Posts
We are delighted to have the very talented Lisa Dunn of Hexagon VA running our Dumfries & Galloway network. She offers services that every mumpreneur should consider.....in which I am sure I will be needing very soon!!
Lisa tells us all about the services she provides.
“And what do you do?”
So it goes at every party, networking event, social occasion or even family gathering.
“I’m a VA.”
“Oh.” (polite bafflement) “Em, so what’s that then?”
“A Virtual Assistant. You know, like a Personal Assistant, but I work from home and offer administrative and business support online.”
“Oh, I see, how, er, interesting.”
It really isn’t that strange these days to be working from home, but not all of us are good at making beautiful things to sell, or delivering motivational speeches! Personally, I’m very organised and am never happier than when making life simpler for people, so I work from home as a VA. For lots of reasons, my best career move has been setting up my own business to help other business mums.
So why would a mumpreneur need a VA? Well…
What do you find the most bother in your business? Maybe you keep double booking yourself, or leaving your diary behind. Your VA can make sure that your diary is always up to date with online diary management that can be accessed from your smart phone.
Perhaps you can’t keep track of your clients. You go to a networking event, then lose the contact details of potential clients, wasting the money you have laid out. Maybe it takes ages for you to send the same email to lots of different people, and following up leads becomes a nightmare. VAs are particularly good at making use of customer relationship management (CRM) software to help you convert leads to clients, and keep your existing clients in touch with what you are doing.
Maybe you find it hard to use social media. Facebook, Twitter and blogging are so important these days for getting your message out to your potential clients, but so difficult to get around to doing. Your VA can write and schedule your status updates, tweets and blog posts so you don’t even have to think about them, especially if you are so modest you find it hard to tell the world how wonderful you and your products are!
So, are all VAs the same? Not at all! Most VAs have core skills that they offer such as the diary management and CRM mentioned above, but one VA is unlikely to be offering every service you require. However, commonly, your VA will be able to recommend other providers for services she does not offer. It is worth chatting over your requirements with a VA to get the best advice.
If you find that you are spending too much time on your business and not in your business, you should consider working with a VA who can help you restore that precious work-life balance, and work with you to take your business to the next level. Why spend ages on tasks you hate when you could be doing what you love, and went into business to do? Do what you do best, and outsource the rest!
Most importantly here is Lisa's website www.hexagonva.co.uk
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Business Spotlight on Cochrane Cottage
We were delighted when Cochrane Cottage joined our Glasgow meeting and we got to taste some of the delicious products. So we got some business tips from Carol-Anne who runs Cochrane Cottage.
Is your business full time or do you work elsewhere too? Myself & my husband are pretty much full time
Has your business aims changed over the years/months? if so what has changed? We try to drive the business but due to recent opportunities that have come our way and we have grasped , we are finding that the business is driving us ....although we strive to re-address the balance every single day . Our Growth at the moment is exponential .
How do you market your business? The usual ways - Web-site , networking , direct selling at events , throught outlets , tasting sessions , charity events . We try not to say "no" to even the smallest events if we are available .....you would be surprised what can come out of these wee events . Life is about being in the right place at the right time and you never know when that will happen .
What is your greatest business achievement so far? People contacting us to get work, be involved with Cochrane Cottage - it is a 2 way street now . It has taken us a lot of hard work to get to this point but there is always more to do
How do you juggle business and family life? It is difficult but we try to have particular days when we don't work but it doesn't always turn out like that . Of course the family is involved and sometimes I don't know what we would have done without their help but it will get better - I hope !
What are your plans for your business in the next few years? There are financial goals and targets but I'd really like to get some recognition for our branding , the innovative nature of our products - great taste without the FAT or the calories and of course the products themselves .
Do you have any advice that you would like to share with fellow mumpreneurs starting out or growing their business? Keep it simple , do your reasearch and where you start is not always where you finish . We are only 1 year old but I am increadibly proud of what we have achieved in a year . Always remember that every business , no matter how big , was only 1 year old once .And finally be very careful about devoting time to activities which distract you from your goal - time is one of your most valuable commodities - that doesn't mean that you can't take time to experiment . In fact I would encourage it - that is how you learn.
Check out the mouth watering products at www.cochranecottage.co.uk
Is your business full time or do you work elsewhere too? Myself & my husband are pretty much full time
Has your business aims changed over the years/months? if so what has changed? We try to drive the business but due to recent opportunities that have come our way and we have grasped , we are finding that the business is driving us ....although we strive to re-address the balance every single day . Our Growth at the moment is exponential .
How do you market your business? The usual ways - Web-site , networking , direct selling at events , throught outlets , tasting sessions , charity events . We try not to say "no" to even the smallest events if we are available .....you would be surprised what can come out of these wee events . Life is about being in the right place at the right time and you never know when that will happen .
What is your greatest business achievement so far? People contacting us to get work, be involved with Cochrane Cottage - it is a 2 way street now . It has taken us a lot of hard work to get to this point but there is always more to do
How do you juggle business and family life? It is difficult but we try to have particular days when we don't work but it doesn't always turn out like that . Of course the family is involved and sometimes I don't know what we would have done without their help but it will get better - I hope !
What are your plans for your business in the next few years? There are financial goals and targets but I'd really like to get some recognition for our branding , the innovative nature of our products - great taste without the FAT or the calories and of course the products themselves .
Do you have any advice that you would like to share with fellow mumpreneurs starting out or growing their business? Keep it simple , do your reasearch and where you start is not always where you finish . We are only 1 year old but I am increadibly proud of what we have achieved in a year . Always remember that every business , no matter how big , was only 1 year old once .And finally be very careful about devoting time to activities which distract you from your goal - time is one of your most valuable commodities - that doesn't mean that you can't take time to experiment . In fact I would encourage it - that is how you learn.
Check out the mouth watering products at www.cochranecottage.co.uk
Sunday, January 30, 2011
What to do when someone copies your business or ideas?
We posted an article about 6 months ago on how to protect your designs and website for being copied.
Just revisiting this topic, as we have many new members who have joined us since then.
It can be frustrating when you set up a business and work really hard to make it a success for someone to come along and copy your words and ideas. This is never easy but competition can be healthy - it makes you work even harder. However it can be annoying when the people who are copying our ideas are industry colleagues.
Behind the scenes we regularly advise members on how they can protect their ideas, from everything to how they present at trade shows to networking their business.
So here is a great article that I have found which is worth a read -
"Many may imitate what you are doing, in fact they could outright copy, what they can’t have is the essence of the idea, the passion that has kept you awake at night with excitement at the thought of launching a new business idea. They can’t copy the integrity that has formulated the plan … nor understand everything that whirrrs and cogs behind it nor the commitment that your family and team have made to you to ensure it is successful
Howard Schultz, the Chairman of Starbucks states in his book ‘The Starbucks Experience’
“We have no patent on anything we do and anything we do can be copied by anyone else. But you can’t copy the heart and the soul and the conscience of the company.”
