I was just watching BBC London News and was thrilled to hear that little Harvey Parry, whose story we featured on The Rasheed Show (my pilot TV show) is on his way back from the USA… with new prosthetic legs. This is fantastic news and is down to the tireless efforts of Harvey, his family and fiends and media support including the BBC coverage. Wonderful news and well done to the Harvey Parry Appeal Fund and everyone who has supported them

A few weeks ago I met up with a client of mine called Shabi who I had not seen for a around 18months. I was touched to hear her progress, despite many challenges, so I invited her to write her story. Here it is….

“When I first met Rasheed in 2008 I was at my lowest ebb. My mother was seriously ill and I felt helpless watching her health deteriorate. I was also soon to be made redundant from our family run business which I had managed for 20 years. Amongst this I was trying to find a job helping people to help themselves.

Working with Rasheed made me realise I had repressed my passions. He helped me to reconnect with my objectives and acknowledge that anything’s possible.

Having lived with lupus since 1993 I decided to do the NHS-run Expert Patients Programme which enables people with long term health conditions become better self managers - equipping them to feel less of a victim and more in control.

I trained as a volunteer tutor and became the committee secretary responsible for organising meetings. I’ve co-delivered three courses successfully, became accredited and trained and delivered on the self-management of coping with diabetes - a condition I also live with.

I’m proud to be a part of the Expert Patients Programme . I have met brave and inspirational people. Although I don’t yet have a job in this area, I hope to soon. I am remaining positive. Regardless I am richer for having experienced the Expert Patients Programme.” -
Shabi Choudhri

As the world looks on at the UK election results and what happens next remember that the outcome is actually very clear… YOU are the Prime Minister.

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading coach, motivational speaker and author of The Gift of Inner Success. His clients include entertainers, enterpreneurs and organisations. He helps people find fulfilment in all areas of their lives from within.He regular speaks on life, work and relationship issues in the media - inc appearances on ITV News and BBC Breakfast

Every year thousands of organisations - and the managers and staff in them - face change. In a couple of weeks I’ll be coaching a team where there’s been uncertainty and redundancy. I’ll be helping them look at their strengths, challenges, change and how embrace and hopefully shape the path ahead. And just yesterday I was with some former managers from City firms as they began to map out their next career steps.

Organisations in change is not a new story but an old one. Space, strategy, support, communication and transparency are among the keys to help change succeed - and to help those affected by change to grow. And ironically a powerful way to help organisations through change is to use the power of story. One colleague and friend of mine who does just that is Margaret Parkin author of Tales for Trainers and founder of Success Stories. I caught up with her for a brief chat last week as she stepped into London to run a masterclass. I asked her about why storytelling can be effective tool.

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading coach and motivational speaker. His clients include entrepreneurs, entertainers and organisations. He helps people find fulfilment in all areas of their lives, careers and relationships.

It’s been an interesting week in which a couple of people and an organisation have asked me to coach them for public speaking.

Speaking publicly is in my bones: I left school at 18 and started my professional life in media which included training people to speak to the press and to appear on TV and radio. And before becoming a speaker / coach I was a singer and performer… so I understand what a performer, audience and the various ‘agents’ in between want.

Some people who may train you to speak and present overcomplicate matters - or worse try to get you to be someone else or bind you to rules which are at best guidelines. Speaking is an art. It is a dance between you, your audience and your message and objectives. It is, like all things, a relationship. The more rich and honest the relationship, the more engaging a effective a speaker you will become. Here my simple tips:

You & your story

• Who are you? What’s your story? What’s your style? What’s your purpose?
• Your biog, website etc need to reflect this
• Be, breathe, be rooted. Use your voice, passion, body, strengths and fears

Your audience

• Who are they? What do they want?
• What’s the brief and who is the customer? (build strong rapport with all )
• How can you win (often multiple audiences) over and be true to you?

Your message

• Clear, crisp, compelling: and relevant
• Start, middle, end (sandwich: strong start & end with a tasty / healthy filling)
• Sweet, seductive and simple… what outcome do you want?

The space

• View it, visit it, connect with it, change / re-arrange it
• Use it and own it
• Respect it and be at one with it

The tools / technology

• Which are right for you, the audience and the occasion?
• Use it, don’t, let it use you – be-friend it, learn how to use
• Have a back-up – be able to deliver without it

Tips
• Interact, invite, engage and involve
• Facts, figures, stories, examples, props, Q&A
• Plan, prepare and perform
• What works for you: some plan/prep/ rehearse/visualise endlessly, some never do
• Know when to embrace and break the rules

Above all: be you and honour, empower and entertain your audience. If you do this you will flourish.

Rasheed Ogunlaru: is a leading coach & speaker. He is author of The Gift of Inner Success and A Zest for Business. His clients include entertainers, entrepreneurs, healers and teachers. He is the business coach partner of the British Library and often appears in the media, including appearances on BBC Breakfast and ITN News. He helps people of all backgrounds find lasting fulfilment in all areas of their lives, relationships and careers.

I have 5 questions for you. Four of them came to me a couple of days ago and the last yesterday. I asked them of the professionals / entrepreneurs at my new event The Mind Spa yesterday at Molton House in central London. And I invite you to ask them of yourself.

The awareness, asking of and gently acting on what emerges may be enriching and enlightening:

1) One thing about you that’s already great: Too often we overlook the magic we already have. Too often we see the imperfections and overlook our strengths and thus miss our possibilities. So many people I coach struggle with this. They have been blinded by - and bought into - the lies that they have been told about themselves throughout their lives.

