Would you use a Beach Butler?

In LA at present spending a few days at a lovely little place called The Inn at Playa del Rey and just chilling before a 5 day conference. Was browsing a brochure highlighting the delights of Santa Monica, just along the coast and found a beach service called 'Beach Butler'.

Using the Beach Butler, you can be pampered and let them do all the work such as set everything up for you on the waterfront at a specified time and place and then they'll tend to all your needs delivering drinks, tanning products and food. You don't even have to leave your towel if you don't want to. They then clear up everything afterwards.

This offering is part of the well known Perry's Cafe and Bike Rentals business and although it may not work in your area - guess you need to be at the beach, I'm impressed.

www.perryscafe.com

For all you business owners out there or aspiring business owners, what could you offer to add to what you've already got which would fit in well and compliment your services or what could you start up a business in that meets the needs of others.

As with all business offerings, what is it that people need, what would make their life easier, what solution do you provide?

Even if you are at the beach, Beach Butler is unlikely to be needed by everyone but lovely to use on a special ocassion, to give as a pressie or for those who can afford it on a regular basis, I wish it great success.

The practicalities of blogging

Been helping the wonderful Ivana Bellicova this morning get her blog up and running.

As part of her preparation I've been reviewing posts and gathering the information together for publication as I really believe that the preparation is so important and goes a long way to ensuring the blog has a life.

Ivana is a Bowen Practicioner and also practices Structural Integration so watch this space and we'll send you her way once the blog is up and running.

To blog or not to blog, that's the question but what's the answer?

I've been running a number of 4 hour workshops recently to help my wonderful women colleagues decide whether or not blogging is for them.

Blogging is another tool you can use in your business but it doesn’t suit everyone and  I’ve seen so many people get carried away with the idea and then have no clue what to do it and how to do it and the blog is then there with no updates or comments which can be worse than never having it in the first place! With many things, some thought and planning can really make the difference. So I posed questions like ......

Do you blog? Is it working for you?
Why should you blog? What will it do for you?
How do you get started?
How often do you need to do it?
How and where will you find content?
Can it build your business and profile?
Can you use it to enhance your networking?
How can you integrate it into your work for maximum effect with least effort?

During our days we've had some fabulous discussions and everyone has gone away with plans.

This is what my dear colleague Janet Treloar had to say:-
I recently attended Heather's Blogging Masterclass. Social media has
always been a topic I'd avoided as I knew little about it and I felt way
out of my comfort zone. I signed up for the workshop to become better
informed but in all honestly thought it highly unlike blogging would be
for me or my business. In a few short hours Heather shared practical,
inspiring and eye opening material in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
I came away with more than just the fundamentals and tools to create a
successful blog, I amazed myself with the interest it created in me and
before I knew it the workshop was over and I was skipping out the door
full of ideas and inspiration. Heather attracts wonderful women to her
workshops so I also got to know some fab ladies who are going to support
each other through our first intrepid steps into the world of blogging! I
would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of blogging, has a blog
which may not be working for them or simply wants to find out what all the
blogging fuss is about - as I did - to attend the workshop. Whether you
decide to blog or not you'll be able to make an informed decision after
and in the meantime you get to meet some wonderful people and do a spot of
networking too. Thank you Heather I'm so glad I took the plunge and
attended the workshop - watch out though, you may have unleashed a
blogging demon!
Janet Treloar - www.planet-therapies.com

There will be more workshops in September so if you're interested, give me a call or email so we can chat.

Energise your working life

Do you find yourself drained by some people and places and energised by others? Do you find inspiration in some environments and blockage in other places? If so, don’t despair there’s action you can take and it starts right here.

We are all so busy in our lives that efficiency and effectiveness can make a lot of difference but sometimes other elements need shaking up too. Take that messy desk for instance and the lack of systems which means you spend ages looking for things. Take a step back and consider your situation and apply the following points to it.

Your energy levels are a big draw. Do you find yourself attracted to those people who are upbeat, buzzy and seem to have the ability to be on top of things? Well they may not have it all going like that all the time (perhaps underneath they’re peddling away) but it is attractive and can be inspiring. Are you like that? Is your energy something people comment on? Consider what it is that you do to help you function like that. People as described above tend to draw others to them as well as opportunities and good experiences. Someone low in energy are likely to have the opposite effect.