-Howard Schultz, Chairman of Starbucks"
Read the full article here http://jacquelinerogers.co.uk/?p=102
Unfortunately it isn't a case of IF your ideas get copied but more like WHEN they do. Remember too that the person copying you will also become a victim of copying too ....
A quote one of our mumpreneurs used is from McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc "My attitude was that competition can try to steal my plans and copy my style but they can't read my mind: so I'll leave them a mile behind"
Be yourself. There is something that you can do better than any other. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that.
If you’re in our network then remember that alliances are extremely beneficial. Building good relationships with other network members can actually boost your business success.
Just revisiting this topic, as we have many new members who have joined us since then.
It can be frustrating when you set up a business and work really hard to make it a success for someone to come along and copy your words and ideas. This is never easy but competition can be healthy - it makes you work even harder. However it can be annoying when the people who are copying our ideas are industry colleagues.
Behind the scenes we regularly advise members on how they can protect their ideas, from everything to how they present at trade shows to networking their business.
So here is a great article that I have found which is worth a read -
"Many may imitate what you are doing, in fact they could outright copy, what they can’t have is the essence of the idea, the passion that has kept you awake at night with excitement at the thought of launching a new business idea. They can’t copy the integrity that has formulated the plan … nor understand everything that whirrrs and cogs behind it nor the commitment that your family and team have made to you to ensure it is successful
Howard Schultz, the Chairman of Starbucks states in his book ‘The Starbucks Experience’
“We have no patent on anything we do and anything we do can be copied by anyone else. But you can’t copy the heart and the soul and the conscience of the company.”
-Howard Schultz, Chairman of Starbucks"
Read the full article here http://jacquelinerogers.co.uk/?p=102
Unfortunately it isn't a case of IF your ideas get copied but more like WHEN they do. Remember too that the person copying you will also become a victim of copying too ....
A quote one of our mumpreneurs used is from McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc "My attitude was that competition can try to steal my plans and copy my style but they can't read my mind: so I'll leave them a mile behind"
Be yourself. There is something that you can do better than any other. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that.
If you’re in our network then remember that alliances are extremely beneficial. Building good relationships with other network members can actually boost your business success.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
www.withbellson.co.uk offers advertising opportunities for Scottish Mumpreneurs
Delighted to bring you yet another opportunity for Scottish Mumprenuers Network members. We have been speaking with Tracey Bartlett of new national wedding directory www.withbellson.co.uk.
She is offering advertising opportunities to our members - so make sure you get in touch quoting Scottish Mumpreneur Network/Wedding and Baby to benefit from the latest discounts.
Here is what Tracey had to say about her new site -
The WithBellsOn wedding information website aim is to bring brides and their local businesses together, connecting those who have wedding services to those who need wedding services.
I hope both the information and directory provided in WithBellsOn will help engaged couples get the information and services they require to make their day run smoothly, whether it is their first, second, third, forth.....I personally wish all engaged couples the very best of luck with planning for their special day and hope their future is bright, with many smiles and only tears of joy.
So, if you are getting married please come to www.WithBellsOn.co.uk for all your wedding information needs, we have some beautiful jewellery! If you are a business owner and wish to advertise your business to all the engaged couples out there, then please come and find more information here... http://www.withbellson.co.uk/wedding-advertising/
http://www.WithBellsOn.co.uk
Email - tracey@withbellson.co.uk
http://twitter.com/WithBellsOnCOUK
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1052174911
http://weedle.com/withbellson
She is offering advertising opportunities to our members - so make sure you get in touch quoting Scottish Mumpreneur Network/Wedding and Baby to benefit from the latest discounts.
Here is what Tracey had to say about her new site -
My Hubby and I married on 15th October 2009, not our first wedding, but definitely our last. Because of this, we only invited our four daughters to the ceremony and celebration meal, it was glorious!! I have done the big white wedding, although nice (and expensive) it was lovely to experience a low key celebration which concentrated on what we as a family wanted. We were very fortunate to meet the lovely Myleene Klass whilst on honeymoon in Windsor that night. After ages watching her filming in our hotel courtyard we went and sipped champagne, a real treat and a perfect end to our wedding day. It was a simple quiet day that ended with a big bang.....eureka moment that is! It The idea was planted to one day branch into wedding planning (watch this space) but in the meantime I vowed to plough my spare energies into the wedding website my husband developed for me. Since this day it has grown immensely and I am very grateful for the time and help my husband has assisted me.
The WithBellsOn wedding information website aim is to bring brides and their local businesses together, connecting those who have wedding services to those who need wedding services.
I hope both the information and directory provided in WithBellsOn will help engaged couples get the information and services they require to make their day run smoothly, whether it is their first, second, third, forth.....I personally wish all engaged couples the very best of luck with planning for their special day and hope their future is bright, with many smiles and only tears of joy.
So, if you are getting married please come to www.WithBellsOn.co.uk for all your wedding information needs, we have some beautiful jewellery! If you are a business owner and wish to advertise your business to all the engaged couples out there, then please come and find more information here... http://www.withbellson.co.uk/wedding-advertising/
http://www.WithBellsOn.co.uk
Email - tracey@withbellson.co.uk
http://twitter.com/WithBellsOnCOUK
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1052174911
http://weedle.com/withbellson
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Award winning Scottish Mumpreneurs
Entering awards can be daunting for Mumpreneurs but two of our Glasgow Network Mumpreneurs have got it spot on.
M.T O'Donnell of http://www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com/ successfully won the The Best Supplier Website at The Bridal Magazines Awards, beating off big companies like Confetti.
The award ceremony takes place in 2011 so we will be interviewing M.T after the awards, to get the low down on what life is like as an award winning business.
Irene McNamee of http://www.i-craft.co.uk/ made it to the shortlist for Best Stationery Supplier and
Louise Graham of http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ also made the shortlist for Accessory Supplier of the Year. Both ladies are also in the Glasgow network.
Alison Tinlin of http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk/ has also successfully made it to the final of Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards 2011. Alison has been shortlisted as one of 5 top wedding planners in the UK. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on the 14th Jan 2011. So we wish her all the best.
Also celebrating earlier in the year was Edinburgh Scottish Mumprenuer Anna Louise Simpson of http://www.mamatea.co.uk/ . Anna Louise scooped the Best Start Up at the Mumpreneur Awards 2010.
M.T O'Donnell of http://www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com/ successfully won the The Best Supplier Website at The Bridal Magazines Awards, beating off big companies like Confetti.
The award ceremony takes place in 2011 so we will be interviewing M.T after the awards, to get the low down on what life is like as an award winning business.
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| Glasgow Girls Wedding Guide |
Irene McNamee of http://www.i-craft.co.uk/ made it to the shortlist for Best Stationery Supplier and
Louise Graham of http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ also made the shortlist for Accessory Supplier of the Year. Both ladies are also in the Glasgow network.
