Sunday 12 April 2015

Diamonds Network - an opportunity for women in small business to network

Diamonds Network, an initiative a friend and I started eighteen months ago, this was to help other small business women owners.  We created a group of founders, set up a charter, website and a calendar for the year.  I have been utterly amazed at the interest and support that we have received.  And yes not everyone has continued the journey however we do have a number of consistent supporters.

It appears that there is a need for women who run their own business to tap into each others skills, knowledge and experience.  It is also evident that there is an opportunity for us to support each other.

We are heading for our 8th event, this one is all about business planning and again the support and interest has been truly amazing to experience.

We have an created an environment for women to learn about the stage they go through in life, the essence of time, what to wear to look your best in different situations, about finances both personal and business.  We have received advice from experts in finding balance and even had an opportunity to learn how to cope with breast cancer.



Its my give back to the community and I intend to continue to drive this initiative and provide the support to other women who face the same challenges I do.

Wagner Consulting - reaches the two year mark

Wagner Consulting - reaches the two year mark.........

Incredible to believe that I achieved the two year mark as small business owner.  It feels like just yesterday that I was working for a large corporate.  I am so blessed to be given so many opportunities and to be able to engage with people from so many different organisations and industries.  Each day brings new challenges and learnings, which I have learnt to embrace.  Its definitely not an easy journey but a very rewarding one.  As the sole individual in my business I am responsible for all aspects of the business, even the technology ones and it is times like that when I miss being able to log a call and have someone come to my rescue.  However I have an wonderful group of friends and associates who I am able to tap into to get help.

The last month was a month that was endured with a consistent challenges with email and website issues, which I turned into an opportunity to upgrade and update. Initially I told myself that starting my own business will give me more time with my girls and to get balance.  However it wasn't about time, it was about how you view time - a friend told me to amortise my time.  Wow how that has changed my view on balance, see your time in a year not in one day, week or month.

Its not only large organisations that experience politics, guess what the church probably can write a book on office politics.  The lessons I have learnt have been invaluable, I could probably spend the rest of the day writing about them, however the one that I believe has been most important is learning that I can be successful running my own business and believing that I add value in so many different ways.  

I am so looking forward to the next two and the two after that..........








Clover SMDP Study School 2

During the month of March I spent the week with the Clover SMDP team, in the beautiful setting of a conference centre in Krugersdorp - Agterbergh.

As usual the Clover team are keen to learn and fully engaged during the study school.  The atmosphere and environment make learning fun and exciting.  The days were long and evenings at times even longer, however this group were committed and driven to ensure that they utilise the time fully to make a success of the programme.  All Clover participants have embraced this opportunity with both hands and their professionalism is inspiring to watch.

I look forward to continuing this journey with them for the balance of 2015.