Forever Learning

I'm all for learning something new. I love learning about new topics, I watch the news to see whats happening and I love to tinker with things, to find out how they work. I would love to learn a new language but I just don't seem to have the cognitive ability. But I can re-wire the house and build a wall, thanks to an electrical engineering apprenticeship at Fords and my Grandad. 

I had a trip to Wales planned so imagine my excitement when my friend emailed me to say that we have tickets to The Hay Festival! Hay Festival is a festival of Literature and the Arts. It welcomes all ages and learning abilities and is a a wonderful place to be and learn new things. My friend, as a surprise, had booked us in to see a number of talks including;

Nina Stibbe & Gary Kemp

In 1982 Nina Stibbe, a 20-year-old from Leicester, moved to London to work as a nanny for a very particular family. It was a perfect match: Nina had no idea how to cook, look after children, or who the weirdos who called round were. And the family, busy discussing such arcane subjects as how to swear in German or the merits (or otherwise) of turkey mince, were delighted by her lack of skills. Love, Nina is the collection of letters she wrote home gloriously describing her ‘domestic’ life, the unpredictable house-guests and the cat everyone loved to hate. Nina talks to the Spandau Ballet star and actor Gary Kemp, author of I Know This Much.

Steve Jones

The author of The Serpent’s Promise, Almost Like A Whale, The Language of the Genes and In the Blood conducts an evolutionist’s exploration.

Emma Bridgewater

An interview with the iconic designer and manufacturer whose cheerfully distinctive kitchen pottery – manufactured and traditionally hand-decorated in the Staffordshire Potteries, just as it would have been 200 years ago – has found its way onto the dresser shelves and kitchen tables of homes all over Britain and beyond.

Sir John Gurdon - Nobel Prize Winner

Cloning Stem Cells: A modern medicine revolution

The Nobel Prize-winning developmental biologist was among the first to challenge the idea that a cell’s fate was irreversibly determined. His demonstration that the nuclei of differentiated cells could be ‘reprogrammed’ has ultimately led to successful cloning of mammals, and has provided the basis for much of modern stem cell research.

Paul Dolan

Most of us would like to be happier. Dolan defines this as experiencing more pleasure and/or purpose for longer. He describes how being happier means allocating attention more efficiently; towards those things that bring us pleasure and purpose and away from those that generate pain and pointlessness. Easier said than done, of course, and certainly easier said than thought about. But behavioural science tells us that most of what we do is not so much thought about; rather, it simply comes about. So by clever use of priming, defaults, commitments and social norms, you can become a whole lot happier without actually having to think very hard about it. You will be happier by design.

Steven Moffat talks to Alan Yentob

The screenwriter discusses his work. He is the co-creator with Mark Gatiss of Sherlock and the lead writer on Doctor Who. He’s been Executive Producer in the David Tennant and Matt Smith eras and wrote the fiftieth birthday episode The Day of the Doctor.

I left the festival with an aching body and a mind full of new information, questions and ideas. If you are available from now until Sunday I suggest attending the event. If you cant, I suggest putting it  in your diary for next year. 

I challenge you to learn something new this week.

Until next time,

Keep smiling

Dee

Miss Make It Happen

www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk

*descriptions of the talks are from the hayfesival.com website. 

#TBS2014

Last week (15-16th May) was the start of show season for business owners across the UK. The Business Show, Accountex and Legalex were at Excel in London. To me these shows are like the Oscars of the business world. If you're not attending then you're missing out on something BIG.

To me, the business show starts approximately 2 weeks before the event itself. I do a social media campaign to see who will be exhibiting and attending, i'll book times to see speakers and I also volunteer on the 4Networking stand. During the 3 days before the event I work like a horse, ensuring all work is up to date as I know full well that working as normal during the show days will go out of the window.

I'm constantly hearing people say they're too busy to attend or they don't see the point in attending these events. They are missing massive opportunities... At this years events I had several hours of networking, I got to see people from all over the country who I usually talk to online, I landed a new client, I helped people and at one point inspired someone. That's just what I personally took from the show.

The shows themselves are a hive of activity. From exhibitors to attendees, everyone is buzzing. There is constantly something going on from talks to workshops to networking. The way to know if you got the best out of the shows if you have a brain overflowing with ideas and a feet that hurt. It may take you a couple of days to get over the impact of these shows but its totally worth it.

Thank you to everyone who makes these events what they are, from the organisers, exhibitors and attendees. I would write a list of everyone who had a personal impact on me last week but i'll be here all day, you know who you are...

I'll be attending smaller events from now until the end of the year but the next BIG event in my calendar will be The Business Networking Show. Check them out HERE.

Until next time, keep smiling...

Miss Make It Happen

www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk

 

 

 

Enough is enough

Everyone has a tipping point.

You know the point where you snap, can't take a situation anymore and you say 

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

You don't need to feel bad about giving up on someone or something. If I'm honest, it's probably kinder if you do. Let the person fend for themselves without you picking up the pieces.