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| I-Craft |
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| copyright http://www.i-craft.co.uk/ |
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| Wedding and Baby Bespoke Accessories |
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| Plans and Presents |
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| Mama Tea at Mumpreneur Awards |
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Scottish Mumpreneur Network speaks with www.bridesupnorth.co.uk
We as you know at Scottish Mumpreneur Network I am always working hard to get our members special discounts. This one comes from the wonderful www.bridesupnorth.co.uk
"The premier blog and directory resource for weddings in the North of the UK and the wider web. A double daily dose of wedding inspiration, supplier showcases, real and celebrity weddings, giveaways and more!"
"Currently adding Featured Suppliers to the Brides Up North directory. Quote Scottish Mumpreneurs for preferable rates!"
I have been speaking with the team behind this site and rest assured they are fab. In fact you will see my business on there next week.
Please contact them direct at contact@bridesupnorth.co.uk for your special rates.
"The premier blog and directory resource for weddings in the North of the UK and the wider web. A double daily dose of wedding inspiration, supplier showcases, real and celebrity weddings, giveaways and more!"
"Currently adding Featured Suppliers to the Brides Up North directory. Quote Scottish Mumpreneurs for preferable rates!"
I have been speaking with the team behind this site and rest assured they are fab. In fact you will see my business on there next week.
Please contact them direct at contact@bridesupnorth.co.uk for your special rates.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wedding & Vintage Headband maker Louise at www.weddingandbaby.co.uk talks to SMN
Wedding and Baby launched in Jan 2009 and is now gaining recognition from wedding industry experts for providing a range of vintage inspired headbands, combs, tiaras and jewellery. Wedding and Baby was also shortlisted in The Bridal Magazine Awards for Best Accessory supplier of the year 2010.
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| Rhinestone Rose hair comb |
In the beginning, Louise Graham decided to build her business by working with extremely talented designers to establish her business. This decision was purely due to her time commitments being limited as she cared for her young son. However as a Product designer to trade (having graduated from Napier University Edinburgh with a BSc Hons in Industrial Design) it wasn’t long before Louise’s creativity was bursting to get hands on again – so she launched her own range of tiaras, headbands and jewellery in Sept 2009. Around this time she also gained recognition from X – Factor contestants, which resulted in her designs being worn to the premiere of Shrek 3D in June 2010.
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| Clam Headband |
Within a year and a half in business Wedding and Baby have launched a wholesale option, allowing the designs to be available to try on in bridal boutiques throughout the country. Already within a month of setting this up Louise has stockists eager to stock her designs.
Louise focuses on vintage inspired pieces with a twist. Her work is renowned for being more than just a wear once accessory. In fact many of her designs can be converted into a brooch and worn again. As well as the website, Louise offers appointments in Glasgow for bespoke orders.
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| Vintage Wedding feather fascinator with bird cage veil |
The Spring/Summer 2011 collection is causing a stir with the media. As always Vintage is the essence of the collection, although this season sees more fabric and feathers along with the usual rhinestones. You can be sure to see Louise’s designs gracing Bridal magazines and Wedding T.V programmes throughout 2011.
What makes Wedding and Baby so unique is that Louise becomes part of the style team. She instinctively uses her design qualifications to create a headpiece that will suit the bride, the dress and the ceremony. Cuddles are a regular occurrence from brides who are blown away by their breath taking bridal accessories.
What’s more Louise keeps in touch with most brides long after the big day and is always delighted to see the baby photo’s that follow!
To have your dream wedding tiara, headband, comb, fascinator, birdecage veil or jewellery created for you make sure you contact Wedding and Baby.http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/
weddingandbaby@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wedding-and-Baby/52939309408
Twitter @weddingandbaby
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| Vintage Cuff Bracelet |
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Interview with inspiring mumpreneur Chez Bec.
I am truly delighted to have had the chance to interview Rebecca Doyle of Chez Bec for The Scottish Mumpreneur Network. Personally she is a huge inspiration to me as we are in the same field of business and shows that she utterly is a "gem" in the wedding industry. I hope she can mentor me some time when she is free and isn't away collecting awards and launching her brand all over the world. So personally thank you from the bottom of my heart - Louise x
Here is her amazing story -
It takes real courage to fly in the face of everything you have worked for, throw away a hard-won career and follow your dreams, but that is precisely what Rebecca Doyle did five years ago when she gave up her career as a lawyer to start a jewellery business. If she ever wanted proof that she did the right thing, it came in the form of an award from Wedding Ideas magazine earlier this year.
Rebecca owns and runs successful wedding jewellery brand Chez Bec, which in January scooped the award for Best Bridal Accessories as voted for by readers of Wedding Ideas magazine. She is also mother to 20-month-old twin boys, a role which she juggles with the demands of a growing business. “Life is pretty full-on,” she says, “but I couldn’t be happier!”.
Happiness certainly seems to be one of her qualities, together with positivity, entrepreneurship, a clear head, sound business sense, determination and, above all else, a clear sense of direction. Affable, personable and full of energy, she has the courage of her own convictions and, now, the joy of spending her days doing something she loves.
It wasn’t always so. On the advice of her careers officer she studied law at university (“It’s such a dry subject, and only later did I learn that you can do a different degree still be a lawyer – if only I’d known!”), but took a year out after she left to consider other options. Nothing obvious sprang to mind and nothing attracted her either so, almost resignedly, she applied to two top law firms and came back from an interview with one of them to find an answerphone message offering her a job. After a couple of years spent training and another two years working in corporate finance, she was well-entrenched in the glamorous role of being one of the only women in a male-dominated environment. “Crazy hours, suffocating demands and working under intense pressure all came with the territory,” says Rebecca. “But the crunch came when my boyfriend (now my husband) booked a holiday to Antigua and the firm gave me a BlackBerry so I could be contacted at all times. And contacted at all times I was!” Rebecca realised that despite the kudos, the career progression and the fantastic salary, this was not how she wanted to live her life. In September 2005, with her boyfriend’s total support, she handed in her notice.
There was an ulterior motive behind this. Ever since she was a little girl, Rebecca had cultivated a love of jewellery and had shadowed her mother, an antique jewellery dealer, at shows and fairs for years. “I used to love visiting the flea markets with my mum and I used to spend my pocket money there. Once I bought a silver locket and I sold it in my mum’s shop in Tetbury. A man bought it for his fiancée for Valentine’s Day. That was my first sale! I was seven.”
The never-forgotten kick from this sale, plus a love of pearls, trinkets, accessories and pretty things, together with a wealth of business knowledge gained from her years as a lawyer, put Rebecca on a clear and determined path. She knew she wanted to set up her own jewellery business. “It was obvious to me that it should be an online business. When I was a lawyer, the ridiculous hours meant that I never had time to go shopping. So I became queen of internet browsing and online purchasing! The relatively low start-up cost of an online shop as opposed to taking premises was a huge incentive, too, and meant that I could get up and running quickly.”
