyone reach their potential without a coach, they are hiring coaches who specialize in working with businesses. Small business owners in particular, many who have no one to confide in other than their partner or spouse, can benefit greatly from the services of a small business coach. And hiring a coach tends to be a minor investment when compared to the value it brings.

In addition to providing a confidential and objective sounding board for problem solving and brainstorming, their coach will hold them accountable for achieving the goals they set for themselves and their business. Often the bane of the small business owner is that they are too busy with day-to-day activities, putting out the occasional "fires" that flare up unexpectedly to be concentrating on their long term vision. And most have learned from experience how difficult it is to achieve significant results going it alone.

Their coach, on the other hand, is able to hold this vision with them and ensure they are moving toward it. And a really great coach will help the entrepreneur envision a result bigger than they would have thought possible.

So, if you want to see your business grow and prosper, go out and get a coach.

Just make sure it's someone who specializes in working with small businesses. Tiger woods does not have a voice coach and it's unlikely that "Babs" keeps a golf coach on staff."

What do Barbara Streisand and Tiger Woods have in common? - To learn more about this author, visit Jim Donovan's Website.

MICHELLE WORTHINGTON ...

It's always so gratifying to be able to share in the achievements of our Members ... especially one who's been with TKTN from the very beginning as Michelle Worthington has!  Jackie went along to the ICON Bar & Bistro on Tuesday 19th August to celebrate Michelle's latest appointment with Mary Kay ...

“WOW! what a night.  I felt like a proud parent watching our own TKTN member Michelle Worthington, receive all her accolades at her Mary Kay Sales Director Debut at the Icon Bar on Tuesday night.

 Michelle joined Mary Kay in October and has quickly worked her way up the career path.  Listening to the speeches from Beth  (her mentor and up-line ~ sorry if that’s not the right terminology Michelle), I was near to tears and wishing I had packed some tissues as I snuffled into my sleeve.  It was just so apparent that when we focus on our goals and never doubt that we will achieve them amazing things happen.  Through persistence; integrity; and incredible self-motivation, Michelle has achieved all her goals to reach Sales Director.  I have no doubt this will be one of many posts to come as she rises higher through the Mary Kay ranks. If you keep your eyes open you will see her driving around in her ‘Pink Car’ in the New Year as I know that is her next goal and have no doubt that will come to fruition.  Michelle really has an incredible story to tell ... don’t hesitate to ask her about ‘her journey’ if you get the chance.  She is currently putting together a Women’s Networking Portfolio which will show your photo (with your Mary Kay makeover – which I recommend, very relaxing); business card and info about you – take advantage of this as all these free advertising opportunities raise everyone’s profile.   Remember the strength in working together.  Give her a ring if you would like to be included  0411 803 836. Congratulations Michelle ... you are a Star!!"

    ~Click on pics to enlarge~

FREE TICKETS ...

FREE TICKETS available to attend 21st Century Women's Academy event!

~ It’s all about empowering women through financial, spiritual and health education through some very well known speakers (Ita Buttrose, Lisa Curry-Kenny and Jamie McIntyre just to name a few)~

Click above logo for more info on speakers; dates and event locations.

Conquering the #1 fear ...

ONE DAY PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP

Friday 14th March, 2008    10am - 3.30pm

Sebel & Citigate Hotel

King George Square

Brisbane

 

What’s stopping you speaking in public? 

If you are going to have people’s attention then it’s important that you know what you are going to say. Every skilled speaker you know or admire didn’t start out as an expert – they’ve had to learn how to speak in public, the same as you.

If you fear public speaking or just need to expand your ability, confidence and leadership potential, now is your chance to grab the confidence to expand your skills and self-esteem by attending this ONE-DAY public speaking workshop.

Fee $110 includes morning tea, lunch and course workbook.

Make the investment to get it right when you need to speak in public.

All the details on the website www.forumcommunicators.asn.au or email forum@forumcommunicators.asn.au or phone Pam 3206 0757 or 0408 550 435 to make a booking (RSVP 29th February 2008). 

We are touched ...

This week we have been truly honoured to receive notice of TWO nominations for local awards.  The first being an RWIN Nomination for Women Making A Difference in the Redlands (thank you to Petra Mackin Bell for thinking of us!) ... and a Redlands Chamber of Commerce Business Award Nomination (much thanks to TKTN Member and our Business Banker at the Commonwealth, Michelle Worthington).  With just six months of 'business' under our belt,  it is through your support ~ as our friends and Members ~ which has encouraged us to grow to the extent that we are able to be considered for such Awards ... We thank you from the bottom of our humbled hearts.

 

With regards the Redlands Chamber of Commerce Business Award, one of the categories we are eligible to enter is the People's Choice Award.  The nomination date has been extended to this Friday 14th Sept. and, if you feel so inclined and would like to show your appreciation of our business, please complete and return this nomination form to the Chamber of Commerce address as listed on the nomination form; or email nomination to chamber@creativebusinesssolutions.com.au ; or call (07) 3824 3845 for more info.

 

Once again, thank you most sincerely for your continued support.

 

Top Tips for Entrepreneurial Mums ...

Found this article on a UK website and thought you might be interested in this excerpt ... for full article, click here.

Top Tips for Business Mums

Sally Preston, founder of Babylicious, a successful baby food company and mum of two children has some handy tips for mums thinking of starting out on their own:

1. Focus on your personal strengths when you’re brainstorming business ideas – Davina McCall’s fitness videos have been successful because she’s famous for getting into shape sensibly. We may not all be blessed with her finely honed physique but take her lead and focus on businesses that will play to your natural strengths and interests. Remember you are your company's best asset.

2. Recruit a business savvy friend or family member to give you advice and support for the first few months. Leila Wilcox, winner of ITV’s ‘Make me a Million’, couldn’t have made the leap from mum to owner of a multi-million pound business without the guidance of her mentor, judge and Group chief executive, Ivan Massow, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

3. You can never do too much research. Check out your Yellow Pages, look on the web, talk to customers, get to know your competition inside out and work out how you're going to stand out against them. Starting a business is a bit like having a baby so put the same amount of energy into preparing for your new venture as you did with your new arrival.

4. Build marketing into your business plan from the start as it’s no good having a great idea that no-one knows about!

5. Learn to separate work and family time. If you're starting your own business in an effort to spend more time with your family make sure you plan your working hours.

6. Your office is the heart of your business, so make sure it's a space you feel comfortable in. Invest in a good quality desk and chair and add plants and personal items to create your own haven for hard work.

7. Don’t try to be superwoman. Running a business and home is hectic so make sure you regularly take time out to switch off and relax – you’ll be a better business mum for it!

 

keywords "kitchen table network" network brisbane redlands womens friendship female entrepreneurs australia jackie price kerry stewart-haynes