As it is a special meeting – I will be offering Athena membership of this group at £200 instead of the usual £235 for anyone joining before or on the day!

We will be celebrating the launch in our usual style with a glass of pink champagne, lovely lunch and a very dynamic meeting.

Testimonial from a member – ‘I joined the Athena Group 14 months ago at a time when I had just taken the leap to set up on my own and it was a great decision. Sylvia is the lifeblood of the local Athena regional groups and her drive, energy and enthusiasm are infectious. My particular group has been very supportive and inspirational and I have met many amazing business women across the region and made some good friends. About 80% of my total business referrals have come to me through Athena – directly and indirectly’. CB

I currently run 8 very successful Athena groups and we are experiencing phenomenal growth with 45 new members joining my Region already this year.

I have 2 vibrant Aylesbury groups and they would love to meet dynamic ladies from the Milton Keynes area and some of them will be attending the launch meeting.
We would love you to see you there and I can personally guarantee that you will go away inspired and motivated to take yourself and your business to the next level!
Do feel free to invite any ladies you know who would like to be part of this dynamic group and experience the incredible business growth and support that our members are enjoying every month.

Feedback from a visitor –

‘The Athena meeting today was absolutely amazing, never experienced anything like it. I feel so inspired’

Confirmation of Time & Venue
30th May – Milton Keynes Athena Launch Meeting, 12md-2.30pm –Doubletree Hilton Hotel, MK Dons Stadium, Stadium Way West, MK1 1ST, 0845 454504 www.doubletreebyhiltonmiltonkeynes.co.uk

Cost – £24 for members and £28 for visitors

I am confident that you will find how easily Athena will help you to promote your business as have many of our members.

The format of the day is open networking from 12-12.25 then introduction to Athena, passing of business cards, short talk on business networking, 60 second introductions from everyone, lovely lunch, excellent speakers, ‘Let’s Talk Business’ – chance for anyone to recommend a fellow networker they have used or ask for a meeting with someone they have met at the launch – (not compulsory) – then open networking over coffee.
All the ladies are very warm and friendly and you will be made to feel very welcome from the moment you walk through the door.

Testimonials from members and visitors:-

Thank you again for introducing me to Athena! I really enjoyed the meeting!!. I feel very inspired to be a part of such a powerful group of women. After spending the last 25 years in a predominantly male oriented industry, I am so delighted to be networking with such wonderful women.
Thank you again!

Hi Sylvia,
I have to say, thank you to you and Athena, I feel so energised and excited about meeting so many enterprising women, I believe I have lots to input to the group and indeed the Region as a whole. I think a spark has ignited in me at the moment and it is all due to Athena.
Sylvia is abound with energy and she channels this back into the groups within her region. She is passionate about making sure that every member get the most from their membership and the opportunities it can give them. Opportunities not only to get new business but also to find a professional support network around their business.

Having left corporate life to set-up my own business I was impressed by how professional and focussed the meetings and events were. Many other networking groups just “do lunch” which is great for the social life but not for growing a successful business. Sylvia is the driving force behind this along with a lot of laughter and fun too! JD

We will also be at

Cappuccino Connections –Wednesday 16th May, 10am-12md, No Charge and no need to book -just turn up and get networking with inspirational women
VENUE;-Jury’s Inns, Milton Keynes Hotel, Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2HP http://www.jurysinns.com Tel:+44 1908 843700,

We will be meeting over tea/coffee to network, make connections, build mutually beneficial relationships and to find out about some of the many benefits of belonging to ‘The Athena Network’ – one of the fastest growing networking organisation for business women in the UK and recently successfully launched in Singapore with 28 founder members!

I do hope you can join us and look forward to hearing from you.

Foe more info and to book for the Athena launch contact- Sylvia Baldock, National Sales Director, The Athena Network -sylvia.baldock@theathenanetwork.com

Nothing gets you and your business noticed more than face to face networking -THE MOST POWERFUL, EFFECTIVE & RAPID WAY to GROW YOUR BUSINESS!

You are warmly invited to a fantastic opportunity to meet local business ladies

We will be meeting over tea/coffee to network, make connections, build mutually beneficial relationships and to find out about some of the many benefits of belonging to ‘The Athena Network’ – THE premier and fastest growing networking organisation for business women in the UK and recently successfully launched in Singapore with 20 founder members!

