Well thanks to all the ladies who joined me for lunch last Friday - it was really great for me to get back into the swing of things and the lovely comments and encouragement from you on the day have mad me even more determined to make Cherchez the best women’s networking group - EVER!!

Our newest member, Jan Collins, gave us an interesting and informative introduction to the Arbonne range of skincare and make-up and she was really excited that one of the ladies present was already using one of her products. Most of us got a sample pack of the products to take away and I’m sure Jan will have picked up a number of new clients.

The business card draw for a free place at a future event was won by first-timer Lorna Penn of Lorna Mai Ltd. I look forward to welcoming you back Lorna - and I haven’t forgotten about the gorgeous handbag. I’ll be ordering one up very soon!

Joanne McGee of Gymophobics Stockport was there too and had this to say……

“Hi Helen
Firstly, loved the networking meeting the other day and met some lovely ladies, am really looking forward to the next one.
Kindest regards
Jo”

As a member of Cherchez, Jo is taking advantage of the opportunity to circulate a copy of an advertisement she is running this week in the press. She’s extending the offer to all ladies from Cherchez and even throwing in the first month for free to help you all Step Into Spring!! This is just too good to miss………….

Take a look at the special offer right here.

I’m looking forward to seeing lots of skinny minnies at our forthcoming meetings :))

Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!

1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.

5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.

8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.

9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.

Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.

The latest findings of the UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM), carried out by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), revealed that, in the third quarter of the year, optimism among professionals reached its highest level since the economic crisis began.

Confidence rose from -28.2 to 4.8, taking the monitor into positive territory for the first time since the third quarter of 2007 and recording the biggest single improvement in the BCM’s six-year history.

Based on its findings, the ICAEW is forecasting growth of 0.5 per cent for this quarter, at last breaking the shackles of five consecutive quarters of decline.

The survey found that businesses are anticipating a rise in all except one of the 14 financial performance indicators included in the BCM.

Some 41 per cent of senior business professionals were more confident about the economic prospects facing their business in the next year, although only 6 per cent were much more confident, highlighting the prevailing sense of caution that still surrounds the strength and timing of the recovery.

According to the survey, IT is the most optimistic sector, followed by banking and insurance.

Michael Izza, chief executive of the ICAEW, said: “This quarter’s BCM suggests that the UK recession is at an end. While there is no doubt that the UK economy is on its way to recovery, we shouldn’t underestimate the challenges ahead for businesses.

“Businesses have taken the right actions to mitigate the impact of the downturn and are playing their part in an improving economy. Policies such as quantitative easing, the fall in interest rates and the VAT reduction have all helped improve business confidence. However, the recovery is very fragile, and I would urge policy makers not to take any actions that could derail it.”

Mr Izza added that, although positive growth in the autumn seems more likely, concerns about the strength of the recovery persist.

He concluded: “Confidence is up, but those in manufacturing and engineering, as well as large businesses, remain cynical about their prospects for the future. Both are crucial to the UK economy, and the signs are that the next twelve months are very much about building for the recovery.”

Source: Simpson, Burgess Nash, Tax Accountants, 24 August 2009

1. Set realistic goals. It’s pretty much a given fact that if you want to achieve something big, you have to make some sacrifices. While the select few can manage, most people can’t become a CEO and run a successful household. When setting your goals, be realistic and don’t stretch yourself too thin.

2. Make schedules. Keeping track of work and your family can be difficult to plan. Try to keep a set schedule from day to day and week to week if you can. Always remember to make a written schedule and give everyone a copy.

3. Take time for yourself. It’s a natural instinct of mothers to sacrifice themselves for the good of their family. However, it’s important to remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. Try to schedule in at least a few minutes of “you time”, whether it be going for a run, watching your favorite TV show, or just sitting in a room by yourself to relax for a few minutes.

4. Work from home. If you can do your work over the Internet or phone, you may be able to swing working at least part of the time from home, giving you more time to spend with your family. Just remember that there are a lot more things at home to distract you from getting your work done.

5. Get some exercise. Working out is not only a great way to stay healthy and gain energy, it’s also a great way to spend time with your kids. Instead of hitting the gym, go play ball in the park or take them for a walk.

6. Take advantage of leave. Most jobs allow you a certain amount of leave, but a lot of us end up not using it. Make sure you know how much time you have and take it, whether you go on a vacation with your family or just use it to take a well-deserved rest day every so often.

7. Prioritize. When making your to-do lists, figure out the things that are most important for you to do and get them done first. If there isn’t enough time to do everything, you won’t feel as bad about what you have to cut.

8. Take classes. As many people will tell you, there’s no manual on how to be a good parent and have a successful career. But if you search around your community, you can find classes and seminars from people that have been where you are and managed to do well. They can give you inspiration along with helpful tips and tidbits to get through your day.

9. Watch for burn out. Even if you schedule everything, take breaks, and do everything else above, what you’re doing may just be too much for you. Watch yourself for changes in mood or physical problems. They could be a sign that you’re burnt out and need to make some changes to your plans. Remember, your health is important too.

