It may take time and some effort how to find your happiness habits. The American writer and philosopher Elbert Hubbard, said that "happiness is a habit" and that we need to “cultivate it.” Even Aristotle wrote: “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” I know...
How To Manage Your Decision Fatigue I read a facebook post on a group called Flexible Working People from a woman who was back at back after maternity leave and was struggling with all the "stuff" she had to do and was reaching out for advice and top...
11 Signs That You Realise It Is What It Is Maybe it's just age. Maybe it's intolerance. Stuff we are unwilling to put up with as we get older. Maybe they are just signs we're just getting on with life and they're eleven signs that you realise it is what it is....
Kindness: The Future of Great Leadership Serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk consistently talks about the power of kindness in business. He believes soft skills matter more than you think, and we all have a bit of Gary V magic! He extols the virtues and...
How To Get Through Blue Monday 2023 Blue Monday reminds me of that incredible tune by New Order I remember it like it was yesterday, music evokes such strong memories. In Truro after being dumped unceremoniously by my then boyfriend and I was brokenhearted....
Life Isn't Meant To Be A White Knuckle Ride But life it's also not meant to be all headstands on paddle boards! Somewhere, somehow there needs to be a place of balance. I know, I know what on earth does that mean!! Because balance is different for every...
Strategy In Life & Business The first thing successful businesses do is start with their strategy. It's like a road map, a way to help you get where you said you wanted to get to. So having a strategy in life and business is essential. The first thing successful...
Happiness at Work in 2023 Happiness is an electrifying and elusive state. So much more than simply a positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life. One with a sense of meaning and deep contentment - but can we achieve happiness...
Over the Hill, or Just the Beginning? There is no one-size fits all approach to starting a business. What works for some, most definitely will not work for others. When we think about start-up companies, traditionally we think of the likes...
A Journalling Journey I've fought it. I resisted it. I knew the theory and I'd read the success stories. Why was my journalling journey different? This small change created such a huge impact to me and yes it did have a huge ripple...
How Did I Realise I was a Functioning Introvert? I never saw myself as an introvert, in fact I know most people would have described me as an extrovert. Instead I have settled on a hybrid definition of a Functioning Introvert. The way I...
There's no denying the last few years have been tough. Tougher than most I would suggest. So how can we move forward, stronger and happier and boss your happiness in 2023? Here's just a few thoughts... 1. Trust your Gut It's usually...
I learned loads about myself in 2022 - it probably shouldn't have taken me 57 years, but as we're all a work in progress then I guess it's ok to take the time and learning... This is my 2022 retrospective. Putting myself first...
Reasons to Stop Pressing Snooze & Instead Create Your Winning Morning Routine How you start your day is how you live your day! Do you want to read that again as it's a shock! Yes, how you start your day is how you'll live the entire rest of your day!...
How to be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable One of the first things we learn in life is that not everything is going to go our way, no matter how hard we try or how much we really want something, and this makes us uncomfortable....
14 Life Rules to Keep You Motivated and Productive Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it. We all have rules we live by. Some were developed through nature, how we were raised, how we were taught and the...
7 Signs That You’re an Overgiver I am a classic overgiver. I like to help. I love the positive feedback and of course that classic - I like to be liked. But it’s a short term win, a short term shot in the arm, and it does not serve...
Stress Discrimination If only there were such a thing as Stress Discrimination. Stress affects us all, each and every one of us, pretty much everyday! If only it discriminated- because then it would be a much easier fix! A recent...
I was thrilled when I read that Dr Ragan Chatterjee was bringing his book tour to Bristol. I had the book and I'd preordered Happy Mind, Happy Life as soon as I saw it advertised. I'd then done what I usually do, flicked through it,...
Would you love a more organised and clutter-free life? Tidying up with Marie Kondo has been a huge hit for Netflix, inspiring masses of Brits to organise their homes. If you don’t already know, Marie Kondo, is a brilliant Japanese...