If you never take time for you, if you are always there for others and do not service your own needs you’re likely to burn out and feel resentful. So take some action now, it can be as little as ensuring that you have a lunch break when you switch off for 30 minutes and don’t read work related material, it can be going for a walk during the day, regularly having a massage or facial and perhaps once a month scheduling a day or half day off. Through networking finding a good beautician or massage therapist couldn’t be easier and how lovely to find our support through fellow business people. Find a buddy to walk with , run with, meet with you regularly for an ‘offload session’, all is beneficial.

What about your work environment? I love to de-clutter as it doesn’t just make physical space it also makes space in your head too and there is a limit to how much stuff we can have or store. We need space for new clients, new books, new initiatives etc. Get into the habit of clutter clearing regularly. Now you may be an all or nothing person like me or prefer to do it bit by bit. It doesn’t matter. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start so don’t shy away from getting someone in to help you. I’ve helped some of my clients sort their office space and there are other professionals that do just this and will do as much or as little as you want. Don’t forget your computer files too, it all helps to make space and here’s a tip if you want more clients - clear some space in your files or drawers and make new files so they are there and waiting for those new clients to step into your life.

Perhaps your environment affects your creativity. Cluttering will help but what about the colour of your work space, where it is or whether you like it. Make some changes, add a cushion, a plant, some flowers, have it repainted, move the furniture around. There so much you can do. According to Feng Shui the ideal place for your computer and desk is in a position that allows you to see the door of your office. If this isn't possible, you can restore good Feng Shui by arranging a mirror that gives you a clear view of the door.  Is your equipment helping the comfort factor?  Does your chair support you?Do you have a comfortable keyboard and arm position and a mouse that fits your hand? What about something to stop the glare from your screen? Get advice from professionals who can advise and guide you here. Anything that causes you discomfort will drain your energy.

Sometimes it’s a question of changing your environment and doing some work in another place such as a local coffee shop or your gym. When working on certain things I find I get more done in Costa where I can turn off the phone and lose myself in my papers and a latte or I’ll take my laptop to David Lloyd and work there the whole day with a break for a workout in the gym or the pool.

How are your systems? Do you have a system for everything? It may seem a large task but do it now and build it up. In my experience when we start our businesses we are passionate and enthusiastic and we want to get out there and help people. Often we don’t set up many systems at all and then wonder why things are not going in the direction we want or as quickly as we want. It’s much easier to build this in at the start but if you haven’t it’s not too late. I believe that systems, organisation and efficiency ensures firm foundations that we build successful business on and that is what we all want, a successful business.  didn’t set all the systems in place at the beginning so I know what I’m talking about here and my systems are still developing which is why  know I can be of help to others. Let me give you an example, the other day someone else in the office was sending out a book but it was clear with the questions that they were asking that there were mistakes being made so I helped out and then sat down and wrote down a 5 point system that we can now follow. You see systems don’t need to be complex

Finally make sure you clean the windows and dust and hoover and respect the work space. Think what the office of a successful business person looks like that, what can you do so your office reflects that status?

And what about broken things? Things that don’t work represents a block to the flow of energy and stop you being your best. Invest in your environment and it, in turn will support you and ensure an energised worklife.

Did you know that talc removes olive oil or that Nelson's Column is made of Dartmoor granite?

These are the kinds of things you find out on Athena Angels walks. It's all part of that bonding and belonging and I have learnt never to be surprised at the information you pick up or the skills that you find others have.

Yesterday was another great walk, taken in sunshine with a lovely breeze to keep us cool and with three members joining us who hadn't walked with us before. Lisa, Ivana and Ashish had their first walk with the Athena Angels team and all did really well especially Lisa whose attempts at joining us previously had been thwarted. They even managed to cope with a couple of steep hills, Palmerstone Road in Buckhurst Hill and one in the forest introduced to me by my dear friend Cajsa. You'll be pleased to know Cajsa that I walk it now with much more ease than on the day I did it with you.

We started at S Woodford and walked along the River Roding all the way to Buckhurst Hill. It's so lovely to have this path which for quite a bit at the beginning of the section we walked runs parallel to the road but yet makes you feel that you are removed from all that pollution and noise.

Yesterday there were swans on the river and underfoot it was really dry. I've walked here in the winter when my boots are caked with mud so this was a pleasant change.

Paths were also really narrow in places so overgrown with all the spring growth and looking really luscious and plenty of wonderful scents in the air.

In Buckhurst Hill we stopped for coffee and Ivana was on hand to provide Bowen treatment for anyone in need. In the photo below, she's working on Lisa's feet bringing some much needed relief for a short period of time at least.

