Happy Easter! Hello, how are you?
April already ~ how time flies!
So what’s new from me this year so far?
First up I finally have my new website live!
Please do take a look; I’d love to have your feedback.
I’ll regularly be updating my blog so do check back from time to time.
I hope you will find some of my posts useful. I’ve already uploaded some tips on how to be more successful on LinkedIn and there’s tips to help you manage your time and you can even take a Time Audit
If you’re interested in networking and have 25 minutes to spare why not have a look at my ‘How to Network’ video or pop back later when you have a little more time and enjoy with a cuppa!
I have a new Signature Programme ‘Be the Star You Are …’ which I have developed over a number of years pulling together practical business experiences with extensive investment in my own personal and professional development. In my experience some of the so called ‘soft skills’ really do come into their own when business and life gets hard. This programme puts emphasis on those soft skills and for good reason.
Business planning, being financially savvy, marketing, HR, the list goes on with all the things a business requires to operate successfully, but it’s the people that are key and that includes you. Whether you are working on your own with just yourself to lead or you’re leading a team or a whole organisation being clear about where you’re going, why you’re going there and having a strategy or plan to get you there and the skills to communicate this whilst keeping an eye on the bottom line and your own well-being is key.
My new ‘Star 5 Step Workshop ~ The Heart of Your Business in 2015‘ has just 10 places available on 24th April at the Park Plaza Hotel, Nottingham running from 10am to 4pm and includes a fabulous Chino Latino lunch.
Something else that’s new for 2015 is my collaboration with Forward Ladies. You can read more about this here
Almost 100 people attended my Midlands launch event in Nottingham in February with many already signing up as members. Forward Ladies currently supports a membership of around 13,000 women across the country through its newsletter, regular networking events, peer groups, training and our awards programme which recognises the achievements of both professional and business women. I’m excited to be bringing this awards programme to the Midlands and will be hosting the Regional Awards at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel on October 9th.
On the 3rd Thursday of each month (start time 09:30) I will be hosting the Midlands Power Breakfast ~ next dates 16th April and 21st May.
Another date for May is Friday 1st. Join me for ‘An Audience With …’ lunch and hear from Dragon Tamer, Kirsty Henshaw. I first met Kirsty 3 years ago and am delighted to be welcoming her back to Nottingham to share her story. You can read more about Kirsty here and to book your place at the lunch click here
I have a number of sponsorship opportunities available with Forward Ladies to raise your profile regionally and nationally as well as supporting women in business and working in the corporate world so please get in touch with me if this is of interest and I will be pleased to explain more.
There are several membership options available with Forward Ladies so again do have a chat with me about which might be the best option for you or your team.
If you want to dive straight in and sign up now here’s the link and you can use my Promo Code ‘DEB10’ and enjoy a saving of 10% off Premium membership.
Other event news . . .
Nottingham City Business Club’s April lunch will be held the 17th when guest speakers Ted Cantle CBE,DL and Heather Mayfield will share their vision to transform Nottingham’s historic castle into a world-class centre of learning, heritage and culture as part of a £24m investment scheme.
You can book for this here Remember to sign in if you’re a member.
I will also be hosting my 8th Bank of England Round-Table Forum for NCBC during the morning ahead of the lunch.
The Nottinghamshire Police Band will be performing in a glittering charity concert at 7:30pm on Friday 24th April at St Mary’s Church, High Pavement, The Lace Market, Nottingham when you can hear a selection of popular and classical music performed by this highly-regarded, local band under the musical-directorship of Gary Glover ARCM.
All the proceeds from ticket sales will go to two local charities: Emmanuel House and Help a Nottinghamshire Child. Tickets are available in advance from www.gigantic.com Further details are available from Sharon Richardson or Masa Prastalo at The Galleries of Justice on 0115 952 0555 or Sharon.Richardson@galleriesofjustice.org.uk
So, as we find ourselves entering the second quarter of the year I hope you’re on target whatever that looks like for you and, if this is your financial year end, I hope you’re happy with your numbers.
It’s been a while since the Christmas break so I’m sure many of us are looking forward to a long Bank Holiday weekend and some time to chill, refresh and reflect . . . and maybe indulge in a chocolate egg or two 
Whatever your plans have an eggscellent (sorry!) Easter weekend and I look forward to seeing you or hearing from you soon.
With my very best wishes
Deborah
P.S. On a more personal note many of you will know I’m a music fan and love to support Nottingham’s talented musicians.
Saint Raymond and Jake Bugg along with others will be sporting their football boots rather than instruments and voices on May 16th as they test their footballing skills at Notts County to raise money for charity and compete for the inaugural FOOTBALL ROCKS Trophy!
I’m particularly proud of Callum Burrow aka Saint Raymond. He’s already a great success story and I am pleased to be able to count him as someone I have worked with. Catching up with him last November at the after party following the Nottingham concert with Ed Sheerhan I couldn’t have been more pleased when he told me he still uses the confidence techniques I helped him with. You can read more here
Callum began his career playing small gigs and open mic nights around Nottingham before gaining popularity in 2013 when he released his self penned, debut “Escapade”. Signing a major record deal with Asylum Records in August 2013 with a headline tour following. His second EP “Young Blood” was named Zane Lowe’s “Hottest Record in The World” after which Callum was invited to perform a live session in Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1 and Zane Lowe. The same year he was the opening act for Ed Sheeran’s Multiply Tour.
Have a listen to this acoustic set when Saint Raymond put in a surprise appearance at Glastonbury 2014
His ‘Fall At Your Feet’ track was used in the opening scene of the motion picture This Is Where I Leave You and another of his tracks ‘I Want You’ was used for the eighth series of Made in Chelsea’s trailer and for an ITV player advert in October 2014.
Saint Raymond is currently working on his debut album due for release on 22 June 2015. I wish him lots of continued success. He really is a Star and on top of that an all round great guy!
Another local band to watch out for is The Gorgeous Chans who will be on tour during April with 7 dates
I do have to declare a vested interest here . . . one of the sax players is my son!
Have a listen San Sebastian – Live at Bestival
Sticking with an industry theme if you’re looking for a Sound Engineer you’re in the right place.
Son number 2 (technically he’s son number 1 as he was born 5 minutes earlier!) could be just what you’re looking for! He can also supply PA hire, mood lighting and even LED dance floors so, if you’re having a wedding, a party or a corporate event check out Giorgio Labbate Productions
If you’ve read this far I have to say thank you very much!
I’m delighted you’re still with me!
Anything I may be able to help you with do get in touch.
You never know, it could be just the conversation you need to have.
My mantra is ‘helping people go further, faster … ‘ and I would be pleased to see how I can help you do just that (don’t be surprised though ~ sometimes this means slowing down first!)
Let’s make some time to talk ~ there’s no charge for an initial conversation.