There is so much written about happiness. One of my favourite saying is Happiness is an Inside Job! It implies that only I can create the happiness in my life. Do you think that many of us over think this? Over complicate it and fill our...
Why You Need a "Ta-Da" List Instead of a "To Do' List! I have written so much in the past of the benefit of having a "to do" list, taking five minutes at the end of each day and writing your top three things you need to achieve the...
Success is often defined by what we can get and obtain from the world around us. What we take out, what we survive on, what we manage to put away and save. It often feels like success is the outer - the stuff we see and that can be seen. It...
We've all just getting over all the Black Friday deals, followed up by the Cyber Monday offers. My inbox was bursting at the seams... I have to admit I was fairly restrained and only bought what was asked for (early Christmas shopping) and stuff I...
Thank You. Two words. Eight letters. Two syllables. That can immediately create a smile, change a mood and emotional state and change the day of the recipient. Easy, simple, no cost and a no brainer, in life and in business. I...
I'm big on setting New Year Resolutions, instead I thrive on setting INTENTIONS. This year I want to master UPGRADE my life! Usually at this time of year you'll see people writing about their word for the following year. Yep I've...
Whether you are a new mum just heading back to work or a mum that has been around for years, you probably have found that it’s difficult to find that elusive work/life balance. Grab five minutes and check out these business survival tips...
Following on from a recent blog When is it time for an Emergency Time Out? this is a follow on, inspired by a friend who is amazing, an inspiration and frazzled 100% of the time. She recently sent me an exhausted whatsapp message at...
I love a game of chess, and my new favourite is backgammon. I was a late learner, but I love it and I love the strategy of the game. I'm not brilliant, but I do really enjoy it. I love that I can't overthink it and have to move and play. Usually I’m a serial...
Never to wait for the perfect moment - take the moment and make it perfect! “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” ― Jordan Belfort Are you...
Many mature women are choosing entrepreneurship, despite it being a non-stereotypical activity. Whether it is a necessity or simply something different they are actively choosing entrepreneurship over a typical 9-5. Did you know that...
14 years ago today I went on a blind date with this wonderful man. We were both nervous, well I was, he was just lovely. He said he liked live music - I took us to listen to jazz at Hotel du Vin. I’ve learned that’s not what he meant! I talked too much and hid my...
33 years today since this amazing woman came into my life. I heard her long before I saw her at the Gatwick airport on a gloomy February Monday morning. She has a royal blue taffeta puff ball skirt and she was so very loud. (I wish I had a photo of that skirt!) She...
Do I need a thing? Lots of people have a thing.. He’s got his golf. Lots of people have sports or crafts and they enjoy a thing.. I love yoga but it’s not my thing.. I am starting to enjoy the gym but it’s not my thing. I live walking the...
It seems like busy is a badge of honour we wear with pride these days. “How has your week been?” - Busy!! “How is work?” - Busy!! “How’s life?” Busy!! But that’s a good thing… right? WRONG!! I have come to realise that busy doesn’t make us...
Why NO is a Complete Sentence. July 27, 2021 Are you expected to say yes to everything? As a business owner I was always told that the answer should always be yes, and then ask what’s the question? But are we expected to say yes to everything out of fear? Fear...
When is it time for an Emergency Time Out? JULY, 22 2021 Is there ever a right time to take a time out? You’re busy doing your thing. Life is hectic. Everyone wants a piece of you and it feels good that everyone needs you. It feels nice to be needed. Right?? You’re in...
7 Things No One Tells You About Running a Six Figure Business SEPTEMBER 1, 2020There is so much on social media from people either claiming they are earning 6 or 7 figures or they can help you achieve 6 or 7 figures. In my experience many business owners simply want...
11 Ways You Can Redefine Your Productivity in Your Next Normal JUNE 30, 2020There’s an upside to the coronavirus pandemic is that it has forced us all to slow down and take time and consideration in caring for ourselves, our businesses and those around us.As a small...
