Debbie Bissett

Share the Dream - Moves to Pastures New!

2007-12-11T12:04:12+00:00

Most of you will know that one of my business 'babies' was an internet based business called Share the Dream, which was my first dip of the toes into the world of internet marketing and passive income. Well, I'm delighted to say (and also a little bit sad as well...) that Claire and I made the decision to focus on our two core recruitment businesses and we have therefore sold 'Share the Dream'............

We took the view that the business had worked for us in two ways: firstly it was our first business venture together and without we wouldn't now have the other businesses and secondly, it was a fabulous way to learn about the vast powers of the internet and how to make passive income that could maintained on an ongoing basis.

We received a number of offers for the company and in all honesty, we didn't actually sell it to the highest bidder as one of the main criteria for the sale was that we would find someone who was going to love it and it would make a difference to them, as it did for us!

Firmly believing in the Laws of Attraction, we found that person via 'The Money Gym' and the sale is now complete and we're mentoring Lorraine in how to develop the marketing side and raise the profile of the site and hence make more money!!

I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing Lorraine the very, very best with her new business venture. Lorraine is someone who deserves to do well and I just know that with her enthusiasm and determination, Share the Dream is going to get bigger and bigger. I can't wait to see it happen!

Debs x

753 Miles in 10 Days - All For Charity!

2007-09-11T14:23:42+01:00

Let me introduce you to Mark Whitehand - who is a REALLY COOL business associate of mine. I wouldn't normally include a post like this on my blog but the email I received from Mark yesterday struck me so much of something very, very worthwhile that I wanted to ask you all if you would join me in sponsoring Mark. So please read on and consider making a donation to this amazing challenge......................

Mark Whitehand’s Charity Endurance Challenge - September 2007

Mark’s Challenge – Raise £5000+

· Cycle 753 miles solo in 9 days

· London to Paris to Newcastle

· September 21^st to September 30^th 2007

· Camp and carry over 50lbs of equipment, food & water.

· On the last day complete the Great North Run in Newcastle…pushing a friend in a wheelchair 13.1 miles!

· The Charities: Marie Curie Cancer Care & Motor Neurone Disease Association

· Entire event has been self planned and financed.

· Mark’s Fund raising Target is £5000+

· Recruit the help of 100 motivated people willing to help raise or donate £50 to help reach the target.

The charities I have chosen this year will be Marie Curie Cancer Care & Motor Neurone Disease Association

Over the last few years – since 2000 - I have organised and participated in several Charity Endurance events however nothing on this scale. I have helped raise over £2000 for ‘Get Kids Going’ and Motor Neurone Disease’ by running marathons. The challenges seem to get harder every year and this year will be no exception as it is going to be the toughest challenge so far.

Over the years I have contributed to the cost of the events and taken no money from sponsorship. I will be contributing greatly to this event also, and are happy to do so, even though I will be putting myself through enormous physical stresses and strains. It is after all for 2 fantastic causes.

Your Challenge – Raise £50

· I’m looking for 100 motivated people who are willing to help me reach the £5000+ target by simply donating £50 personally or by attempting to raise £50 via sponsorships from friends, family, associates & colleagues.

· I have a list of 100 people who could possibly help and your name is on that list.

· 100 people x £50 =£5000. I’m counting on your kind help.

· Obviously any donations/sponsorships of any amount from you will be most appreciated.

‘£50 sounds a lot! How can I raise £50 via sponsorships?’

· I understand £50 may sound a lot. However if you break it down like this it can be very simple.

· Write down a list of 10 people and ask them to sponsor a Fiver towards a good cause…job done!

· It really is that simple.

· I will provide you with a sponsorship form and a covering letter if you wish to help. See attached.

· Don’t worry if £50 sounds a lot, consider my target of £5000 and 700+ miles and it will seem pretty easy.

· I’m already a quarter of the way towards the £5000 by the way so it is achievable. You can do it, let’s go for it!

How you can simply donate £50 instead of raising sponsorships…the easy way!

· I have set up 2 official charity websites with JustGiving.com; one for each charity.

· It is fast, safe and secure and we get 28% Tax Relief from the government by donating on these sites.

· That’s right 28 pence will be donated by the government for every £1 that we raise!

· Donations can be made by credit card online.

· Here are the sites:

· For Marie Curie Cancer Care – click here: http://www.justgiving.com/markwhitehand2007

· For Motor Neurone Disease– click here: http://www.justgiving.com/markwhitehand2007mnda

Elite Entrepreneurs Club - This Could be For You!!

