|
 Welcome to Harvest the e-newsletter of The-Grapevine __________________________________________________________ Hello All As we enter 2009 with gusto I'd like to thank all of you who've supported The-Grapevine so loyally since its launch. I owe its success to each and every one of you and hope I can continue to share your lives well into the future! For many of us January is a time for both reflection and planning ahead. There is so much in the news about the recession/credit crunch that it is creating an undercurrent of fear in almost everyone's mind. 2009 is being proclaimed as the year of crisis, and if you read the business pages of any newspaper or magazine, and indeed some of the rushed-out books, two of the most common words in the headlines and the text are ‘panic’ and ‘fear’. If you buy into that fear then you most undoubtedly will create within your own environment a recession and a fear of lacking. A challenging year for many but do remember with crisis comes opportunity! In times of crisis, opportunity is there for everyone. It is only those who can lead, and who are thought-leaders, who will be able to grasp the many opportunities that crises offer. I urge you at this time to reflect on all the things that you have brought about in your life, and your business, all of those successes no matter how small and know that within you, you have the power to recreate those successes in whatever you truly want throughout 2009. You really only have to believe and know that the outcome is yours. Just tap into that river of abundance – it’s yours to enjoy whenever you want to. On that note, I am not going to report on business crashes, job losses, bad news; I am going to focus on the positives and bring you all news and information to help you remain upbeat and focused.I have no doubt many of you watched TV coverage of Barack Obama being sworn into office. Despite warning of "gathering clouds and raging storms" he delivered a message of hope to the American people. "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America," Obama said. His speech, it seemed to fit the times - reflecting a nation under stress, but with the potential to bounce back, and offering inspiration for a weary people. "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek" he had said only days earlier. And he is right, there's no doubt that things are bad, but the more we preach gloom and doom, the more we will convince ourselves that it's worse than it really is. Instead of talking about how bad it is lets start talking about how we can recover. Who out there has an idea nobody has thought of yet? Who has some positive ideas? Share them with me and I'll share them with many. Lets get up off our knees get stuck into recovery!
Well…it’s almost February already and I’d like to ask how many of you are sticking to those new years resolutions for weight loss, health and fitness? If you, like many, are struggling to generate the sustained motivation required to attend the gym and also achieve your weight loss goals then help is
at hand in two forms. Check out this article 'The Secrets of Easy Weight Loss' written by NLP Trainer and hypnotherapist Steven Burns. He is also offering a fabulous free professionally made hypnosis for weight loss mp3 download for members of The-Grapevine readers. And personal fitness trainer Tracy Griffen has put together a check-list of all you need to set up a personal training space at home and at very little cost. And of course it doesn't matter what you look like and you don't need to worry about getting there and back! Finally, we have a new columnist for you, Julie Diver. Grapeviner Julie is Managing Director of Edinburgh based 39steps, and she also holds the post of National President of JCI Scotland for 2009. Julie’s first article “First impressions: who needs a logo anyway” can be read here. If you know an equally creative and forward thinking business, or a colleague or friend who supports the business spirit of giving and sharing, then please feel free to recommend The-Grapevine - there is no cost to subscribe. If you have received it from a colleague, and wish to subscribe yourself, please click the link.
___________________________________________________________________________________
GRAPEVINE MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS/DISCOUNTS:
___________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCING WEIGHTSHED BOOT CAMP
Edinburgh’s first boot camp. A boot camp with a difference………….Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen and Life Coach Eilidh Macdonald-Harte combine forces to bring you a new concept in boot camp – learn to change your habits as you exercise your way to fabulousness. Click here to book for February and to benefit from a Grapevine discount too.
HIT THE SLOPES AT A DISCOUNTED RATE! 1-8 FEBRUARY 2009
Escape the winter blues by jetting off to Méribel. Enjoy some of the best skiing that Europe has to offer. Everyone welcome - experienced skiers and beginners, individuals, couples and groups. Price includes return flights from Edinburgh or London Gatwick, transfers, accommodation with private sauna and hot tub, breakfast, afternoon tea and daily four-course dinners with wine. Click here.
HIGH IMPACT PRESENTATIONS
Do you make presentations to clients? Are you and your team playing at the top of your game when they present? Or are you feeling a little rusty? Perhaps you are between jobs and looking for help with interview presentations? In today’s economic climate what you say and how you say it in meetings and presentations holds more importance than ever when it comes to winning lots of new business or none at all. Maryanne Johnston can help you maximise every opportunity you get in front of clients. Click here to learn more and hear about Grapevine member rates.
SCENT FIRST CLASS...
Bunches is an online florist where you can send fresh flowers by post from only £9.99 including free UK delivery, personal message and free chocolates with all orders. Grapeviners can save 10% on all Bunches orders when you order before Friday 30th January 2009. Just enter the promotional code '10JAN' at the checkout. Click here to find out more.