The Responsibility Gene JUNE 22, 2020As a small business coach I read, listen and watch a lot! Recently I was watching the amazing documentary about Hillary Clinton, I was interested in the woman and the story not interested in the politics.As a 50+ business woman and...
Why it’s OK To Outgrow Your Coach JUNE 18, 2020 Even as a small business coach finding the right coach is the best feeling in the world. Those first few “dates” can be amazing and inspiring, and well just amazing – that’s what it feel like right? The action taking,...
Why You Now Need an Agile Mindset JUNE 17, 2020Over the past 10 years, Carol Dweck’s Fixed and Growth Mindset concept has taken the world by storm.It has helped a great many people overcome their life challenges, and get closer to ‘fulfilling their potential in life’....
How To Get Your Zen on as a Small Business Coach MAY 26, 2020It was World Meditation Day was last week and yes I was too busy to be all Zen – life as a small business coach is still busy during lockdown.But did you know that business people are returning their suits...
Belief Alone is Not Enough I am often reminded of that great saying, a quote from Henry Ford about mindset, before everybody talked about mindset! “Whether you believe you can or can’t you are absolutely right!” I came across a book when I was clearing out, a book of...
You Can’t Manifest a Great Business Updated Crisis 2020 APRIL 3, 2020Now, at a time when our confidence and our security is being rocked and shaken it’s important to work on our mindset, but we need to hold our nerve and plan for the future.It’s ok to press PAUSE on...
12 Top Tips for Working from Home MARCH 26, 2020I’ve worked at home for 10+ years so I guess you’d call me a pro! You name it I’ve tried it, and I know I can help you navigate what does work and what does not – from your working environment to what to eat and how to...
How to Adapt to Change Will Define Your Success MARCH 19, 2020How you choose to adapt to change will define your success.It’s all changing and change is now the only norm. So how you choose to respond to change and how you can adapt to change will serve you...
International Women's Day - What makes a successful business woman MARCH 8, 2020 International Women's Day is today Sunday 8th March and it’s got me thinking about all the brilliant business women I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my time as a...
February is usually one of the least favoured months of the year (I’m not surprised! It’s cold, grey and summer seems a lifetime away), which is why it’s the perfect time to add a refreshing splash of positivity in your life. If you’ve got the winter blues and you’re in need of a healthy dose of optimism, do something for yourself today. Here are 5 simple ways to hit the reset button on life.
How To Teach Yourself How to Sleep Better. JANUARY 22, 2020I had to teach myself how to sleep better.I was always a great sleeper. My head hit the pillow and I didn’t remember a thing until the alarm went off. (I pre state that with unless the children were poorly or...
Why we Should Celebrate the Sussex’s Goal for Financial Independence! JANUARY 9, 2020Throughout life, we strive for financial independence, as we develop from childhood to adulthood we are encouraged to stand on our own feet, pay our own bills and be independent. Many...
The Four D’s DECEMBER 12, 2019 Email is the communication king. Quick, easy and free, it’s the chosen method of communication for many business owners. Email offers us the flexibility of working hours, allowing us to work on the move and can help reduce your stress,...
Self-Care Tips – How To Get Rid of Stress and Anxiety When You Run a Business NOVEMBER 26, 2019Self-Care, it’s something we regularly ignore because we get caught up in the stress of life. Running your own business, whilst running a house and caring for kids is a lot...
5 Things You Can Do To Get Off The Treadmill Of Life NOVEMBER 7, 2019 Feeling as if you are stuck on a treadmill, or feeling as if you all you are doing is ‘going through the motions’ every day of life – is no fun. I know that. I’ve been there AND got the t-shirt!...
60 Things You Can Do With an Extra Hour OCTOBER 22, 2019 The clocks change at the weekend and Daylight Savings is about to end and just like that you will have an extra hour every day! Listen we are all busy and got a ton of things to do, so stop moaning about how...
