Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

2inspire Network: Men's special profile interview: Ansa Archibong CEO of Financial Intelligence

Ansa Archibong, Founder and Director of Financial Intelligence is a Chartered Certified Accountant with eleven years’ experience of working in the small and medium sized market incorporating all disciplines from systems implementation for Start-ups to audits of medium sized businesses in various industries and across different specialist areas. Ansa has built up a solid reputation for success.  With a vast network he has secured major opportunities for his business associates as well as the entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders that his business supports.  

His passion for finance alongside his philanthropic desire to share his knowledge was the inspiration behind featuring Ansa. Not only does he support entrepreneurs of small to medium-sized businesses, leaders and professionals to achieve their aspirations and bring their dreams to life, he also works with young people to raise their aspirations and to help them to explore enterprise, leadership and careers as viable and sustainable paths to secure their socio-economic futures.




1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
Day starts around 6, meditate for thirty minutes. Have breakfast, check emails and catch up on the news. Open diary and see what jobs need to be done. Plan the execution of my scheduled tasks for the day.
See what jobs are outstanding. Allocate work to various consultants I have working as part of the team. Carry out conference calls with various clients.
This is important because it keeps me in sync with any developments or issues facing our clients’ businesses and helps build a productive client/ accountant relationship.
Have lunch for approximately 15-20 minutes. Review twitter interaction as well as schedule tweets. Usually between 2 & 4pm have meetings with other stake holders.
From then until about 5pm complete various assignments. Review emails and consult team re targets set for the day. The Team Work flow plan is reviewed and edited accordingly.
6-9pm is spent on reading Accounting journals etc. to develop understanding and to keep abreast of recent developments in the industry. 

2/ What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?
The urge to deliver an exceptional service and to have a positive impact on the businesses of my clients. I love to see when my work has made a difference and the impression my work has, this motivates me to certainly do a better job.


3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
My greatest accomplishment to date is yet to come. At present I am grateful to the universe for having the opportunity and will power to set up and run an accountancy firm in the city. Right now I want to serve clients, am sure any sense of great accomplishment will come in the foreseeable future.

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
My biggest challenge is being able to find a work and social life balance. It is easier said than done but the truth of the matter is that it takes so much energy especially now that I have to work ten times harder than when I was working for someone else.
During the start-up phase of any business, there is a high demand of your intellectual ability but want gives me the strength is the vision and the belief that the impossible is nothing.
Building a business is very demanding but what I believe is that it is a process and path I have chosen to follow and that if I commit myself to the process wholeheartedly, the process will certainly reward me for my endless and selfless service.

5/What are your future plans for the business?
My future plan of the business is to become an international brand but at the same time get more involved in a lot of social projects that will give someone else the hope and reality to accomplish their dreams. In life you can be so gifted and talented but you still need someone to open that door for you, grant you a platform to showcase your greatness to the universe.
Success comes through being in the midst of the right people. Which makes sense when you hear people say your network is your net worth. It is the people around you that can make or break you. Who you associate yourself with today will certainly have either a positive or negative impact on your future.


6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
If I had to do It all over again, I would still do it the same way. I had always wanted this.
The key is not the sense of achievement or accomplishment when it arrives on your path but the process and experience you go through to achieve that goal.
Whether it is a good or bad experience there is always a lesson to be learnt. What better teacher is out there than the lessons laid out before you in the process of life itself.


7/ What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?
The words “Thank You” and knowing that the client means it means a lot to me.


8) Why is it so important to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams?
It is quite simple. It is very important to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams because someone once inspired me to follow my dreams.
In life what is very rewarding is not how much wealth or knowledge you have acquired but the positive impact it has had on the lives of those around you.
We all are born with nothing and we leave the Universe with nothing. Therefore we should strive to leave a legacy that will make the next person accomplish their chosen dream and bring it to reality. I am particularly passionate about helping those from disadvantaged groups such as the unemployed and ex-offenders. To help them achieve the very best of their abilities. He wants to see everyone in contact with him achieve all they are capable of achieving irrespective of background, race or location.

I met Mr Theo Paphitis at an evening standard event and before I met him I researched his background I was moved by his journey from being a poor immigrant from Cyprus because of his setbacks at school due to his dyslexia. 
People mocked him but he is now extremely successful. I have had my fair share of such negative experiences but the key is not to dwell on such nonsense and move on. Life is too short to waste any energy on anything that is not adding value to your life.
I always channel my energy into something that is of beneficial to the process of life itself. I do know that the sweetest revenge in life is success.



9/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

PPR: passion, process reward. Find something your passionate about, commit yourself totally to the process and in the end the process will surely reward you as a result of your commitment.


