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Does Your Marketing Sell?: The Secret of Effective Marketing Communications
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Confessions of an Advertising Man
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Art of the Start, The Instant Entrepreneur: The Faster Way to Start-Up Success
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Find Your Lightbulb: How to Make Millions from Apparently Impossible Ideas
Women are often accused of not thinking big enough. This book will cure you of that!
One of the originals, one of the best. I still refer to this one regularly
[...] come back for more. So, I’m just going to re-iterate the point that I made in the article on top 10 tips for an effective press release, proof-read, proof-read, [...]
Having spent most of my working life in permanent employment, it took being made redundant to make me brave and set out on my own. A decision I have never regretted even though it is scary and hard work. I had always dreamed of running my own business and I am developing lots of new areas in my life so I find I am interested in life again. You see ‘the sparkle’ had left me and I wanted it back!
Anyone else felt the same? and thanking God for the push.
Gail
[...] The Team [...]
[...] women entrepreneurs who saw the vision and agreed to support us on this journey. Read about the speakers here. Of these speakers, I only knew one of them, Jacqueline Rogers of the Athena Network, [...]
As Chair of a Women’s network I would of course have to say that they absolutely do have a role to play. MONEW – Monmouthshire Enterprising Women is defined by its membership and was set up to help women get work, set up and run businesses by mutually supporting each other and their specific needs. We may not think that there are differences between the genders but there are differences in the average lifestyles.
For the most part women choose to work from home, or set up in business for very specific reasons that are not catered for in every work place. Many women do have families with school runs, kids having time off school with sickness and never mind the school holidays which has its own set of consequences.
Men have had their clubs for centuries. So have women. They have always been very different in their structure and have catered the needs for the era in which they exist. Whilst men are doing the macho club thing – be it the pub or the Masons, the women have had their friendship networks built on WI, home keeping, and the school social networks.
These days the different groups can still cater for the various needs that men and women have. For MONEW is it totally about helping women to maintain a positive work/life balance. We may have a strong ‘inner man’ who is very out there in pro-active business activities but we also have the ‘inner woman’ who needs to remember her femininity. Yes I know that men have their ‘inner woman’ too but the poor boys do like to weep behind closed doors on the shoulders of other men. Don’t they? Swiftly followed by a tribal roar of masculinity in a good old male bonding session of course!
Here in Wales, culturally high profile jobs are, for the most part taken by men. In November last year a regional magazine listed the 100 top most influential people in Wales. The number of women included in the list – only TEN -a ridiculously small proportion. Women’s networks help to redress that imbalance.
If you want to read about what I had to say about it at the time and how I felt that we should be using women’s networks – read more here!
http://www.georgina-lester.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=56
WOW, what a question, and no doubt I will loose any argument here just like I do with my wife
I think the answer to: Are women only communities and networks necessary? is Yes and No.
I depends on the woman, who they are and what they want, as well as who they have gone to for advise before.
From reading your site it can be as much about reinforcing a ‘You CAN do it’ attitude, which I totally agree some professional (male) advisers may well be the last person these ladies should go and see. However, there are also female advisers out there who are just as intolerant.
However, if they choose the right adviser then I don’t see what the sex has to do with it, we have many female entrepreneurs and to be honest I would love a practice full of them, even if they only want what is these days labeled a ‘life style business’.
Why would I like a practice full of them? Well easy to answer, they can certainly be more pleasant to deal with, they are usually keen to be organised and listen when we offer advise on how to achieve this (read as men ‘I don’t do paper work’), in the main they seem to be more realistic about what they want, and when they say they will do something they actually do it!
So is there a need, like I said at the start, Yes and No, but this need is not because ‘men have had their ‘clubs’ for years’.
Just my two pennies worth, as an accountant and business consultant.
Jason
Thanks Georgina and Jason, two very interesting perspectives. I recently posted a request for contributors on a major UK Business forum and there was a some support for the website, but there was also a lot of detractors. Some of the comments have really surprised me, so I want to share them here and put them up for discussion.
“I have no doubt that women will join and enjoy your website, but ultimately I personally worry that if the arguments and experiences become too one sided then is that a realistic representation of the real business world and will that only serve to prolong the demise of the equality workplace?”
And will that only serve to prolong the demise of the equality workplace?!?!? Wow, this is a strong statement. Maybe by exploring and developing how we do business together we can do the opposite of this and address some of the inequalities that have existed for centuries and turn things around.
“I’m struggling to understand why being a man or a woman has anything to do with business and success.
Why limit your client base?
Why do women need a site like this as opposed to one that doesn’t have sex restrictions?”
This website is not only about business and success, it’s about women owning businesses. It is about work life balance, dealing with childcare when you run your own business, what happens when you go through the menopause, how to look after yourself when you’re working from 9pm – 12pm because that’s the only free time you have. These aren’t just excuses for women owned businesses, they are a reality.
The numbers vary depending on which sources are cited, but only about 17% of small businesses are owned by women – WHY? Lack of confidence is frequently listed, but I think it’s more complicated than that, fear, friends and naysayers, lack of awareness, self-esteem and self belief are just a few of the motivational reasons.
“Why subdivide us, we are all humans? All you are doing is reinforcing stereotypes that I have to kick in the balls every day with my size 3 boots. Sorry to say, count me in with the men group, here.”
This one came from Ling of Lings Cars. Ling has done some amazing things, not least of which was advertising her business on the side of a rocket. She apologises to no-one for the way she does business, but perhaps she doesn’t appear to realise that we’re all not just like her, though no doubt, most of us could learn a thing or to from her.
What do you think? Do men and women do things differently? Is there a need for women only websites, networking and communities? Share your thoughts.
[...] Digital photography by Georgina Lester [...]
Reading this kind of article at 42 makes me feel pretty good. I will forward it to all my 20-something friends, but also let them know that what they do should be what makes them feel good. People often take life and what is expected of them in it a little too seriously. I am becoming less quilty of this as time goes on. Priorities change. Life changes. I suppose you have to go through life as it comes and make the best of it you can. I also see this kind of article as words that one can follow at any age. One should never cease to learn and change. And love. Always love.
Thanks Julie.
I’ll work with anyone who has a product or service I need, or who wants the therapy or training I offer, and I network broadly. More and more today there are co-operative approaches to business that make the old barriers less of a drama. HOWEVER, on average I simply prefer working with women. Whether it’s a culturally ingrained behaviour or a natural tendency to nurturing that goes with a lack of testosterone, I find that understanding and communication is simpler with other women.
I know the men I’ve discussed this issue with tend to get quite irritated by all-women groups, but so far none of them have wanted to join them either!
The simple fact of a majority of women bearing children, and generally spending some time out of the workforce, has to have an impact on the way we do business, our career paths, and our financial resources. Women can and do build powerful business empires, and find their creative spirit unleashed within their own enterprises – but more often in a state of happy self-employment and in small-scale joint ventures.
I belong to WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) as well as Ecademy and have done a stint in BNI. They are all valuable, and give me different forms of support and opportunities to expand my business. Fortunately, there is no requirement that we do only one form of networking! So enjoy it all, notice why you like what you like, and also what is uncomfortable. Is it the system? Is it a belief? Is it ok anyway?
ENJOY YOUR NETWORKING!
It was a privilege to be asked to speak at your event Julie and I very much enjoyed meeting so many dynamic women. in one place.
Congratulations on your new venture, wishing you every success … if yesterday was anything to go by that we know that it will be!
I also have some money maker site
but more on Paid to Click Programs
I like your list of site where in I haven’t encountered most of them.
If you got time please inform me more about this.
Thanks!
Choi
Why not for women only? Sometimes women need the gentle support and understanding that isn’t always available in a mixed group. Having been a serial entrepreneur for over 30 years and mostly dealing with women workers, and men in postions of decison making I can fully understand how many women would be ‘put off’ or ‘intimidated’ by the boys brigade. Perhaps only intially to begin with but put off none the less. Personally as a woman who works with women in business start-ups and women who are just ‘daring to dream’ kindly support and gentle encouragement is needed to get them off the ground. Dealing with men in business requires tenacity and courage and if women who don’t always have that to start with, can grab it from a support group of other women – I’m all for it…..choice is good and you do have one!
Women can support each other in many many ways given the chance…see what fits!
Detta Darnell
http://www.acreativewoman.com
make me rich and help me make more money
I’ve just found this site via a link on one of Georgina’s sites (first comment in the thread).
Having done a lot of networking in Berkshire I would have to say thatthey do serve two very useful purposes:
– I have seen women new to business and networking be absolutely terrifed at the “stand up and do one minute” type breakfasts. Several have then been taken off to local women only groups, and a few months later have returned, far more confident. I’m not sure how or why they helped, but the evidence is there.
– the other reason is to aovid a certain type of male networker. It seems very easy these days for people to get offended hence the preponderance of PC behaviour and language. However I have several female networking friends who have felt uncomfortable, and sometimes slightly threatened, by the behaviour of some of us males. Hopefully the fact they can confide in me means I haven’t had that effect on anyone.
There is definitely a place for these groups, so long as those attending remember they are only networking with half the available business connections.
Andrew
http:www.andrewsansom.com
7. Intra-departmental conflict and leadership
From: David Jaques
I’d value advice on running a two-day training workshop on leadership and teamwork, involving 30 members of a department currently working in six teams.
Each team has a designated leader one of whom is the overall department head. There is unhelpful conflict between the teams, which their leaders seem not to be handling. Indeed, they seem to contribute to it. All ideas welcome.
Interesting. I have, unbleivebly it seems, never heard of Emma Jones, but will now buy this book and get to know her. She sounds fab.
Hi Zoe, Thanks for your comment – It is definitely worth getting. If you’re London based you can see Emma speak at the Business Link “We mean business” event in London on the 12th of Nov
[...] tell us why you should be considered for this offer (please note this offer is only available to Women Unlimited newsletter subscribers). We only have 3 places available to start in January but will have 3 new places available [...]
[...] Enter the discount code EARLYBIRD to get £15 off – only available until December 17, 2008. Or sign up to the Women Unlimited newsletter to get a much greater [...]
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is an excellent book and is helping me in all areas of my life and I am also working thoro the sequel Feel the Fear and Beyond which is equally as good it uses puts everything from the 1st book into techniques; excercises and my favourite affirmation excercise; 30 day power planner.
One day I will attend a workshop
[...] Click here to see some of the photo’s from our last amazing event. [...]
[...] article is here. Posted by Jo Parfitt Filed in about me, expatriate stuff, inspiration, people Tags: Amanda van [...]
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onFree Online Tools to ramp up your Business : Women UnlimitedHere’s a quick excerptThe companies running some of these tools rely on word of mouth as their primary marketing technique and hence some of them will not be familiar to you. Help is at hand though, as this article aims to introduce you to some of the free … [...]
[...] circle lunch with Gina Lazenby. 2009 is going to have more of the same. We’ve got the Create Your Future event in March to re-energise you and your business and will be launching our Success Academy in the second [...]
The age old debate!
Maybe I’m a bit late to contribute as I’ve only just joined. But, I have often wondered about the veracity of having women’s only groups. I don’t care if men have them, they can do what they want. But do women need them? Do women want them? Clearly they want them becase there are so many around with many many members. But I haven’t come across a women’s group that disallows men. Most women’s groups that I know of – and I’m talking business groups – welcome men.
As the Editor of a businesswomen’s section of a business magazine, I interview hundreds of women annually and I receive invitations to a plethora of women’s functions. 99% of the business women I interview are very happy to work, mix, network and engage with men. And every women’s group with whom I have come in to contact welcomes men. Not just as a visitor but also as a member.
Maybe I just meet very confident women because I don’t meet women who remain intimidated by men. I do meet a few men intimidated by women. The feminist pendulum had to swing far and wide to gain attention for the women’s movement. But I’m an equalatist – and most people I meet are gender blind. They will do good business with reliable people who have credible products and services. In a networking environment they can choose who they talk to. In a meeting environment they can join in – because if a woman won’t speak up in front of a man then chances are she may also be reticent in front of a woman.
Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.
As a staunch advocate of PR for small businesses, I wholeheartedly agree that PR is the number-1 way to boost the visibility and grow sales for small and emerging businesses.
However, I’m always cautious to create the distinction between personal publicity of the Max Clifford variety for celebs who’ve fallen behind on their mortgages, and real public relations for businesses looking to communicate their uniqueness to their customers.
All the world’s most successful and worthy brands were created (over time) using PR, often on a shoestring budget and I’d hate business owners and would-be entrepreneurs to confuse genuine brand-building PR with no-talent-show fame-seeker publicity!