Rebecca set up an office at home, from where the business is still run. Her stepfather came up with the name (a French and abbreviated translation of ‘at Rebecca’s house’). She took herself off to jewellery trade shows in the UK and Paris to take a good look at what was out there and to decide which wholesalers and designers she was going to buy from. The next step was to sign up a PR company to promote the business (“now I do it all myself because it’s far too expensive to use an outside firm”) and invest money in search engine optimisation, which means that if a bride keys ‘wedding jewellery’ or ‘bridal jewellery’ into Google, Chez Bec will appear on the first page of results. She decided not to sign up to any existing online jewellery stores as she felt sure that having a strong web presence via her own website was key to building the brand, and so she spent her limited marketing budget on making sure that potential customers were directed straight to her own website. Rebecca also sent an email alert to over 1,000 contacts that she had built up over the years and got herself listed on Daily Candy, the online magazine that sends alerts to 250,000 readers every day. She placed adverts in fashion glossies such as Grazia and Marie Claire. “I learnt the hard way through trial and error what works and what doesn't. I used my knowledge of the law to do all the legal bits myself, but if there was a book on how to run a successful online jewellery boutique then my life would have been a lot simpler and easier!” she says. “I realise now that when I started up I underestimated the extent to which online marketing was necessary, and I should have invested more money in it. If I had my time again I would go straight into bridal jewellery, as concentrating on the niche market has made us a bona fide brand, and has been a great success!”
Just nine months after Rebecca resigned from the law firm, chezbec.com went live. It started life as a contemporary jewellery boutique selling affordable pieces and the stock was brought in by Rebecca from designers in the UK and Europe. However, when Rebecca was planning her wedding in August 2006 she became totally obsessed with weddings and slowly began to source wedding jewellery. She also advertised for designers locally and put the word about through contacts she had made that she was looking for jewellery designers to work for her. In May 2007, almost a year after launch, Rebecca launched a wedding collection. “It went absolutely crazy!” she laughs. “The collection outsold everything else, so I started cutting back on the other ranges and asked my designers to start making pearl jewellery.”
Rebecca stopped buying in jewellery and focused on designing her own, and employed her two designers to work full-time for Chez Bec. They are based in Kent. By 2008 the boutique sold bridal jewellery exclusively. The company prides itself on selling exquisite yet affordable necklaces, earrings, bracelets, tiaras and hair accessories set with sterling silver, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. From simply stunning to fabulously ornate there is something to suit all brides, and there is a bespoke service for those who want something designed and made exclusively for them (it is also possible to have standard pieces altered). For men, there are pearl cufflinks and cravat pins. Each piece is beautifully designed and handmade in the UK, and gift-wrapped as standard in luxury branded gift boxes with generous amounts of soft white tissue paper. If it is a gift (and there is plenty that is suitable for bridesmaid’s presents!) it is supplied with a hand-written gift card too. These simple yet important touches really do make a difference. Meanwhile, the user-friendly website is easy to navigate with clear photography and clever features such as style guides and testimonials from happy customers.
Having gone 100 per cent bridal, Chez Bec now advertises in wedding publications. The wedding ideas award was, for Rebecca, the icing on the cake of everything she has worked for. “The real thrill of this award is that it is voted for by brides themselves. I love my brides and I get a kick every time one posts a comment on the Chez Bec website saying how delighted they were with their purchase from us. We were finalists in the Best Bridal Accessories category two years running, and finalists in the UK Jewellery Awards 2008 for Best Bridal Jewellery. But to actually win the Wedding Ideas award, and by a big margin, as we did, was really fantastic, especially as there were 70 companies in our category!”
Chez Bec has fared well in the recession and figures actually went up last year. “I do think that couples are delaying their weddings due to the financial situation, but they are still getting married. And when they do, our prices are really affordable – our most expensive item is £68. I believe we really fit a niche in the market, and we are getting more and more orders, not only from the UK – we get orders from France, Spain, the US and even Australia and New Zealand!”
Chez Bec retail has been such a success that at the beginning of last year Rebecca decided to expand into the wholesale market. “I realise that not all brides are online shopaholics like me, and that some do like to try jewellery on before they buy it. Very often they like to try it on when they are trying on dresses so they can get the complete look. I really didn’t want to open a shop, so supplying other shops seemed like a natural move.” A brave step in a credit crunch perhaps but, like everything else Rebecca turns her hand to, a good one. The first wholesale range, launched for AW09, was extremely well received and has a fast-growing stockist network (currently 15 shops) in the UK. Rebecca hopes to expand that network and to this end she is exhibiting for the first time at Harrogate in September, where she will be launching two stunning new collections for SS11 – organic designs incorporating vintage-inspired components and a myriad of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. What bride could possibly resist?!
Is your business full time or do you work elsewhere too?
I run my business full time alongside being a mum to 2-year old twins. Life is pretty busy as you can imagine!
Has your business aims changed over the years? if so what has changed?
My business has grown year on year since I started it back in the summer of 2006. It has even grown through the credit crunch when a lot of businesses are failing. I sell more in one month now than I sold in the whole first 6 months of opening! I have recently gone international with a stockist in Munich in Germany and I hope this is the first of many international stockists. I sell all over the world through my website with a strong customer base in the US, Hong Kong, Dubai, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Spain, Germany, Malta and Italy
How do you market your business?
I advertise in all of the leading bridal magazines and I invest a lot of time and money in SEO. Never underestimate the power of marketing, both online and offline. Being a website, if people don’t know where to find you, how can you ever expect to have any customers unless you tell them where you are!
You have had great success over the last year winning awards. Would you encourage others to enter awards and what has the benefits been to your business from winning an award?
Winning the Wedding Ideas Awards 2010 was like a dream for me. Having been runners up for the two years before, I never thought we would actually win the Award but it really was 3rd time lucky! Winning the Award has boosted my business more than I ever imagined it could do. We are now an “award-winning” brand and that gives customers a certain confidence when buying from us. Winning the Award was like the most enormous seal of approval one could wish for. It meant that the last 5 years of hard work had been worth it. I get emotional every time I think of winning the Award. After my wedding and having my twins, it really was one of the best moments of my life. I would certainly encourage others to enter awards. It can only give recognition if you win and if you don’t win, you’ve not lost anything. And if at first you don’t win, try, try and try again. We’d been runners up in the Wedding Ideas Awards for the two years previous to winning.
We know you are also a mum to twins. How do you juggle business and babies?
I am indeed Mummy to Max and Isabella, my 2-year old twins. We don’t have any family nearby to help out. Our nearest family is 2.5hours away and the rest are in Scotland , Canada and France ! I have limited childcare and work pretty much every single second I can around my babies (nap times, evenings and weekends). Most people think I am totally crazy even attempting to run a business with twins but for me, my business is my third baby and there was no way I could ever give it up. I was even on my blackberry two hours after my c-section as the babies had decided to turn up rather early (at 35wks instead of their booked c-section at 37.5wks) and I’d just begun a total re=-design of my advertising campaign and I had adverts to sing off left, right and centre! It wasn’t ideal but what could I do. Let’s just say I’ve learnt to do a lot whilst balancing two babies on my lap!
What are your plans for your business in the next few years?
I hope my business continues to grow from strength to strength as time goes on. Each year, I launch one of two new collections and I love each collection more and more. Dealing with brides every day of my working life is an honour and I wake up every morning raring to start work. Not many people can say that now can they.
Do you have any advice that you would like to share with fellow mumpreneurs starting out or growing their business?