2007-09-05T13:59:36+01:00

I regularly receive emails relating to coaching opportunities and development programmes and this morning I received a lovely newsletter from Judith Morgan (see piccie) who many of you will now has been a real source of inspiration and motivation for me over the last twelve months. This one really impacted on me and I wanted to share it's content with you........

Judith is currently running a new programme called the 'Elite Entrepreneurs Club' and her post today was about self-care and how us entrepreneurs really do need to take good care of ourselves. Is this sounding familiar in your life? I hand over to Judith.....

"Today's Great Reason Number 4 is Extreme Self-Care

What's that, you may ask? And why do you need to practise it?

Extreme Self Care is the art of investing in you, going out of your way to invest in you first because you are the finest asset in your own business. Think for a moment how many people depend on you within your business and on the income you create. What would your business be without you?

Yup, thought so. Not much!

So, that's why it's vital for your business. No ifs, or buts, or when I get times. Make time. First. End of. No arguing please. And no wimpering at the back!

Invest in you. Feed and nourish your mind, body, spirit, creativity, energy, do stuff that makes you sing, and shine and excel. Do what's really important for you to keep you healthy and in the zone and do it first, before the demands of the world and your work kick in. Do it in your best time. Prioritise it.

We will find out what this is and we will make sure you do it. It's such a simple formula and I see my clients getting great results from it WHEN THEY DO IT!

The spirit is willing and the flesh is often very weak. And I have tricks.

This is what I notice. When my clients identify their routine for spiritual self-care, essential maintenance and the stuff that makes them feel really, really good for no reason at all - guess what? Their business works better too. Funny that.

We all know it, and its yet another thing we don't prioritise. Because we are too busy, because we are full of excuses, because we are full of shit.

What do you love and do you do enough of it? Hmm. What are you LIKE?"

Ringing bells yet? - Bet it is!! One of my biggest challenges over the last few months has been to get a true work/life balance in my life and I do believe that I'm just about there and a lot of thanks for that must go to The Money Gym and the coaching programme I did which really made me focus on what I wanted out my life. I will unshamedly say out loud as well now that I just about have it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to whoever has helped me, thank you!!

So if you are at the stage of being an entrepreneur who needs that kick up the bum or a mentor who'll impart her wisdom and take you to places you are currently dreaming of............. think about joining Judith and the Elite Entrepreneurs Club. The investment will pay for itself over and over again, without a doubt!!

And a personal message to Judith if you do read this - thank you for your coaching style - I love it!!

Debs x

Are You Attracting What You Really, Really Want?

2007-09-02T15:40:14+01:00

Do you remember me saying that I was going to resist getting broadband installed in the apartment?? Well, I have to hold my hands up high and say that I've had to succumb and hence why I'm now sat at the breakfast bar updating my blog!

However, that six week or so break I've had from having instantaneous internet access has lead me to realise that for me personally, having the broadband access simply facilitates a better work life balance and in fact doesn't make it worse. Enlightening! So now I'm able to choose when I work and choose when I play - work/life balance at it's best!!!!

But enough about my longings for broadband................. I sat down to write about making sure we all have what we want in our lives and how the wonderful laws of attraction really do make impact on us having the life we want.

Mark and I entertained six of our friends last night at a wonderful 'Last Night of the Proms' concert at Harewood House. The eight of us collectively enjoyed a fabulous evening of wonderful music, fabulous fireworks and an incredible spitfire aerial display and fly past whilst of coure enjoying delectable food and champagne!! On numerous occasions last night, I found myself reflecting on how life has changed in the last twelve months, having resigned from my employment, started two new businesses, got divorced, moved homes, bought my third investment property, found my dream house and am feeling more content, satisifed, happy (plus all the other words I could use to describe how I feel..) than I ever have done in my life before.

So how is it that things can be so different? Well, I simply put it down to knowing what I want and when you know what you want, you focus on it and attract it into your life. I'm very fortunate to know some wonderful people in the coaching world and they have been instrumental in working with me to help me get to where I am now - especially Nicola Cairncross, Judith Morgan and Philly Richards (thank you girls for your truly valuable input!). I don;t know if you've ever come across www.tut.com but this is a site I would highly recommend signing up to as you receive one inspirational email a day from them and to sum up what I'm tryin to say to you here, the motto at the bottom of the emails is 'Thoughts Become Things - Choose the Good Ones.