Thanks for this very practical and helpful post about time diaries. I am a big proponent of knowing where you’re starting, as a precursor to change, and have cited your post in my blog.
I especially like your point about tracking the “down time” that can so easily go unnoticed and eat up precious hours.
Thanks!
[...] Getting to Grips with Time Management, Rachael Ross offers up the idea of creating a time diary to track how you spend your time each [...]
I discovered your homepage by coincidence.
Very interesting posts and well written.
I will put your site on my blogroll.
[...] rest is here: Piling on the pounds in 2009 : Women Unlimited Posted in Uncategorized on Jan 7th, 2009, 5:07 [...]
Hello Mike,
Thanks for stopping by to read my rather lengthy article on PR and also for your comments! Granted, perhaps there is a distinction between the celebrity/Max Clifford style of PR and the “real public relations for businesses looking to communicate their uniqueness to their customers” but the main point I had hoped to make was that PR needs to be constant and consistent, not just a “one-trick” pony to announce your arrival or indeed to get your company out of trouble….. and many of skills used by both celebrities and real companies are very similar!
A friend told me about an author named Noah St. John who invented AFFORMATIONS. Afformations are empowering questions (not statements) and they’ve really worked great for me and my friends.
http://www.iAfform.com – he’s giving a free Afformation Stress Buster Session. I listen to these throughout the day and they’ve changed my life.
Enjoy them!
- Donna
[...] Originally posted here: Getting to grips with time management : Women Unlimited [...]
[...] in their businesses and themselves. A few conferences that you might be interested in include Breakthrough to Success with Christopher Howard; the Women’s Mastermind Conference in the Midlands in April, Sharing Connections – Sharing [...]
[...] to Success with Christopher Howard; the Women’s Mastermind Conference in the Midlands in April, Sharing Connections – Sharing Success put on by the North London Chamber of Commerce at the end of January and of course our own Create [...]
[...] Success put on by the North London Chamber of Commerce at the end of January and of course our own Create your Future conference for Women in business in London this [...]
[...] video resource is Your Business Channel. You can see one of their featured videos here with Penny Power on how to be a great blogger. They have a one month free trial [...]
My beef with The E-Myth Revisited is that Michael Gerber really doesn’t seem to have taken on board that a one-man (or one-woman) business is still a business – not a job.
True, there are several businesses that just don’t lend themselves to being run single-handed, and a retail shop is one of them.
But there are plenty of businesses where the owner just wants to do the work themselves, work alone, tick along quietly and earn enough money to pay the bills. And Michael Gerber, to me, seems to dismiss those as “jobs”.
My business is to make bespoke screen capture videos. And I don’t want to run a team of people who are making videos. I want to make the videos myself.
That’s not a job, in my book. That’s my small business.
M
Hi Emily, Thanks for your thoughts – you are right, the e-myth is more for people who want to grow their business rather than people who want to work their own business.
Though, if you want to use freelancers or even a personal assistant, the principles in the book are very relevant. Personally I have found delegation on of the most challenging aspects of running my own business and Gerber’s position on systemising your business is really helpful in overcoming this. Also, as a small busienss owner, I often find I am constantly running out of time to do all the things that need to be done and by having a clear outline of the steps involved, it does make it much easier.
Thanks for your thoughts on this book
Hello Paula
I am glad you liked the advice about keeping a time diary. Have you used a time diary in the past? If not are you creating one now?
Keep your eye out for the next article where you can find out how to further use your time diary.
Regards
Rachael
[...] success stories come from people who have overcome obstacles that you and I could not imagine. Kanya King created the Mobo Awards in her back bedroom as a single mother in her early 20’s. LK Bennett [...]
I’ve read several of Jo’s books, all of which are fantastic and encouraging reads for working women worldwide. I was lucky enough to attend one of her writing workshops in Holland – truly inspiring and effective. In fact, it’s the reason that I’ve co-written “How to be a Global Grandparent”, a book that’s being published next month! Keep up the excellent work Jo!
Another invoicing option is Time59 (www.time59.com). It’s targeted at solo professionals and is a great solution if you don’t need (or want to pay for) the multi-user capability of Freshbooks (great product by the way). Bottom line: If you are solo and bill by the hour it is definitely worth a look. The first 30 days are free.
[...] Here is the original post: Top tips for getting more business… [...]
[...] Read more from the original source: Top tips for getting more business through networking : Women … [...]
It is so true, you can get so absorbed in running your business it ends up running you and you can easily forget to take care of yourself. Thank you for this valuable reminder and the ideas on how to keep healthy and happy.
[...] Claire has been very savvy about developing her business. She has two executives on her board including fashion PR expert Zoe Kimber who has a background with high profile brands such as Jimmy Choo. To support her business requirements Claire has chosen to supplement head count with an internship programme. This is a win win for everyone involved. She gets the resources and help she needs to grow her business and the interns gain experience in the fashion industry and are given an opportunity to network and engage with people who they would not otherwise have access to (click here to read our article on hiring interns). [...]
Am really looking forward to the conference in March to give me ideas to energise and focus and move forward to success.
When the snow cancelled all my appointments in London this week, I went a bit stir-crazy thinking of what I should be doing with my newly found time. Working for yourself is like working for the toughest boss, but after a few e-mails, blog posts and a bit of catch up I finally let myself off to do some baking. Much like your Xmas snow angel, no doubt, I haven’t done any baking during a week day in years, but it felt great and the biscuits? Well they aren’t pretty, but they sure taste great!
I have dreadful time management habits. I’d like to think it’s because I have such an incredible brain that goes a million miles an hour and I have so many balls in the air at once, that somehow that excuses me. Thank you for the tips, Rachel, I shall add them to my list and get to them when I………..hang on, no, I now have a new priority because it’s important – and I’ve finished that game of spider solitaire now anyway
Cheers, Penelope
[...] You can find more information here and also book your place …. [...]
Really want to hear Seth G and want to register – but when is it?
Ah. Just clicked on the link. All now clear… !
I can certainly vouch for the value of vision boards. My journey started with Di McDowell’s Feel the Fear workshop in Nov 2006, watching The Secret in March 2007, and working my way through Jack Canfield’s Success Principles throughout 2008 and I now have my new business – Affirmints.
I have a fantastic team of mentors who work with me from Los Angeles and have started to tithe some of my income to charities through the distibution of Awareness Raising mints.
I say go for it! You have nothing to lose.
Big blessings
Cathie
Thanks Penny, I hadn’t realised that I didn’t put the date on! Now fixed
What a great testimonial for vision boards Cathie and congratulations on your new business! It sounds like you are doing some amazing things
Hello Penelope
Glad you found some useful information in my article.
As a women who’s brain goes a million miles an hour I have a tip for you. Get all the information that is spinning around your brain down on paper. This allows you to see what is going on and from there you can decided whether how to deal with it or simple discard it, which will free up your brain.
Keep a small notpad with you at all times so that you can jot anything down that pops to mind when you are out.
Hope this helps
Rachael
[...] Julie Hall of Women Unlimited has managed to get 2 tickets to give away for this sold out event. Register with her website and you will have a chance to get one of the [...]
great article and very thorough….here is another tip to keep them coming back and or just coming to your website….Vision Map Videos….they can be used for advertising of all sorts….check it out….
darlene
http://visionmapvideo.blogspot.com/
Though the F pattern certainly applies to my site, and many others, I think it really depends on the layout of the site. A 3 column site with the high priority column on the right will create a much different pattern.
Very nice. Love how you stuck to the facts. Keep up the good work.
Your article is very true…key points are definitely critical nature of execution, importance of cash flow and being realistic about “excessive optimism”.
There is a wealth of video clips on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur at Prendismo – http://www.prendismo.com/themes.cfm?id=35
One of my favorite clips (from a successful female entrepreneur) comes from Linda Mason who states, “Well, starting and developing a business is a rollercoaster, I think. The highs are much higher, and the lows are much lower.’ Too true. Here is a link to that clip – http://www.prendismo.com/viewclip.cfm?id=27&clipId=1562
Thanks for your wonderful post. Great info for any “wantrepreneur”.
If you want to be an entrepreneur, find for your skills, talents and interest. In that way you can start your business on what you want most. And while you are the boss of your own company or business, entrepreneurs can also create jobs for the rising numbers of unemployed workers. Though it may provide only a small number of job vacancies, still it will be of great help.
I am unable to attend this conference. I live in bucks, is there one nearer to where I live.
It is tough to become an entrepreneur but nowadays I think it is one of the solutions needed to combat the high unemployment rate, become self-employed. Create opportunities for income and help others who are already unemployed.
Check out The YES movie at http://www.TheYESmovie.com for more inspiration in becoming an entrepreneur by Louis Lautman
[...] Original post: Elegant Exits – How to make the mo… [...]
[...] Find out more about the speakers and what you will get out of each session [...]
The event looks fantastic.
Is a creche being provided?
This is wionderful site is in tune with my work as Irelands Leading Lifeskills Coach, Trainer, Speaker and Radio presenter. I live near Knock Airport in the West of Ireland, so handy for me to hop on a plane for travel and conferences as well as for clients to attend my coaching clinics and workshop retreats and training days. I work over the phone on line and via email for those who require a remote service. I believe in the pure exponential potential of each human being and love the rewards of watching people blossom and grow more happy healthy and confident with each session or event as they experience more fulfilment in all aspects of life. Sharing and investing in our own personal growth reaps great rewards – please feel free to contact me frances@lifeskillspractitioner.com or call 00353 863005789
any evening seminars,I work full time,it wiil make it possible to attend Regards
Jocelyne
This is excellent advice, and outsourcing means these jobs are getting completed with the expertise that you don’t have whilst you improve your expertise by working more on what you love.
I have outsourced in the past and a clearly defined brief is absolutely essential – never assume the other party understands you want something doing a particular way. It may seem picky, but even outlinging how you want work formatting means they know what to deliver and there are no surprises. I can recommend elance for finding great freelancers to work with.
[...] you booked your ticket yet to the Women Unlimited Conference: Create your Future? Join us for a fabulous afternoon of inspiration, learning and networking. Share and [...]
Great psot, especially looking at working from home. I have recenlty made the leap to working from home and can definietly relate to setting boundaries. I think my family feel because I’m at home, even when I say I’m “working” they feel it’s almost “playing at working” because hty’re used to work being done in an office. I would get numerous phonecalls and interruptions and had to elt them know how and when I could be reached.
I also found it difficult to switch off, but I find that planning my day keeps me on track so that when I reach the end of my working day, I can look back at what I’ve crossed off and it makes me accept that I’ve done as much as I can for one day and can relax.
Hi,
I am a women entrepreneur from Tunisia and I would like to develop networking with british networking
I own a training company and would like to do something else
so, I decidede to see how do british work in such situations,
I will attend the conference in marche, 18
hope we could meet with entrepreneurs
am 30 years old and I began in 2003 when I was 25
Best regards
Hi,
I am a women entrepreneur from Tunisia and I would like to develop networking with british networking
I own a training company and would like to do something else
so, I decidede to see how do british work in such situations,
I will attend the conference in marche, 18
hope we could meet with entrepreneurs
am 30 years old and I began in 2003 when I was 25
Best regards
I’m Your PA supply admin and call handling support services to businesses nationwide to help business owners be able to spend their time more effectively and efficiently.
If after reading this article, you would like to talk to someone about how having your own PA support can help you to spend more time in and on your business, please call us on 01543 888 488. We’d love to help.
Kim – I’m Your PA
email me at kim@imyourpa.co.uk
I would like to attend on March 17, 2009 Bromley. 1230 Any Other Business? is an inspiring, motivational, pro-active event for all business women.
I am an enrironmentalist, a coach, a mentor, a writer, and a bamboo expert, the world most naturally sustainable ressource which will save the planet from global warming. I am also a catalyst with a global women entrepreneurs interactive TV Broadcast Broadband Media project, which is all about taking women with anti-credit crunch ideas to the next level. Thanks.
Great Post,
nothing is more important than the art of selling in a business and it can seem very daunting if you have just set up and are not used to this aspect of running a business.
Those are some great tips and I’ve found something else which helps when talking to a prospective client – talk with passion about their business and how your work benefits the services they offer.
Show a genuine interest in what they do, not just about your work and they are more likely to trust you with their business
Thanks for the tips!
[...] Originally posted here: DIY Business Review – Copywriting, media releases and marketing … [...]
[...] Continued here: DIY Business Review – Copywriting,… [...]
When marketing your company, do you recommend using internet sites like Biz Ad Splash, FaceBook or Google?