Research, research, research! If you don’t know your target audience you won’t know what products they want to buy and you won’t succeed. Also, never underestimate the power of marketing, both online and offline. If people don’t know you exist, how will they ever find you? When starting out it is very normal to eat, drink and sleep work. Indeed I still do this most of the time now, 5 years on and with twins to look after! But you have to stay focused and one step ahead of the game. If you can find a niche then do it as that will make you stand out and give you a place to put down your roots and make your own. Stay determined and have 100% belief in what you do. It is not easy running your own business. No holidays (I have to work even on holiday!), no sick days, no guaranteed income. But the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Nothing beats being your own boss. And I still get a kick from every single order that comes in. I love my brides and I still get that warm fuzzy feeling every time one sends in some feedback or a photo from their wedding.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
Check out Rebeccas' website
Chez Bec
rebecca@chezbec.com
http://www.chezbec.com/
It takes real courage to fly in the face of everything you have worked for, throw away a hard-won career and follow your dreams, but that is precisely what Rebecca Doyle did five years ago when she gave up her career as a lawyer to start a jewellery business. If she ever wanted proof that she did the right thing, it came in the form of an award from Wedding Ideas magazine earlier this year.
Rebecca owns and runs successful wedding jewellery brand Chez Bec, which in January scooped the award for Best Bridal Accessories as voted for by readers of Wedding Ideas magazine. She is also mother to 20-month-old twin boys, a role which she juggles with the demands of a growing business. “Life is pretty full-on,” she says, “but I couldn’t be happier!”.
Happiness certainly seems to be one of her qualities, together with positivity, entrepreneurship, a clear head, sound business sense, determination and, above all else, a clear sense of direction. Affable, personable and full of energy, she has the courage of her own convictions and, now, the joy of spending her days doing something she loves.
It wasn’t always so. On the advice of her careers officer she studied law at university (“It’s such a dry subject, and only later did I learn that you can do a different degree still be a lawyer – if only I’d known!”), but took a year out after she left to consider other options. Nothing obvious sprang to mind and nothing attracted her either so, almost resignedly, she applied to two top law firms and came back from an interview with one of them to find an answerphone message offering her a job. After a couple of years spent training and another two years working in corporate finance, she was well-entrenched in the glamorous role of being one of the only women in a male-dominated environment. “Crazy hours, suffocating demands and working under intense pressure all came with the territory,” says Rebecca. “But the crunch came when my boyfriend (now my husband) booked a holiday to Antigua and the firm gave me a BlackBerry so I could be contacted at all times. And contacted at all times I was!” Rebecca realised that despite the kudos, the career progression and the fantastic salary, this was not how she wanted to live her life. In September 2005, with her boyfriend’s total support, she handed in her notice.
There was an ulterior motive behind this. Ever since she was a little girl, Rebecca had cultivated a love of jewellery and had shadowed her mother, an antique jewellery dealer, at shows and fairs for years. “I used to love visiting the flea markets with my mum and I used to spend my pocket money there. Once I bought a silver locket and I sold it in my mum’s shop in Tetbury. A man bought it for his fiancée for Valentine’s Day. That was my first sale! I was seven.”
The never-forgotten kick from this sale, plus a love of pearls, trinkets, accessories and pretty things, together with a wealth of business knowledge gained from her years as a lawyer, put Rebecca on a clear and determined path. She knew she wanted to set up her own jewellery business. “It was obvious to me that it should be an online business. When I was a lawyer, the ridiculous hours meant that I never had time to go shopping. So I became queen of internet browsing and online purchasing! The relatively low start-up cost of an online shop as opposed to taking premises was a huge incentive, too, and meant that I could get up and running quickly.”
Rebecca set up an office at home, from where the business is still run. Her stepfather came up with the name (a French and abbreviated translation of ‘at Rebecca’s house’). She took herself off to jewellery trade shows in the UK and Paris to take a good look at what was out there and to decide which wholesalers and designers she was going to buy from. The next step was to sign up a PR company to promote the business (“now I do it all myself because it’s far too expensive to use an outside firm”) and invest money in search engine optimisation, which means that if a bride keys ‘wedding jewellery’ or ‘bridal jewellery’ into Google, Chez Bec will appear on the first page of results. She decided not to sign up to any existing online jewellery stores as she felt sure that having a strong web presence via her own website was key to building the brand, and so she spent her limited marketing budget on making sure that potential customers were directed straight to her own website. Rebecca also sent an email alert to over 1,000 contacts that she had built up over the years and got herself listed on Daily Candy, the online magazine that sends alerts to 250,000 readers every day. She placed adverts in fashion glossies such as Grazia and Marie Claire. “I learnt the hard way through trial and error what works and what doesn't. I used my knowledge of the law to do all the legal bits myself, but if there was a book on how to run a successful online jewellery boutique then my life would have been a lot simpler and easier!” she says. “I realise now that when I started up I underestimated the extent to which online marketing was necessary, and I should have invested more money in it. If I had my time again I would go straight into bridal jewellery, as concentrating on the niche market has made us a bona fide brand, and has been a great success!”
Just nine months after Rebecca resigned from the law firm, chezbec.com went live. It started life as a contemporary jewellery boutique selling affordable pieces and the stock was brought in by Rebecca from designers in the UK and Europe. However, when Rebecca was planning her wedding in August 2006 she became totally obsessed with weddings and slowly began to source wedding jewellery. She also advertised for designers locally and put the word about through contacts she had made that she was looking for jewellery designers to work for her. In May 2007, almost a year after launch, Rebecca launched a wedding collection. “It went absolutely crazy!” she laughs. “The collection outsold everything else, so I started cutting back on the other ranges and asked my designers to start making pearl jewellery.”
Rebecca stopped buying in jewellery and focused on designing her own, and employed her two designers to work full-time for Chez Bec. They are based in Kent. By 2008 the boutique sold bridal jewellery exclusively. The company prides itself on selling exquisite yet affordable necklaces, earrings, bracelets, tiaras and hair accessories set with sterling silver, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. From simply stunning to fabulously ornate there is something to suit all brides, and there is a bespoke service for those who want something designed and made exclusively for them (it is also possible to have standard pieces altered). For men, there are pearl cufflinks and cravat pins. Each piece is beautifully designed and handmade in the UK, and gift-wrapped as standard in luxury branded gift boxes with generous amounts of soft white tissue paper. If it is a gift (and there is plenty that is suitable for bridesmaid’s presents!) it is supplied with a hand-written gift card too. These simple yet important touches really do make a difference. Meanwhile, the user-friendly website is easy to navigate with clear photography and clever features such as style guides and testimonials from happy customers.
Having gone 100 per cent bridal, Chez Bec now advertises in wedding publications. The wedding ideas award was, for Rebecca, the icing on the cake of everything she has worked for. “The real thrill of this award is that it is voted for by brides themselves. I love my brides and I get a kick every time one posts a comment on the Chez Bec website saying how delighted they were with their purchase from us. We were finalists in the Best Bridal Accessories category two years running, and finalists in the UK Jewellery Awards 2008 for Best Bridal Jewellery. But to actually win the Wedding Ideas award, and by a big margin, as we did, was really fantastic, especially as there were 70 companies in our category!”
