The Vanessa Show Reel

I have regularly appeared on Channel 5's Vanessa Show and some people have still yet to see it. So I managed to get some footage and put it into a show reel!

Enjoy!

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My business celebrates its second birthday!

So it is official my first company, Apparition Marketing and Design a Creative Agency in Norfolk and Suffolk, has now made it past two years in business.

I really can't say where the time has gone, but it has certainly been a busy two years for us.

Below we have listed just a few of the highlights...

Opening the Apparition Studio

Appartions Christmas open evening

Raising money for the Halesworth Christmas Lights

With T.Coffeey MP

Talking at the IOD inspirations event in Southend

Charity Fashion Show

Winning EEBW award

Talking at the Swan Hotel in Beccles

Promoting all over the place!

Writing a weekly business column Water off a ducks back in EADT

On a billboard!

Regular appearances on the Vanessa Show on channel 5

Working with some amazing international clients!

And some local ones!

Talking at WiRE and helping other women in business

Becoming Mark Murphys Apprentice Guru on Radio Suffolk!

Apparitions First Birthday!

Judging EEBW awards 2010

Fame comes again...

So yesterday was a very surreal day for me as I was invited back on Channel 5's "The Vanessa Show" this time not as a Sofa Surfer but as a main guest on the panel with Vanessa herself.

The topic was 'do you have to be tough as a woman in business and life'?

My answer to that was no.

I do not believe you have to be aggressive or bitchy to get to where you want d well in either. I live by the rule of treat people how you want to be treated. I think in business you can have a silent power. As Ben mentions on the show sometimes saying nothing is more powerful. Perhaps in some businesses you do have to be strong but there can be a nice way of doing this.

Along side me was editor of Real People magazine Samm Taylor. She had some great points and for her personally she felt she had to be tough as a woman in her industry.

Although this opposes my view I dont think there is a right or wrong answer - just a matter of preference and for me I can walk with my head held high knowing I have been a nice person.

Vanessa mentioned the fact I could be naive, which is a common stereotype for "nice people" however I disagree and thing this is a strength in itself as you can create lasting relationships in work and social life. After all without relationships and collaboration what are we working for?

The day was a whirlwind I have to say the most daunting part for me was having my make up done in Vanessa's make up room next to her! She was very nice and I joked 'You will be gentle with me on air!'

Vanessa's husband Ben was there, who I have been in touch with regularly and would love to say has become a friend of mine. He is very supportive and I love his songs from the Phats and Small days!

I was also lucky enough to meet some lovely celebrities.

Jenny Eclair is a famous Comedian and Star of ITV's 'Celebrity Get Me Out of Here'. In the Green room we had a bit of a chat and all helped her with her crossword (though I think I was the least helpful!) A very down to earth woman despite reputation.

After the show I also met ex UB40 star Ali Campbell, again another wonderful person. Not only does he have a voice that is kind on the ears but a kind heart, he gave me a signed copy of his new album "Great British Songs" which I highly recommend.

Adding to that list was a truly inspirational women, Katie Hopkins (from BBCs The Apprentice.) We chatted for quite some time about business, future growth and I can honestly say she is one switched on woman, someone who I hope I can aspire to one day and I wish her all the luck in the world (not that she needs it.)

Lastly the one we all know as Victor, Star of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother. I have to say when you see him of TV you would think he might be quite intimidating, with his slick attitude and cool style, but a real sweetheart and someone who I know hope to be working with in the future.

So not often can I say I spent the afternoon with a room full of lovely celebrities and had one of the best afternoons of my life! *Starstruck!*

To view the show see here (only for 6more days):

http://www.channel5.com/shows/the-vanessa-show/episodes/episode-67-24

To view my channel 5 link see here:

http://www.channel5.com/shows/the-vanessa-show/articles/tues-12-april-rachel-ducker

EEBW Awards for Entrepreneurs

Are you a businesswoman in East Anglia?

The East of England Businesswomen of the Year Award was started by the Cambridge Businesswomen’s Network in 1989.

Since then, the event has expanded and evolved to acknowledge the enormous achievements of businesswomen in the six counties of the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) to act as an encouragement to others.

Last year I decided to enter and guess what I won!

Love them or hate them, I believe that award ceremonies are important because they offer recognition for specific individuals who produce extraordinary pieces of work within their respective industries.

I can relate directly to emotion that individuals experience when their name is called out to receive the honour. The euphoria and excitement is truly incredible; it really does make you feel like you’ve just won the lottery.

Did winning my award boost my ego? Well I have to honestly admit that, initially, it might have done. However, what I’ve come to realise is that once all the glitz and glamour eventually fades away, I’m still basically the same person as I was before. I just see it as receiving recognition for all the hard work, dedication and commitment that I’ve given to my career over the last few years.

This year the award ceremony is being held at the Ickworth Hotel, near my hometown of Bury St Edmunds, with the competition open to all female businesswomen who want to give it a shot. All I can say is that if I can do it so can you.

Water off a ducks back columns...

Water of a Ducks back is a new EADT business column launched by Apparition Marketing & Designs founder and director, Rachel Ducker.

Rachel, who was named 2009 East of England Young Businesswoman of the year, provides an insight into her approach to doing business a little differently.

For more information and to view the website see Water off a Ducks back - Rachel Ducker.

I have made it onto channel 5...

Last week myself and Gorgeous Star PR Director Hayley Sparkes were lucky enough to be invited on The Vanessa Show on Channel 5 hosted by Vanessa Feltz.

We traveled down to Princess Productions in Londons Queensbridge, to a very snazzy studio situated above a shopping mall  (of all places!)

Upon arrival we met two very lovely people called Keira and Daren who help to organise the show along with Ben Ofoedu (Vanessa's husband and in Phats and Small.) He was a really nice guy, good to know not all celebrities are stuck up.

I have to say the highlight of the day was meeting Gavin and Staceys Larry Lamb. One of the most down to earth people I have come across.

 

So what did Hayley and I do on the show? 

We were asked to give our opinions on the topics of manners and affairs. I have to say it was such a wonderful experience, and good news they want us back. 

Hayley and I will be going back to the studios on 7th April to record another show. Word also has it that the producers are meeting to discuss us both further. Stay tuned... 

To watch the episode on iPlayer click here... Vanessa Show (Rachel Ducker and Hayley Sparkes) and check out us on the Channel 5 website here... Rachel Ducker and Hayley Sparkes - Businesswomen.

I have my own newspaper column!

Just when I thought 2010 could not get any better, just before Christmas I got an email from the East Anglian Daily Times Editor Terry Hunt.

He asked me to come and meet him to discuss and idea he had. Obviously my excitement got the better of me and I could not wait to the next day I went to meet him.

I entered the gigantic home of the EADT politely greeted by Terry who was waiting at reception for me. He walked me up to his office and asked me if I would consider becoming an EADT business columnist. 

I accepted and within a few weeks on the 11th January 2011 my first column was published under the name of 'Water off a Ducks back.'

I came up with the name because firstly it references to my nickname 'Duckey' and secondly in business sometimes you have to go 'ah water off a ducks back, no bother.'

Now to make the column a little different it made sense to write it honestly, I had never been taught business but somehow managed to find my own way into the place I am today. I don't believe in being a conformist in the business world and I love to challenge the stereotypes - so this is what I am doing!

My columns are published every Tuesday and there are even talks of potentially launching a book next year.

So certainly an update for my online entrepreneur diary.

To read my weekly columns you can go to my own official website Water of a Ducks back or view my non-conformist business column at EADT.