Refreshed and having discussed stop off points for those doing the 10 mile walk, we headed upwards before heading on through the forest towards Loughton. Taking a pace that suits you and stopping when you need to is really important as trying too hard especially if comparing yourselves with others can be detrimental. It's something we should take note of regarding business as well. On our journey, we are what matters and how we do it. Although others may look as if they are moving ahead with ease, often we d not know the whole story.

In the forest, I was encouraging those who needed it to stop on the hill. As we were discussing later, it's amazing how quickly pace, fitness and distance picks up so with that knowledge trust and know you'll improve. That's what I'm telling myself as I prepare to tackle a first day of 19.4 miles on the Camino next week. I trust I can do it.

Great photo of the team minus Lisa who took this at the top, all looking happy and relaxed.

From here we bypassed Loughton along more wonderful woodland paths. How lucky are we to have all this great forest on our doorstep and then came down into the town itself and onto the station where at least 6 and probably 7 miles in I suggested that Lisa and Ashish should stop having achieved more than planned.  Armed with stretch info and my well tried and tested tip of lying for at least 30 mins with your legs up against the wall the rest of us set off to walk to Buckhurst Hill through the park.

Apart from the gruesome tales that resulted from the lake been cordoned off, we continued to chat and enjoy the walk and the company. We are forming a strong group now and I'm really proud of everyone and all the have achieved so far.

Comments from the Top

The whole Athena Angels was an idea worked on by both myself and Stella Fehmi, our Regional Director so it was wonderful to have Stella join us for a walk on Saturday. 

Here are her comments - “I really enjoyed Saturday- the weather was beautiful and it was such a great way to catch up with members and really connect- this is what makes the Athena Network really stand out from the rest with its’ supportive and fun approach to networking with so many social activities to belong too. Fantastic”! 

Stella Fehmi, Regional Director -  West Essex and the City

Here's to the next walk.

Athena Angels, a Real Team is Building...and Celebrating

We were blessed on Saturday with stunning weather as 7 of us set out for another training walk. My approximations went a little off as I was planning about 3 miles and then a return but coffee and a loo stop beckoned just a little further on and no-one looked to be suffering. So we walked from South  Woodford to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge dodging the odd muddy patch but so enjoying the warmth of the sun and the greenery of the forest emerging. Soon there will be bluebells!!

"Thanks so much for Sat's walk. Really enjoyed it -and felt proud of myself and whole group for managing over 7 miles without a single moan or groan! Did stretching exercises when got home -then promptly fell asleep! No ill effects at all today! Looking fwd to next time. " Bebe Jacobs

With Easter and other commitments it will be a week or so to the next walk so it's self training for a week or so now but the buddying up is starting. More signs of that growing team.

One of our conversations this month was the importance of celebration - how are you at that? I was speaking to one of my clients about this very subject and it came up in conversation with the Athena Angels too. We'll definitely be celebrating our big achievement with the completion f the Maggie's Night Hike but there will be smaller steps to celebrate as we move towards that.

Too often we achieve one goal or cross one thing off the list and quickly move on to the next with out any reflection at all of what we've just done, how we got there, what the lessons are or basically just the recognition.

This week look at what you have planned and think about how you will know when you have achieved your goals. Now think how you're going to celebrate? It doesn't have to expensive or take long but what could you do to make that ocassion?

In this last photo, the ladies are striding out, avoiding the mud, and knowing that there's a celebratory cup of coffee about 5 minutes away.

They're picking up the miles

We've now had three training walks for the Athena Angels and the feedback is wonderful. Lovely to see the comments like Jo's below -

"Just wanted to say thank you for yet another great walk!   It was so nice to see that part of London again and we were lucky with the weather. The company is always great and so nice to chat and walk and network as we go!" - Jo Tocher www.yourhealthyheart.co.uk

In the photo, part of the group in the park at Mile End heading for the canal at the start of the walk.

Also great to see that people are doing their stretching and trying out all the training tips and they're working.

Poor Lisa was ready to join us this week and then had to step into childcare at the last moment, we missed you and Amanda has really got the bug and although she can't make the walk on Sat is organising one of her own on Sunday to which all Athena Angel members are invited so check your email. For me I'll be getting spoilt as it's Mothers day.

Here are all the lovely Angels with the new Shard and Tower Bridge in the background.

We did some London sightseeing on our walk last Saturday so lovely to be able to appreciate our great city on foot and everyone did a great 6 miles so those doing the 10 miles are already half way there.

The Athena Angels Grow through walking

Our next walk is coming up though I have a decision to make regarding that today as I see how my back will be.

I did want to take the opportunity to post a couple of comments from those walking on March 12th.