Chez Bec has fared well in the recession and figures actually went up last year. “I do think that couples are delaying their weddings due to the financial situation, but they are still getting married. And when they do, our prices are really affordable – our most expensive item is £68. I believe we really fit a niche in the market, and we are getting more and more orders, not only from the UK – we get orders from France, Spain, the US and even Australia and New Zealand!”
Chez Bec retail has been such a success that at the beginning of last year Rebecca decided to expand into the wholesale market. “I realise that not all brides are online shopaholics like me, and that some do like to try jewellery on before they buy it. Very often they like to try it on when they are trying on dresses so they can get the complete look. I really didn’t want to open a shop, so supplying other shops seemed like a natural move.” A brave step in a credit crunch perhaps but, like everything else Rebecca turns her hand to, a good one. The first wholesale range, launched for AW09, was extremely well received and has a fast-growing stockist network (currently 15 shops) in the UK. Rebecca hopes to expand that network and to this end she is exhibiting for the first time at Harrogate in September, where she will be launching two stunning new collections for SS11 – organic designs incorporating vintage-inspired components and a myriad of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. What bride could possibly resist?!
Is your business full time or do you work elsewhere too?
I run my business full time alongside being a mum to 2-year old twins. Life is pretty busy as you can imagine!
Has your business aims changed over the years? if so what has changed?
My business has grown year on year since I started it back in the summer of 2006. It has even grown through the credit crunch when a lot of businesses are failing. I sell more in one month now than I sold in the whole first 6 months of opening! I have recently gone international with a stockist in Munich in Germany and I hope this is the first of many international stockists. I sell all over the world through my website with a strong customer base in the US, Hong Kong, Dubai, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Spain, Germany, Malta and Italy
How do you market your business?
I advertise in all of the leading bridal magazines and I invest a lot of time and money in SEO. Never underestimate the power of marketing, both online and offline. Being a website, if people don’t know where to find you, how can you ever expect to have any customers unless you tell them where you are!
You have had great success over the last year winning awards. Would you encourage others to enter awards and what has the benefits been to your business from winning an award?
Winning the Wedding Ideas Awards 2010 was like a dream for me. Having been runners up for the two years before, I never thought we would actually win the Award but it really was 3rd time lucky! Winning the Award has boosted my business more than I ever imagined it could do. We are now an “award-winning” brand and that gives customers a certain confidence when buying from us. Winning the Award was like the most enormous seal of approval one could wish for. It meant that the last 5 years of hard work had been worth it. I get emotional every time I think of winning the Award. After my wedding and having my twins, it really was one of the best moments of my life. I would certainly encourage others to enter awards. It can only give recognition if you win and if you don’t win, you’ve not lost anything. And if at first you don’t win, try, try and try again. We’d been runners up in the Wedding Ideas Awards for the two years previous to winning.
We know you are also a mum to twins. How do you juggle business and babies?
I am indeed Mummy to Max and Isabella, my 2-year old twins. We don’t have any family nearby to help out. Our nearest family is 2.5hours away and the rest are in Scotland , Canada and France ! I have limited childcare and work pretty much every single second I can around my babies (nap times, evenings and weekends). Most people think I am totally crazy even attempting to run a business with twins but for me, my business is my third baby and there was no way I could ever give it up. I was even on my blackberry two hours after my c-section as the babies had decided to turn up rather early (at 35wks instead of their booked c-section at 37.5wks) and I’d just begun a total re=-design of my advertising campaign and I had adverts to sing off left, right and centre! It wasn’t ideal but what could I do. Let’s just say I’ve learnt to do a lot whilst balancing two babies on my lap!
What are your plans for your business in the next few years?
I hope my business continues to grow from strength to strength as time goes on. Each year, I launch one of two new collections and I love each collection more and more. Dealing with brides every day of my working life is an honour and I wake up every morning raring to start work. Not many people can say that now can they.
Do you have any advice that you would like to share with fellow mumpreneurs starting out or growing their business?
Research, research, research! If you don’t know your target audience you won’t know what products they want to buy and you won’t succeed. Also, never underestimate the power of marketing, both online and offline. If people don’t know you exist, how will they ever find you? When starting out it is very normal to eat, drink and sleep work. Indeed I still do this most of the time now, 5 years on and with twins to look after! But you have to stay focused and one step ahead of the game. If you can find a niche then do it as that will make you stand out and give you a place to put down your roots and make your own. Stay determined and have 100% belief in what you do. It is not easy running your own business. No holidays (I have to work even on holiday!), no sick days, no guaranteed income. But the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Nothing beats being your own boss. And I still get a kick from every single order that comes in. I love my brides and I still get that warm fuzzy feeling every time one sends in some feedback or a photo from their wedding.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
Check out Rebeccas' website
Chez Bec
rebecca@chezbec.com
http://www.chezbec.com/
Thursday, November 4, 2010
SCOTTISH MUMPRENEUR NETWORK RECEIVE CASH BOOST
SCOTTISH MUMPRENEUR NETWORK GAINS BURSARY
Buchanan Galleries shopping centre has presented the Scottish Mumpreneur Network based in Paisley with a cash boost from its Community Bursary fund. More detials to follow.
Scottish Mumpreneur Network http://www.scottishmumpreneurnetwork.webs.com/
Buchanan Galleries shopping centre has presented the Scottish Mumpreneur Network based in Paisley with a cash boost from its Community Bursary fund. More detials to follow.
Scottish Mumpreneur Network http://www.scottishmumpreneurnetwork.webs.com/
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Dumfries & Galloway Scottish Mumpreneur Network meetings
The Dumfries & Galloway network is going from strength to strength with the following businesses now attending. Meetings are FREE to attend so make sure you check out http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Scottish-Mumpreneur-Network-Mums-in-Business/103134376391823 to find out all the latest information.
www.RenitaBoyle.com
www.magicalmeditations4kids.com
www.ginalillycropdesigns.co.uk
www.cupcakesbyclaire.co.uk
www.brora-lodge.co.uk
www.hillcrest-wigtown.co.uk
www.GallowayAlpacas.com
www.HexagonVA.co.uk
www.louisellewellyn.com
www.signaturephotoshoots.com
www.foods4life.co.uk
www.RenitaBoyle.com
www.magicalmeditations4kids.com
www.ginalillycropdesigns.co.uk
www.cupcakesbyclaire.co.uk
www.brora-lodge.co.uk
www.hillcrest-wigtown.co.uk
www.GallowayAlpacas.com
www.HexagonVA.co.uk
www.louisellewellyn.com
www.signaturephotoshoots.com
www.foods4life.co.uk
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Lesley Reid from Carla Barla Beads tells us how she approached retailers.
Hi my name is Lesley Reid and have a jewellery business called Carla Barla Beads http://www.carlabarlabeads.co.uk/
My Business is a new business and it has been running since July 2010. I have been asked to give you some pointers on how to get your items into shops.
