Vicki O’Toole

Winning the IMAGE Business Woman of the Year in 2011 came as a complete shock and surprise to me. It was most humbling to win such a prestigious award, particularly when I met with so many incredible fellow?candidates?at the award ceremony.

Personally, winning the award has brought me down avenues I would never have travelled such as?interviews on national radio stations?and articles?in newspapers.??In addition to my family and company, gardening is a passion of mine.??As a result?of the exposure?that followed winning the award, I found myself writing a gardening-related article for Irish Countrywoman ?magazine which I would never have thought would?come to pass!

In the last two years?I have been asked to speak to students in universities and colleges as well as at Networking Breakfasts for IMAGE.?Public speaking?was?not?within my?comfort zone, but I have welcomed the opportunity and?experience, which?in turn?have?helped’me to grow?in?confidence?for future?presentations.????? .

Business-wise, winning the award?has been’very beneficial. The media attention that came with winning has brought added recognition to our company,?which in many cases have resulted in packaging orders?for JJ O’Toole Ltd?.

Overall, the experience has been fantastic?and one that introduced me to so many?amazingly inspiring?and?talented women along the?way. Someone commented jovially at the post-award celebrations?last year after I had?handed over my ‘crown’ that I was now ‘so last year’!?But in reality,?the?benefits that come with winning the IMAGE Business Woman of the Year are ongoing.

I wish all those who have been nominated or put their?own?names forward for the 2013 Business Woman of the Year, the very best of luck.

NOMINATE YOURSELF, YOUR FRIEND OR A COLLEAGUE?HERE

And to take a look at last year’s winners see?here

WHAT:?The IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards in association with Brown Thomas.

WHEN:?7pm, Tuesday November 26

WHERE:?Royal Hospital Kilmainham

TICKETS:??95 per person, discounts available for groups

BOOK:?here, or at?business@image.ie, tel 01 2719616

CATEGORIES INCLUDE -? Entrepreneurship – Young Businesswoman (under 30 on December 31, 2013) – Management Professional – Start-up – Overseas – Social Entrepreneurship – Creative Industry?