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BUSINESS WOMAN: Dionne Reid Lewis

OSWORLD'S PEOPLE & Places speaks with Dionne Reid Lewis who is the brainchild of The Coaches Networking Convention, which takes place on Saturday, November 12 at the Holiday Inn Kensington.

Hosted by BBC News presenter Brenda Emmanus, the event promises to open doors to those interested launching their own business, established business owners and entrepreneurs.

What is the coaches network?

The Coaches Networking Convention is the brainchild of myself and Christine Charles, and was a result of a conversation between us comparing notes on how we felt about running our own micro businesses as Life Coaches, how isolating it was and how there was no official network in the UK that brought Coaches together in one space to network, share and learn.

The coaching community as it currently stands is fragmented, so we decided to create our own event and network which would address the area we felt were missing.

Why have entrepreneurs become so vogue?

In the mid to late 1800′s the Industrial Revolution swept up cottage industries onto the factory floors. It was impossible for small family businesses to compete with the mammoth conglomerates that emerged.

Now, 150 years on the reverse is happening. Small entrepreneurs all over the world are taking market share from big business. This revolution has become VOGUE because in the current economy, never has the time been so ripe that small and micro businesses are able to compete with some of the really big companies …. And WIN!

What are three main things people need to do in order to create effective change in their professional life?

Create a vision for what you would like to do in your professional or personal life.
Set goals for how you can achieve the things you want in your personal and professional life.

Take the first step!

Why do people procrastinate and how can we stop?

People often say, ‘Some day I’ll …… start a business’, or, ‘Some day I’ll …..travel’. When asked when will you do it, there will always be a perfect excuse, a BUT, that stops them! People need to ask themselves, what one thing could you do to take you on step closer to your goal? By taking one step towards your goal it bypasses the procrastination and gets you into action!

What makes a successful business plan?

As Bev James says, “A business plan is your road map. It outlines where you want to be, how you will get there and what resources you will need along the way. A business plan should not be limited to when you start a business either; it’s a working document which should be amended as you grow.”

Are men more better starting up business ventures than women?

No, definitely not. In my experience anyone can have the vision and start a successful business.

How can people become motivated if they feel uninspired by their professional life and their future?

Look at the things you enjoyed doing and worked out how you could do more of the things you want to do and are good at.

If children are the future, what steps can we begin to teach them to ensure that they begin their professional career on the right track?

Teach all that they already have everything they need and they can be anyone they want to be and achieve anything they want to. Also teach them to set goals for the things they want to have or achieve in life. Setting Goals and achieving them increases your self esteem and increases your motivation to keep moving forward.

What is your favourite motivational saying?

What you think about comes about! This quotes work on the basis that our minds are the most powerful tool we have and that what we think about drives the reality of what happens in our lives.