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

The Scottish Mumprenuer Network celebrates it 1st birthday in style!

The Scottish Mumprenuer Network celebrated their 1st Birthday in style on Sat 2nd Oct 2010, at Malmaison Hotel Glasgow. With 20 members in attendance they had a chance to network, listen to 2 very inspiring speakers and enjoy a lovely 3 course meal.               

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,

The wonderful Marian from www.marianmcneilphotography.co.uk took photo's on the night.

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.
 
 

 

Morag Malloy from Fission Creative http://www.fissionc.com/  then took the floor to tell us about her journey into being a mumpreneur. Morag had the audience nodding their heads as she described situations of how she manages business with small children to care for. It was great to laugh out loud at some of the things that we ALL do as mumpreneurs.

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/  

         

 

 Lisa Dunn www.hexagonva.co.uk  and Lesley Reid Carla Barla Beads look on too.

  Gillian Burke of www.ollieandforbes.com  networking.

 

 

Ladies get networking as they await dinner.

Also in attendance were Jen Allan www.thefingerprintcharmcompany.co.uk

Jill Marshall www.expressions-childminding.co.uk

 

  Our delicious birthday cupcakes and cake pops were created by Nicki McCourt from www.cupcouture.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

State your website address

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

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

Scottish Mumpreneur Network in Dumfries and Galloway!

It was featured in Dumfries and Galloway Standard, The Galloway Gazette and on West Sound Radio! 
The first meeting of the Dumfries & Galloway group of the SMN met on Tuesday 31 August 2010 between 10 am and noon at Hillcrest House, Station Road, Wigtown. There were eight attending, which was excellent for a first meet.Those attending were:


Deborah Firth of Hillcrest House www.hillcrest-wigtown.co.uk



Heather Bestel of Magical Meditations 4 Kids  www.magicalmeditations4kids.com



Renita Boyle, storyteller and author  www.RenitaBoyle.com



Gina Lawson of Gina Lillycrop Designs  www.ginalillycropdesigns.co.uk



Claire Nash of Cupcakes by Claire www.cupcakesbyclaire.co.uk



Helen Arnold of Brora Lodge B&B  www.brora-lodge.co.uk



Fiona Harrison of Galloway Alpacas www.brora-lodge.co.uk



Lisa Dunn of HexagonVA (coordinator) http://www.hexagonva.co.uk



 
The meeting took the form of introductions, as some had never met before whereas others were old friends. Sitting around the coffee table we introduced ourselves, our businesses and our ideal clients/customers. This threw up some interesting ideas for strategic partnerships and for possible future ventures. Everyone agreed that it had been a great meeting and were keen to meet again, the next meeting being pencilled in for the last week of October, date to be confirmed.




We finished with a cup of tea and some amazing cupcakes!

Lisa thank you so much for all your hard work. Ladies I would love to come and meet up with you some time too. Keep up the good work. Louise x

The Working Mothers Survival Guide

Scottish Mumpreneur Network talks to Jo Scard Co Author of The Working Mothers Survival Guide. A practical, realistic, down-to-earth and entertaining guide for all working women who want to have babies but keep their careers on track too written by two working mums.

It’s true—once you have kids you’ll wonder what you used to do with your time. But while life is about to get a whole lot busier,it will never be better. 
Welcome to the Mums’ Club. Enjoy it, enjoy your children, enjoy doing all those things you haven’t done since you were a child. Don’t waste time looking over your shoulder at the next mum who appears to have it all. She is just as fallible as the rest of us.
In fact, the words ‘Supermum’ and ‘guilt’ should be banned! A supermum doesn’t exist and guilt shouldn’t.


Life is about choices and compromises and challenges, and once you have children those factors are even greater. A supermum would be one who handles all these perfectly. We all think we’ve met her—either at mothers’ group or sitting behind the boss’s desk. But trust us, she’s an illusion.

Every mum struggles, every mum has moments when she questions what on earth she’s doing and why—why the house is a wreck or the kids are screaming or your sex life is but a distant memory. Then throw into the mix the demands of a job and the logistics of childcare and you find your time stretched ever further.


We’re so worried about what other people think, particularly other mums, that we forget the only opinion that counts is our own child’s.


And we can be our own worst enemies. We all want to do everything perfectly, but sometimes we just can’t. We are way too


harsh on ourselves. We feel guilt no matter what we do—guilty because we work too hard, guilty because we don’t work, guilty because we don’t have enough time. AHHHH!


Let’s take a breath, give ourselves a break and remember the choices we make are the best ones for our circumstances.


Our dear friend and mother of four, Sharon, sums it up beautifully—‘We all have the same journey, feel the same emotions, the same fears and the same inadequacies. Some of us just take a different path to get there.’ Nor are you alone on that trek. We all have meltdowns, days we can’t manage, moments we question it all and times when we want to pack it all in and run away. That’s when we need each other. Look at the next mum as your ally in this wholeconvoluted journey. Nurture your true friends. They are on your team and you’ll appreciate them even more on those days that go completely to the dogs.


We’re all juggling and struggling and laughing and crying. And there’s nothing wrong with admitting it. Forget trying to impress, let’s just be honest.


Time is precious, so love every moment with your wonderful children, and nurture every second with your growing family, because it does get easier. You may have to make changes like relaxing on the housework and cutting back on those three course meals you were once famous for—but it will be okay.


Promise us this, you won’t forget to stop and enjoy the fairy floss once in a while—the laundry can always wait.