I have so many exciting things that are either happening or are about to happen and I really do hope that life is the same for you, if it is - brilliant, if you're not quite there yet then please do think about getting to know what it really is you want in your life. If a coach could help you do this, get a coach, if you want to read on the subject then a good book to start with would be 'The Attractor Factor' by Joe Vitale which the wonderful Marion Ryan introduced me to. If you want any other pointers then drop me an email and I'd love to give you as much information as I can. I want you all to love your lives as much as I love mine. And as one of my bestest friends Andrew says - "We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!"

So I'm off now to have a well earned sit down in front of the television and catch up on some viewing and reading. Mark's at work but will be back shortly so I'll make the most of the peace and tranquility!!!! Enjoy your Sunday and think about what you're attracting into your life at the moment and make sure it's what you want!!

Debs x

Property Investment - Seven Reasons Why You Should!!

2007-08-21T17:32:05+01:00

Property Investment is one of those things that lots of people seem to think that they shouldn’t get involved in, either because they’ve simply never done it before, they listen to the ‘gloom and doom’ people who predict that the bubbles going to burst or they believe it’s going to be too much hard work. Well, after a conversation with my cousin at the weekend, I just wanted to say categorically in public that all the above plus any other reason you can think of not to invest in property should be discounted!!

My cousin has just bought and moved in to a new house with his partner and they are fortunate enough to have been able to buy this house whilst still owning their own respective homes. However…… it now seems that instead of keeping his house and seeing it as one of the best investment moves he could ever make, I think he’s going to sell it as he doesn’t wasn’t the hassle/heartache/problems that he believes it will bring him.

My argument to him (and you of course!) is completely the opposite. If that home is worth £100k, then theoretically, can you think of many other investment opportunities that will deliver you £100k profit in about seven years? Any suggestions?? I know my pension certainly wouldn’t do that!

So, if you’ve not yet brought yourself to but that first property, here are seven reasons why you should act today…….

Property has historically doubled in value every 6 to 8 years
You don’t need to look after the property yourself – simply employ the services of a managing agent
Once you’ve bought your first property, you can keep buying further properties as slowly or as quickly as your investments will allow, simply choose the financing strategy that will work best for your own circumstances
Offsetting – there are certain tax benefits you can use by offsetting everyday costs against your property investments. E.g Do you have an accountant prepare your personal tax return? If so, then offset this against your property costs as it becomes a business expense
Tax free money – when you remortage your property, you don’t pay any tax on the equity that you take out of it. You only pay tax if you sell (which you’re not going to do!)
Pensions are on the whole not producing the returns we all need to keep us comfortable (or in the lap of luxury if you have plans like mine!) so invest in something that has much better prospects
You can call yourself a property investor!!!!!!

So if you feel that you know you should do something but just don’t know where to start or maybe need convincing a bit more, then contact me! I can either share my experiences and advice with you or I know a lot of genuine people who can either help you on your way or if you prefer, they’ll do it all for you and just manage the whole sourcing, buying and managing process. I’ve got three investment properties to date, plus my own home which I class as an investment as well and I’m intending to buy property number five before the end of the year.

So my advice to Andy is really straightforward – please don’t sell, keep it!!

Are you 'In the Zone' where your goals are concerned?

2007-08-17T16:23:36+01:00

Well after many, many, many years of trying I've finally achieved one of my biggest goals in life. Over the last ten years its costs me thousands of pounds trying and has been a long and ardous path, which I now realise that for the last nine years and three months I never would had had any chance at all of achieving. So what's that goal you ask........ well I've lost two and a half stone so far and wow, do I feel and look different!!

I've lost the weight with the support of a programme which has both it's fans and loathers but as far as I'm concerned, it's been a reall god send for me. I've known I need to loose some weight since I left university but I simply couldn't find anything which I felt worked for me. However, the ultimate reason wasn't the diet plans or the lack of choices, or anything else for that matter - it was simply me! I wasn't 'in the zone' as my friend Jane now refers to it. The goal simply wasn't big enough or of enough importance to me (even getting married didn't inspire me!!) but when I made my mind up in June that enough was enough - something had obviously clicked and nothing was going to deter me!!

So now in August I'm now two and a half stone lighter, wearing gorgeous outfits, I have my hair shorter than ever and life is good!!!! I will have to do some new pictures to show you as I got my before and after and after pictures on Tuesday and it was a real shock to see how I did look. I think I had just got so used to seeing me with the extra weight on that I couldn't see how overweight I was. (Just to give you an idea, I've lost 6 inches off my chest, 7 off my waist and 4 off my hips!!)