SHORT ON STAFF BUT CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY ANYONE? WHY NOT GIVE A FOREIGN STUDENT
SOME WORK EXPERIENCE?
Franziska Lang is looking for an unpaid work experience placement in Edinburgh from now until 6 March 2009. She is interested in gaining experience in international trade, journalism, marketing, any admin job etc but would really be happy to work anywhere. It is compulsory for her to take part in such a
work placement experience in order to complete her degree in July 2010. Franziska has German - mother tongue, English - fluent written and spoken, French – advanced and Spanish – Intermediate. Click here
FREE ADVERTISING FOR START-UPS!
As a previous start-up, I am keen to help other start-ups as they embark on what can be a precarious and frustrating journey. In a bid to help,The-Grapevine offers free advertising for start-upcompanies. In addition, I have pulled together a team of tried & tested suppliers who offer their services to start-up Grapeviners at preferential Grapevine rates. Click here.
SEE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE
The Harvest e-newsletter is sent to over 9500 business folk every issue. advertise in the Harvest from just £50 per issue. Please e-mail me for details.
___________________________________________________________________________________
GREAT VINE BUSINESSES: ___________________________________________________________________________________ TREATMENTS FOR A TENNER AT PURE SPA! Six treatments for the price of five! Visit any PURE location between 10am Monday - Friday and treat yourself from heat to toe from a selection of £10 treatments. What's more, if you purchase five £10 treatments they will give you one for free!. PURE is located at Sivlerburn, Glasgow, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh or Lothian Road, Edinburgh. Visit PURE Lothian Road from 6.30pm on Thursday 29th January for their Wardrobe Well-being event - insider tips on making your wardrobe and make-up work for you. Call 0131 221 9133 to book your place now! For more details on PURE offers and events click here.
NEW YEAR - NEW BEGINNINGS
Do you need an extra pair of hands in your Fundraising Department or have you always wanted to work in fundraising but feel that you don't have the necessary experience? This Charity Career Start Programme could be the answer. The Charity Career Start Programme gives charities a stress free way to deal with a short term gap in resources and offers people wanting to work within the voluntary sector a chance to gain the experience they need by offering a ten week placement within the fundraising department at a major Scottish charity. Click here. GET YOUR WEBSITE INTO SHAPE
Small companies should use the New Year as an opportunity to revisit their website and ensure it is working as efficiently as possible. With traditional businesses suffering the worst of the recession, this is a great time for agile online businesses, particularly those who can swiftly adapt and add value to
their clients. Ensuring your website is updated regularly and contains keywords that will attract visitors should be key parts of your web strategy. Having an efficient website is no longer a nice to have, it's essential. But it needn't break the bank. Click here to learn more about Grapevine member discounts
with Dialogue. RAISE YOUR PROFILE ON THE-GRAPEVINE
The-Grapevine is offering members the opportunity to advertise on The-Grapevine website. Advertising on the large banner places your company prominently at the top of the site, giving you prime advertising positioning and a click-through to your own website - all for only £175.00 per month. The-Grapevine site enjoys an increasing volume of traffic and this is a very cost effective way of promoting your business. There is also a limited amount of small banner adverts available with costs starting at only £50 per month. Your banner advertising is easy to arrange - to find out more and to book your place on the
website, please click here or call 07797 896 442. Please note that website advertising is limited.
___________________________________________________________________________________
VACANCIES ON THE VINE: ___________________________________________________________________________________ FUNDRAISING DESIGN AND MARKETING OFFICER
Would you like to get paid for using your knowledge of social networking sites? No you are not dreaming, although you will also be using Dreamweaver, along with Photoshop or InDesign as part of your IT arsenal to fulfil this exciting new role. Are you someone with the drive, technical skills, innovation and creativity to take responsibility for all aspects of marketing in a leading Scottish
charity’s fundraising office? Click here SAPPHIRE FUND ADMINISTRATOR/CO-ORDINATOR FOR CHEST, HEART & STROKE SCOTLAND
This is a gem of a role - giving a dynamic, target driven individual the opportunity to lead on the organisation’s in memoriam, Sapphire Tribute Fund and related fundraising programme. The Sapphire Tribute Fund is a brand new fundraising initiative and the successful candidate will be able to see tangible results and take pride in developing the programme across Scotland right from the start.