Confirmation of Time and Venue:-

Cappuccino Connections – Wednesday 16th May, 10am-12md, Jury’s Inns Milton Keynes Hotel, Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2HP http://www.jurysinns.com/ Tel:+44 1908 843700,

Cost FREE

We are actively looking for dynamic ladies to launch new Athena groups in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas as well as looking for founder members for those new groups.

Launching new Athena groups is a very exciting business opportunity to become an Athena Regional Director and a key ‘mover and shaker’ in the local business womens’ community.

Not only will this raise your own profile considerably, you will also make a massive difference to the lives and businesses of the women in your community. The rewards are endless!

Why Would You Be Interested In This Opportunity?
In today’s changing job market, long-term security is measured in months! More and more people like you are deciding it is time to pursue the dream of owning their own business. In planning your next career, your first decision may be whether to take another job or to take control of your future through business ownership
One of the reasons many franchises have been so successful is that, in franchising, a business synergy is created. Franchisees brought together under one trademark can achieve things that as individual business people they could not do.

Testimonials from members –

I have to say, thank you to you and Athena, I feel so energised and excited about meeting so many enterprising women, I believe I have lots to input to the group and indeed the Region as a whole. I think a spark has ignited in me at the moment and it is all due to Athena.

Thank you very much for such a warm welcome to your group. I have come away feeling motivated and truly inspired by so many wonderful women. Gini

“I joined Thame Athena to build up my business contacts around Oxfordshire and to help grow my business and that has been really successful. The number of referrals I have had since joining Athena has been incredible! What I didn’t anticipate was that I would also make so many friends whilst doing so! A totallynon-intimidating but very business-like networking group.” Hazel Scott, Director- Kai Communications.

Do come and join us for a stimulating morning of discovery, new beginnings and some top quality networking.

More information on this very rewarding opportunity – http://www.theathenanetwork.com/athena-franchise/

We look forward to meeting you there and to some very exciting times ahead.

Sylvia Baldock

National Sales Director – The Athena Network 07909 914815
sylvia.baldock@theathenanetwork.com
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/Sylviabaldock
www.theathenanetwork.com

http://theathenanetwork.com/sylvia-baldock/

Fabulous Franchise Opportunities –

http://theathenanetwork.com/about-athena/athena-franchise/

Originally from Hampshire Angela moved to London in 2000 where she started her career in Investment Banking & Event Management however, Angela always had a passion for Fashion with her head buried in Vogue! As a result of a redundancy in 2010 Angela redirected her learning and qualified as a Style & Life Coach where she gained an incredible insight into a positive and creative world. She wanted to utilise her corporate experience so combined this with her Style Coaching and launched www.angelaspiteri.co.uk in 2011.

This year she was given the opportunity to become Regional Director for The Athena Network in Kent which she is excited about and looking forward to the challenge of connecting business women together. Currently running The Athena Network and full time as a Stylist, Angela has the variety and scope to be creative, use her own initiative and face challenges to keep her business thriving. Working with a variety of clients from all walks of life makes things interesting and no two days are the same.

When Angela launched her business she used to “network at every opportunity possible” but wasn’t really getting the results she wanted. It wasn’t until she realised that networking was only successful when built around strong relationships and strategic alliances. Angela feels this can only be achieved when you commit to a group and network regularly. Angela says “I guess this was the message that I found in the Athena ethos and it made me want to be part of its future and success”.

Angela Spiteri

Regional Director North Central Kent – The Athena Network
International Premier Business Networking Organisation for Women

M: 07973 156676
W: http://theathenanetwork.com
E: angela.spiteri@theathenanetwork.com
T: @AngelaSpiteri
W: www.angelaspiteri.co.uk

Building a network of people around you who you trust, know and respect is a great way to generate contacts.

This is why the group you join needs to become your premier sales team and why we must work together to make it just that.  In our groups we only allow one lady per profession to be represented and although we aim to balance the industry groups and grow the group strategically we do need your help.

It is much better to be part of the same group with ladies who you can do business with rather than have too many strangers thrown together.

To be successful at networking relationships need to be foremed and often this can take time to develop.

By helping us grow your group by introducing ladies you know into the network, will help you get results quicker.  Alternatively please let your Regional Director know if there are any companies you would benefit from networking with and we’ll invite them along.  You will have the best understanding of a potential strategic partner for you than we will.

“Building a network of people around you who you trust, know and respect is a great way to generate contacts”

People love to do business with individuals or businesses that have been recommended to them. Every day, just by talking to people, we’re passing on business leads.

Business Networking Really Works!