So what's the message in all this then? Well I think there's a few. Firstly we can all achieve anything we want in life, you simply have to want it enough! Secondly, we can't always do things on our own, so if it's takes some support and guidance to get there (thank you Kathryn, Jane and Sally), then accept it and get to the end of the journey successfully. Also, surely sometimes it's more fun to have someone going along the journey with you!! And finally, the other learning I've had in all this is to do with being happy. I've wanted this for so long and now I have it, I want to keep it. All the areas of my life are now buzzing, personal, business, I'm even enjoying the gym (which is unheard of!) and my work life balance is better than ever. It's amazing the effect that final piece of the puzzle can have so if there's something you want in your life, then why not work out how you can have it? You deserve it!!

I've got some specific goals that I now want to work on, particulary in my professional life so I'll keep you posted as I'm hoping to to be able to get more involved in my love of coaching and mentoring. Do you know what you want in life?? If not, when maybe now is the time to think about YOUR goals!

Debs x

Salmon Leap - That's Determination for You!!

2007-08-14T15:48:01+01:00

As part of my quest to get the best possible work/life balance, I've just spent a few days up in Scotland visiting friends and got the opportunity to see something I've been hoping to see for ages.

We ventured up to 'The Falls of Shin' which is up near the top West Coast of Scotland and walked down to the river where the falls were absolutley ravaged by water, which wasn't surprising seeing that it rained the whole time we were there!!

To see those salmon, of all different sizes, jumping up against the current to get back to their birthplace was incredible. The amount of effort and power that the fish must have used whilst attempting to navigate the falls was incredible and it made me think about life in general. There are so many things that we all want to achieve but because of daily life, at times we struggle to either complete the goals we set ourselves or we get sidetracked along the way. Well if salmon can leap up torraging waterfalls to return to their birthplace then surely if we're determined enough to achieve our goals then we can achieve anything! All we need to ensure is that the journey is well thought and planned out and we have the necessary skills and support to get us to our destination. After all, you wouldn't try to swim the English channel ubnless you could swim - surley??

My blogging has been really sporadic and for those of you who have commented on this I apologise most profusely!! I promise to be a good girl from now on!! I've come to the conclusion that I do need to blog more regularly and my inspiration simply wasn't being sourced from the right place - but I know where to get it from now. I'm just letting go and the thoughts appear...(thank you Judith for pointing out the control element - your wisdom is always loved!!)

Here's to letting go and achieving all our goals - are you excited by yours? You should be!!

Debs x

Internet Access - Would I survive without it?

2007-05-28T14:44:53+01:00

Yes, I did say no internet access but I think I may need to clarify that as those of you who know me well will be shouting at your PC's "No Debbie - Don't do it!!" Well the reality is that it's not quite that drastic but I have made a decision due to circumstances that will be unfolding during the next twelve months....

.. the long and short oif it is that Mark and I were looking for a new home and new exactly what we wanted and found it in the form of a delapidated mill, next to a river, sheep in the fields next door, gorgeous trees and setting but the downside of course was that it was complete wreck. But being a 'visual' person, I could always, always see how beautiful it would be when it is finished and just knew we had to have it!! (And so far I'm being proved right!!)

Mark therefore decided that he wouldn't wait until next year to sell his house (as the Mill will be ready in April) so it went on the market at Easter, we got a buyer straight away and of course this left us in a quandary. Do we rent or was there another solution? Of course there was putting my property investor hat on so we've bought a couple of apartments and until the Mill is done, we're moving into one of them in about three weeks time. However, the situation I now have is that not only are we moving our contents from a four bed house into a two bed apartment (so I'm not going to have a study/working area), I'm theoretically going to be internet-less.

My choice - I hold my hands up! We're not getting a phone line or broadband for the apartment as the new tenant who moves in next year can decide if they want it or not, but I'm very lucky to have the luxury of physical office premises which we use for the other businesses so I'm going to make the decision to only work at the office until we move to the house next year and see what difference this makes to my personal and social life.

I've been working really hard this last month to get a much more balanced approach to my life, whilst of course making sure that I'm not sacrificing productivity levels! Have to say it's going well so far, I've lost a stone in weight, resumed going to the gym, am taking two days away from the office this week purely and selfishly for me. I'm meeting one of my best friends on Wednesday to catch up on all the latest news and I'm also reading more which is something I've always loved doing.I'm also well in the middle of decluttering my posessions. (I'm having a ball on Ebay!!!) And you know what.......... it feels FABULOUS!!!!!

I will of course be ordering the broadband access as my first job when we do move in to the house but I'm intrigued to see what difference this will make to me as a person...............watch this space!!

Oy by the way, if you have any thoughts on this - am I doing the right thing or not? Let me know!

Debs x