What I will do is tell you how it started for me, the first shop happened due to meeting someone at a fayre and they liked my stuff and they started to stock it, really it was as simple as that so the first thing I would advise is always network your fayres you just dont know who you will meet.
The next shop was a customer who advised me to visit her local boutique, she thought my jewellery would suit this shop. So popped in checked out their range, made some stuff to match there collection and phoned them. They asked me to come in brought in the range and they loved it. What i would advise if you can to start with offer sale and return so there is no initial outlay for the shops and they are more likely to stock it.
Another shop I was told about through facebook some people who liked my site, when they found out I was approaching shops told me about one near to them. So dont be affraid to ask people and use soical networks to your advantage.
Managing shops can take alot of work and alot of the time its builting on relationships formed and trust made. All my shops mark up my jewellery so dont undercut yourself, and always keep a copy of the stock they hold. In alot of the shops they wear my jewellery, people tend to finding it easier to visualise how it is going to look on if someone is modeling it.
The main points I would advise are:
1. Always network you dont know who you are going to meet
2. Use social networking to your advantage
3. To start with offer sale or return
4. Dont undercut yourself the shops can easily mark items up
5. Keep a note of stock held in the shops
6. Work on building up relationships and trust between you and the shops.
I am currently trying to get into department stores and magazines so i will keep u posted on how this goes in the future.
My Business is a new business and it has been running since July 2010. I have been asked to give you some pointers on how to get your items into shops.
What I will do is tell you how it started for me, the first shop happened due to meeting someone at a fayre and they liked my stuff and they started to stock it, really it was as simple as that so the first thing I would advise is always network your fayres you just dont know who you will meet.
The next shop was a customer who advised me to visit her local boutique, she thought my jewellery would suit this shop. So popped in checked out their range, made some stuff to match there collection and phoned them. They asked me to come in brought in the range and they loved it. What i would advise if you can to start with offer sale and return so there is no initial outlay for the shops and they are more likely to stock it.
Another shop I was told about through facebook some people who liked my site, when they found out I was approaching shops told me about one near to them. So dont be affraid to ask people and use soical networks to your advantage.
Managing shops can take alot of work and alot of the time its builting on relationships formed and trust made. All my shops mark up my jewellery so dont undercut yourself, and always keep a copy of the stock they hold. In alot of the shops they wear my jewellery, people tend to finding it easier to visualise how it is going to look on if someone is modeling it.
The main points I would advise are:
1. Always network you dont know who you are going to meet
2. Use social networking to your advantage
3. To start with offer sale or return
4. Dont undercut yourself the shops can easily mark items up
5. Keep a note of stock held in the shops
6. Work on building up relationships and trust between you and the shops.
I am currently trying to get into department stores and magazines so i will keep u posted on how this goes in the future.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Erica Douglas of Ace Inspire gives us an Introduction to Business Blogging
Introduction to Business Blogging
Hi, I'm Erica and I'm new to the network. My business is ACE Inspire and we provide remote courses training for online business success, which covers business blogging, social media, email marketing etc..
I'm not sure how many of our members are already internet savvy so I thought I'd make my first post an introduction to business blogging. I hope it's not too basic!
So What is a blog?
The word 'blog' is shortened from it's full title 'weblog' and a blog is just that, a 'web' 'log'. A log, journal or collection of articles on any topic.
What is a business blog?
A business blog is an ongoing log about your business. It can comprise articles about your business and products or services, new launches, promotions, your backstory, industry news, case studies, testimonials and more. It can be presented using text and multimedia such as podcasts, vlogs and slideshows. Done well it will demonstrate your expertise, build customer loyalty, drive traffic to your business and increase your sales and profit.
The power of blogging should not be underestimated and you really are missing a trick if you aren't already doing it.
Here are some benefits of business blogging;
* It is a platform to create preeminence and expertise
* You can capitalise on relationship marketing
* You can improve SEO by creating a steady flow of keyword rich relevant content
* You will increase incoming links
* You can increase your pagerank
* And overall increase traffic to your business website
How to start a blog
Starting a blog is fairly easy today. Purchase a URL, sign up to a blog hosting company and then outsource the set up to a tech expert. In total this should cost no more than £150. Then it's just a case of starting to write. Stuck for content ideas? Watch the video below for my content generation technique.
--
Erica Douglas
www.littlemummy.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Erica
Hi, I'm Erica and I'm new to the network. My business is ACE Inspire and we provide remote courses training for online business success, which covers business blogging, social media, email marketing etc..
I'm not sure how many of our members are already internet savvy so I thought I'd make my first post an introduction to business blogging. I hope it's not too basic!
So What is a blog?
The word 'blog' is shortened from it's full title 'weblog' and a blog is just that, a 'web' 'log'. A log, journal or collection of articles on any topic.
What is a business blog?
A business blog is an ongoing log about your business. It can comprise articles about your business and products or services, new launches, promotions, your backstory, industry news, case studies, testimonials and more. It can be presented using text and multimedia such as podcasts, vlogs and slideshows. Done well it will demonstrate your expertise, build customer loyalty, drive traffic to your business and increase your sales and profit.
The power of blogging should not be underestimated and you really are missing a trick if you aren't already doing it.
Here are some benefits of business blogging;
* It is a platform to create preeminence and expertise
* You can capitalise on relationship marketing
* You can improve SEO by creating a steady flow of keyword rich relevant content
* You will increase incoming links
* You can increase your pagerank
* And overall increase traffic to your business website
How to start a blog
Starting a blog is fairly easy today. Purchase a URL, sign up to a blog hosting company and then outsource the set up to a tech expert. In total this should cost no more than £150. Then it's just a case of starting to write. Stuck for content ideas? Watch the video below for my content generation technique.
--
Erica Douglas
www.littlemummy.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Erica
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Scottish Mumprenuer Network celebrates it 1st birthday in style!
Of course the Mumpreneurs were sure to check out the cocktail bar before the proceedings got under way.
We are delighted that Gemma from Glamour Eyes came along to do mini manicures in aid of Cash for Kids. The Scottish Mumpreneur Network had been raising money for cash for kids in an online raffle - which saw a total of £257.96 being handed over to cash for kids.
The room was decorated beautifully thanks to http://www.divinepartyknights.com/ , http://www.beautifullywrapped.com/ , www.i-craft.co.uk, www.seasonaldecorations.co.uk,
Louise Graham (Founder & Glasow Co- ordinator) www.weddingandbaby.co.uk and www.charmingangelsparties.co.uk, Irene McNamee www.i-craft.co.uk Heather Dunsmore http://www.handmadebyheather.co.uk/ , Alison Tinlin (event co- ordinator) www.plansandpresents.co.uk , Karyn Taft www.ynaughtmedia.co.uk , Elaine Busby (Co-Founder and Glasgow Co-ordinator) Ready Steady Go Childminding
Libby Young ( Central Co-ordinator) www.bareknees.co.uk, Kelly Mazengera Fairweather http://www.thescarletbakery.co.uk/ , Debbie Foley http://www.decadencecupcakes.co.uk/ Lisa Dunn ( Dumfries and Galloway Co-ordinator) www.hexagonva.co.uk
As founder, Louise made a quick speech to thank everyone for attending and gave a brief history about the Scottish Mumpreneur Network. 