Don't get me wrong, if your friend or family member is stuck in a series of unfortunate events then yes, of course you're going to be there for them for however long it takes. I'm talking about the neg heads who refuse to walk away from a bad situation, or keep going back to a situation that is wrong. 

YOU CANNOT HELP THEM! 

It doesn't matter how hard you want them to change they're not going to. They constantly let you down and they can swear until they are blue in the face that they won't do it again but you know deep down that it's only a matter of time. 

By protecting them and picking up the pieces you can be doing more harm then good. Believe me, I'm talking from first hand experience. I don't just mean harming them. Your actions of protecting them can also lead to your relationships breaking down. Well meaning friends and family will tell you to walk away yet every time you stay to pick up more pieces, people start to wash their hands of you. You then become the problem. 

It's ok to walk away from people and situations. It doesn't mean you're a bad person. It means you tried and now you understand that some people are beyond any normal help. It'll be hard but your life will be a lot happier. 

So yes, I'm giving you permission to let go. 

Right now you're probably thinking 'who the hell does she think she is' but you'll thank me later. 

This life is YOURS. It's time to live it for YOU, not anybody else. 

Until next time, keep smiling.

Miss Make It Happen

www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk

Twitter.com/MIH_Dee

There's an app for that!

Almost everyone reading this blog will know what an 'App' is. If you don't here is a brief outline -

'A self contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose; an application, especially downloaded by a user to a mobile device'

Now i'm no techno-geek but I know what i like when it comes to apps and gadgets. I know how simple they can make your life but what i didn't know was how much work goes in to creating them.

You've probably used the phrase 'There's an app for that' at some point in the last few years. We grab our smart phone and head to the app store (or equivalent) to make our lives easier or more enjoyable. But who are the brains behind these apps? who designs, codes, and brings them to life?

One company I have had the pleasure of coming across is Appware. You can check them out at www.appware.co.uk. The MD, Richard Eaton, is the coolest geek i've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He took the time to explain what appware do and how apps work. The guy needs a medal.

So what do Appware do? 
Appware develop smartphone apps, bespoke web apps, SaaS solutions and offer web design. and online / e-marketing. They are certified developers with all the major mobile phone platforms including iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Android, Windows Phone 7, Blackberry, WebOS and Symbian. They provide custom solutions which fit the way you work and pull together all of your existing data and applications. Appware pride themselves in their innovative approach to solving complex and inflexible business issues. Because of their expertise in web development, mobile websites, and mobile apps, they can be your one stop shop and build you a system that allows you to use that same data across all of these platforms. You can check out their blog here.

Appware are currently based in Leeds but they have BIG news. As of 01/05/14, yes that's tomorrow, they will also be launching their office in LONDON! How great is that? its fantastic to see a local business spreading its wings over the nation.

If you are considering having an app built I thoroughly recommend talking to Appware. You can contact them in a number of ways -
Leeds     - 0113 397 0401
London   - 0203 637 1192 (from 01/05/14 09:00)
info@appware.co.uk
www.appware.co.uk

Appware have the official MMIH seal of approval.



Hope you all have a great week.

Until next time, keep smiling.
Miss Make It Happen

Dee@MissMakeItHappen.co.uk
www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk
www.twitter.com/MIH_Dee

Do you need to be liked?

It recently come to my attention that I no longer care if people like me. 

There was a time where I'd walk in to a room of people and I felt I needed every one to be my "friend". I was shy and charming in the hope that people would talk to me. I needed to feel accepted. A lot has changed in the last year and now, I couldn't give two hoots if 1 person likes me. 

So what's caused this dramatic change? Me, my self confidence and realising that other people don't define who I am or how I should behave. This change has improved my life to such an extent that I'm now a lot happier. 

No one should feel like they need to fit in. The world is made up of very different people, no two are the same so why should we hide our true identity? We should celebrate our differences.

Growing up I was a shining light. I was the girl with multi-coloured hair, had an opinion on everything and I pushed the limits of society. I had top grades, I was an ambassador of my school and I was part of every sport team going. I had enough friends to start an army and I was happy. Then work and ex boyfriends sucked the life out of me. I was turning in to a "yes girl" and a "wife". I needed to please people. I didn't want to upset anyone. I dressed how I was told, acted like a good little girl and had no opinions. My bosses controlled me, my partners controlled me and I let it happen. 

Fast forward to 2011 and I bought a book. "Get Off Your Arse". It ignited a spark inside me. Something that I hadn't felt in a long long time. The real me was poking her head out again. I loved this feeling, people around me didn't. I ended up turning my life upside down, giving it a good shake and disposing of all the pieces. This included a 6 year relationship. Over the next 2 years I started to find myself and rebuild things. Do you know what happened? After I'd got the negativity, nervous break down and self pity out the way, I blossomed. I lost 3 stone, dyed my hair bright pink / red, started a second company, whilst helping and inspiring others to do the same. 

As Brendan Johnson, of Authentic Spirit (www.authenticspirit.co.uk) said "My AWESOMNESS is not dependent on anyone else's approval or permission. You can catch him on twitter @Rev_BJohnson for more words of wisdom and beardy pictures. He's a legend. 

