Hanbury
Manor was the setting for the first ever WIBN conference and it was exciting
to see almost 150 women in the room....what a force to be reckoned with!!
Both myself and Lisa attended, as WIBN members we ere excited to be
part of this conference and it didn't disappoint.
The
first guest speaker was Helen Roberts, MD of CPG Executive Consulting Ltd.
Her biography shared that she set up in business aged just 25 and made
£1million in her first year trading! Wow!!
Her
presentation shared with us her belief that hard work, planning and
positive mindset are three key ingredients to business
success. Can't argue with that!
She
recommended we all change our mindset to be positive not negative and
plan! Have a business plan in place, draw up a marketing plan (oh we know
people who can help with that!!) and know what makes you different.
She
told us to delegate where we needed to, communicate and be courageous.
Don't stop developing personally or professionally - live life to the full
and continue to learn and have vision for what you want out of life.
How
can that fail to inspire?
A
quick coffee break and a chance to chat with other members from around the
UK before the wonderful Jennie Bond took the floor.
WOW!!!
She
commanded the room, was fascinating - she really has worked her way up the
media ladder from cub reporter in Richmond to sub editor at the BBC and
then Royal correspondent. I loved her honesty - she said the Royals didn't
really interest her when she got the job (!) but for 10 years she followed
them around the world reporting on every step they made. She shared the
relationship she built with princess Diana (now there's an off the record
note book I'd like to read); she shared a
gaff she made whilst speaking with the Queen....the room was enraptured!
She also shared the juggle of this International career with her role as a
Mum - her husband took on the role of 'house-hubby' and they are clearly a
great team.
Jennie
Bond quit as royal correspondent because she wanted a new challenge, she
felt she had done all she could and admitted that although she had a
financial cushion she was scared......but what a good feeling being scared
was.
Her
big leap was taking part in I'm a Celebrity
......she said she loved it.
Her husband didn't want her to do it....her daughter did and she thought
"why not." (The picture to the left shows her underground surrounded by rats and snakes - yuck! But she did the challenge!) She explained how this u-turn in her career saw her
suddenly being viewed differently by the media and TV execs and she now
works on programmes very far removed from her serious news days (she even
appeared on Stars in their Eyes as Blondie!) But she is loving
it.....and making more money than ever before. Has she sold out?....I say
NO she has pushed herself and is reaping the benefits, good for her!!!
Her
message to the room was don't be scared of being scared, of change! Step
out of your comfort zone and you may achieve great things!
Lisa and I got to meet her after her speech and she took the time to have a photo
taken with Lisa and I?..a genuinely nice, inspiring lady (who looks
amazing for 63!!)
More
open networking over lunch and some great connections were made in the
room with much business card swapping!
The
day was rounded off with the panel discussion where experts in finance and
law answered questions from the audience.
For
those of you who attended I hope you had as great a day as we did and for
those of you who didn't, I urge you to consider attending if another event
is held in 2014 ........even if just to take time out for you and be
inspired by all of the business women in the room.
I
can promise you won't come away disappointed!
Claire x
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