Focusing exclusively on women in business fulfilling a business development role, The Athena Network offers inspiring opportunities to engage with business owners and decision makers from diverse industry sectors. Founded on values of respect and integrity, Athena groups are committed to welcoming members and visitors in a relaxed, mutually supportive and ethical environment.

Why Join The Athena Network?

The business was founded to provide women in business with opportunities to make strategic connections with professionals in a wide range of industry sectors.

At the heart of Athena’s activities, networking groups meet each month over a good lunch in an attractive venue to make new contacts, develop valuable business expertise and explore visionary ideas. Additional local and regional initiatives provide excellent membership value, through motivational workshops on networking skills and business planning, social events, training courses, business retreats and one-to-one consultancy services.

Vibrant and fast-growing, Athena is the UK’s premier business networking organisation for women in business and is establishing a significant international presence.

To find out more about a group meeting near you please view attend a meeting or telephone us on 0845 004 9262.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our meetings

I rather think it chose me! I had worked for Thomson NETg for nearly 12 years in project management, consultancy and latterly sales. During those 12 years the majority of my meetings were scheduled by a telemarketing team.

You can imagine my surprise when I set up my coaching and training business ‘Phoenix Potential’ to find I needed to source my own clients … a culture shock to say the least. Business advisors suggested networking, I couldn’t think of anything more abhorrent but made the effort so I could, at the least, go back to my business advisor to say that I had done it.

I attended several breakfast networking events and was challenged. I consider myself to be a confident women but at these meetings my knees would knock and I didn’t know what to say. When I spoke to the organisers about this I was advised that “you will just get used to it”. I didn’t want to spend an indefinite period of time ‘getting used to it’ but didn’t know how else to improve. A friend advised me that there was a networking group for ladies being launched in Watford and I made the decision that this would be my one last attempt at it. I loved it!

With a background in business development, corporate training and motivation, I recognised that what was currently being offered could be improved upon with the inclusion of training and a simple replicable business model.

When was the decision made to franchise the Athena Network?

The Athena Network was launched in January 2006. and the intention was always to franchise Athena. I am an advocate of Michael Gerbers E-Myth Revisited, I had worked with excellent coaches, Chris Barrow, Nicola Cairncross who also followed Gerbers principles and very simply  Athena ‘started with the end in mind’

And what led you to decide that there was a need for a networking organisation specifically for women?

Ladies I was meeting were finding that they were not able to commit to attend the early morning meetings. A trial of networking at lunch time attracted more women than men

The Athena Network was launched with the intention of providing networking events specifically for women

So, do men and women have different networking needs do you think?

We certainly have different styles of networking. Women tend (and this is a huge generalisation) to respect that networking is a long term strategy. I’ve been to networking events with men where my eyes have nearly been taken out the business cards are being thrown at me so hard and fast.

Part of the success of Athena is the preparation we give our members and visitors. When they attend a meeting they know exactly what is expected of them.

Is there something special about Athena compared with other women’s networks?

I’m completely biased and of course I would say yes! What differentiates us is that the members have embraced the values of Athena, they are proud to be members. There is a genuine feel of community with Athena

And why do you think Athena has become so successful so quickly?

Because of the training, the support and the community that has been created.

We have incredibly fabulous Regional Directors on the team who are all committed to supporting their members. Many networking organisations are run by individuals who do it as an additional revenue stream, they take on ladies who are paid a commission to run a group. Very simply there is no commitment from them. Although Regional Directors do have other businesses they are as committed to Athena as they are to others.

Speaking as a franchisor, what do you think are the key elements in putting together a successful franchise business?

Training, support, motivation, holding the vision for them (it can become heavy sometimes), creating a simple effective model to follow. Documenting each process acurately, ensuring that you are constantly adding value and supporting.

And do you think buying a franchise is a better business option for women particularly than other start up routes?

I spent two years developing a coaching and training business that was only just starting to earn the revenue that an Athena franchisee could earn in a month. I do think that women need to be discerning in their choice of a franchise, make sure that it matches their values, their lifestyle and that it is something they can see themselves still doing in three years time.

What I personally love about franchise models is that you can still run other businesses but are guaranteed an income from your franchise.

In terms of developing a successful business do you have any top tips for other business owners or those thinking of starting up?

Be kind to yourself! Start with a business you can still imagine yourself in in three years time, surround yourself with mentors and advisors who have trodden the path before you. Educate yourself daily and ask lots of questions!