The moral of this story is - you can only do your best and be the best if you are true to who you are. You are unique so start acting like it. At any given time you are the perfect version of who you are meant to be at that time.... If you are true to yourself. 

Now I'm not telling you all to leave your partners, turn your worlds upside and start partying every weekend. All I'm saying is, you get one chance at this life, spend it being you. The YOU that YOU want to be. If you want to dye your hair green, do it. If you want to wear speedos on the beach, do it. If you want to laugh at inappropriate times, do it. Make yourself happy. The people who matter don't care, The people who care don't matter. 

When you start accepting who the real you is, so will everyone else. If they don't then they don't need to be in your life. BE BRAVE, BE YOU.

Until next time... Keep smiling, you're perfect. 

Miss Make It Happen

www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk

@MIH_Dee

Networking "Friends"

It was recently brought to my attention (by my mum) that it isn't possible for me to have so many "friends". After questioning what she meant it turns out that she believes that the people I meet whilst networking across the UK are not "friends" but acquaintances. 

So I pondered

At first I was a little defensive. Of course these people are my friends. I talk to them regularly, we visit each other and we pass business to each other. Then I got to thinking a little deeper. Was she right?? Was I in fact under the disillusion that these people were in fact my friends? 

Enter my friend of about 15 years. His view is that I have too many people around me. The higher the volume of "friends", the higher the risk of neg heads (I love that phrase) creeping in to the inner circle. Thus, draining my energy and making it harder for me to succeed. He was right. So I removed those people from my circles. New acquaintances, mates, long standing friends from school. GONE. And my life seemed happier over night. 

Back to my mums statement, I started to think about my networking "friends" a little more. Although I still refer to them as friends they now fit in to 4 beautifully titled categories. 

*FRIENDS* - the business contacts who are there for me when things get rough. 24/7. These are the people I'll pick up the phone to at 3am. The "no questions asked" crew.

*MATES* - the ones that are there when things go right then go AWOL when things aren't so great. I'll call these people back when I can. 

*ACQUAINTANCES* - people I've said hi to but not yet formed relationships with. These people will be promoted or relegated in the future.

*KNOB ENDS* - the arseholes you keep close enough just so you can keep an eye on. It's always a good idea to know when you're going to get stabbed in the back. 

So maybe my mum was right. Maybe I don't have as many friends as I thought I did. Don't get me wrong my "inner circle" is packed out with some pretty amazing people. But my networking circles have just become smaller. I like the idea of this. The total number of people is still the same, I've just made lots of little hierarchy type circles now. 

This whole blog has helped me realise who is REALLY important! who should be taking up my time. who I want to help achieve success and who can figure it out on their own. I urge you to do the same. Take time out and pick your way through your friends list on FB, go through the contact list on your phone, block the followers on twitter that make you roll your eyes. Be thorough. Be brutal. I guarantee after the initial shock of "what have I done??" Has worn off, you'll be smiling in a few days. 

You have but one life. Fill it with good things, good people and good thoughts. 

Much Love, until next time.

Miss Make It Happen

X

The Importance of being kind.

It's been a great week at MIH Towers and do you know why? The kindness of people. 

I've had so much help, love and support recently that I wanted this blog to let people know that it hasn't gone unnotice. I'm a massive believer in karma. Business karma, life karma, love karma. You get what you deserve. Put out in to the world what you want to receive. Never underestimate the power of a thank you, a "would you like help", a hug. To you they may seem insignificant but to that person, who may be going through their own hell, it could mean the world. 

People, however strong they think they are, need support sometimes. A cheerful hug I received on Friday meant so much more. It was just a normal friendly hug but to me it was just what I needed at that time. It made me feel safe. Safe is not a place I visit often. I paid that hug forward to my mum the following day. 

I've been on twitter for a couple of years now, I jump from account to account creating tweets, building brands and playing my alter egos. From the MIH account, to my personal account, client accounts... I become a difference person. I'm what the account needs me to be. AND I LOVE IT! 

I slipped up recently, I forgot that everyone hadn't been on twitter for as long as me, they didn't have the large interaction circle, they didn't know the ropes. So when someone said "twitter is sh*t, I don't know why you bother" not only was I shocked, I didn't get it! Then I remembered my first months on twitter. It can be a scary place. 

"Will they mind if I follow them?" "Will they mind if I interrupt the conversation" "who should I follow?" 

The truth is, we're brought up to behave, be quiet, don't interrupt conversations, speak when you're spoken to. Twitter throws all those rules out of the window. You need to be assertive, confident and get your point across. SEND THE PIC OF THE CAT WEARING A BIKINI - Do it, be brave. 

The more you use twitter, the better the experience. Yeah, you'll come across some serious neg heads but that's what is so great about the 'block' button. As a whole, twitter is a great platform for personal and business growth. 

Well I'm keeping it short but sweet this time around...

Do something selfless this week... Be there for someone, even if they don't ask you to be.

Until next time

Much Love

Miss Make It Happen

Twitter - @MIH_Dee

FB - Facebook.com/MIHDee

Web - www.MissMakeItHappen.co.uk