[...] philosophy came to mind as I attended two excellent events last Tuesday. The Women Unlimited Start up Meet-up – a networking event for women who have recently or are thinking about starting up their own [...]
where is his event held?
Superb article Amy, you truely are a Renaissance woman (had to find out how to spell Renaissance.. oh well).. I love the fact that you have taken this step.. Soooo COOL.. you go girl.
xx
What a shame, already busy that day, hopefully you’ll hold another similar event in the future.
Wishing everybody all the success they wish for.
Thanks Annie, we will definitely be holding more of these – our plan it to run them once a month, so you will have more chances to come along!
[...] dragons where you can record your pitch and upload it onto the website. Thanks to Julie Hall from Women Unlimited who pointed this out to [...]
[...] was lucky enough to hear the entrepreneur Julie Meyer speak this week at the Women Unlimited Create your Future Conference and as I scribbled notes (definitely a Dictaphone job next time) something she said made me stop and [...]
Having read Katie Griffiths’ article on “Making your own business – is it for you” I would like more help from her as I am in a position of starting my own business but I do not know how to do it.
[...] Keep yourself focused on what you want to manifest by surrounding yourself with visual images of the things and experiences you want to create in your life. There are many tools you can use for this, including creating a Vision Book or board. [...]
This is a great article from Karen and if you’re not already on Twitter, it’s worth giving it a go. There are loads of great tools which we will feature in a future article which can make your Twittering much easier. If you are on Twitter, you can follow us @women_unlimited and you will hear about offers and discounts that are not published on the website. Why not give it a go!
Hi,
What time does it starts and end please?
Cecile
Hi Cecile
It begins at 6 and finishes at 8:30. Hope to see you there.
Julie
[...] Unlimited are holding a workshop on search engine optimisation workshop for small business owners on Wednesday June 10, so if you want to find out more about this [...]
[...] Here’s the link to the video: http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/free-1-hour-teleseminar-twitter-for-business/ [...]
it would be a lot nicer if you didn’t smack you lips audibly all the time.
try a glass of water
CK is, as usual, so smart to immediately see the message to marketers in the Susan Boyle mania. Some will jump in and immediately try to manufacture her remarkable “real-ness” and a lot of them will fake us out with their efforts. For a short while anyway. And then like the lonely girl outing and the recent Witchery jacket video, they will be exposed. It leaves me a tad depressed. I am sorry to report that, after my initial tears and laughter and just plain yummy feelings upon seeing the Boyle bit, I immediately wondered how Simon and Britain’s Got Talent had managed to stage this one. Yes, I am cynical. I suspect a savvy marketer behind even this feel-good hit. Here’s hoping I’m wrong wrong wrong
[...] Go here to see the original: Copywriting Essentials Workshop : … [...]
I can also recommend this new online software:
http://www.clearbooks.co.uk
I can’t seem to find the place to book – not sure if I’m just going insane?
I’m having problems finding the link to book for this seminar! Something must be wrong!
What a great day it should be – I managed to get booked in and thank you so much to Make Your Mark Campaign who let me know that this event was being held.
Suzy
Good article lots of info. especially about sending content that is valuable. Our experience is also that your subject line needs to be right. Don’t make them sales orientated but just say what it is eg Company Newsletter. These achieve higher open rates.
Good info. Thanks.
I’m having problems finding the link to book for this seminar. I would love to attend. Pls let let me know what to do. Thanks
Facile, is the word that springs to mind! Belief and convinction are everything but it is too easy and wrong to ascribe others’ business tactics or strategies to having more courage, not knowing other people’s situation it is dangerous to prescribe copycat tactics. Knowing what one can afford to do and not do is key in survival!
Erik Speekenbrink
[...] WILL BE HOLDING ANOTHER ONE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS – TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS OUT, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UPDATED WITH FUTURE [...]
Sorry everyone, I’m afraid this event has sold out – we did release 5 more tickets but they went in 2 hours. We will be holding another event like this in the next few months, so please make sure you sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out.
How frustrating, tried to get onto your website when I heard about this event through London Business Link but it wasn’t working – never mind, will sign up for newsletter to be first in line for next one but if you have any cancellations I’d be keen to come!
Annie
Actually you need both to be successful. Business ability/acumen which includes both skills base and knowledge base is required to build and maintain success. That being said, you also need to have, and maintain a strong, confident and positive attitude in respect of you self and your skills and knowledge base.
Either – without the other to underpin means that you may get lucky and succeed in the short term but to continue and thrive in the long term both positive attitude and realistic business ability are needed.
I am looking to get a website sorted out and constructed. I have noticed you are doing a course to build one’s own website..At the end of this course will I have a website up and running (if I purchase the Domain name prior to coming to the course) What is the fee of £125 for and also what about web hosting etc.
This subject is like another language to me…I started a website design course but unfortunately found it alittle daunting…
I wait to hear from you.
Nancy
0789 4661380
I would love to attend this event but can’t make this date
will you be repeating it soon ? Many thanks,
Leah
Hello, I am interested in this course but was wondering if it mattered that I already have my website set up. I would like to change to look of it and manage content on my own without having to go to my web designer everytime. Also will I be able to keep the domain name that exists?
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Many thanks
Viv
I just wanted to say that I attended this session yesterday and it was one of the most inspirational events I have EVER attended.
It was impossible to leave and NOT be motivated to action. Thank you so much, Julie, for the stellar selection of speakers. I only wish it had been recorded so more people could have had the privilege of listening to them.
Rose
Milk & Honey Organics Ltd
What an amazing weekend in London 15-17 May 2009! For all UK fans I’ve set up a forum for fans please come and have a look here and be inspired again!
http://www.meetup.com/Breakthrough-to-Success-Chris-Howard-Fan/
[...] you will come away with a website you can feel proud of. This workshop works very well with the search engine optimisation workshop we’re holding on June [...]
[...] aim to respond to their users’ queries by producing a list of websites that are relevant to the keywords that the user has entered into the search engine query box (e.g. Google toolbar) and [...]
[...] Unlimited are holding a workshop on search engine optimisation workshop for small business owners on Wednesday June 10, so if you want to find out more about this subject [...]
Good points here Margaret. Just a couple of things. Google doesn’t take any notice of the meta tags these days for SEO purposes. But I do think it’s worth wrting a keyword rich meta description tag as this is shown as a snippet (most of the time) on the SERPS and acts as a mini advertisement; it attracts attention and encourages visitors to click through. (You touch on this in the above)
It’s also important to have only one or two keyphrases per page and they should be closely related. And of course each page title shoud be unique.
Alex, is there a link for this survey?
Thanks Sarah. I’ve just added one!
I agree Alex. This is my third start up and I am doing all the things you suggested. When I was first in business, I figured out too late (months before I closed the doors), that networking wasn’t a dirty word.
I’m now active in the Houston AMA and all the social media networks. What a difference 20 years makes!
Hi Nicolette! I know exactly what you mean – I hated networking for the first 5 years I was in business and now it is my lifeline! Connecting with other people who are familiar with the challenges you face as a small business owner is critical during the early years.
Nicolette, I’m glad you concur! If you have any other ideas that might help other business-owners feel less isolated, your suggestions are welcome
I think it’s really important, especially today, that women have something to focus on and feel that they can work on something that were thought not to be achievable or realistic.
Your article suggests women can make something happen they thought wasn’t attainable, which is quite inspirational for women who are looking for that extra mile.
So, wish you all the best in building your healing centre!
Hi Emma,
Thanks for the kind words on Webjam – our partnership with Venda really is an amazing way for businesses to quickly and easily build and run their online business including community engagement and e-commerce all in one http://www.webjam.com/shopping . But of course there is the need to drive traffic to your site. For example making sure your site is SEO compliant and that you are running a good SEM campaign. Also that you get your customers to opt-in to be contacted and you send them offers via email. And of course that you promote your business’s site by leveraging your own personal social networks with badge placement – all of which you can do with Webjam. If anyone has any questions please do get in touch at Lexie@webjam-ltd.com. Thanks
Lexie Mendelson
Business Development Director
Webjam Ltd
I’m Mark of the above mentioned ipadio – many thanks for your kind words. One aspect of ipadio that I haven’t flagged much relates to issues around personal safety. My company built the Women’s Aid website and ipadio has some interesting safety alert possibilities that I’d like to explore, for example ipadio can be embedded in Twitter and Facebook – the latter a friends networks. ipadio calls can then be routed to just those environments – i.e. avoid e-mail or sms and leave no tracking trace as it were. There are ideas swimming in my head about how this might help women in domestic violence situations to keep in touch with networks that they may have needed to leave in a hurry. It’s only a thought but I’d welcome comments from your community on this aspect, regards Mark
[...] come along to our next Women Unlimited meetup where we have Emma Wimhurst talking about how to create your Vision! We hold these meetups in the [...]
Totally agree, and I have found that young, successful women who are not in relationships can feel especially isolated. I recently set up a social group for single professional women in London and we meet up somewhere for drinks once a week. Most of my other friends are coupled up and don’t share my interests anymore so it’s refreshing to spend time with women who share my lifestyle. Please feel free to check it out and to join – the more the merrier!
http://www.meetup.com/Single-Ladies-Social
thank you for a great article , in my experience this subject is often only acknowledged by my female clients and rarely by my male clients. Even so, both would agree that they feel almost ashamed to admit it, confessing to a flaw or weakness. Being your own boss causes isolation in many areas , no one congratulates you when you’ve achieved something, or encourages you when things are going badly and who do you ask when you need help , advice or just to talk something through ? Something to try if you have a premises is to invite people to you. Let networking groups use the premises before you open for breakfast meetings, consider open days for different groups within the community eg school leavers,mums returning to work etc.. What about inviting local business people around you, they probably feel like you and would love a relaxed glass of wine and chat. Its a great way to get involved and maximise the use of an asset you already have to best effect. and of course to meet people within your commmnuity.
What a great post – thank you!
I will be sharing this with my networking colleagues – great to be able to ‘get out’ gracefully.
Great post! I enjoy watching video. Yes, I agree with you “Viral marketing is about catering for the customer’s needs, and taking full advantage of their impulse to participate”. Viral marketing + Social networking are very powerful combination. But you want also to drive traffic to your site you are promoting? I do video marketing for small local business. I really appreciate your article post. Keep it up.
The implications of visualization and mental imagery are also being researched by science. The studies are showing that our mind may have far more potential than we thought possible.
Mental imagery is used significantly by athletes and sportspeople to improve their performance. It appears that success does, after all, start in the mind.
Wondrous Women Unlimited.
Please, please could you offer this workshop – Wordpress Workshop: Build Your Own Website In A Day – againin London in about three months? I should have a new laptop by then and am really eager to learn how to create my own website.
Here’s to success,
Gabrielle
No problem at all Gabrielle! We will definitely be running this workshop again – probably in September or October.
Email marketing is relationship marketing | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/makm3y
Email marketing is relationship marketing | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/makm3y
Just to echo Gabrielle’s comments. I am just not going to be able to make the date of July 15th – but would love to know of another day’s course in a couple of months… Wordpress Workshop: Build Your Own Website In A Day – please keep me posted.
Roshini
RT @moontweet: RT @women_unlimited Meet founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @moontweet: RT @women_unlimited Meet founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @moontweet: RT @women_unlimited Meet founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @moontweet RT @women_unlimited Come along meet founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on 7/29 @ Wmn Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
RT @women_unlimited Come along meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th http://bit.ly/13zYCy
Good Day,
I used http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk forum to get information for that i had in my class. This is an excellent site for this information
RT @women_unlimited Come along meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th http://bit.ly/13zYCy
Come along and meet the founder of #moonfruit @wendytanwhite on July 29th at Women Unlimited meetup http://bit.ly/13zYCy
Make way for e-business | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/pc8agn
New business news Make way for e-business | Women Unlimited: Online spending is growing rapidly.. http://tinyurl.com/pc8agn
… just putting the finishing touches on the latest newslettter … are you a subscriber? http://tinyurl.com/luytrl
Hi,
When exactly is this workshop and how long is it going to be for?
Thanks,
Warda
Hi Warda – oops! I have now updated the post thanks! It’s on August 25th from 10 -1. Hope to see you there.
Julie
web therapy – golearnto | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/mc5o99
web therapy – golearnto | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/mc5o99
web therapy – golearnto | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/mc5o99
I want to open a grooming company in my country. Do you offer such training?
I really enjoyed your article, there was a couple of things I did not agree with, but many things were eye opening.