5 Things to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up in Your Business OCTOBER 10, 2019 If you’ve been trying to create and run a business all on your own, any discouragement can easily knock you off your feet and make you question whether you should be giving up on your...
It’s not always about 6 figure incomes, some just want to pay the mortgage! SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 Listen if this speaks to you don’t be ashamed. Money does not bring you happiness, but it is up there with oxygen! Personally, I struggle with all the bullsh*t claims on...
Strategies to Stop Overthinking and Start Goal-Setting SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 I’m a serial over thinker. I can’t count the times I’ve found myself awake at 2am stressing over something that I can’t even help! But after a lifetime of struggling with over-thinker-itis, what...
The DNA of a Business Owner: Are you an accidental business owner? AUGUST 21, 2019Speaking from experience, I know that most business owners eat, breathe and live everything about their business on a day-to-day basis. When you run your own business there are no set...
Why You Need An Outsourced Support Team This Summer AUGUST 8, 2019 About 15 years ago I was given the amazing opportunity to work in India doing a fast track promotion process with Zurich Bank for three weeks. Being a single mum, I’m sure you can imagine how much I...
Success Rituals For The Busy Business Woman JULY 26, 2019 Unfortunately, consistent high performance doesn't happen by accident! In life we have two options. Option one is to respond reactively, but that means summoning energy just when you are at your weakest. The...
Never Wait for the Perfect Moment JULY 10, 2019“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” ― Jordan Belfort Are you one of those people who want to start their own business, but is...
7 Reasons Why You Should Have Your Prices on Your Website JUNE 25, 2019 Ahhh, pricing. The bane of every biz owner's existence - especially if you have a service-based business. Do you list the pricing on your website? Do you do a "starting at" price? Or do you leave...
6 Unmissable Tips to Get You Through The School Holidays Without Losing Your Mind or Your Business MAY 23, 2019 With all this lush weather I’ve been daydreaming about holidays a lot! Whether it’s a chilled staycation, keeping the kids busy with outdoor paddling pools...
5 key Secrets to Unlocking your Full Potential MAY 7, 20191. Write your business ideas down Yes, this a small step to take but I often find that getting back to basics helps with clearing a foggy, unclear mind. Writing your ideas down is a critical step to unlocking...
5 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Head and Get Over the Overwhelm APRIL 24, 2019 REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE First things first, repeat after me: I am not alone. I am not alone. I AM NOT ALONE! Although the stress of running a business on your own can feel incredibly...
7 Top Tips For Working From Home For a Busy Entrepreneur APRIL 15, 2019 Working from home is brilliant in so many ways. One of those ways is being in control of your own schedule, and you can do that better when you learn how to work more efficiently. Give these ideas...
15 Healthy Business Habits to Radically Improve Your Success and Organisation Skills APRIL 4, 2019Developing a series of effective habits that maintain and sustain you and your business are critical for your continued success. As a small business coach I know how...
13 Tips For Maintaining a Healthy Work/Life Balance. MARCH 20, 2019 Maintaining a work/life balance is easy when you run your own business right? You typically work from home and you have no one else to answer to, so it should be easy to switch off. WRONG!...
5 Stress Busting Tips For an Entrepreneur! FEBRUARY 27, 2019Running your own business can sometimes feel like you are in that constant state of high-alert, you're continually in "fight or flight", and people around you see you as stress out of constantly “wired.” You...
There’s nothing more satisfying than silencing your phone, turning it over, and dozing off again—especially when it’s chilly Monday morning. It’s freezing outside, and you’d sooner skip breakfast than leave your warm bundle of blankets. Don’t worry, we’re all guilty of doing this from time to time – no judgement here!
8 Things No One Tells You About Running a Six Figure Business FEBRUARY 13, 2019 There is so much on social media from people either claiming they are earning 6 or 7 figures or they can help you achieve 6 or 7 figures. In my experience many business owners simply want...