10/ What or who inspires you in business and why?
Steve Jobs because of his ability to find perfection in simplicity. Most people think that in order for something to be great it has to be complicated and that one should never challenge the status quo.


11/What is your favourite inspirational quote?
I often write quotes to motivate myself and my team and one of my favourites is: when you look in the mirror the person you see is the architect of your own destiny. 

You can be anything or get what you want. All you have to do is demand it from yourself and the rest follows. What the mind conceives, the mind can achieve.

Ansa is offering a special 10% reduction on fees for *Start Companies that sign up with Financial Intelligence before January 2016.

* Been in business for 6 months or less

For more information:

Financial Intelligence Limited
A: 107 Cheapside, London. EC2V 6DN
T:  0203 053 8652
M: 07440 653 573


Ansa will be one of the professionals running a business clinic at the 2inspire Network Christmas Fayre on Saturday 7th November 2015, for more information and to book in some time to see him. Click on:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2inspire-network-free-winter-fayre-tickets-18916464655

Monday, 13 July 2015

SPONSORED BLOG POST: Are you ready for a networking & pleasure trip to Dubai?

After the major success of our previous Dubai Weekender trips, we are back with a bang with the 7th Edition of this ultimate luxury Dubai Experience!

Be blown away this October as you travel with other like minded groups of professionals, socialites and sun seekers, from across the globe! Hosted by Celebrity Creations Management and Fresh Holidays you will be introduced to the many wonders of Dubai, United Arab Emirates across this exciting 5 day trip, with our fun, friendly and experienced Dubai Weekender hosts. 
The next Dubai Weekender trip will take place on: 

6th - 12th October 2015

We have teamed up with Fresh Holidays to give you the very best and most affordable Dubai Holiday packages available anywhere; without holding back on the luxury aspects expected from a Dubai experience! Proudly setting itself apart from other group/networking holiday packages, the Dubai Weekender promises to offer a great holiday experience including networking opportunities with our guests from various industries. Guests will be flying in to meet us in Dubai from the UK, Europe and the US, making this the most diverse networking holiday you will find, not to mention the  unbeatable night life events that are included in this package, hosted each night by our team! All of this without the unsightly price tag! With extra add-on's available including luxury upgraded suites, desert safari's, desert buggies, trips to the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) and more; this is future in Dubai Travel and the best way to experience Dubai with friends in 2015 and beyond!
+ GORGEOUS 4* ACCOMMODATION AT THE AL BARSHA HOTEL APARTMENTS
+ RETURN FLIGHTS FROM LONDON TO DUBAI
+ ALL SCHEDULED DUBAI WEEKENDER NIGHT LIFE EVENTS - ENTRY INCLUDED
 SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW WITH JUST A £99 DEPOSIT and you can pay the rest off in instalments between now and October! Our current package allows guest to pay off this trip each month from now - that's just 3 instalments of £200 - with no interest!
To find out more, get in touch and book with our team: 

Thursday, 20 November 2014

GET AN INTRODUCTORY OFFER OF 50% OFF SPACE HIRE AT 02 WORKSHOP, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

02 Workshop, a space created just for small businesses, based in Tottenham Court Road in London.

  They have space available to hire for everyday business needs at affordable prices with additional benefits such as free WiFi, Coffee, Tea 
and Water availabe.

Opening hours:
Weekdays: 9am -6pm
Saturdays: 11am-7pm
Sundays: 11am-5pm


Seminar Room

Hotdesking Space

Boardroom

Work Booths
Interested in getting 50% off any of the spaces available for hire? Quote promotional code 2inspire in your email to info@2inspirenetwork.com and we will forward it to the 02 Workshop Manager.


About Workshop

Introducing Workshop, our space created just for small businesses, where you can get away from it all, get together and meet like-minded people.

Think of Workshop as your office away from the office, but with lots of great extras that make getting things done easier and more fun. We’re talking spaces for brainstorming or getting a little quiet time, resident tech experts and regular events to build skills and network.

Whether you’re playing host to clients, catching up with your team or simply need some room to think, Workshop has a variety of spaces to fit the bill, with a top-notch London location that won’t blow the budget.

Workshop adds value to your business not just through tech, but by giving you access to the tools that small businesses need. We host regular events on everything from HR and finance to marketing and social media, plus it’s a great place to connect with people who have the skills you need. If we know someone who can help out with your project we’ll introduce you, and if we don’t we’ll spread the word.


02 Workshop is hosting a number of events for business owners in December.

WORKSHOP EVENTS IN DECEMBER
DiSC profiling - how psychology can help improve your business performance - with Nick Moore
When:  Thursday 5th December 2014
Time:   6pm - 9pm

An estimated 40 million people have been tested using DiSC profiling which determines your preferred behaviour patterns. Business Coach and Psychologist, Nick Moore will give an overview into how DiSC profiling can:
  • help you understand your own behaviour and those in your team
  • show you why you find people frustrating who don’t behave like you
  • teach you how to communicate and work more effectively with everyone

Once you have registered for the event please click here : ps://www.tonyrobbins.com/ue/disc-profile.php and complete the free DiSC profile. 