Thank you:)
I found a very useful acronym for fear a few years ago:
F – alse
E – vidence
A – ppearing
R – eal
We build stories in our minds to be far worse than the reality of the situation. I often ask my coaching clients ‘What’s the worst thing that can happen if you do that?’ Then we work with that. It’s almost never as bad as they think. You also need to find out what limiting beliefs do you hold about yourself at an unconscious level because they can crop up and stop you from achieving what you are really capable of.
If you want to break through fear that’s holding you back come along to my unique programme for mid-life women that kicks off in September ‘Age with Attitude’. It’s for women who believe in beginnings not endings and creating permanent change in their lives. See web site for more details http://www.agewithattitude.co.uk.
Have a great day. Lindsey Agness, author of ‘Change Your Life with NLP’, trainer and coach.
I thought long and hard about whether I should have an offcie when I strated my marketing consultancy 8 years ago. I was concerned that if I worked from home the business would seem less professional and “grown up”, but didn’t really see the point of paying the astronomical rates that London office space costs. IN the end I turned the spare bedroom into a home office and just went for it. I’ve never regretted it – so many excellent thriving businesses are based at home nowadays that clients don’t bat an eyelid.
If you are not in network bussiness, you will be soon out of work.
RT @women_unlimited: Don’t forget ot book yourself onto our email marketing workshop on July 28th!http://tinyurl.com/ctb4wa
time-management and planning
are so important,
and something I almost never do.
It would be right that on a female based website you would of course like this ladys pitch, I note though you don’t mention how she did what all woman do so well, and thats the sob story, I’m a single mother bla bla bla! this program is edited very well so yes it made her look like she had invented the wheel! she hasn’t shes just copied products that have been around for years, if you dont believe me just search “pick up tools” on the net, this is not an innovative product just a copy of something already used by many electricians world over. Get a grip people this lady just got lucky, i wonder if her old business partner and the man that designed this new copy product will now be looking for his share?
Hmm, interesting Edward – do you think it’s a ’sob’ story that she’s a single mum? I didn’t see her pushing that side of it at all – it’s a fact of her life. The reason I liked the pitch is that she was articulate, knew her business and was professional. She was not phased by the dragons questions and she showed good business awareness.
I’m afraid I know nothing of whether she has a business partner or not, but I have searched on the pick up tools, as you suggested and while I did see magnetic tools, I didn’t see them being shown in the way her product works. She took an existing technology and improved upon it to create a commercial product that has found a market
I totally agree – it was great to see someone (male or female) enter the den fully prepared – able to answer all questions, and with a product packaged and ready to go. I am constantly shocked at the complete lack of business acumen and awareness shown by people in the den that it was refreshing to see Sharon actually present in a way I think all business owners looking for investment should.
Hello, would you please tell me, is the morning course with the use of a computer or through notes and handouts please and if computer based, are the computers provided by you?
Ann
Hi Ann
The morning session is not computer based, the afternoon one is and you need to bring your own laptop. Julie
Thankyou Julie, I would like to book the morning course please (10a.m. to 1p.m. Tuesday 28th July) please but cannot find an online booking form. Ann
Sorry Ann, the gremlins got us! It’s now back on. Julie
Love Moonfruit DIY website builder and articles about women entrepreneurs. I have used one DIY from another company and hope to use Moonfruit for other websites.
I’m Interested in your thoughts.. Does 37signals or E-myth have the right philosophy for business start-ups today? http://www.purlem.com/blog/?p=38
Please can you tell me where i can go for help to start my own business under the new enterprise allowance scheme ?I live in nottingham but there dont seem to be any one who has heard of the scheme even though it was in the post and other tabloid papers.Idid the same scheme in 1990 under the conservatives government where i got funding for a year whilst in business .The business folded in 2000 through no fault of my own and i have been suffering with a mental condition until now but i would like to get back into business and employ people like me who have a mental health problem i need to get some funding first though to set up the business can you please help me ?from miss frausted .
Hi there
I am currently looking to relaunch my site using a Wordpress theme and really like this template. Would you be able to tell me the name of it please?
Kerry
Agree with Edward. Cable rods have been around for years and unfortunately the basic practical skills that the dragons lack made them thought she had invented something marvellous. It’s just another piece of plastic that may be bought by DIYer’s used once then thrown out into landfill. I’d like to see that magnet hold together when snagged up on a piece of brick or flint in a solid wall construction. Made me laugh when she said she got the idea from watching a BT engineer struggling to fish a cable. They are not the most practically gifted tradesmen at the best of times. Cable rods are cheaper have more accessories and can be extended up to 10-15m. Barring all that just use a straightened out wire coat hanger. Benn using them for the lats 25 years and won’t leave home without one. So sorry Ms. Wright and the dragon’s but to me it is a waste of money and resources.
A very nice piece Belinda, and very true.
i do take into account customer service, whether its on the shopfloor, or at the cash desk, and if the service is good i will go back, if i feel i’m not treated well then they wont be seeing my money again. i’ve even asked for a refund on occasions when i wasnt happy with the way i was treated,
Hi,
Just wanted to say that having been made redundant at the turn of the year it has been to have the support of women unlimited. Being made redundant made me fel pretty low. With so few employment opportunities in Croydon, I decided to open up a business in Croydon. It was completetly original but it did allow me to get £250 to test trade a new business idea. My adviser, Jason Ojukwu worked with me on the application and helped me remain positive. Thus far I’m just keeping my head above water but its good to know there is help out there.
Would you mind letting me know who is running the workshop and their ‘credentials’? I have been to a few SM workshops lately and, unfortunately, bandwagon jumping hasn’t made them all an expert! I think this sounds very interesting but would just like to judge how much there is to learn as we do currently write and manage blogs for an number of clients so aren’t beginners. Thanks
Very nice article. Thanks for sharing. Social media gives organizations the opportunity to develop relationships, improve communication and operate more efficiently. Let me share an article.
http://www.articletechie.com/The-Early-Bird-Gets-the-Marketing-Worm/a12780_1
RT @photobiz: social media-whats your strategy? good place to start! http://tinyurl.com/mao5d3
Social media … start with a strategy – http://tinyurl.com/mao5d3
There is a lot of truth in what Belinda says. I’m a cofounder of a very small business in the US and the amount of work can seem overwhelming. At the same time you tend to think that only you can do it and don’t think about delegating or asking someone else for help. As you try to balance your family life there is a certain amount of burnout and your thinking becomes stale.
Giving yourself something completely different to do is a great mini vacation and can clear your mind. I’ve found myself solving problems I had been wrestling with for a month a few days into one of these little vacations.
One of the best solutions I’ve seen is practiced in a small company that has been extremely successful in attracting great talent. The woman who started it told people she didn’t want to see anyone working more than 50 hours a week and no one was allowed to take work home. She thought people would be freshest if they could completely focus at work. She also told new workers she was hiring them for being good, but if they could do what was needed in the 50 hours or less, they weren’t smart enough to be working there. Of course this can only work if the work loads are managed, but they do it in an environment where their competitors (silicon valley) usually log 70+ hour work weeks and consider that a badge of honor.
Thanks for including my ebook in your list of resources Sarah. Very much appreciated.
Social media is great, but can be overwhelming. So I second the reply that said, “start with a strategy”.
It’s also very important to have a good media mix such as including things like direct mail and electronic media.
New blog post: Sales letters don’t close sales http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/sales-letters-dont-close-sales/
Oh… it’s fully booked. When is this workshop going to be held again?
Hi Teresa
It has proven to be a very popular workshop. We will probably run it again in the new year, but maybe sooner if there is shown to be a lot of demand for it before then.
Julie
So, what are the correct proceedures on working from home?
Are they determind on income earned or on office space used?
You have left many questions then you have answered!
Margaret,
Just wanted to let you know that like you, this is one of the rare time I read a whole article of this nature through . This was really thorough, and yet straight to the point. Very enlightening. Thank you for taking the time.
Annick.
HI,
Really got a lot out of the workshop today on blogging for business. You had said that there would be a repeat class on using wordpress. I cannot find this class. Thank you for your reply as to when it is so I can register.
Many thanks and best wishes,
Marilyn
OK, a bit cheeky posting here but if you do decide to go freelance and cannot afford a receptionist, try our low cost (a few pence per booking) on-line booking service with automatic email and sms appointment reminders, client address book and salon diary.
Because we rather like this blog, if you mention women unlimited, we’ll add an extra 52 credits to your account.
Thank you so much, Annick. I appreciate your comments very much.
healthy and beauty business | how to start a health and beauty …: Yaa (http://www.enterprisenation.com/detail/.. http://tinyurl.com/kv9g8n
The everywoman Conference is also taking place in London on this day – so the great news is you could do both!
Inspirational speakers, masterclasses (on creative thinking, leadership style, creating plans to promote your business and raising your online profile). And of course you will be able to network and share ideas with over 300 like-minded business owners. All in plush surroundings at the Hotel Russell.
(Exhibition opportunities are also available).
http://www.everywoman.com/Conferences/Conferencecalendar/?id=1891
I would love to come to this event, but whats the date>
I was very execited reading about Dr John Demartinis return but it is impossible to get any information about it.I have clicked on the link you have provided and you cannot book on that website it doesn’t take you over “please wait” when you want to book.I have tried to call the contact number nobody is answering.
I am really dissapointed.
Hi Judit – apologies for the misunderstanding… this event was last year not this year – this is an old event post.
Julie
loved the presentation, truly fantastic story. my 5 year old daughters dream is to be one one of your cards so she can show her school mates and be proud to be who she is, a beautiful black princess. im still waiting for your casting call. connie.
Yes maybe my eureka moment would be to design something to easily open jam jars!!
My legal recruitment business provides law firms with top performing lawyers within employment law. There is a certain amount of ‘isolation’ from working at home. I found social networking invaluable in liaising with like minded business individuals, a great way of exchanging information and ideas and generally getting out and about in the business community and keeping in touch with by business colleagues.
Thanks Margaret. I’m glad you found the article thought provoking and value your thoughts and feedback. Actually I’ve been asked to write another piece about social networking usage amongst lawyers and accountants – and what successes they’re reporting from this investment in their time. If you have any good anecdotes, I’d be very interested.
I guess we should start thinking about xmas soon, its only 100 or so days to go. I like the idea of buying a tree for someone. It will last a while.
Great tips here. I must ‘fess up to being a Twitter addict but only visting my LinkedIn profile about once a week. (Actually, every couple of weeks.) This has inspired me start using it a bit more!
All the events sound fantastic and great opportunities to meet new people and network as well as picking up some great advice. However the fact that all the events are held in london excludes a lot of people. I for one can not get to london, as single mom with a heavy workload and very busy life can not drop everything to get a meeting which is often out of normal business hours and held 300 miles away. So what help is if you held live or recorded web seminars which we watch in our own time and a delegate list of people attending so we could connect through emails etc.
Thanks for you time
Samantha Mills
I am not sure I would go through the whole process but it is useful to have some tips and to be reminded that business planning is a good thing to do from time to time!
Women Unlimited Meetup: Twitter for business. 30 Sept. London http://tinyurl.com/mtpu2r @women_unlimited
Athena Richmond member, @women_unlimited running Twitter for business. 30 Sept. London http://tinyurl.com/mtpu2r
I think your summary is really really useful Julie.
They should have you adding regular commentary online.
I’d love to include your whole article inside the members area of ShesIngenious.org with links back to Women Unlimited of course.
What do you think?
Bestest, Cally
Thanks Cally! I’m happy for you to post the article inside the members area. Julie
http://bit.ly/FjNcP Is your website a client magnet …… or a trampoline?! | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/y8vwms6
“Is your website a client magnet …… or a trampoline?!” http://bit.ly/kBIlw
Hello
It’s now 06.30 on Wednesday 30/9 and I’ve just logged on to this website. At first glance, this looks fantastic to me and something which appeals. Too late to come along this evening, as I already have plans, but wonder when you’re holding your next event.
With kind regards
Patricia Clay
Fish sticks – Cable Rods, call them what you will, they have been around for years, she has just copied something that has been selling for years, because like most women she did’nt do that little thing called RESEARCH, no doubt she will sell a few, most of which will be to the hen pecked husbands that were told to buy one, I know a much better use for them – back scratcher anyone?
Hi,
Will you be doing another SEO google training session at the British Library after the 21st October session?
Thank you
Dionysia
Hi Dionysia – we will, but not this year – look out for one early next year
Sharon’s product is an innovation on an old idea. The cable rods that you are talking about are not the same and the simplicity of her product makes it a winner. She has a patent on her product – patents can be difficult to get and are not handed out to products that are a duplicate of another
I’ve coached and worked with both men and women with new products and inventions since 2003.
