Issue Number 1 November  07:

Article 1:

In a drive to broaden our business to an international one, we're currently working hard in Brussels as founding members of the Coaching And Mentoring Alliance. We've already given presentations to the European Commission on Work-life Balance, and are developing this area extensively as it is felt by many to be a key requirement for modern, forward-thinking businesses.

Watch this space for further developments and for opportunities to affiliate with us, subject to stringent vetting procedures, in our work. We would naturally wish to work with ethical, experienced coaches who feel that they could bring vitality, a positive can-do attitude and a willingness to pool ideas.

We and our existing Associates are, of course, still available for other coaching assignments.

Article 2:

We have recently launched an exciting "e-business" (a fancy name for a website that sells something :-)  ) that stemmed from our work as coaches. We wanted something that would be of benefit to our coaching clients and believe that we have come up with it now.

This may well prove to be something of interest to other Coaches. It saves you developing your own at tens of thousands of $s, s or s, and is something that you could sell to your own clients as our affiliates.

To sign up as an affiliate, please visit http://www.memoryroom.com/affiliates.php

Article 3:

Work-life balance tips for the self employed         

It isnt healthy to avoid taking holidays when you're running your own business. The summer's nearly over. Like many other people running their own business, have you found that once again you've skipped taking a holiday this year? Poor concentration, a lack of enthusiasm, taking longer to do tasks and a constant complaining by family are all signs of the need to undertake a basic human necessity - rest. Here are some solutions to ponder to make taking holidays a less painful idea.

   1. Plan longer holidays well in advance. If you want to go away for a week or more, give your clients plenty of warning. This will remind them how efficient you are and will suggest youre in demand.

   2. Structure your business plan with the assumption that you will only earn money for 48 weeks per year. Treat holidays as a necessary expense. Create a budget and this will make taking the break much easier when the time comes.

   3. Take long weekends. This is especially useful if the nature of your business makes it hard to go away for long stretches. Even a three-day break is great for rejuvenating a jaded body and mind.

   4. Get an answering service. There is a big difference between using an answer phone and having a good, live answering service, where a professional voice can reassure existing and potential customers. You can always arrange to have your messages forwarded at a convenient time so you dont miss anything. Use technology to pick up emails on your mobile remember, most places have internet access for (emergency access only!).

   5. Combine business and pleasure. The business trip to France that crosses a weekend is an ideal opportunity to use your leisure time to relax and do some sightseeing.

   6. Go on an activity holiday. Very goal-focused people find it hard to take a break if the holiday seems to them to lack specific, achievable goals. Try an activity holiday where you can learn a new skill.

   7. Be creative. Management thinking time is one of the biggest assets you have. It's the time you take to come up with new money-making ideas. Take a pad and pen with you on holiday, promise yourself youll come back full of new ways to liven up your business. That'll encourage you to take a break!

  8. Delegate. Every business has to use other businesses or people with specialist or different skills. Give them some tasks to complete by the time you return.

 Holidays are an essential part of life. It's just as important to maintain yourself as it is to maintain other vital components of your business.