You will receive a 15 page report which you should print out and bring along to the event.



Becoming an EMPLOYER - the good, the bad and the ugly - with First Stop HR
When:  Thursday 18th December 2014
Time:    6pm - 9pm
Employees play a very crucial role in the growth and overall success of your business but what do you need to do to make this happens?
Becoming an employer; the good, the bad and the ugly is a workshop that has been carefully designed to provide you with information, guidance, hints, tips and trick for:
  • Developing your recruitment strategy
  • Getting employment ready
  • Getting the best from your employees
PROMOTION
Autumn All Day Hotdesking
Where:     WORKSHOP - 229 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7QG
When:      October 15th - December 24th 2014
Time:       9:00am - 6:00pm
Price:       £10+VAT
Includes:  WIFI, printer and free tea and coffee
How:         Drop in to book your hotdesking session




Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Guest Blog: How To Get The Best Out of a Virtual Assistant (VA) – 5 Top Tips

More and more switched on business owners are starting to realise that VAs can be the perfect solution for your business, allowing you to pay for exactly the work you need, when you need it, cherry picking the very best experts in the areas that you need assistance with. 

A VA could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you and your business, but it’s important to approach the arrangement wisely and with forethought.  If you want the partnership to work, to last and to be valuable to your business, then we recommend you focus on these five areas:

1.       Delegation
When you started your business, you ran the whole show – but you don’t have to do it all by yourself anymore!  Your relationship with your VA is all about delegation.  Hand tasks over in stages and the results will give you confidence and encourage you to hand over more and more projects.

2.       Expectations
A VA is an assistant – not a business partner.  They may be unfamiliar with your industry, your product, or the way you do business and may not be able instantly to leap in and take over.  Keep your expectations in line with the remuneration you can offer, the time allotted and the level of expertise you require.

3.       Planning
A VA can do many things, but they cannot read your mind.  A clear list of tasks, procedures, or instructions is very important.  You also need to consider how the two of you will communicate.  Make sure it’s clear to both of you what kind of feedback will be needed, when and in what format.

4.       Evaluation
Establish a system for making sure the relationship is working for both of you. It’s no crime to find yourself with the wrong person for the job; be ready to make a quick change of direction if need be. You will have learned something valuable about your working style and can go on to make a more informed next move.

5.       Value
A VA can be worth their weight in gold – or a wasted opportunity: it’s up to you.  Remember that you get what you pay for: tasks like stuffing envelopes may require one level of expertise, but if you ask the same VA to take on more skilled work, you may find they are not up to the task.  Make sure at the outset that you have the right person for the job so that you can realise the potential value on offer.

If you would like to receive our top tips or to talk further about how a virtual assistant could transform your business then please contact GetAheadVa.

Website address: www.getaheadva.com
Twitter address: @GetAheadVA
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/get-ahead-va

This Guest Blog was written By Rebecca Newenham of Get Ahead VA.

Thursday, 1 May 2014

2inspire Business Profile: Strength of a Woman Ladies Day Competition Winner: Zara-Shola Odeniyi of Cocoa Cabin

Zara-Shola Ode was the winner of our Strength of a Woman competition with her slogan: "Brick to Brick we stand firm together building walls to inspire others". As part of her prize Zara will be exhibiting her business at the next ladies day on 28th June at the Novotel hotel in Greenwich, find out more below about this young entrepreneur and her business Cocoa Cabin from her interview.

Zara is 23 years old and first started planning her business in 2010 but was too scared to start as she was defeated by the start up costs. However 9 months ago, she went back to her plan, figured out ways to cut costs and went ahead and registered her business. 

Zara describes Cocoa Cabin as a  Hot Chocolate Company that specialises in whipping up Luxury Melted Dark Chocolate into a delicious drink available in an array of flavours. She  is also keen to promote the health benefits of Raw Cocoa and educate people on how good chocolate is for the body and also the mind!
Zara-Shola Odeniyi
Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
 A typical business day for me currently evolves around events that I exhibit at and so it involves getting to a venue, setting up the table and preparing the chocolate and milk.

What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?
I started this business because I wanted to change from an employee to an employer and become the captain of my own ship. The first thing I did was a business plan. I started to establish what my business was, what we do, who we were targeting and where we wanted to go.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
 My greatest accomplishment is yet to come as I progress and build my company name.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
 My Biggest challenge has been finding funding for my business in order to do more events

What are your future plans for the business?
 In the future I plan to have franchises of Cocoa Cabin stores

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
 I would have started sooner. Regardless of what it looks like, You do not have to see the entire staircase, just take the first step.