2)One thing thing to let go of to create space: Perhaps there are physical things that are cluttering your home/ work space and hampering your emotional space. Let them go. Perhaps there are other issues to let go of.

3) One thing to accept and embrace: Sometimes in life there is no problem and some times the is no solution. The gift of life is simply to embrace it. Spend some time with this question gently.

4) One thing to focus on on the the coming hours and days: Too often our minds are ineffective as our attention is spit into so many areas of concern and distraction. What one thing would make the most positive impact on your life - and based on that what should your attention, earnestness and action be focused on.

5) One person who can help you along the way: No-one is an island. No one or nation is completely independent without relationship to another. We are part of one whole. The more we fight that actually re-inforces that fact. What person can help you with the personal, professional or other concerns that face you. Sit with this. It may be someone you know by name or a type of person you need to seek. Who may be able to help you find this person - where might you begin.

Go about these questions with a light heart.

Each year I meet thousands of entrepreneurs, sole traders and business owners - including many at my workshop Making it as an Entrepreneur. Their challenges are usually the same and so are the success factors:

Rasheed’s 5 Top Tips:

* 1. Clarity & focus: Who are you? What do you want to achieve personally and in business? What is you business about and can you communicate this in a way that anyone can understand? What are your values? Why are you in business?

* Passion, flair & courage: Without these you are unlikely to stay the course, or survive the ups and downs. It is these qualities that will often attract customers and supporters and these strengths will also give you the creativity and flexibility to find your own space in the market place and stand out.

* 2. Knowing your business and your market: Who are you customers exactly? What are all their different needs, problems, desires and fears? What exactly do they want and how do they want it? If we do not understand and incorporate this then you won’t have a business - merely a wish list. This is an ongoing process of listening to your, your customers and others. The more you listen the more you’ll learn and be in the loop.

* 3. Support: No entrepreneur is an Island. You can not achieve it alone. The quality of your real or virtual team will be a huge factor in your success. What skills and support do you have and do you need? Who can help you? You’re unlikely to win the Premiership with a third division team. And if you are to rise from the third division to the premiership you’ll need the right leadership, team and support.

* 4. Being organised, effective and motivated: I meet and coach many business owners who struggle with this. Simplicity and clarity are the key. Simple systems, priorities and messages. Do you have the right tools, systems and support in place to help you achieve your goals? Using the right technology and psychology is important. What are you spending your time and your energy on and what would be the most effective use of it? You also need time out for yourself, your health and to keep your business and life on track.

* 5. Excellent product & customer service: Ultimately if you don’t have a good product / service nobody’s likely to buy it - or keep buying it. Having a good product is not enough. You need to really care about your customers - not just their cash. I’m amazed at how many businesses actually do not care enough about their customers. if you don’t sooner or later it will be you, not they who pay the price.

One more thing: ultimately business - like all things - is about relationships. If you have a rich relationship with you, what you do, your customers, your suppliers, your peers and your prospects… then you, your business and those you meet will blossom. This is what I call the heart of business. Many people overlook it and many experts do not speak of it, but it is what will make people fall in love and stay in love with you and what you do. Business is after all about our inter-connectedness… if you remember this you will enjoy the journey.

Making it as an Entrepreneur an inspiring workshop for new and established business run by life / business / corporate coach, Rasheed Ogunlaru at / in partnership with the British Library’s Business & IP Centre.

Next dates 10am-12noon Apr 20, June 11, July 22
Cost only £25
To book email rasheed@rasaru.com

Thanks for the 100+ of you who came along to the British Library and made the Swap Skills for Success event just that.

There’s no question that for small businesses in particular building strong relationships, referring, working together and smart skills swapping can fast-track your business. There’s also no question that we need to keep doing it in order to survive and thrive.

During the evening contacts were made, cards-a-plenty were exchanged, future skills-swaps were planned and some potential other great opportunities were planted. We’d love to hear of any successes / links you made.

For those of you running online businesses of interested in social marketing, Suzanne our websites and branding ace has prepared a great tip sheet. For your copy simply send a blank email to sm@zestworks.co.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it And remember to that you can register for our free newsletter on the Zestworks website.

For more events check out the Business & IP Centre website. These include Be your own Brand …a whole day event on May 26 with Helen Parkins and Rasheed Ogunlaru from Zestworks to help you boost your promotion, profit and a limited PR/ marketing budget.

One last thing, so much potential business is ‘left on the table’ and not followed-up. So if you made a warm connection that you think could be really useful then follow-up before it goes cold.

With best wishes the Zestworks team: Rasheed, Helen, Heather, Suzanne and Mirtha.

Last week I was running a personal development workshop for teenagers set in the tranquility of the Lake District. This week I’m speaking to at The Vitality Show, Earls Court. If you’re one of the hundreds of Londoners who are seeking and facing change in their lives and careers - then join me for three inspiring talks

The Gift of Inner Success:Thurs 18 2.30pm & Sun 21 Mar 11.30am: find peace in yourself and all else
From Head to Heart.. Finding your Path: Sat 20 4.30pm how to find fulfilment in your career

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, corporate coach and motivational speaker. He is author of The Gift of Inner Success and Co-author of a Zest for Business. Rasheed is the life / business coach partner of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre. Full details or Rasheed’s talks at The Vitality Show

About three and a half years ago I met Val Hood who was keen to leave behind her secretarial business to focus purely on her work as a medium. I’d never met a medium before, and as with everyone I work with, my job is simply to help them to find and be themselves. We worked together for a couple of months on Val’s goals and dreams and I was thrilled to catch up with her recently to hear about her success, tour or Australia and New Zealand and her forthcoming book. Here’s her story in her words.