Posts
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
Saturday, October 30, 2010
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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