What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?
Somebody saying we do the best Hot Chocolate in the world!

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
Women can easily be mislead by society about who they are suppose to be, what is expected of them and what is acceptable/unacceptable. It is important to inspire women to follow their dreams so they are maximising their potential and not being held back by what society feeds them. It is a blessing to be a women and we are so capable. This is an era where we no longer have to depend on men to bring the bread home.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
I would say do practice runs and source your strengths and weaknesses. Get people to try it and note down everything that went well, everything that went right, what can be better, what do you need/lack. This way you have a rough idea of what a customer wants


What or who inspires you in business and why?
 I am inspired by entrepreneurs who reject the path that we are all taught (Get a degree and find a 9 to 5 job for life) and start up a business that makes money for them.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?
 If You Believe You Can, You Probably Can, If You believe You Wont, You Most Reassuredly Wont, Belief is the Ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad-Denis Waitley



Register to catch @ Cocoacabin at the next ladies day : http://2inspireladiesday4.eventbrite.co.uk

Contact Information:
@cocoacabin

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

2Inspire Business Profile: Rebecca Newenham of Get Ahead VA

In this 2Inspire Business profile interview we meet Rebecca Newenham, founder of Get Ahead VA, an virtual assistants company. Read her inspirational interview, highlighting her business journey and accomplishments in the world of business.
Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
My day starts with walking my 3 daughters Isabelle 12, Aimee 10 and Robyn 8 to school.  I love the fact that running my own business gives me the flexibility to be able to do it.  Then it’s usually off to either networking or client meetings.  Meeting people is a massive part of my job so it’s a good job I enjoy it!  I sometimes travel up to London as we are currently expanding our business there.  My mobile phone ensures I can keep working – even on the train.  I’m a bit of a social media addict!

What made you start the business and how did you get started?
I always knew that I wanted to run my own business.  My mother ran a tutorial business from home when I was growing up and was a great role model for me.  I wanted to give my girls the continuity of me being able to do school drop off and pick up but I also wanted to contribute financially.  I started to hear about the term virtual assistant more and more, it evolved in the US.  I researched various courses and found one run by 2 hugely successful UK based VAs.   The course ran over one day and it was fantastic as it ran through everything you would need for a home office right through to documentation and types of work we could do.  With my background and contacts I had a clear vision for how I could create a team and service a broad range of customer requirements.  I didn’t want to be a sole trader and always knew I would grow the business and give work opportunities to fellow mothers.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
We have been lucky enough to be recognised in several awards including being voted 2nd most loved VA business in the UK through 'the best of' business directory and being selected as a finalist in last year’s MumpreneurUK awards, as well as being a finalist in this year’s Networking Mummies awards.

On a personal level, a real highpoint for me was last year’s Christmas lunch.  Seeing the team together and hearing them all talking passionately about our clients and also the huge benefits of being part of our team made it all worthwhile.  The majority of our VAs have children and I know how much they value being able to work from home, flexibly around their families. 

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Running your own business from home is definitely a challenge but since moving into my garden office I have found it easier to set boundaries.  Technology makes it a lot easier to manage your time but you have to be disciplined.  At one stage I would wake up and check my emails before even putting on the kettle.  This was crazy but an easy habit to get into!


What are your future plans for the business?
I want to continue to grow the team, giving more mothers flexible and interesting work and to be famous for playing a part in helping small business owners to deliver their dreams.  I want to extend our geographic coverage and look at introducing area manager levels within the business.
  

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Do it sooner!

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
My mother was an inspiration to me and I was so lucky that she encouraged me to follow my dreams of running my own business.  I hope to provide the same inspiration to my three daughters and to all the other mothers who work in my team.  I think women can feel that having a family can limit their career choices but our business is proof that there are real, flexible solutions out there that can benefit both women and clients alike.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Make sure you really consider what your customers want and then deliver upon it.  I pride myself on being a fantastic match maker.  I understand our varied customers’ requirements and then make the right connections between them and our VAs.  I have also been lucky to benefit from a fantastic business coach and would strongly recommend working with one if you can.  My coach constantly challenges me to ensure I am doing the right things to continue to develop and grow my business.

What or who inspires you in business and why?
My mother has to be my biggest inspiration in business.  If it weren’t for her example when I was growing up I don’t think I would have had the confidence to start my own business when I did.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“What will be will be!”  It allows me to not be afraid to make mistakes but to continually evolve and learn along the journey.


Contact details:
Website address: www.getaheadva.com
Twitter address: @GetAheadVA
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/get-ahead-va