Instant Success - why not!

I am a fan of the Instant Success series by Brad Sugars. He has invested and turned around MANY businesses and is a multi-multi-billion-dollar success, so I am more than happy to absorb and learn as much as possible from him. What I like about the books are that they are easy reads and there is always something to take from them.

For instance, I have just finished the Instant Systems book where he focusses on the importance of having structures in place to make sure that service delivery on all spheres is consistent. This is especially important for us as we have offices across the country. So we have slowly but surely started documenting all our processes and now have a step-by-step guide for almost everything! I can attest to the incredibly positive impact it has had on how we function as a team to deliver on and be the  "Swiss Army knife" of business communication!

Dressed for success!

They say that it is not what is on the outside, but what is on the inside that is important. True. However, being human beings, we judge. everything. all the time.

It only takes seven seconds for someone to form an opinion of you when they meet you for the first time. What you wear, how you wear it and how your present yourself really does matter.

I love colour, the brighter, the bolder the better! You would definitely not say this if you looked at my very black, grey and blah corporate wardrobe a week ago. At the beginning of the year, with business goals set, I knew it was time to invest in a closet clean-out and re-haul. But - what do I keep, what do I throw out and what items should I invest in? So, I called on the help of Nedine Pieters, dynamic business owner of Creative Styling Solutions.

I will be the first to admit that there was much hesitation to let someone into the incredibly person and intimate space of ones wardrobe. Oh so many (unnecessary) worries and concerns. But what a wonderfully eye-opening experience.

Nedine helped me to put structure into place for easy mixing and matching, and also showed me amazing combinations of clothes that I would never in a millions years would have considered a match. With her direct approach, honesty and fine sense of humour - we worked through what would work, what would  not work, and what from the 90's had passed their due date.

I am having so much fun with my wardrobe, it is so interesting to see and experience how much confidence a new style and clothing combination can give one.

Here's to dressing for success in 2014!

Regrouping and getting ready for the year

Three long weeks of summer holiday was over way too quickly! I feel a bit torn about it though - as much as I could really do with another couple of days of holiday, I am super excited about the year ahead and getting back into the swing of things. 

We had an amazing team building session earlier this week in Tulbach, Western Cape (Vindoux – Tree House Guest Farm and Spa - is highly recommendable – apart from beautiful scenery, the rooms and especially the hearty homemade meals were a treat!). The session helped us to re-group, re-focus and set goals for the year ahead.

As we all work remotely in different parts of the country (Pretoria, Randburg, Tembisa, Midvaal, Cape Town, Stellenbosch and newly added Klerksdorp!), it was wonderful to have all the ladies together – there was a lot of laughter despite very early mornings and a jam-packed itinerary. 

I am so incredibly grateful for the amazing team.  

Here’s to magical things happening this year!

Holiday happiness

Holidays are great! Something which was definitely neglected by me last year. It has been wonderful to recharge the batteries - so much so that I have already diarised considerably more breaks for this year! 

My top six favourite holiday activities - 

1. Spending quality time at home and with those that are dearest and nearest

2. Reading - Long Walk to Freedom was the holiday read and highly highly recommendable for everyone living or visiting South Africa, it outlines the history so well. (I don't think it would hurt our current dispensation to go through it again as a reminder as to what it is all about)

3. Catching up on vitamin D 

4. Baking - lemon meringue pie (battling to get oemph into the meringue part, but I think I have it now using an Italiain meringue recipe). Reindeer ginger / mixed-spice biscuits were also tried and used for Christmas gift decorations. A couple of years back my sister helped me bake them (ok she baked the whole herd!) don't know how she did it; seven were my limit :)

5. Knitting - was quite proud to figure out a rabbit pattern (pom pom tail and all!) for my god-son. The first attempt was not that successful, after a guffaw and tears of laughter at my "octopus" (from said dearest and nearest) I realised I had to try again. Fortunately the second attempt was more successful. 

6. Puzzles - Jan Van Haasteren is my absolute favourite jigsaw artists. I was treated to the "Safari" one this year. The detail of these puzzles are amazing. 

7. Surfing - definitely catching a few waves, (unfortunately the surf is not that great at this time of year) - making one appreciate the good days so much more.

What are your favourite holiday activities?