10. Learn to say no. If you want to have a successful career and family life, you will have to learn to say no occasionally. If you try to do everything, you’re going to burn yourself out and not be able to take care of anyone. Being a good employee and a good parent doesn’t mean you need to do everything you’re asked.

Smaller firms are to get help complying with the rules on health and safety in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive plans to make many of its guides available for free in the autumn. From September, around 250 publications containing health and safety advice and guidance will be posted on the HSE website in PDF format so they can be viewed or printed.

The current slowdown in the economy creates a perfect opportunity for you to increase your presence and competitive edge as other businesses may be cutting back on their marketing. By continuing to market your goods and services you will be at the forefront of your customers’ minds when the markets recover and your clients are more likely to spend again. You can also increase the return on your marketing activity through improved customer data, segmentation and knowing your customers’ needs even better.

But it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune - all of this can be achieved by Networking.

There are different types of Networking Groups throughout the UK - some very structured and some less formal. All of them provide useful routes to building strong business and personal relationships with like-minded business people. Even those with a more expensive annual membership of a few hundred pounds can prove to be a very cost-effective marketing tool when compared with commercial advertising rates.

Try a few different Network Groups out and see which is right for you, then make sure you keep up the momentum of attending regular meetings to get the best out of the marketing opportunities that Networking can provide.

If you are employed on a fixed-term or part-time contract, the law provides you with specific protection to ensure you are not treated less favourably than a full-time permanent employee.

1. Fixed-Term Contract Employees

Fixed-term contract employees are those whose contracts will terminate on the expiry of a specific term or completion of a particular task or event. Agency workers or temporary workers who do not have a contract that ends on a particular date are not covered by the regulation below.
Your rights

Under the Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 you have the right to not be treated less favourably compared to a permanent employee engaged in the same or similar work with the same employer.

This right applies to terms and conditions like pay, sick pay, maternity pay, pension, holiday entitlements, and training. The legislation also provides the right for the fixed-term employee to be notified of any suitable permanent vacancies that the employer may have.

If you think you have been treated less favourably, you have the right to request a written statement of reasons from your employer within 21 days of your request.

If your employer renews a fixed-term contract, and you have been working for four or more years under a series of fixed-term contracts which have not broken your continuity of service, the regulations say that this has become a permanent contract unless the renewal as a fixed-term contract is justified objectively.

You have a right to receive a written statement of variation to confirm that your contract is no longer a fixed-term one and that you are now a permanent employee.

Employer’s Justification

If you think you have been treated less favourably than a permanent employee, your employer may be able to argue that it is justified. They can do this by showing that:

* The treatment is necessary to achieve a legitimate objective and
it is an appropriate way to achieve that objective.
* Other aspects of your terms and conditions are more favourable
and offset the less favourable treatment.

2. Part-Time Employees

Under the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, if you are a part-time worker, you have the right to be treated as favourably as comparable full-time employees who are employed on the same type of contract. This means someone who is employed on the same type of contract, is engaged in the same or similar work and is based at the same establishment or possibly a different establishment by the same employer.

There is no qualifying period of time that a part-time worker has to be employed for to meet these rights.

Less favourable treatment may relate to terms and conditions of your contract, or disadvantages you may suffer due to the acts or omissions of your employer. As above, the right applies to things like pay, sick pay, maternity pay, pension, holiday and leave entitlements, training and fringe benefits. Less favourable treatment also includes pressure on a part-time employee to work full-time.

If you think you have been treated less favourably, you have the right to request a written statement of reasons from your employer within 21 days of your request.
Employer’s Justification

If you think you have been treated less favourably, your employer may be able to argue that it is justified. They can do this by showing that the treatment is necessary to achieve a legitimate objective and that it’s an appropriate way to achieve that objective.

3. Action to Take

If you believe that you have been treated less favourably as a fixed-term contract or part-time employee and the written reasons are unjustifiable then you should, after trying to resolve the issue informally, follow grievance procedures.

Any complaint brought under either of the regulations should be presented to an Employment Tribunal within three months of the less favourable treatment or detriment. You are able to make a claim against your employer while you are still employed.

Getting noticed at work is all about promoting the right image. Are you fun to be around or do you bring the whole office down with your tales of doom and gloom? Do you volunteer readily to take on extra tasks to help the business in difficult times or do you wait, eyes down, until you really can’t get out of it any longer?

“I used to work with someone who brought a ray of enthusiasm and fun into the office,” says Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, founder of the award-winning Trailblazer PR. “This person was rewarded with bigger promotions because they were a pleasure to be with. It’s so important not to let your personal life interfere in your work. You can’t be moody because, while your boss might be sympathetic at first, at the end of the day there’s a job to be done. You’ve got to show that you can be professional at all times.”

Take a few moments to think about what sort of person you’d like to work with on a project. Who might your colleagues rely on and want in their team? Which employee does your manager usually ask to head up projects? Think about the kind of attitude and manner this person has, how he or she might come across to other colleagues, how he or she might behave in the workplace. Then try and project that image back in yourself.