For me, the idea of meditating took some warming up to. I saw it as a new age hoo-ha, and I don’t think you can blame me! But after years of rave reviews from friends, colleagues and clients, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, the area in my life that has reaped the most reward has been my business! I can honestly say it has changed my life!
There’s no doubt that Marmite has split the population. As the saying goes, you either love it or hate it! As a business coach, it speaks volumes to me that their brand name gets used in common parlance. Talk about clever marketing!
It’s that time of the year… 2 days to go until we close the door on 2018 and open up to the excitement and endless possibilities of 2019.
Clearly like everyone else, I’ve taken some time out to review 2018 and set some time aside to clearly consider the coming year. I did all the business planning weeks ago, but I wanted to set some time aside for me to consider my personal direction for 2019.
It’s that period between the hype of Christmas and New Year. Typically busy in my household as it’s my husband’s birthday on the 27th, so when you’re starting to think about stopping with all the excesses we have another celebration. So I manage to carve out some reflection time to evaluate what worked and what did not! In 2018 I had some great wins and some EPIC failures.
So as we approach the end of the year, it’s been really powerful to take some time to reflect and take the learning – always the learning.
From the outside it’s easy to project this glossy image of what being a successful business owner is like, the travel, the laptop lifestyle, the great reviews and brilliant client successes. But it’s important to me that to be transparent. As it not all lap top lifestyle and sunny postings.
13 Reasons You Know Your Coaching Relationship is Working DECEMBER 18, 2018Regardless of the size or type of your business, working with a business coach can completely transform your entrepreneurial journey. A coach will step back and critically analyse your business...
5 Business Survival Tips to Get you Through the Christmas Holidays Without Losing Your Mind or Your Business DECEMBER 18, 2018 I loved writing this blog as it's a subject close to my heart. Here’s my 6 business survival tips to get you through the Christmas holidays...
It’s that time of the year – It’s planner season…. DECEMBER 12, 2018I was yearning for the FEA Carrie Green planner last year - I had total FOMO! It seemed expensive, I left it too late and then missed out. She sold out - brilliant marketing, beautiful planner. So...
5 Ways To Tell You're a Passionate Entrepreneur DECEMBER 5, 2018Think of a stereotypical entrepreneur - which words do you use to describe them? Dedicated? Optimistic? Goal driven? Passionate? Now answer this question - Do the following traits, characteristics and...
6 Steps To Fall Back In Love With Your Business NOVEMBER 7, 2018All relationships take work and running your own business is one of the hardest relationships you’ll ever be in. Before you started, you probably dreamed of the freedom of being your own boss. Escaping...
The Masks That We Wear - And Not Just on Halloween! OCTOBER 31, 2018It’s that time of year again. You either love it or hate it, but either way Halloween is here to stay. After seeing all the ridiculous costumes and scary masks on display in town, it got me thinking....
How to Discover Your Expertise OCTOBER 29, 2018A Bit About Me:I have thirty years of experience in running businesses. I have led and informally coached thousands of people from Sainsbury’s to Barclays and so many in between. As you can tell I’ve got a really big...
4 Top Tips to Building a Brand You’re Proud Of. OCTOBER 29, 2018"If you start messed up, it's not your fault. If you stay messed up, it is your fault." I saw this quote recently and it has been on my mind ever since. Running a business is toughAs a small business...
Stress Discrimination OCTOBER 29, 2018If only there were such a thing as Stress Discrimination. Stress affects us all, each and every one of us, pretty much everyday. If only it discriminated- because then it would be a much easier fix! A recent survey carried out...
5 Top Tips on How to Prevent Digital Dementia OCTOBER 23, 2018Do you ever find yourself forgetting the simplest of things? What were you just talking about? What did you need to get from upstairs? It’s becoming all too common for us to accept our flustered selves as a...
Reading the title of this blog, and knowing what I do for a living, I am sure you are thinking that this blog will be riddled with bias. Whatever you may think, I can assure you that there is no bias (not intentionally, anyway…) but rather an opinion based on personal experience, and mounting facts!