Finally, how do you see the future of networking developing in the UK?

The UK are behind the USA in their networking strategies and I hold the belief that the future of networking will explode in the UK within the next three years. I only have to look at how many networks start up (sadly as many fail because they don’t understand the principles) hoping to fulfil a need.

Networking will become more diverse, there will be more gender/profession specific groups established and for that I am grateful. One of our Regional Directors said that when she knew she had competition locally it made her ‘sharpen her pencil!’.

A huge success in the UK since 2005, The Athena Network was founded by Jacqueline Rogers to provide business women with opportunities to meet like-minded women from a wide range of industry sectors. The network has now grown to 26 franchisees, 2600 networking members across 30 regions already throughout the UK.

Spearheading the Singapore/Asia Pacific Athena Network launch is “rock chick entrepreneur” Gina Romero, who previously served as Athena Operations Director and Regional Director of the North London area. Now based in Singapore with her family, Gina is poised to launch the Athena Network in the Asia Pacific Region, alongside her brand “Business Rocks!”.

Gina is excited to bring resources, training, events and expertise to start ups and small business owners in Singapore. “Singapore has a thriving community of small businesses and entrepreneurs. I am very excited about the opportunity to bring the Athena brand here to APAC. My vision is to create a dynamic community of inspired women who come together for personal and professional development, fun and of course to open the door to bigger and better business opportunities for all. I believe the key to success in business is collaboration and Athena is a wonderful platform for women to learn, grow and connect.”

Along with the Athena brand, Gina brings with her 6 intense years of IT experience, creativity, logic, boundless energy and savvy business ideas, much of which she attributes to Athena. “Joining the Athena Network was one of the best business decisions I ever made. I had amazing success as a member and I put this down to the support I have received from other members and the founder of Athena Jacqueline Rogers over the years. Being part of the Athena head office team, was a phenomenal experience and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with so many outstanding business women. I am extremely proud to be an Athena woman and I am delighted to be an ambassador for the Athena Brand here in Singapore and Asia Pacific.”

As part of the team supporting Gina with The Athena Network launch is Claire Kidd, a fellow UK expat and associate of Gina in Singapore. Claire has over seven years experience in the corporate world as a facilitator and trainer and is looking forward to assisting The Athena Network launch. Claire is a published magazine writer and is excited about extending her professional network through Athena by helping others with their written content requirements. A certified NLP practitioner, Claire is passionate about empowering people to define and achieve their goals by using innovative techniques.

Gina and her team, along with all the women of The Athena Network look forward to bringing the opportunity to attend fun, focused networking events, trainings and coaching in business and personal development to the dynamic business community of women in the region.

For more details of the Athena meeting in Singapore and/or to reserve your place, please contact:

Gina Romero
Email: gina.romero@theathenanetwork.com
Tel: + 65 8511 6912
Twitter: @gina_romero

She started her career as a psychologist researching how we learn to communicate. This interest led her to train teachers and business people, write books, run a global chain of schools and finally set up her own highly successful language school in Oxford.
Then in 2001 she moved with her husband and daughter to New York just in time to watch the twin towers come down. Living in central Manhattan, at the top of a skyscraper, gave her a bird’s eye view that day. It also made her realise that life is fragile and that we must use every precious moment wisely. Under these unusually stressful circumstances she and her husband decided to part company. Joni moved to their chateau near Toulouse and spent several years writing (unpublished….so far!) novels whilst setting up social networking for Brits in SW France.

Moving back to Oxford in 2009 she developed a corporate income stream for a national women’s charity. This work opened her eyes to the multiple disadvantages of many women. She saw that they had almost no resilience to life’s knocks yet encountered them so often. She knew then that she wanted to put together a programme that would help all women, and men, develop this resilience – so that sadness or emotional upset does not develop into clinical depression. She wrote The Happiness Programme as a step by step practical approach to restructuring one’s life to make it much happier. Today she is starting out to market her innovative work as a ‘happiness coach’.

She first came to Athena to learn how this work could be furthered by networking in Oxford. But she loved the Athena model and knew immediately she wanted to run a group herself. And so was born Athena Bristol.
‘I’ve lived in London, Paris, Rome and New York – just like the Chanel bottle! When you find yourself somewhere new, networking skills are essential. Just as they are when you set up a new business. And a major aspect of The Happiness Programme is the importance of building strong networks. Without these we don’t take risks and we easily get dejected and isolated. Networks are key to living life to the full and to achieving success in business.’