Being pleasant and likeable is infectious, and if you behave like this with clients as well as colleagues, word will almost certainly get back to your manager. “Never underestimate the power of people liking people,” advises Sabrina. “Especially in customer-facing and sales roles, you’ll be surprised how many times customers will talk to the boss about how fantastic you were!” This type of positive PR can be invaluable and will really emphasise to your superiors that you are a motivated team player who has the interests of the company at heart.

Showing this type of dedication and commitment to your work is obviously a big plus point, especially in times of recession. “It really pays in the long-term to show that you can go the extra mile,” says Sabrina. “Some of my staff are constantly asking for more and stepping outside their everyday roles, without expecting to be paid for it. For example, one of my employees is into social media in a big way so asked if he could do something for the company with Twitter. This is great, because as a PR company, we are all about communication, and this employee is helping to market my business, all off his own back.”

This kind of attitude, where you are showing your boss that your job means more than just money and that their business is more than just a 9-5 job to you, is so crucial because it shows that you really care about the business and that you enjoy working there. Employers looking to promote will be asking themselves who do they want to be in charge of their company - who has taken on board the aims and vision of the company and who is actively helping to make these a reality? “At Trailblazer, my goal is to make sure our clients are totally happy with the service we are giving them and whether there is anything more we can do for them,” says Sabrina. “This is so important to me, and anyone taking a lead in asking these types of questions will find themselves in the running for promotion because that’s the sort of person I want working for me at a senior level.”

So, next time you’re in the office, remember the power of positive self-PR and you’ll soon be sprinting up that career escalator in record time!

One of things I knew I had to face up to when starting out on my own was the fact that I’d have to put myself out and about on the Networking circuit. I can tell you that, out of all the hurdles associated with setting up a new business, the Networking hurdle was my most feared. I’m not a natural Sales Person but I am a natural talker - and the more events I’ve attended, the more I’ve realised that being able to talk is the only skill you need. Oh yes, and a stack of business cards!

In order to survive as a Networking Newbie, I’d recommend the following tips:

SMILE !!
Even if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, wear a smile. It will attract other people towards you and instantly boost your confidence.

Approach other people standing on their own.
Remember - you’re not the only one feeling awkward. Plenty of others are more than likely to be as nervous as you are.

Extend a firm handshake.
It gives the impression that you’re confident and comfortable in the situation and you definitely mean business.

Always try and ask about your new contact first.
This will demonstrate that you’re not a selfish Networker because you’re showing that you’re more interested in the other person than in talking about yourself. Essential Networking Etiquette!

Be a good listener.
Even if you’re talking to someone whose business is of no direct relevance to your own, appreciate that you’re all there for the same reason. Who knows - you might know someone….. who knows someone ….. who needs their details.

Keep your own business statement brief.
Accompany your verbal statement with your business card and direct people to your website for more detailed information. Keeping it brief at the beginning enables others to ask specific questions which you can then answer in as much depth as is required.

Be polite and honest.
You will make a good impression with many new contacts because they remember your friendly personality and honesty first and foremost.

Acknowledge the contacts you’ve made.
Always follow a Networking event by sending a brief two-line email to every contact you’ve made along the following lines: “nice to meet you, added your details to my database, hope to see you at future events”. Nothing more is needed - unless, of course, potential business was discussed at the event prompting a more detailed message or even a phone call.

So, all in all, it doesn’t have to be that scary. By implementing some - if not all - of the above tips, you can actually look forward to attending future Networking events free from all those unnecessary anxieties.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go on, give it a go!

AUTHOR: Helen Byrne
Helen Byrne is a UK-based Virtual PA and she established http://www.PA-as-you-go.com to promote the Virtual Assistant industry in the UK and to provide businesses with a refreshingly flexible and cost effective alternative to employing support personnel full time.

Why And How To Network

Probably the most important part of networking is making a lasting impression, networking is less about meeting new people than having them remember you after the fact. In spite of the growing use of technology and the Internet, people still do business with people. Networking is the best way to meet new people and build those relationships that turn into repeat sales and referrals, it’s a long-term business development strategy.

The key to good business networking is the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship, and that’s an incredibly rare occurrence at the standard shake hands and exchange your business card events that are touted as business networking “opportunities”.

Countless times I have been to these events and have seen people actually dash from person to person, with the expectations of giving away their card and not even hoping to gather the other person’s in return.

Unfortunately, people have lost their innate ability to connect (hence the bad networking) and but if you are willing to take a chance and set yourself apart from the rest of the herd, you can make some great connections and truly develop your business.

You can cultivate a network of endless referrals by not thinking of “networking” as something you go to “networking events” to do, make it an integral part of your everyday business promotions. Aim to create and nurture quality relationships. Keep in mind that networking is

about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

More Benefits Of Networking

Looking back, any investment of my time in those extra-work activities have had a dramatic return-on-investment in terms of the people I met and got to work with.

Something that is often over looked is that networking is a more cost-effective method of generating new business than advertising or public relations efforts.

Business networking provides you with invaluable contacts that give your company a dramatic boost, regardless of size or turnover, nurturing cooperative relationships with other specialized companies is an effective way to optimise your complementary skills and at the same time, maintain a degree of flexibility that is required in this increasingly competitive global marketplace.