Sweeping generalizations are dangerous, of course.
But there ARE a number of interesting differences, which led me to focus on supporting women:
1) Women are usually less interested in tinkering to invent something per se, and more interested in helping solve an issue that they see real people are experiencing. In essence, they start off being much more customer focused. Which means their product is more likely to meet with success.
2) Women are more likely to put in the legwork themselves to do the research. Men will try to outsource work or bring in a partner, or especially for market research, will make it secondary to the inventing process. Doing the research yourself – into intellectual property, market demand, pricing and costings etc, – will always raise your chances of commercial success because you learn all sorts of things in the process that you wouldn’t have anticipated.
3) Women are more open to learning and understanding ALL aspects of the development and business processes before they leap into development. Maybe because they’re good at multi-tasking, they’re often able to draw all the elements together and realize important principles they need to stick to. They don’t treat inventing as a stage by stage process as men tend to (ie make, protect, sell – which rarely works). So they tend to anticipate problems down the line better and take steps to avoid them.
4) Women will tend to be underconfident about their abilities. Men, tend to overstate them. This has two effects:
i) Women can be enormously rewarding to work with. A small amount of coaching releases their confidence and they move forward at speed.
ii) Women are often less suspicious and confrontational in building business relationships, which tends to foster more cooperation, faster progress and bigger chances of success.
I suspect that I won’t be getting any more male Members at She’s Ingenious! now.
And as I say, they ARE generalizations. So now take me out and shoot me!
Cally Robson
Coach and Founder
http://www.ShesIngenious.org
I ahve built a number of blogs myself, all using Wordpress and a whole lot of useful plugins. I have to say that it is the easiest way to get your experiences and community online. There are so many themes available and lots of video tuition, so there is really no excuse for not becoming a member of the woman’s blogging community.
Lucy
What really mattered about her was that she was willing to be critical but constructive and to look at the reality of the ideas on show. Too many of the Dragon prospects just don’t seem to be able to see the slightest thing wrong with their ideas. Good for her, I say
Hi Lucy … You’re right! Wordpress is a fantastic tool for building websites – great to see you on here
I am looking for a Wordpress workshop but it seems as though I have just missed this one! Will you be holding anymore in the coming months and are they all in London?
Thanks in advance.
Blokes – so typical, look it may or may not be a good product, we can all have our opinion on it, so none of us are right! the fact is she has done very well to get on, there is enough misery in the world, so lets just congratulate this person for getting on and doing well, I love dragons den, you have to have some nerve to go on national tv with your idea, and possibly get ripped apart, some great products on there to, my fav was the bra angel bra repair – another product thought of by a woman! and a great one at that, the only difference here is that her husband got behind her and went with it! shame not more blokes like that I say, I purchased there product and its fantastic, so well done to the woman inventors!!
This is a great article. I too have a blog and a newsletter. However, I am having a running ‘argument’ with another member of my Speakers’ Mastergroup. He specialises in marketing and swears that people don’t have the time to read blogs and newsletters any more. His solution is to “Tweet” and update his Linkedin account with very short, witty comments to increase his profile.
Personally, I’m not convinced because different people respond to a variety of communication media. I hope this starts a debate here!!
My blog is occasionally picked up by other websites and organisations and has generated interest and my newsletter is a great opportunity to share ideas and market what we are doing.
Good luck!
Hi Samantha,
There are events going on all over the UK on Women’s Enterprise Day (November 18th 2009) as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
If you register on http://www.gew.org.uk you’ll be able to search for events in your area.
I hope this is helpful.
Sarah
Thanks! I’ll be bookmarking this page so I can refer back to it. Looks good.
MissMentor
Hello Lisa
It is good to hear that you like my ‘to do’ tips, let me know how they help you.
Regards
Rachael
The home and office organising expert
Feminism uncool? http://bit.ly/sqzL2 Is it ok if I just get on with it? forge my own path as 21st century entrepreneur?http://bit.ly/4n6EJE
Content Marketing … How to take the fear out of marketing yourself …: One of the great aspects of content mar.. http://tinyurl.com/yh22ns7
How true is this! I would only add perseverance. Keep on “truckin” . NO often means NOT YET but if we don’t persevere then we will never know. Successful people do not give up when it doesn’t work the first time they persevere or go back to the drawing board. So don’t give up!!!!
Fantastic, it has long been forgotten the true power that positive thought really holds. I run a site called Healthwise-global.com which specialise in self help/ self hypnosis/ positive thinking downloads. When we started we were laugh at as many people though those serious issues could not be solve by adjusting your mind set! Now we are one of the biggest suppliers of self help cd’s in the UK
It is so good to see that more people are reading and writing now and now on a truly life changing subject.
Keep up the good work I really enjoyed reading this.
Lou
Hi Amy! I like how you tied in content marketing with the fact that some people need to market their products and services but don’t like to be pushy. As you pointed out, that is, in fact, what content marketing is all about. Pull, not push. Isn’t is great when interested parties come to you, ready to buy?
This targeted approach is exactly why CM is so effective, and offers a better ROI than traditional marketing methods. Thanks for the post!
Instead of justifying her comments Dannii needs to defuse the bomb, the only way to do that is to show people your human side. She needs to come out and say what a dumbass she feels, how she meant no harm and hopes she’s not caused any upset, and that she didn’t meant to offend anyone. Also, the facts needs clearing up – the problem is that most people had not read these trashy newspaper stories. Even if they are true people think she just outed him on national TV. Dannii get a grip of this quick or the public will hate you, they’re fickle, and they’re already beginning to. Front this yourself, not your PR team.
Hi Julie,
Great tips here for anyone who finds themselves in a sticky situation that’s being compounded and accelerated on SM. Open up, inform and engage.
Just a thought though- perhaps there’s something a little deeper here? Could this be a very considered and calculated bit of scandal-based publicity? After all, the race debate surrounding the language used by Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke hasn’t done their ratings any harm.
This would possibly explain the reticence of @TheXFactor to extinguish the flames. What do you think?
Also, is your blog pre-moderated? Having difficulty commenting.
All the best,
@peteshannon
Social Media KISS at http://www.peteshannon.com
Now, unless xfactor have deleted that tweet, I can’t see them saying that anywhere?
To me, it looks as though @squallman1 was the first person to say it, and the RT included @TheXFactor because they wanted XFactor to see what they were saying?
Perhaps I’m wrong? But I can’t see it even in the timeline.
who can have an discount code and how?
Hi Eily… they did delete it (not surprisingly) and frustratingly I didn’t take a screen shot when I saw it. I remembered the wowowowowowowow, so found the RT’s that way… but clearly couldn’t show the original as it is no longer in the timeline
Thanks for your comments Pete… I did think they might be playing nasty games, but I think last night proved that wrong and it was nice to see Simon supporting Dannii rather than leaving her to take it all on herself.
Sorry Imayo … there is no discount code for this event
Please hold another one ASAP
@julie
Now, as far as I’m aware, if you delete a tweet, it is no longer viewable by your followers (providing they didn’t see it before you deleted it) but it still remains in the public timeline.
So, for example, if XFactor deleted their tweet, it would no longer show when you visited their twitter page http://www.twitter.com/TheXFactor but if you searched for @TheXFactor it would appear in the public timeline.
Test it out – post a tweet, then delete it, and then view the public timeline by searching your own twitter name, and it still appears? Unless Twitter have fixed this.
I seem to recall awhile ago, a twitter account http://twitter.com/astronautics (it has now changed names) abusing followers, and then deleting tweets, but they still appeared in the public timeline.
The public timeline only goes back about 8 days though…
Women who go on maternity leave and working mums are two different issues. For many small businesses the costs of maternity leave can impact upon profitability and may make some reluctant to hire women at all.
Working mums, particularly those who have completed their families are another matter. Those women are more likely to be looking to work locally and flexibly. The London grind with long hours spent both in the office and commuting may not be so appealing when you have two young children. Those women are more likely to take a job nearer home and accept a trade off on salary and position for a better work life balance. In turn, the employer gains the expertise of someone whose skill set and experience may be above that for the salary he is offering. I’m not suggesting that working mums set their sights low, it’s simply a case of choosing a job you enjoy that fits in with the family.
There is much said about working women having to take the odd day off when their child is sick and how this counts as a negative in the employers mind. However, there is never any mention of days lost in hangovers from the night before in the young, free and single or days lost to man flu. Working mums can’t afford to throw a sicky and any employer who employs a woman with children understands this. The working mum will be at her desk because she cannot afford to do otherwise. What all working mums have in common is the need to get their work done within their agreed working hours as they simply cannot stay late in the office when they have to be at the childminders.
More and more employers are seeing the advantage of employing these focussed, experienced, skilled women particularly in these straightened times. There is one final quality the working mum offers and that is commitment and that is something that is in very short supply.
Hi Amelia… we have just released 5 more tickets as there has been such a high demand. I hope that helps, Julie
Hi Eily… this threw me when I read it as I definitely saw the tweet as did @shoedazzlegirl, @carltonreid and @RadioPaulo as they RT’d it. But you’re right, it’s not in the public timeline… how could this be? So I put on my detective’s hat and discovered that NONE of @thexfactor tweets are in the public timeline (I searched on some of the more recent tweets) – I don’t know why this is the case, but it is. As I said before, I REALLY wish that I had done a screenshot of the original, but I didn’t, so this will have to do in the meantime
@julie
That’s very interesting indeed, I didn’t spot that when I was looking that none of the official TheXFactor tweets appear in the public timeline. Well spotted! I don’t mean to sound like I doubt you, I just meant that I immediately when back and looked for TheXFactor saying it, and the first I could see was @squallman1
It’s definitely very interesting – it’s like repeat of how NOT to use twitter – another case study to add to the Habitat one!
Hmmm, you’re right, could make for an interesting article…
However, most orders require little, if any, custom duties. Drop Shipping
Recommend > @women_unlimited SEO workshop 21 Oct @BIPC London http://tinyurl.com/nn853d
I am thinking of adding an ecommerce element to my existing wesite which already has some credibility with google – what is the best way of doing this?
It can also help to take those post-it notes and turn them into goals with a goal tracking software system.
It helps to write things down and keep them in an organized manner, have a look at http://noomii.com to get an idea of what you can do to achieve your goals with the proper technology (no offence to post-it notes!)
Cheers
start a business Drop shipping – the cheap way to get inventory | Women Unlimited http://tinyurl.com/yhz4shj GuideToad.com
Hi, i like your blog, it’s so cool.
Thank you
RT: Features vs Benefits? How to get it right – http://bit.ly/1QczwW (via @women_unlimited) Good summary.
I wonder sometimes how long it will take me to ABSORB the great advice you are giving Jenny!
Personally I think the previous two comments miss the point.
In a micro-business especially you as the owner are often expected to be brilliant at everything in the business – when in fact you are not and cannot be. The best business people are NOT those who know everything. In fact the more they think they know, often the worse they are (note how many academics are good business people).
The trick is to know what you don’t know – and then doing something about it. So Karen is absolutely right. This doesnt mean ignoring the world around you – but it does mean acting in a way that controls your own destiny.
Great event Triumphant, I had a great time, learnt tons and met some fantastic people. I always think the measure of an organisation can be seen in the people it attracts to its events, and this weekend I met a lot of people with a lot of heart. Well done and thank you.
Great to read this and learn about the origins of Toptable. It’s a great site and brand and pleased to hear it’s growing in this challenging economic climate.
Thanx for this well written article. But I had difficult time navigating through your site because I kept getting 502 bad gateway error. Just thought to let you know.
Write a post it note business plan – http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/how-to-write-a-post-it-note-business-plan/ (via @women_unlimited)
,..] http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk is other nice source of information on this topic,..]
,..] http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk is one nice source of information on this topic,..]
[...] challenges? Do you have a business idea that seems like a daunting prospect? Sit at Polly’s table and let some of her entrepreneurial daring rub off on [...]
[...] follow your feelings, as I think intuition counts for a lot in business and we have it in spades. Karen Hanton, founder of [...]
[...] The more confident you are the more successful you are going be. It’s all about confidence. Saira Khan, founder of [...]
http://www.bristol247.com/2009/11/18/top-women-entrepreneurs-celebrated-at-awards-ceremony/
Ladies – two thoughts!
I use it every day and often talk to myself quoting it…
“If you think you can you will, if you think you can’t you dont even try”
“if it’s to be it’s up to me”
Best wishes to all and if i can help or inspire – contact me!
