What's new this week

Hi [Firstname], 2009 is off to a roaring start. Yesterday we saw history in the making with the inauguration of President Obama. It is wonderful to see such optimism around the world.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Ariadne Capital Entrepreneur Country event and was able to hear from some very successful entrepreneurs. One of the things that really came through for me was how comfortable the speakers were with their success, and the committment they had to their visions, their brands and their bottom lines. It was easy to see why they had achieved the results that they had. You can read more about some of the learnings from the Entrepreneur Country event here.

Finally, we have launched our own Success Academy series on the Women Unlimited website. These articles offer practical advice, exercises and tips on how to create more success in your business and your life. If there are any topics you would like covered, please email us at successacademy@women-unlimited.co.uk

All the best, Julie

Activate your Ambassadors
by Michelle Daniels

How many of your customers really love what you do? Would they want to help keep your business growing rather than watch it decline? If you have great customers, why not harness their satisfaction and turn them into ambassadors to try and win more business?

Turning to the tried and tested

In difficult times we all become more nervous about investing in new suppliers and advisers.

Fear of the unknown and the possibility of things going wrong, make us wary to try out someone new. Recommendations help us reduce this risk. Now, more than ever, your ambassadors should be a major feature of your marketing and sales approach. But how can you build on that goodwill of theirs, whilst also making it worthwhile for them in the process? Read more...

Dragons Den is looking for entrepreneurs... Are you the next Natalie Ellis?

Dragons' Den and searching for business ideas, inventions or products with serious business potential that are investment ready and looking for funding.

The rules are simple: entrepreneurs can ask for cash investment in return for equity in their business.  However, they must get the at least amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing.  The Dragons are prepared to listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make money.

Entrepreneurs wanting to apply can do so via email to dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or by visiting the website www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden

Some other Articles you may have missed in the last couple of weeks

7 Steps to creating the right impression: A great article by Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation on your personal brand

Managing redundancies in challenging times: This one is for those that are struggling at the moment from the solicitors at Barlow Robbins.

Women Unlimited Success Academy

On January 2nd, we launched the Women Unlimited Success Academy series.

Taking 100% responsiblity for your success - A practical article with an exercise on how to break through some of the areas that are holding you back

Invest in yourself for your success - a list of ways that you can invest in yourself and take charge of your development

Your roadmap for success in 2009 - an article on goal setting with some tips for keeping those goals in front of you everyday.

Click here for a full listing of all the articles posted in the last couple of weeks.