Business Spotlight’s Post

Not my words - a generous offering from London Mike Stevenson truly is a master of his craft.   He is a visionary speaker, able to embrace his audience with insight and prior knowledge – leaving them at once more knowledgeable and inspired. . He builds connection and trust within moments of taking the stage - a rare and precious skill.   He lives and was born in Edinburgh, but pulses with excitement when he gets to take the Scottish voice abroad.   Aye, that means England, Wales and all Ireland too.   It is a powerful voice and, in an accent, recently voted the World’s sexiest.   Don’t forget Scotland is where some of the most enlightened thinkers the world has ever known gave birth to so many ideas, philosophies and scientific and medical breakthroughs.   ‘I stand on the shoulders of giants and that fires me to greater heights.’ Mike says.   I saw him at a London Conference, and he brought such energy, humour and awe to the event.   He simply blew people away.   For me, he is unique among speakers, because he shifts you emotionally – then intellectually.   His experience and breadth of knowledge is by any measure astonishing.   When you have slept on the streets of London, worked in many industries, been a stage musician, appeared on film and TV, been gilded as a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and repeatedly reinvented yourself you acquire spadefuls of knowledge and accumulated wisdom.   Very few global speakers can garner so many stories and anecdotes. That’s because very few have a life of such dramatic variation.   Mike’s stories live on, viscerally in his audience’s heads. Whether hilarious, heart-rending, or dramatic re-enactment.   Mike is a truly great Scottish export, who will bring a fine `Malt Whisky. ‘At an AXA Conference and Mike Sevenson has just delivered one of the most inspirational talks I've ever heard. Incredible.’   He should be part of any international trade deal. The London Mole - 2023 #Greatspeakers #topspeakers #conferenceorganisers #eventsindustry #eventorganisers #scotlandisnow #scottishbusiness #londonbusiness #motivationalspeaker #dubaievents #Germanevents

Columbus Finance Leaders: It's not too late to register and join us tomorrow at Hofbrauhaus to hear IceMiller's update on some critical topics - the Corporate Transparancy Act and the post-election business environment. Follow the link below if interested in joining me/us. Hope to see you there. https://lnkd.in/etrRjwHY

A successful businessman must have many characteristics, but the most important thing is to be aware of the principles of trade and business; at least he should have knowledge of the principles of economics, accounting, marketing, management and law. A person must be involved in work and business; We teach you the systems, the processes, a way of doing anything and everything in your business and having it done your way. Raincafe start to develop in Portugal by Mr Alireza Rezvani.

New Year, new word. I never thought that I would call myself an author...in fact, I have lists of things “I never” thought - including living in Paris, and adding to that, starting a business here fifteen years ago. What’s more improbable than a gal from Chicago starting a culinary business in Paris? When you embark upon creating a business, in an industry where you have no experience, in a country that is your new home, nothing is guaranteed. I sometimes ask myself how things worked out as they did - but I like to think a bit of it is the magic of the universe.   My memoir, The French Ingredient, published by Penguin Random House, will be out on April 9. It’s about how I managed to make a life for myself and my business La Cuisine Paris, but ultimately it's a story about transformation. Writing the book helped me look back and be reminded of how important it is to take risks, be vulnerable, use your differences as your strengths, and pivot when you must.    From now until The French Ingredient is published in April, I wanted to share some ideas and reflections from the book. I’m excited to connect with longtime and new colleagues and share a conversation around change and adventure. I hope we can remind ourselves how wonderfully improbable life can be.   It’s a new year and a good time to think about untapped ideas and directions. What are your “never” thoughts and where would you like to go with them? #entrepreneurship #lifegoals #womeninbusiness https://lnkd.in/eNPekzaM

Every month as an an Executive Committee we get together and keep a sustainable rolling plan and also look at relevant topics that we should be bringing to our members. The Executive Committee is open to any member to apply to. Often bigger organisations and local authority will contact us to ask advice about new directives or opportunities that could be useful to boost the economy. So although we often have to keep tight embargos on the information that is passed through to us if you join the committee you may know something before anyone else in the area and sometimes it is nice to see the reaction you see from those around you when they finally hear about a new facility or business adding to our area. It is also a place where you can mould the benefits that are offered to chamber members. In the past we have ran workshops to help with business through third party operators and given our members a chance to voice their opinions on new developments in the area. You may have a fantastic idea that the Chamber could help with. Everybody thinks differently and we welcome new ideas from any age group and anybody who owns or runs a business. You don't have to be a Executive Committee member to come up with these ideas but they may come to you during the Brainstorming of a busy Committee meeting and everybody's voice around the table is equal. If you are interested at all in building a Chamber of Commerce where every type of business from any walk of life feels welcomed try the executive committee and you can make a real difference. For more information email secretary@wpchamber.co.uk #shine #business #makeadifference