Lou (http://www.bite-entertainment.co.uk/ commented -

"It was a beautiful day - thanks to Heather for organising it, and love the piccies. Great to meet you all -  I look forward to more group walks, plus hooking up with some of you for our own walks too. I will definitely be going for the twenty miles!"

Well done Lou, the change of mind re mileage was after realising that if she could do 6 miles now she could definitely manage 20 by Sept.

 
.... Jo clearly has had a similar thought and wrote "It was a great walk and even though I found it tough toward the end I enjoyed a long hot bath felt a lot better. I'm almost thinking  20 miles as well!" 

This was Jo's second walk, great to see the progress and that the relaxation tips are being taken into consideration and tried out!

As for Amanda - "Same as Jo I found it tough at the end but the next day I felt fine and even
managed to do a fitness dvd so it got me really motivated!! Not only that, I have gone for an hour's walk every evening after work so that between my weekend walks I don't seize up - this coming from a girl who used to drive to a letterbox to post a letter!! "

Says it all really.


Finally from Dawn Gomes of Visionva - "thanks for the walk today, I really enjoyed it.  It was great to chat to everyone while walking along - as you say the time passes so quickly that way." 

This really is why it's so good to do as a group. 

Stop ignoring the signs!

That's just what I did and I've been here before so please learn from me.

Way back in 2005, after ignoring that fact that I should be taking more exercise and looking after me more, my back gave in on me on holidays. A little move on the sun lounger on day 1 of what was to have been a great 10 day break with the family in the sun and something went. For the next 4/5 days I tried painkillers, muscle rub and swimming but no, and we had to give in and head home.

As a positive thinking person and a coach, I did what I shouldn't do and went into pure victim mode - Why me? Why now? What have I done to deserve this? Why couldn't this have happened at another time?

It didn't do me any good but I do believe we need to allow a wallow sometimes. Anyhow I soon got out of it and then started trying to understand the reason why? My take on it was the fact that I kept saying I'd put me first and I didn't so my body taught me a lesson and in the Sept of that year , just a few weeks later I started walking seriously and that revolutionised my life in so many ways.

My walking is so important to me and I've seen the effect using it in my business has made to my clients so it's now such a part of me and how I function. I got fitter, more toned and for all the years since then I've had no colds or flu and my health has been really good.

However, over the past year, although I still walk with my East End Girls walking group monthly, train others to get fit for treks and am undertaking a 1000 mile walk across parts of France and Spain in sections, I've not walked daily and inside I know I should.

So I've been ignoring that intuition. At times, I've had a little insight and done some morning walks but it's not been at the same regularity. I believe that knowing I needed to get fitter again was one of the reasons I wanted to launch the Athena Angels Initiative. I knew that by getting others involved and being able to share my love of walking with them I'd be motivating them and it would be good for me too. Our first couple of walks have been great and I look forward to loads more.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a really sore foot, my knee has been pulling a little too and then just a few days before heading off to Mallorca my back tweaked as well. Of course this was my intuition shouting longer so I went to see the Physio, I started doing my knee exercises again (but why had I stopped) and I prayed that all would be OK for Mallorca. It was and we did some terrific walks - thanks Paula.

I came back on Friday having thought a lot about the way I was living my life and the changes I wanted to make as I knew I was pushing myself too far and judging myself too harshly. Then on Sat as I bent down to put the washing in the washing machine (how exciting) my back went. My body knows me. It had let me have my four days of walking but it wasn't convinced that I'd now take all the action I needed so it was pulling me up.

I've taken time out, I've realised some new things about me, I've started to put new plans into place all about taking care of me. Ladies you've heard me say this before you need to look after you, you need to be 'fit for business and fit for your life' so learn from me.

Things got on top of me, I started letting things slip, I ignored the signs. I don't intend to again.

No cobwebs any more

Today started later than planned and the morning was full of blogging, emailing and catching up. Then after a late breakfast we headed out with a walk along the coast in mind.

The best laid plans go astray especially when the weather doesn't go to plan so we set out in search of blue rather than black skies and found them to the south East of the island. No rain but wind and as a result I've just returned from a fabulous energising walk along the boardwalk of a lovely little seaside resort in a storm. Waves crashing on the rocks and a faceful of salty spray every so often. It's a long time since I've laughed so much! Reminded me that I should do much more of this. Something else to add to my plans.....

Some photos to make you smile... especially this first one.

Just what the doctor ordered.