An effective brand can give you the much needed edge to excel in increasingly competitive markets. A recognisable and loved brand image is one of the most valuable aspects a business can own. This month is about building scaling-up here at Master Fixer HQ, but sometimes there are days where we all really just need a break.
So let me tell you my top four tips on how you can build brand that does the talking while you take a bit of you-time!
You may or may not now know that Linda- The Master Fixer- has taken on two (lovely) interns in recent months. Here at MF HQ, this month is all about scaling up your business as efficiently and effectively as possible and Linda thought this might be a good opportunity for Lalaine and I (Rosie) to come together to write a blog about how we think successful businesses become just that- a successful business.
Networking can seem daunting at first, especially if you have the tendency to be shy and introverted. Fobbing it off may seem like you’re dodging an night of awkward interactions and embarrassment but in reality you’re missing out on an opportunity that could catapult your business into the stratosphere. So, If you’re new to networking or you just want to make sure that you have a great and productive time, we have some tips to make the most of your interactions.
As a business coach, I am constantly seeing people through their hardships; some handle it excellently, and others not so well. However, some of the strongest people I know have had days where they completely crumble under the pressure. But if resilience is a fixed quality – you either are resilient, or you aren’t- then how can this be? I spoke to Jane Evans, a Stress Intelligence Transformer, to get some clarity.
There is no one-size fits all approach to starting a business. What works for some, most definitely will not work for others. When we think about start-up companies, traditionally we think of the likes of Facebook, Google or maybe even Innocent, but despite media speculation about the entrepreneurial spirit of the younger generation, the average age of an entrepreneur in the UK 47. So, can we really view ourselves as being ‘over the hill’?
“The worst thing you have ever written is better than the best thing you have never written.”
Self-esteem is an amazing but fragile entity. In short, self-esteem is your opinion of yourself and your abilities. It can be high, low or somewhere in between; when it’s high we feel more resilient, we’re less vulnerable to anxiety, rejection and stress. But when it’s low, oh boy it’s low. While everyone occasionally has doubts about themselves, low self-esteem can leave you feeling insecure and unmotivated, it will leave you uninspired and doubting every choice you make – not good especially when you’ve got a business to run!
Meditation. For me, the idea of meditating took some warming up to. I saw it as a new age hoo-ha, and I don’t think you can blame me! But after years of rave reviews from friends, colleagues and clients, I decided to give it a go. Surprisingly, the area in my life that has reaped the most reward has been my business!
The Gender Pay Gap fiasco. It’s almost reaching Brexit level- we can’t avoid the topic! We turn on the news, it’s there. We walk down the street, it’s there. Just like Brexit, people see the headlines in the news and make up their minds with no further thought.
September is almost here! Hurray! Time to get the stationary shopping done, the new uniforms purchased and the kids back to school! So much excitement to be had! Although I’m sure if I were to ask the kids they wouldn’t be that excited, and actually I’m not sure you are either.
An Elevator Pitch. Have 30 seconds ever sounded so daunting?! It really doesn’t need to be this way, and if you know what you’re doing you should find coming up with the perfect pitch as easy as ever.
We all know that every now and again we all need a break. But when you’re running your own business it’s hard to feel like you can take a step back without your world having crumbled in on you when you get back. Going on holiday and spending time with family and friends never used to be such a daunting task, so here are my top tips for getting back those guilt-free days off:
Believe it or not we are now into August, we are firmly past the halfway point of the year. But why wait until January for a ‘new you’? Personally, I see no better time than the present to switch things up, work on myself and ultimately grow my business. When I say this to my clients, time after time they will tell me they aren’t ready, they don’t have the experience or the prowess to take the much needed next step. Sound familiar? Their response assures me of one thing; they’re suffering from Imposter Syndrome. It’s something I spent years dealing with, but didn’t know it had a name!