Competition... Who is your competition out there? 👊 A company? 👊 A person? 👊 Yourself? (oooh, it's getting interesting) We all feel it... We've all experienced it in some form... Maybe others have also developed that 'breakthrough' you thought was exclusively your own... Let's check out four types of competitors in the business sector: 📈 Potential/future competitors (the new ones starting up and sussing out their rivals) 📈 Indirect competitors (those working in a similar field that seem to lurk in the background, leaving us unaware of their next moves) 📈 Replacement competitors (in a similar field, but achieve the same outcome in a different/unique way - bit like a column in Cosmopolitan magazine: 'Who wore it best?') 📈 Direct competitors (the established, well respected and highly successful ones) How do we manage it? Well first of all, take a step back and consider the goal for wanting to beat the competition. What is the driving force behind that? Is it for yourself, or for others? Admiration, respect, a title or the feeling of being worthy of praise are amongst the main reasons for really focusing on that number one destination: first place 🏆 The origins of the words 'win' and 'compete' are very similar, meaning to strive, aim for, seek etc. Psychology suggests that the need to win is down to external factors, rather than internal factors. In other words, we're all natural competitors by observing others and the way they compete, not so much on improving our own self-esteem or inner confidence. What can we learn from all of this? 🏅 Everyone is your competition, based on skill, experience and authenticity so work with that and focus on what you bring to the table. 🏅 Competition is the best form of motivation; it keeps us on our toes so embrace it and have fun! Those established companies are also under pressure to stay at the number one spot! Almost like the music charts 🎶 🏅 We're all here on the same ticket 🎟 You want it, they want it, and some will be there already, whereas others will not succeed in the same way. 🏅 If others copy you (accidentally or deliberately), it's natural to feel bitter and angry and: 'How very dare you!!!' type of responses are likely to emerge. They won...you didn't have copyright or own that concept, so they took it along with the praise and glory that should've been yours. Work on a new idea 💡 Put your heart and soul into something different, but the main lesson is to move on with grace (I know it's easier said than done, but it's the professional way to respond). 🏅 Finally, be your own competition 💪 Consider your mental health and set your goals realistically for what you can effectively work towards (you can't drink from an empty cup, so spend time refilling it). Like what you've read? Share it with your connections 💙 #competition #business #life #businessgoals #workonyourself #lifesacompetition #motivation https://lnkd.in/eaKPMZvk

If you aren't a member of the Germantown Chamber, you are missing out! Message me if you would like to learn more about becoming a member! Register for our next Lunch 4 You at Villa Castrioti (Cordova) on Wednesday, July 24th from 11:30 - 1 PM while there are still spots available! Lunch 4 You provides the opportunity to meet other business people on a level that is different from anything else you may have experienced. Lunch 4 You is about getting to know fellow Chamber members on a more up-close and personal level, creating more meaningful connections, and can lead to real results for your business! How It Works: -Register for Lunch 4 You -Show up the day of at the selected restaurant and time -The Chamber will sit you at a table with 3 other members from different professions -Spend an hour (or more!) creating new business relationships or deepening existing ones with fellow members Lunch 4 You will be hosted during lunch hours and you will be the only one in your profession at the table. There is no fee. The only cost is the price of your meal. Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot! Register Here: https://lnkd.in/emQczgMf #connectforcollectivesuccess #germantownchamber #ambassador

There was an interesting article by Julie Beck in the Atlantic, entitled “The Six Forces That Fuel Friendship”. Friendships among people can often be complicated with agendas, some open, some hidden. How we approach friendships, what we bring to them and what we expect out of them will determine whether they are true friendships or simply ones of convenience and expediency. Since we all spend a majority of our time interacting with people in the business world, we have frequent opportunities, should we decide, to build friendships. So, focusing on the word “build”, let’s see what the author has to say about the forces that fuel friendship and how these apply to us in the business world. The first tenet of friendship building is “accumulation”, the time spent together. From a business perspective, this could include networking, either face to face or virtually. The key is authenticity and honesty. One study estimates that it takes spending 40 to 60 hours together within the first six weeks of meeting to turn an acquaintance into a casual friend, and about 80 to 100 hours to become more than that, the gradual accumulation of shared moments. The next imperative is “attention”, as the author explains, noticing when you click with someone and being open to chance encounters. It helps to step out of our habits and into the moment. Because as much as we may feel like our networks are set and settled, it’s never too late to step out of our comfort zones. Another instruction from Ms. Beck is “intention”. As she describes it, “when opportunity arises, you have to put yourself out there, and that requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to let things be awkward.” I think that is a pretty good definition of in-person networking. “Ritual” is another tenet of building friendships that we are all familiar with in the business world. These could include, weekly meetings, and get to know you conversations, whether virtually or in-person. We often talk about a “friend from work”, but these connections can be so much more, both from a business perspective, but also from a personal, life-affirming one. We’ve all heard the maxim “people buy from people they like”. Few truer words were never spoken. If you don’t like someone, unless they’re selling fire extinguishers and you’re on fire, you’re not going to do business with them. Alfred Montapert, American author, engineer, and philosopher wrote “All lasting business is built on friendship.” Cultivating business friendships is one of the most valuable things you can do to grow and sustain your business.  As Samuel Johnson, English writer and poet said, “If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair”.      

ACCE shares the public's views and opinions about Chamber of Commerces. View the full poll at https://lnkd.in/g5RfCVgx. Interested in finding out what the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce can do for your business? Contact Antoinette (antoinette@gilbertchamber.com) or Josh (josh@gilbertchamber.com). #thechamberis #gilbertaz #gilbertchamber #gilbertbusiness #chambermembers

Industry Wales has a brand new look and a brand new website. Visit www.industrywales.com to find out more about who we are, what we do and how we can help your business. This is just the beginning as the new website will soon be expanding to include news, events and funding opportunities in Wales and beyond to keep you in touch with latest developments and opportunities. Our brand new blog will contain expert knowledge and opinion on the economy, skills and the manufacturing sector, as well as updates and behind the scenes of major events and expos we are at. We’ll also be showcasing Welsh companies on our website with in-depth case studies featuring innovation, investment and best practice from around the country. There’ll be knowledge and development opportunities too with a new webinar series featuring keynote speakers and panel discussions around key issues and sectors. But we’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas as well. What would you like to see from the new Industry Wales website? Let us know in the comments below or email hello@industrywales.com. #industry #industrywales #Wales #Welshbusiness #website