Debbie Bissett

Does Mindset Really Matter?

I wanted to post something today specifically in relation to mindset as I personally believe it's one of the main contributing factors to success in all aspects of life - both personal and professional. You may not agree with me and think that there are far more important elements but is there really?

When I look back at all the things I've personally achieved, the one thing in absolute common is my mindset at that particular time. For example, business wise, when Claire and I founded Invigorate Recruitment we always stated that failure was not an option and we had the exact image of what the compnay would not only offer but also what it would look like! Another example of mindset success goes back to last year when I set out to loose two stone in weight, which I did (with the support of many other people to who I'm eternally grateful) but I not only knew why I was trying to loose the weight, I was so determined to achieve success that nothing could throw me off track and what happened...... I achieved my goal!

We're now in November 2008 and I keep hearing such terms as 'in this challenging economic climate', we're now in recession' and 'economic downturn' and to be perfectly honest, I am sick and tired of the media constantly reporting such news and literally talking us into trouble!

What about all the people who are positively benefitting at the moment? Do we ever hear about them? Many cobblers are doing better than ever as people are repairing their shoes, dressmakers the same, charity shops must be doing fabulous trade as people stop buying brand new clothes, preferring to buy 'pre-loved'. The list will go on and on!

I met with a group of friends last week and we ended up brain storming one of our businesses over dinner and I wanted to just mention Datzi (picture above) to you as she's a wonderful example of how having the right mindset makes all the difference. Datzi supplys me with all my superb glasses and I would never go anywhere else, but Datzi like many other high street retailers is looking at ways in which she can reach more people without the cost of advertising. Between us we came up with a list of potential new sources of customers for her, specifically within her target market, all of which just required a little bit of out of the box thinking and now Datzi's passion and determination to enter these markets will work. By the way, if you do wear glasses - please do consider speaking to Datzi at Datzi Eyewear as she's amazing!

So to sum up, if you know what you want, you'll then find a way to get it, and if you want it badly enough, you'll make it happen. I've now got a completely new set of goals and believe me, as always, success is the only option! So please do ask yourself, do you really know what you want because when you do, engage the right mindset and your goal will become reality?

Have a great week and focus!

Debs x

Business Awards - What A Difference A Day Makes!

  I was very privileged last night to have attended the Bank of Scotland, North East Regional Final of their £35m Entrepreneur Challenge and I'm sure that this morning, when the winners woke up, their corporate lives had been made a little bit easier, especially in this current economic climate!

The Sunday Times Bank of Scotland Corporate Entrepreneur Challenge, which is now in its second year, is a nationwide event giving the winners of seven regional competitions an interest-free loan of up to £5m over three years. Which at today’s rates, that’s equivalent to a cash prize of £825,000.

One of the most interesting things about the event was the feedback that the judges gave during their live stage interviews, prior to the winner being announced. Comments made by the two judges we listened to stated that one of the major considerations that they had taken into account when deciding who should win, was literally who could handle £5m of debt the best. As of course, it was only an interest free loan and would have to be paid back. The other consideration related to which company was deemed to be seen as the best 'risk manager' rather than 'risk taker'.

So what makes a good entrepreneur? Is it nature or nuture? Some of the amazing people I met last night were not only inspirational but had stories that were so motivational, it really got me thinking about what traits make a true entrepreneur. I'll share my thoughts as they develop!

Also, have you considered entering any business awards yourself? My own personal opinion is that they are definitely worth entering as not only can you get PR coverage that you couldn't buy yourself, they can add kudos and credibility to both you and your business. If you haven't added this to your business plan then you'll be missing out on a fabulous opportunity that normally money just can't buy! There are an array of awards out there, simpy search online and you'll find them. So get entering.....you've got nothing to loose and everything to gain!

 

Online Marketing - There's More Money to be Made Than Ever Before!

Hi all! I know it's been such a long time since my last post but there has been so much going on, I'm sure you'll forgive me! I've got married and moved house during that time as well as growing the businesses and working with a number of new clients.

So I've made a huge decision and due to the numerous requests I've been getting from friends and associates to help them with their online money making activties, I'm relaunching Vantage 360 so that I can work with a small number of new clients on their ventures.

I absoultely adore my online marketing activities and the results clients have been seing so far this year have been amazing, in fact one client has generated over £125k of new sales since the beginning of the year so I'm absolutley convinced that there's more money to be made than ever before online. It's reported now that 17p of every pound spent is spent via the internet - incredible!

So watch this space and I'll be sharing my hints and tips as well as announcing the range of services that will be available.

Debs x

 

Share the Dream - Moves to Pastures New!

Most of you will know that one of my business 'babies' was an internet based business called Share the Dream, which was my first dip of the toes into the world of internet marketing and passive income. Well, I'm delighted to say (and also a little bit sad as well...) that Claire and I made the decision to focus on our two core recruitment businesses and we have therefore sold 'Share the Dream'............

753 Miles in 10 Days - All For Charity!

Let me introduce you to Mark Whitehand - who is a REALLY COOL business associate of mine. I wouldn't normally include a post like this on my blog but the email I received from Mark yesterday struck me so much of something very, very worthwhile that I wanted to ask you all if you would join me in sponsoring Mark. So please read on and consider making a donation to this amazing challenge......................

Elite Entrepreneurs Club - This Could be For You!!

I regularly receive emails relating to coaching opportunities and development programmes and this morning I received a lovely newsletter from Judith Morgan (see piccie) who many of you will now has been a real source of inspiration and motivation for me over the last twelve months. This one really impacted on me and I wanted to share it's content with you........

Are You Attracting What You Really, Really Want?

Do you remember me saying that I was going to resist getting broadband installed in the apartment?? Well, I have to hold my hands up high and say that I've had to succumb and hence why I'm now sat at the breakfast bar updating my blog!

However, that six week or so break I've had from having instantaneous internet access has lead me to realise that for me personally, having the broadband access simply facilitates a better work life balance and in fact doesn't make it worse. Enlightening! So now I'm able to choose when I work and choose when I play - work/life balance at it's best!!!!

Property Investment - Seven Reasons Why You Should!!

Property Investment is one of those things that lots of people seem to think that they shouldn’t get involved in, either because they’ve simply never done it before, they listen to the ‘gloom and doom’ people who predict that the bubbles going to burst or they believe it’s going to be too much hard work. Well, after a conversation with my cousin at the weekend, I just wanted to say categorically in public that all the above plus any other reason you can think of not to invest in property should be discounted!!