After a delicious meal Alison introduced the very inspiring speakers. 
Gillian Dick from http://www.findmeglasgow.com/ told us why she set up her own business and shared some of her top tips to fellow entrepreneurs.
Gillian is a real inspiration to any woman in business.
Ann Louise Simpson www.mamatea.com and M.T O'Donnell www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com watch as the speakers deliver their very interesting talks.
Jill Wadge http://www.thescottishbabyshow.com/
Ladies get networking as they await dinner.
Jill Marshall www.expressions-childminding.co.uk
Our delicious birthday cupcakes and cake pops were created by Nicki McCourt from www.cupcouture.co.uk
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Directory of Scottish Mumpreneurs - Mums in business
We are delighted to announce our brand new directory of Scottish Mumpreneurs - Mums in business. If you would like to be listed in our directory at http://scottishmumpreneurnetwork.webs.com/ then please complete the subscription link below.
Listing in the directory is £10 per year, per business listing.
Not only will you be listed on our site, the directory will be promoted on our facebook page with 303 members (and counting), as well as on our twitter @scotmumpreneur and here on our blog.
There are big promotion plans for our network, with interest from the local press all over Scotland!
Join our directory now!
PLEASE TYPE IN YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS BEFORE CLICKING SUBSCRIBE. THANK YOU.
Listing in the directory is £10 per year, per business listing.
Not only will you be listed on our site, the directory will be promoted on our facebook page with 303 members (and counting), as well as on our twitter @scotmumpreneur and here on our blog.
There are big promotion plans for our network, with interest from the local press all over Scotland!
Join our directory now!
PLEASE TYPE IN YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS BEFORE CLICKING SUBSCRIBE. THANK YOU.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
PLEASE PLEASE VOTE FOR MY BUSINESS TIP!
Click the link below and click like. Would really appreciate your vote.
http://www.nectarbusinesstips.com/tips/10340
http://www.nectarbusinesstips.com/tips/10340
Scottish Mumpreneur Network in Dunbartonshire!
Dunbartonshire Scottish Mumpreneur Network meet ups
Our meet ups were held on the 24th and 26th August. We held one during the day and one in the evening for those who could not meet before 6pm.
24th August in Goggle-box, Helensburgh.
Goggle-box is a soft play centre which meant we could bring our children and not have to worry about childcare. 11 people stated they would attend but in the end there were 5 of us (one had forgotten, I do not know why the others did not attend).
We brought business cards and examples of our work.. Several mums from nearby tables came over to see what we were doing and we issued our business cards and spoke about the SMN. Also the owner of Goggle-box informed us she was doing a ladies night and would we like stalls? We discussed amongst ourselves the possibility of having our own regular craft fairs.
The 5 who attended were:
• Kirsteen Allison – Your Wedding at Loch Lomond, Can You Do Me a Favour,CIA Photography and a careers adviser.
• Catherine Marsh – Beauty for You, Cath's Clay Creations and NHS 24
• Jenni Regan – Dub Stitch and Loch Lomond Kids
• Jenny Townsend – See Saw Children's Clothing, The Shepherd's house B&B
• Pam Freeman – Phoenix Trading
August 26th, the Clipper, Dumbarton
This was an evening meet up for those who worked during the day. 7 people said they would attend but only 5 turned up.
Again we brought business cards and samples and discussed our work over a meal. This evening networking event was good for getting to know each other but the Gogglebox one was much more successful, I feel mainly because there were more mums and it was held in a 'mum' environment (soft play).
The people who attended the evening meet up were
• Kirsteen Allison – information as above
• Catherine Marsh – information as above
• Ann Pryce – aromatherapist, retailer, stress management, tarot reader
• Lauren Munro – mobile hair and make up
• Lauren's mum – administrator
We hope to have meetups monthly and hopefully recruit more people to come along.
Kirsteen Alison of www.yourweddingatlochlomond.co.uk www.canyoudomeafavour.co.uk www.ciaphotography.co.uk
Catherine Marsh: www.cathsclaycreations.co.uk www.beauty4-you.com
Jenni Regan: www.lochlomondkids.co.uk www.dubstitch.co.uk
Jenny Townsend: www.theshepherdshouse.co.uk and www.seesaw.uk.com
Pam Freeman: www.phoenix-trading.co.uk
Lauren Munro: www.bylauren.co.uk
Ann Pryce: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Dumbarton-United-Kingdom/Lotions-Potions-Gift-Shop/115630285133317?ref=search
Our meet ups were held on the 24th and 26th August. We held one during the day and one in the evening for those who could not meet before 6pm.
24th August in Goggle-box, Helensburgh.
Goggle-box is a soft play centre which meant we could bring our children and not have to worry about childcare. 11 people stated they would attend but in the end there were 5 of us (one had forgotten, I do not know why the others did not attend).
We brought business cards and examples of our work.. Several mums from nearby tables came over to see what we were doing and we issued our business cards and spoke about the SMN. Also the owner of Goggle-box informed us she was doing a ladies night and would we like stalls? We discussed amongst ourselves the possibility of having our own regular craft fairs.
The 5 who attended were:
• Kirsteen Allison – Your Wedding at Loch Lomond, Can You Do Me a Favour,CIA Photography and a careers adviser.
• Catherine Marsh – Beauty for You, Cath's Clay Creations and NHS 24
• Jenni Regan – Dub Stitch and Loch Lomond Kids
• Jenny Townsend – See Saw Children's Clothing, The Shepherd's house B&B
• Pam Freeman – Phoenix Trading
August 26th, the Clipper, Dumbarton
This was an evening meet up for those who worked during the day. 7 people said they would attend but only 5 turned up.
Again we brought business cards and samples and discussed our work over a meal. This evening networking event was good for getting to know each other but the Gogglebox one was much more successful, I feel mainly because there were more mums and it was held in a 'mum' environment (soft play).
The people who attended the evening meet up were
• Kirsteen Allison – information as above
• Catherine Marsh – information as above
• Ann Pryce – aromatherapist, retailer, stress management, tarot reader
• Lauren Munro – mobile hair and make up
• Lauren's mum – administrator
We hope to have meetups monthly and hopefully recruit more people to come along.
Kirsteen Alison of www.yourweddingatlochlomond.co.uk www.canyoudomeafavour.co.uk www.ciaphotography.co.uk
Catherine Marsh: www.cathsclaycreations.co.uk www.beauty4-you.com
Jenni Regan: www.lochlomondkids.co.uk www.dubstitch.co.uk
Jenny Townsend: www.theshepherdshouse.co.uk and www.seesaw.uk.com
Pam Freeman: www.phoenix-trading.co.uk
Lauren Munro: www.bylauren.co.uk
Ann Pryce: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Dumbarton-United-Kingdom/Lotions-Potions-Gift-Shop/115630285133317?ref=search
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