Rob McCabe
Award Winner – Womens Enterprise Day 09
http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/tips-for-success-from-our-extraordinary-entrepreneurs/ (via @women_unlimited
Hi Belinda
What a beautiful piece of article you have written!!! I couldn’t stop reading it and it had such amazing stories in real life. I love your writings and always look out for your articles. Well done girl and keep up the good work. And abundance is on it’s way.
Good advice RT @women_unlimited: New blog post: Where are my customers? http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/where-are-my-customers/
Hi Julie. Hope you are well.
I’m interested in your Blogging Workshop and I wondered if you could tell me who’s presenting it?
Many thanks
Rona
Hi Rona, thanks for asking, it will be me presenting it
. This is the third time I’ve run this workshop
[...] on Dragon’s Den in 2008 as they felt it was too challenging to crack the American market. But Natalie Ellis, undaunted by their brutal criticism and her desire to succeed, forged ahead and has become a [...]
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I would add that talking to the people you already know can pay huge dividends as they can help or put you in touch with others who have the skills or knowledge you need, plus they know you will do the same for them whenever you can. Also I can’t recommend talking to advisors and networking, the advisors will pitch in with different opinions but the networking conversations can steer you in the best way for you and you’ll learn from the experience of those who have tried it (and messed up) before. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel!
Just wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful information you share and it really does keep me inspired and motivated.
Thank you very much ; )
Thank you so much Simone! What a lovely testimonial
I will never pay for software when free alternatives are available. Free software can save you a lot of money if you make the right selections for your business.
I personally tend to favour SSuite Office’s free office software. Their software also don’t need to run on Java or .NET, so it makes their applications very small and efficient.
http://www.ssuitesoft.com
[...] I have photographed a fabulous event in mid November that took place at the British Library titled “Extraordinary Entrepreneurs Evening”. This event was celebrating and promoting women in business but was designed to initiate and engage dialogue between 9 great Entrepreneurs: Rachel Elnaugh, founder of Red Letter Days, Karen Hanton, founder of toptable, Kanya King, founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, Saira Khan, founder of Miamoo, Gita Patel, founder of Stargate Capital, Laura Tenison, founder of JoJo Maman Bébé, Polly Gowers, founder of Everyclick, Natalie Ellis, inventor of Road Refresher, and Karen Darby, founder of SimplySwitch and Call Britannia; and guests that were dining at their table. You can read here, following this link, the event in a little more details: http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/extraordinary-entrepreneurs-evening-oh-what-a-night/ [...]
Hi, small clarification:
When you claim your site using Google’s webmaster tools, the webmaster Sidewiki entry always appears first no matter if there are other users entries. Beyond just creating a site-owner entry, I highly advocate your giving Sidewiki a try – there are many knowledge sharing opportunities possible with this tool!
Visit http://www.google.com/support/toolbar/bin/static.py?hl=en&page=guide.cs&guide=24296 to learn more about Sidewiki (and how to use it).
Please see http://www.google.com/support/toolbar/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=157270 for instructions on how to create a webmaster entry.
Cheers,
Bryan
Thanks Bryan! Much appreciated
Thanks for the article! I just wanted to add READ READ and READ, that is the oldest and most effective way to learn, understand and develop in every area of our lives and with all the technology there is always a way to read about your area of interest from wherever you are. Son take time and read as much as you can before getting into running your business, and then keep doing it whenever you get a chance between the business and you personal life! The Star PA
Nodic Walking, which involves walking with two specially-designed poles, is well worth trying if you are looking for exercise that uses 90% of your muscles and is suitable for anyone regardless of existing fitness levels. It is particularly useful for busy entrepreneurs because you only need to find 20 minutes 3 times a week to greatly enhance your health and fitness. It can be done straight from your front door or, if you prefer, in your nearest park or green space. By using the poles, you are exercising the upper as well as the lower body, thereby considerably increasing the well-known benefits of walking. As an added bonus, you can burn 40% more calories than when walking without the poles, It’s entirely safe, it’s fun and will relieve the aches and pains experienced by busy people who spend hours at their desk with little time for exercise. To find out more, visit
I’d like add that online market places enable an entrepreneur to not only work from home in a organized way but also gives them the opportunity to get connected with professional and reliable customers.
Further more can easily create professional portfolio for the customers, track their past and current work with earned money along training on new market trends by their experts at very low cost.
Here I am @ 3am catching up with work! Thanks Julie for sending me the link to this article. Something I should take on board and change! It is not good for my wellbeing or my business – all work!
Great tips for me to take on.
[...] January 2010, London, UK: Blogging workshop: blogging for business. Morning workshop run by Julie Hall. Cost [...]
I assuredly got a adventitious to check out your web page, and I have top say that IU’m impressed. Achievement aggregate is giong well. Take affliction!
—-
signature: http://buckramcacfc.livejournal.com
Great blog. This is reflected by my experience in the accountancy field. It has become very cut throat in recent years as more “accountants” not qualified have come to the market, offering cheap accounting that lacks professional approach and more importantly accountancy qualification.
Looking after exisiting clinets does pay rewards, Though they are times my customer service could be far better, but I learn from my mistakes!
These are good ideas for small business owners. Marketing for small businesses on low or no budget makes it really difficult to achieve the results.
I’d to add that small business owners should keep eyes on new marketing trends and also adopt some “out of the box” methods that competitors may be overlooking. Like sending printed ad postcards to target audience to attract more customers.
I’m reading C.J Hayden’s book, Get Clients Now! It’s a great book and I highly recommend it if you’re stuck and don’t know how to market your business. I’ve learned as a life coach, the importance of a multiple streams business model. Service-based businesses certainly can’t depend on the old trading-time-for-money business model.
Great advice! I enjoyed Brian Tracy’s Eat that Frog, and being quite visual, I use mind-mapping and teach it in my coaching practice.
Thanks Jack, for this article on chunking down. A simple but very effective technique.
Ha ha! Notice how brief these comments are, after reading the article! Keep up the brevity, guys! Hope there are no relapses!
Keep it up Susan. People are still avidly devouring blogs and newsletters. I publish both forms and read others’ as well. If the two of us exist, there are definitely many more like us!
Great article and I totally agree. Spent an hour looking at someones website this morning and still have not got a clue what they do! I think it could be HR consulting but it could also be a lawyer.
Diana
Number 5 – my website as an example of how not to do it..
Well, Sarah Turner (who has possibly never sold an item from a website, but is good at writing about it)… my website LINGsCARS is the most successful in the UK car leasing industry. I move over £35 million of new cars each year just from my website.
I have just been awarded the Everywoman/NatWest/BT Business 2009 award for IT and Communications down at the Dorchester Hotel. That means best in the UK, Sarah. I did not notice you getting an award.
Other remarks you make, Sarah, are rubbish. If you have a good web-business, you do not need to have a big phone number. You do not need to have a “clean, professional” website, you simply need one that works.
You may need to polarise visitors, but for God sake don’t bore them to death following your advice, Sarah.
So, I would suggest other women reading this do not pay any attention to your remarks in your cheap article, but they simply get on and build a successful web business.
A lot of what you say is just rubbish.
Ling Valentine
Thanks for your thoughts Ling… However as a web designer and an avid purchaser of goods online, I think Sarah talks real sense. No one is denying your success, which is truly amazing – however I wonder if you asked your customers what they thought of your site, what they would say …
That’s the trouble, there are loads of experts talking “real sense”.
If you spent your life listening to them you will end up with tons of tips, but will have achieved nothing.
My success is not “truly amazing”, it is common sense. The only reason people think it is “amazing” is because they believe the rubbish Sarah Turner writes.
Websites simply need to interact with humans, create traffic, convert the traffic and create referrals and reasons for returning. The need to sell stuff and make a profit. All the rest is BS, which these “experts” like Sarah Turner are good at spouting.
I ask my customers. I have >1300 customer testimonials published online, more than any other website in the world. So yes, I think I know what my customers say… and so do BT Business, Nat West and the Everywoman award team.
But thanks so much for the concern you show. You should think twice about repeating articles that slag off my website. There were already comments on the place you copied the article from, where Sarah tried to distance herself from the remarks a bit.
All the snide comments from Julie that you re-publish like “how difficult can it be”, well, I am saying any fool can criticise, very few pwople can generate these sales. Who do people believe, someone who just talks and writes “real sense”, or someone who actually sells £millions? You think Sarah talks “real sense” because you are conditioned to like that waffly rubbish,
I can talk “real sense” about loads of subjects, never actually having successfully practised them. Try my thoughts on heart transplants or North Korean politics. It’s called “nonsense”. But it would sound good and you would probably copy and publish it…
Ling
7th para above, I wrote “All the snide comments from Julie”, I meant “All the snide comments from Sarah”. Apologies.
These are tremendous tips for getting a business started! If you’re interested in launching a website to promote your new business, I’d recommend checking out Office Live Small Business.
Office Live Small Business is a valuable tool for those interested in getting their business off the ground. It’s template-based, so you don’t need to know or learn how to code. It’s extremely inexpensive. You can choose your own domain name. And, it supports Google AdSense. Plus, you get 5GB to share and store your documents online!
Learn more about Office Small Business at http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/en-us/
Also, you can find great tips and conversation about running a small business website over on the Office Live Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officelive.
Best of luck starting your business, everyone!
Cheers,
Kim
MSFT Office Live Outreach Team
This is going on today’s to do list: RT @women_unlimited When it’s hard to get motivated. Tips. http://bit.ly/8ylpME
[...] a regular speaker for Women Unlimited – you can see her live at both of our conferences, our mini-conference on Jan 20 for those who are starting out and Stepping into Success on March 8th. Email this to a friend?Share this on LinkedinTweet [...]
Love your post. Great tips. I can have the best intentions, have the right destination that is right for me and spend loads of time spinning my wheels researching and investigating and never get a dang thing done. I’ve found that only action gets the ball rolling, not matter how scary it may be to toss the first one! Getting over that initial fear of worrying about what “everybody” thinks or what “may happen” can really get me. Once I clear those limiting thoughts I’ve found I can blast right through.
Loved this saying I saw yesterday: Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Keep tossing the ball in the court and don’t give a damn what your “everybody” thinks.
Thanks for a great post!
Kelli
I love this article and it has made me revisit my home page copy and go back to basics. So often the obvious is missed! I would also add – if you are starting from scratch – first define your customer and know them so well that you know what they are seeking from you and then deliver using all of the points in this blog. Thank you Jenny
I love the honesty of your article. I think that it is only natural to feel sluggish at the start of the year. All the over eating, over drinking and festivities can take alot out of you. Not to mention looking back on the the last 10 years, that can sometimes knock your confidence if you didn’t accomplish the things you thought you might.
But I believe today is a new day and it is a great starting point. The past is the past and already done, you can ask ask yourself what are you going to do about it today?
I think as your articles says setting goals and staying focused help eliminate those negative feelings. Small steps everyday toward one or many goals will change your life dramatically over 10 years!
Smile and concentrate on the the dawn not the darkness.
Great post!!
Diana
[...] Women Unlimited – Julie Hall – Entrepreneur Country – learning from the besthttp://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/entrepreneur-country-learning-from-the-best [...]
When it’s hard to get motivated… – http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/when-its-hard-to-get-motivated/ (via @women_unlimited) Helped me x
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RT @women_unlimited: New blog post: 6 questions to find your passion http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/6-questions-to-find-your-passion/
Worth a read > 6 questions to find your passion http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/6-questions-to-find-your-passion/ (via @women_unlimited)
I agree with all of your 10 points,but can I put in a plea for an 11th: consult your lawyer! I know we get lumped in with those specialists that you only like to visit when things go wrong, (e.g dentist,doctor…) but it really does pay to get your small print sorted out BEFORE you start trading. Many people do not realise that simply by trading on-line, their customers have basic rights .Failure to grant these rights could mean not only fines and a possible criminal record, but also bad publicity.Not a good way to start! Legal fees need not break the bank either as there are lawyers who offer basic templates and fixed fees to get you started.
So sorry to have missed this. Do you have a wait list? Would be very keen to come.
Neil
Keeping in with the green theme, renewable energy promises to be the new age of innovation and enterprise. This is a great area to start a business for those technically creative, high investment sort of people. I cringe at the thought of raising 40 million to start a solar farm, but there are employed people ready to hop out of the office and into the pot (before they are shown their pot of course). There is so much in the way of funding as you have countries like the United States, China and India competing to be the leader in this movement. And social consciously, I feel it’s the wave of the future that will most probably bring poverty and suffering under control. So for all of you creative tech-heads, stay away from programing video games and engineer some renewable energy. You’ll be glad you did!