Click here. COMMUNICATIONS AND PR MANAGER Are you looking for a new role that you can feel really passionate about? Why not join a humanitarian aid and development agency that has provided over £750 million in assistance to people in 106 nations since 1979. This key role is crucial in raising the profile of the organisation throughout the UK and ultimately Europe, and in increasing financial support and brand awareness from all sectors. Click here. ___________________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDED READING: ___________________________________________________________________________________ PILGRIMAGE TO WARREN BUFFETT’S OMAHA BY JEFF MATTHEWS
In the midst of the current economic crisis, Warren Buffett has been at the forefront of the news. Now, more than ever, people are interested in hearing about his investing strategies, his company Berkshire Hathaway, and what makes the world’s most successful investor tick. In this book hedge fund manager and financial blogger Jeff Matthews presents an insightful look at the man who many t
hink can help save a financial world now engulfed in a crisis he foresaw. Click here
There are many books I feel will be of interest to other Grapeviners. Take a look at the GRAPE PUBLICATIONS section of The-Grapevine website to find out more. Click here. __________________________________________________________ VINE VERNACULAR:
_________________________________________________________________ Our members do the talking when it comes to proving that The-Grapevine is your number one choice for virtual networking: "I'm so pleased to see The-Grapevine back! And it’s looking better than ever. The-Grapevine is a fantastic resource for businesses, it helps keep one’s finger on the pulse of what’s going on providing great connections and a big business audience.” Stephanie Taylor, Sunday Brunch Club - Edinburgh's leading social and activities network. www.sundaybrunchclub.co.uk. __________________________________________________________ PROPERTIES ON THE VINE: ___________________________________________________________________________ STYLISH VILLA IN LANZAROTE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY RENTALS
This large detached villa is a stylish home-from-home located in the residential area of Los Mohones, Puerto Del Carmen, with every thing you could want waiting for you. Being a single storey villa with a private heated pool and private parking it is ideal for families. There is plenty of space for the children to play, the pool is gently sloping and surrounded by a secure walled garden which is not overlooked.
Click here for discounted rental rates. ___________________________________________________________________________________ GRAPE EXTRACTS:
___________________________________________________________________________________ GRAPEVINE GIGGLES - THE YEAR AHEAD
Click here to see this week's Cartoon from Grapeviner, Jim Barker. Each week a new cartoon will be added to the collection. ANGELS FLY TO DEN IN RECORD NUMBERS
Bill Morrow, the founder of an online company that links business "angels" to start-up companies, has signed up record numbers of wealthy individuals seeking higher returns for their investments. Click here. WIDER ASSISTANCE FOR ASSISTED AREAS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS WHOLE OF SCOTLAND
Eligibility has been extended for a grant scheme offering funding to Scottish-based companies. But ministers have relaxed the rules enabling businesses across the whole of Scotland to bid for cash support to help stimulate job creation and boost economic growth. Click here SMALL BUSINESS PREDICTIONS FOR 2009 ARE NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM!
Three in 10 small firms think they could go out of business this year but those companies that have planned for a downturn and maintained spending in key areas are most likely to succeed. Click here to read more about businesses that state the economic downturn is having no effect on their business or
that business is booming. ___________________________________________________________________________________ MEDIA REQUESTS:
___________________________________________________________________________________ WOULD YOU LIKE SIR GERRY ROBINSON TO HELP WITH YOUR LEGACY?
Have you built up your own business, and are wondering who to leave it to in the family, or how to divide it up? Would you like help with your estate from one of the country’s top businessmen? Sir Gerry Robinson is working with BBC2 to follow someone settling their legacy with their children. He is looking for businesspeople who are still unsure about how best to pass on what they have. Click
here
Other media requests also recently published on The-Grapevine website - take a look at the MEDIA REQUESTS section of the site.
___________________________________________________________________________________
VINE DIARY DATES:
___________________________________________________________________________________ JCI EDINBURGH BURNS SUPPER GALA – 31 JAN (EDINBURGH)JCI Edinburgh are hosting their fabulous annual black tie Burns Supper Gala on Saturday 31st January with a drinks reception, meal with wine and dancing with the amazing Teannaich. This event has been a fabulous success in previous years. The event is open to all you don't need to be a JCI member to attend. Click here.
FREE EVENT: FACING UP TO TODAY’S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – 11 FEB (EDINBURGH)
Every cloud has a silver lining. Being able to find it is an art as well as a science. For this event Scottish Enterprise has secured several of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs who know business inside and out. Places are free and up to four delegates per company are welcome. Click here. FREE NETWORKING EVENT – 17TH FEB (EDINBURGH)
Atlanta organise 80+ focused business events around a boardroom table each year - in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and London. They're very relaxed and informal but also very effective. Click here for your chance to attend and try an event for free.
FREE EVENT: WINNING THROUGH INNOVATION – 24 FEB (GLASGOW)
Winning Through Innovation is a series of events with a compelling programme of motivational speakers drawn from exemplar companies and leading management theorists as well as examples of Scottish success stories where innovation has made a difference to local companies. Open to all existing businesses in Scotland. Places are free and up to two delegates per company are welcome. Click here
___________________________________________________________________________________ As always, your feedback is both welcome and encouraged!
Until next time Jennie
(Chief Harvester) |