I've been in Mallorca since Sunday and it was one of those trips which, had it been cancelled, I may have just gone to bits. Sounds really dramatic I know but I really needed to escape and chill, something that I think many of us women need more than we ever admit to. We're so good at plodding on, giving to others, nurturing, caring, organising and often (dare I say most cases) we come bottom of the list with our needs forgotten. This is exactly where I'd got to, not that I necessarily realised the extent of it, at least until I was a few weeks from this trip.

It's amazing though what a couple of days in a new place will do for you, along with no timelines, warm weather and being able to indulge in my passion, yes, walking is playing a big role.

How could walking in some of this scenery not have an affect on you?

On Monday, we walked in the mountains, starting in the beautiful town of Soller and visiting a couple of beautiful little villages well placed for coffees and a lunch in the sunshine.







Stopping and having time to take in and revisit all that was discussed and thought through when walking is needed so I always carry a notebook. Doing this, also makes me realise how much I need to do more of this.

As you can see there were lots of 'ups' great for my colleague and friend who's training for a walk on the Great Wall of China. We also walked through many olive groves where the gnarled trees are so beautiful and , if they could speak, would have much wisdom to impart.

Yesterday it was walks by the sea and all those positive ions had a wonderful effect as well as the energising waves.

I've been making sure I've been putting my stretches into place as I've been walking. The past two days we've done about 9 miles each day but the terrain has been mixed with lots of climbing and scrambling so some muscle groups have been getting more use than they have for a while.

Even as I've been slipping down this slope I know I've still being able to give to others, I'm good at setting my needs aside but this has really made me realise how many of us could do with what I now have. If you identify with any of this, do drop me an email on heather@waringwell.com as one reason I'm here is to suss out a place for a taking women away from their day to day lives and giving them thinking time, 'me' time and pamper time. I'm exploring this in Mallorca and in two places in France at the moment.

I'm a different person from three days ago when I got off that plane frazzled and ready to decombust!  In this photo I'm on the return trip after having walked about 4 miles and having had a wonderful lunch of fresh calamares and salad sitting in the sun.

In that time, I've been here I've talked and explored thoughts and ideas often as I've walked. I've really tried to listen and to see things through others eyes as so often we're so close to the issues, we cannot see it clearly. As a result I've looked at my part in all of this and started to plan other ways of doing things.

There are insights already but many more will develop over time and I hope to be able to share some of these with you and perhaps too, the results of the implementation. I feel quite excited now which is a very different place than when I arrived on Sunday. It's all happened in such a short time too and I hope you can see that what we women often need is just a couple of days escape. Much as it would be lovely we're not talking about a week or fortnight away.

Regular battery charging is now more of a priority than it was before. How can I help it be for you too? As I said earlier if any of this makes you think, let's communicate. No commitment, just lets have a chat on skype, email or phone and explore.

More Athena Angels

On Sat 12th, I led the 2nd Athena Angels training walk and again it was great fun. We had a couple of little blips when dear old TfL engineering put an end to the original plan but we managed to find an alternative route. In fact the planned route was lengthened when everyone felt able to walk further.

I try and involve the members where possible so we had one decision making moment when we got to the end of the river Roding section and again as to whether we did a pavement walk back or retraced our steps so we could walk more in greenery. The greenery won out, such a wise decision.

Here are the happy bunch just about to enter Wanstead Park.

Ladies, thanks so much for your company on Saturday. Already I'm starting to see the progress and I know you feel it too. Lou has already indicated that she may upgrade to 20 miles, way to go Lou.  You can also see how much people are enjoying meeting new Athena members and networking with them. I'm glad that things seem to be developing as hoped with us all getting loads of wins in terms of fitness, the fact we are doing something for a great cause and the networking and business building and that great bonding and belonging. I look forward to welcoming more women out on the walks.

Being female, we like our stops and it's also a great incentive so it was lovely to be able to support the 'tea hut' in the park and sit on the steps having a rest and putting the world to rights as we enjoyed coffee, tea etc and in many cases, home made cakes. One of the conversations I was part of was, was very enlightening on the subject of networking. We all do a fair amount of this and it's always good to swap stories and experiences, this can save time and effort.

So far there do not seem to have been any aches and pains. I did a stretching session after our 'loo stop', another vital inclusion so we could all try out what we should be doing when we get home after the walk. Lou followed up my suggestion of a hot bath after all the stretches and enjoyed a glass of port in the bath, just as I did. Important to reward ourselves. I'm sure we'll all continue to share important findings like this as we bond further as a group.

Next walk 27th March, wonder where we'll go and who'll be with us then?