Good article Julie. I’m on the fence with this one a bit. (Very unlike me!). Can’t help but feel that positive discrimination is still discrimination. Before I freelanced I would have hated to be given a job role ‘because I was a woman’ rather than being given the job ‘because I was good.’ We (women) can’t complain about discrimination and then applaud it if it’s in our favour, surely?
Woud like to hear what other people think.
I agree with Sarah. I think it is so sad that we have to come up with a rule in order to ensure that women are present in a board room.
Yes, an excellent post – very honest – and sometimes that’s all the rest of us need. Like Kelli, I’m full of good ideas but also very good at spinning my wheels and not really getting anything done. And then I look around at websites, receive newsletters and think ‘wow – they’re all doing it much better than me’ and that can get disheartening.
So a post like this is really helpful to know that I’m not the only one to be thinking like that but also, since I’m the same as others, I can do what they are doing too! So, I’m submitting this comment and going off to do something positive!
Warm wishes to everyone who reads this post and I hope you all end up feeling positive too
[...] Is Starting a Business your New Years Resolution?: http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/is-starting-a-business-your-new-years-resolution/ [...]
Thanks for such candour Emma. Your honesty is spot on but I’ve not heard many admit to it! Thanks also for your useful tip in how to overcome those gloomy, less inspired days.
The trait of successful people is that we are always focus on the next goal and never pat ourselves on the back. We really do need to do this, however, if we are to spur ourselves on to more sucess.
Having heard you speak at the Jan Women-Unlimited mini-conference I would definitely recommend the forthcoming March event. Speakers like Emma will really lift your spirits and inject a big dose of enthusiam and self belief into you and your business ventures.
Have a really fab 2010 and decade! Majella
Congratulations on this article. As a Sales Manager, the main topic of this article is my daily “moto”, what’s our point of difference? Rather than trying to beat the competition… It is backing what I truly believe and put in practice everyday, congratulations!
N.B. One small tip – can you include a “print this article” device in the website?
I really enjoyed this. It certainly made me think about my current situation and how I can always find someone to blame for the things that aren’t going the way that I want them to.
Great article Julie.
I must say that I was very reluctant to move to the iPhone & was shocked & surprised at how quickly I fell in love with it.
My view is that Apple’s plan was never to sell to the masses, as Seth Godin points out – if 1000 people love your products and become advocates the tribe will evolve and expand with a life of it’s own.
When you think about it, the name iTouch it isn’t so remarkable and could be considered laughable – and iPhone? Hardly original.
I’m also pretty sure that Apple were well aware of the potential for mockery with the name but I’m guessing that they realise that it is only a matter of time before the word iPad – just like all of their other products, will be just another household name claimed by the Jobs Dictionary.
As the technology evolves, becomes relevant & the genius behind it becomes apparent, I’m pretty sure we will struggle to remember funny side
@Gina_Romero
Many thanks for the insightful article, plus the shout-out to Campaign Monitor! I’m glad your members have been enjoying our email marketing service. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to improve the application – we’re always happy to listen to your suggestions and advice!
All the best to the Women Unlimited community in 2010 – I love how you’re inspiring fellow women to get entrepreneurial. Thanks for spreading the good word!
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by MLMAdvicePro: The 3 R’s of email marketing | Women Unlimited http://bit.ly/dkQrhz...
Hey thanks Ros! GReat to see you on here. Campaign Monitor is the service that I use with all my clients. It’s easy to use and the reporting is the best I’ve seen anywhere
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I want to express my admiration of your writing skill and ability to make reader to read the while thing to the end. I would like to read more of your blogs and to share my thoughts with you.
warm regards
Great points. I also found this blog easy to read because of good subheadings.
One point I would like add is importance of a professional website. I fail to understand why people want to DIY this. It is a key marketing tool and yet start ups are not placing a high importance to this aspect – madness!
Dear Sir/ Mam,
We’re a team of 5 professional from different fields. I’m Mr. Supriya Dutta- Marketing Professional and a real estate agent. The other three members are one aspirant chartered accountant, two software developers. We’re planning to start a product based accounting software companies and that to PAN India basis. Although the entire operation will expand gradually with time, however we need funding for start up a company. We’ve already developed and tested a distribution based software. If you’re a serious investor then please mail us your details to the below mentioned contacts:-
Warm Regards,
Mr. Supriya Dutta,
Kolkata, India,
E-Mail:- duttasupriyo@yahoo.com
(M) +919874545880.
I’m sorry Supriya, we don’t directly fund organisations, however there are a lot of Venture Capitalist and Angel investment funds in the UK
Great story, and still a way to go by the sounds of it.
Re confidentiality – if you’ve got a patentable idea, and you’re not ready to patent it yet (most people patent too early) you do need an NDA in place before you talk to anyone.
Not because you’re scared they’ll pinch your idea, but to protect your ability to patent your concept. On no account should your idea be said to “get into the public domain”. Otherwise you risk your patent not being granted, or being contested.
It’s tricky to grasp, but hugely important to your business/ idea’s viability.
Thanks Cally! Great points… spot on, I’ve learned something today
Great advice and one that business owners should take great notice of. I would also add that people need to think about to things:
1. How will their website work? What will it DO? How will it drive phone calls, emails or contact details? A website MUST do something more than just be a static online advert. there should be specific ‘calls to action’ that TELL visitors what you want them to do next. NEVER leave it to chance!
2. How will their website be found? Will they drive visitors to via adverts, offline or online? Are they relying on search engines? If they want search engine to find their site they need to ensure that it is well optimised and managed.
In summary, don’t leave anything to chance… have a specific and explicit strategy for a) Getting the website performing and b) getting it found.
Hope that helps a bit more,
cheers,
mark
[...] a women’s networking organisation who are running the Stepping into Success conference on International Women’s Day. She is holding a build your own website in Wordpress workshop on March 31st at the British [...]
Thanks Mark! Next week we’re going to do a piece on website basics covering off those exact things! Great advice indeed.
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Great blog Julie. Thanks so much for recommending us in the virtual office section, it really is appreciated. As well as virtual office services we also provide company formation packages. Keep up the great work!
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Hi there – thank for this advice and information, Julie. I found your post on E Nation. I used Moonfruit because at the time I couldn’t find anyone who could tell me if I needed a website or a Blog – I couldn’t tell the difference between the two!
As I’ve built it myself and am therefore quite close to it, it would be good to get some considered feedback on it. Do you have any thoughts on a way I could do this?
Hi Caroline, Moonfruit is a good do it yourself option and Wendy Tan White, one of the founders often talks about how connected people feel with their websites. Amy Harrison, one of our regular writers occassionally does a site review, I will ask her to have a look at yours for the next one.
#1 in your list – guest posting – has been the most effective to me.
Recently I’ve discovered this cool project: http://myblogguest.com/ which is basically a forum that connects bloggers to guest bloggers.
If you are looking for more exposure for your content or want to invite guest posters for your blog, you may want to give it a try.
Amazing stuff, this guy is a must to see.
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Great Article! I took a peek initially because of the link with Intellectual Property as this is my specialism, however frankly this talks a whole load of sense on a number of levels. Too many people make it difficult for themselves setting up a business in an already crowded and overly served marketplace, without having given thought to how they can stand out from the crowd. They arrive and then think whoops, now what! Any embryonic business would benefit from this thinking.
Taking this to the extreme, look at what Virgin did. For each market they entered, they took a blank sheet of paper and rewrote the rules – what do people want (not how can we beat the competition), and how can we go about filling that gap! Seems to have worked!
Nice one!!
This lady has a inspirational quality a pity she feels sexism is an inate quality of being a succesful women
Sarah/Astrid what do you suggest? Do you think there is a difference between the way men and women govern or do business? Do you think the reason that despite we’re 51% of the population women are inherently not that ambitous nor capable of being on boards, hence the reason we’re on boards in such a small number?
Should we really be looking into getting women to become more stay at home mothers because evidence shows that is clearly the only think we do really well?
I mean there’s what 15% if that of us as MP’s….how many of us are CEO’s for a high growth company? What is the percentage of women having a factor in the development of our economy in a big way?
As someone who constantly faces discrimination for numerous and a myriad of reasons, I will admit being a fan of affirmative action.
Especially with what happened with the recession and the way it was handled-evidence shows women are more risk adversed-I find it really uncomfortable to hear women or minorities appear negative about positive discrimination.
If we were n’t discriminated against, then we wouldn’t have it would we?
It’s like saying well, the suffragettes gave us the vote and that’s all that needs to be done. Suddenly those men who have enjoyed all that freedom of being able to pursue their dreams, will suddenly change their minds and boom, treat women with 100% equality.
The more we come up with solutions, maybe then positive discrimination will disappear once and for all.
Excellent article! Dr. Fred Horowitz, executive coach, expert on midlife transition, and my partner at http://www.happiness-after-midlife.com, states that, in facing midlife, women undergo bigger changes than men and also have a more positive attitude about their future.
In dealing with many women inside and outside of his coaching conversations, he realizes that women have the capacity to create an extraordinary future, unique to themselves and their circumstances. They can capable of creating the conversation that midlife can be the best time of their life.
[...] Julie: You can see Shaa and be inspired by other female at our Stepping into Success conference on International Women’s Day, March [...]
I’m interested to know what the proposed emotional impact of the distracter is….
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Thanks for mentioning Nxtbook! Can we please get a link to http://nxtbookmedia.com
Thanks,
Marcus
love the article, it’s great to able to make the most of my writing, content that I have from over 20 years work.
This was a great day – inspirational speakers, energising workshops and a Funny Woman too (you had to be there!) Well done Women Unlimited, and thank you
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Cally is terrific, I highly recommend this site! She is just brilliant. We hired her for some consulting work and she blew us away. Check it out and become a member!
If you want a chortle about signs check out out http://www.engrish.com or buy the book ‘Chinglish’ on amazon. After a long day of entrepreneurial challenges these always make me chuckle and lighten up!! Better than two chardonay shooters!
[...] spent Monday at the Women Unlimited conference, and I regularly network with Sister Snog, and have recently tried the Athena women’s [...]
Hear, hear – having recently started my online business every piece of work I have picked up so far has been through networking and social media. As a mother I network constantly with other mothers where we share advice about school and our children. I would add that many women don’t just network for the WIFI (What’s in it for me) factor – inlike a lot of men – but to help other women in similar situations to themselves.
Thanks for your great rebuttal!
Thank you for a much needed positive response with real women as examples and not a sweeping ignorant / sexist generalisation in sight!
We need to speak up and make a stand against these damaging messages in the media.
Being a woman is no hindrance to business success. Being a poor networker (or lacking any other crucial business skill) is! Skills can be learnt and enhanced by all.
We as women of course do things differently to men but we are all as individuals different in our approaches and behaviours.
Here’s to successful businesswomen. May we not lose focus and continue to live our lives and run our businesses in ways that prove our individual business acumen!
I really cannot believe that article. I agree – I think women make great networkers – and having been to many events not only mixed but women only, I feel there is a great understanding of how to listen first speak later amongst women and we all really try and help each other.
I have been an active networker for 7 years, and am among many other women who really get the idea, that its not about selling or corporate climbing, but about making and deepening business and personal connections and generally making the world a nicer place to be at!
I am really amazed the Times posted that – the backlash will (hopefully) be felt for many blog articles and tweets to come! Antonia should read your article as you make great points on all counts. Thanks Julie for your amazing work with Women Unlimited.
I was at the Women Unlimited conference too (in fact, I’m in the picture that goes with this article!) and I have to say that in my experience women are really networkers.
Of the women who are featured in the picture with me, we ALL exchanged cards, and I’ve connected with 1 on twitter and 2 on linked in, so that image is a great example of networking in action!
One thing from the Times article did strike me, and that was the point that women are less likely to exploit our connections for our own gain. However, I don’t think that makes someone a bad networker – on the contrary, I think it makes someone a GREAT networker.
True networking is not about what you can get out of another person, it’s about building genuine and long term relationships for mutual good.
Don’t you feel a small fraction of compassion for this poor journo who has obviously been born 100 years too late? No? I didn’t either.
Does she (Antonia) know we vote now too? and drive cars? and have businesses as well as have our own money to buy newspapers? And to what purpose? to read ill informed rubbish like what she has written.
Firstly I don’t “purport myself” as a social media expert. That’s what the journalist called me. I’m not a guru or a social media rockstar either
but I do help female entrepreneurs to make the most of the web, and am upset that this article may give people the wrong impression.
The journalist interviewed me for 45 minutes – for a completely different article – based on some research that “Proved” statistically that the women interviewed were less likely to use their social networks for business purposes than men were.
To some extent, in my experience, some women are more careful of protecting their private online networks (involving, as they do, photos of their children etc.) than men are. But this doesn’t excuse the misrepresentation of my opinion in this article.
For example the “under the radar” comment I made was in reference to the fact that officially only 6% of businesses in Leeds are owned by women, and I simply believe there are a lot more, that don’t qualify “officially” as businesses and so are “under the radar” – a comment taken completely out of context.
If you look at my testimonials on LinkedIN, or Google me, you will find a much truer representation of me and my work than is presented in this terribly researched, terribly titled, and ill-meaning article.
I’ll write all my own copy in future!
Hi Liz
Thanks for joining us in the debate… I’m glad we were able to give you a vehicle to set the record straight – It can be really shocking when your words are used out of context. The Times article has certainly caused a lot of debate, but my main issue with it is that the whole premise behind it is inaccurate
LOL Sarah
A hearty “hear hear” from me! It amazes me that there is still so much inequality in our society. Somehow, it is still “ok” to point out women’s “failures” especially in business and as mother’s – damned if we do, damned if we don’t. You change this headline to “Why Ethnic Minorities are such bad networkers”, or “Christians”, or “Disabled people” and there would be public outrage, but it is still culturally acceptable to treat women as an inferior, and seperate, species! Why?
Great response Julie! Here’s my tuppence worth.
It seems that headline of the (original) article has confused the issue from the offset.
Are we talking about the aggressive tactics of corporate ladder climbing or women’s inability to network? The headline suggests the latter however the content covers networking in the broader sense. In my humble opinion the article merges two very separate issues into one.
Sadly we can’t argue the stats that so few women reach the top of the world’s largest corporations, but that is a debate on the women and the glass ceiling and not on networking. I don’t profess to be an expert in this area, however as this comment thread highlights, it is a sensitive issue and there is still much work to be done in terms of finding the right balance.
My definition of networking however is creating connections with people to build long term relationships for mutual benefit and success. There is no argument whatsoever that woman are naturally excellent at this, in the social and business sense. Women that have never even heard of the term networking do it brilliantly without even realising it.
We may not (as a general rule) be as good at blowing our own trumpets as our male counterparts but we make up for it by being fantastic at raising each others profiles, providing support and inspiration (and being open to it) and collaborating. This is a clear example of how as women, we can be outstandingly successful by leveraging our strengths rather than trying to emulate the competitive techniques that work better for men.
I agree that some women are not comfortable in the testosterone driven male dominated networking world. That said, neither are some men. I don’t lack confidence but I do need to be in the right environment. There are a number of different networking platforms – informal, structured, social both online and offline. Everybody will have a different style of networking that suits their personality and regardless of your gender; one of the important factors for networking success is to attend the right networking events.
Ideally this should be with a group of likeminded people, where you feel comfortable and you can be yourself. When we are authentic it is easy and fun to build relationships that have integrity and therefore long term value. Make sure you have a well thought out strategy, follow through with disciplined execution and have a genuine desire to help others.
And yes networking can also be about asking for what you want from others, but first you have to earn the right to ask for it by proving your ability to deliver.
Most importantly – networking should be fun. If you aren’t enjoying your networking activities AND getting fantastic results then talk to me
Please click here for my full response and top 10 tips for networking success:
http://ow.ly/1iiJc
Happy networking! @gina_romero
Another way to get testimonials that are compelling is to ask clients about their perceptions or concerns regarding your product or service BEFORE they bought. When clients can talk about what they feared and contrast that with what they got, you have a very rich testimonial.
It’s also important to think carefully about what your intended client already does or doesn’t know about your topic. It is easy to speak from expertise and go over the heads of your visitors. By the same token, you don’t want to be talking down to people. To communicate effectively, find a way to converse with people in your intended audience and listen carefully to the language they use to describe their challenges and desired outcomes.
At ContractStore we also offer partnership agreement templates for a range of different partnerships. You can get tailoring services and free downloads too. Our free Checklist for Shareholder Agreements is especially popular – http://www.contractstore.com/shareholder-agreement-checklist
Yvonne
Great blog. I couldn’t agree with you more. I follow a lot of your writings on your Lip-sticking blog. Would love to connect at some point. I have been focused on marketing to women since the early 90s when my first book, Targeting the New Professional Woman came out. Back then, most manufacturers, service providers and retailers didn’t even recognize the existence or the financial clout of women.
Gerry
I have a book blog and when checking out books etc on offer for Mothering Sunday I was appalled at the pinkness of everything. I wrote about it and have had a good response both on and offblog about the assumption that if it is pink then mum will love it. I happen to love pink, but I love a shocking, in your face pink, not the wishy washy type of pink that the manufacturers and publishers seem to think will appeal to women. Here is a link to my post:
http://randomjottings.typepad.com/random_jottings_of_an_ope/2010/03/mothers-day-therefore-it-must-be-pink.html
However, I feel I must draw your attention to a website which is PINK with a vengeance but it is run by Lynette Allen, who I have known for some years now, she is a life coach and mentor, and she loves Pink and uses it in the correct way – ie for women who know what they want and where they are going.
Do pop over and take a look : http://www.lynetteallen.co.uk/
Pink is a great colour it is the connotations linked to it that are wrong.
[...] Building a customer profile is a great way to start thinking about what tone you want to set for your website. [...]
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Emma
You missed Jewels by Park Lane.
Home jewelry parties are also going strong well into the year 2010.
Great article Sarah, I get about 200 a day and it does make sense to read and delete. What drives me crazy is when you meet someone and they automatically assume that you are dying to read their newsletter … what is this about? Then, when you ask to be unsubscribed, they take offence! A bit off piste there! LOL
Another very good point to bear in mind is that if you don’t delete your e-mails and do file them beautifully, your inbox will become full. The system will then delete items that you least suspect, in fact you won’t know which files are being deleted, so when you do your “search” yee shall not find! Beware.
Happy Deleting!
[...] down at my desk this morning I read an interesting blog about personal grooming and how this links to women in business. So far, so sensible, and even [...]
I think it is very easy to spend a lot of money when you are starting up a new business and indeed many of the best businesses take a lot of investment otherwise barriers to entry are too low unless you are in a highly skilled profession. However I would like to add the best way to keep costs low is to invest in a local virtual office one which can offer you flexibility and the service you need. Perferably one which is close by so if you need to book a meeting you room you don’t have to travel half way across the country to get there.
Happy to refer to the female business heroes that we are interviewing and and reporting on since October 2008:
http://thenextwomen.com/female-internet-heroes-female-entrepreneurs-women-in-business/
The business heroes of 2009: http://thenextwomen.com/2010/01/11/the-49-most-notable-female-internet-heroes-of-2009/
This article was just lovely to read and refreshing to think about. Thank you Joanne!
I really like this article, Michelle, I think you’re absolutely right, we DO hide behind technology, as it is much easier than putting ourselves out there and risking face-to-face rejection! For a technophobe like me though, I do prefer meeting people (I think most people are better in person anyway!) and lots of people seem to be doing the same, so maybe the tide is turning…?
Good article clearly setting out how to assess marketing opportunities and the expected ROI from them. However, businesses should also look at the number of free marketing opportunities available to them by using social media and social networks. By interacting directly with those people who choose to connect and listen in on your online conversations you can effectively market to them for free and also get an inside track on what messages make them tick and how to potentially reach them to make further sales.
Thanks Joanne. I’m glad you like it. It’s something I think will become even more interesting when the techno wizzes of Generation Y (and the generations which follow them) become more prevalent in business.
Great article, thanks! It’s a good example of how not crunching a few numbers can cost a business everything. Also, few new business persons remember to factor in Return on Time Invested (ROTI).
I’d like to add that experimentation can be the key, if you’re willing to track a few numbers. If the leads group has the potential of generating 12 sales per year vs. 4 sales a year, that’s a big difference and worth finding out about. Rather than guess what the potential is, it could be worthwhile to join for a few months and find out for sure.
[...] Frictionless Work: How to Clear Your Life of Non-Essential Tasks | Women Unlimited [...]
Great article Julie. I really like the bit about embracing your choices. So true amongst entrepreneurs.
Michelle
Hello
I cannot see any booking information for this workshop. How much is it and how do you book?
Thanks Michelle
– I discovered that embracing my choices has been a key turning point for me – all of a sudden the struggle disappears
Fiona. You should be able to see a link to the booking form on this page above. If you can’t here is the link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/register?orderid=11150175475&eid=533780552
Di and this workshop are amazing and very empowering. Enjoy!
I’m pretty confident that most succesful businesswomen would use a solicitor to draft their partnership agreement, rather than a template agreement, to ensure that it is correctly tailored to the nuances of their business and their trading relationships. I’m surprised that you advocate this approach!
You can find a reputable solicitor via the Law Society at http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law
Look for someone specialising in commercial law in the drop down box.
Oh there must be something in the air this Easter hols – I couldn’t agree more with you Julie. I have been working really hard on a fairly new business venture and had major goals in sight. Even though I have been hitting my short-term objectives, I kept feeling I was not achieving enough and pushing myself to the point of over tiredness, minor ailments and lack of family time. Having just spent some quality time with the kiddies this holiday, I too am going to take your excellent advice and just re-evaluate what my personal objectives really are! Thank you.
Emma – what a thoroughly brilliant and useful article. Thanks everso!
I loved this article! Thank you much. Been going through a rough patch, doubting myself and afraid of failure. This has really helped. It is something I have learned before but I forgot, it really is good to be reminded that it really is this simple.
Great article Julie – and I’m sure World Domination won’t have to wait too long!
Wow – this is spooky as I have been having similar thoughts. I feel so passionate about my business and developing it into a great and credible resource for mums returning to work that I actually needed to stand back and take a good old dose of my own advice.
One of the things that does keep me going, however, is the way in which us girls share these thoughts with such honesty and respect. Female entrepreneursip is not an easy option for working mums but there is great comradeship which I didn’t experience so genuinely when I worked in the corporate world.
Thanks Julie for such an honest blog and to the other girls who have also responded to it so genuinely. Wishing you all lots of success. Majella
Thank you ladies for sharing experiences and thoughts too! It is challenging juggling all our committment, but particularly if you have big aspirations for your business. The challenge is to create a business that is successful AND fits with your life and personal aspirations too.
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Great guide, thanks for taking the time to put it together. Cheers Ted
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This is a terrific article, I really enjoyed reading it and I am going to implement some of the tips. Thank you!
Thanks Joanne – I’m glad you liked it!
What a terrific article!
I am a writer too, and find myself getting stressed when I don’t have time to be creative, therefore I could relate to so much of what you said (eg: I get VERY distracted by Twitter!!)
If I can free up more time to write (after all, thats the bit I get paid for) then I’ll be a lot happier. Your article has given me some great pointers.
Thanks very much
Jan
Thank you for such an excellent article Julie, you have opened my eyes and taught me a great deal – thanks!
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Joanne, great piece! I’m off to a networking event tonight which is more social than business but still gets me in front of lots of people (even if they have to listen to me in my stuttering Portuguese). I always feel nervous going to these things and then they always turn out well. Sometimes I even get some work out of it!
Here’s to a year of networking fun!
Best wishes,
Emma.
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This could be a very interesting event. Mr. Kiyosaki has for sure written a really inspiring book… I specially like the Don’t work for money, let the money work for you mindset.
Interesting Article…
Sadly is new employees also equal to more management from the manager, which makes him less efficient. Often in small businesses is the manager a vital individual, and additional employees, simply mean general less efficiency from the manager. However, recruiting is still a good thing, since every company has to grow to survive.
[...] 15th June 2010 SE London Mumpreneurs Networking Lunch | Women … [...]
Correct! Written in 1997 by Mary Schmich.
Often erroneously attributed to a commencement speech by author Kurt Vonnegut. Both its subject and tone are similar to the 1927 poem “Desiderata”.
The song is “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)”
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I’m really looking forward to this event. More bad economic news in the media today. We need to get prepared! As Robert says – Knowledge is the new money.
The Ad Council is my role model for creating memorable marketing. Thirty years after being exposed to some of their campaigns, I remember not only images and slogans but also what the campaigns were for – Smokey the Bear and “only you can prevent forest fires”; the tearful Indian who says, “Let’s put litter in its place”; and “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” for the United Negro College Fund.
[...] A list of tasks does not a job description make | Women Unlimited [...]
I totally agree about affordable fashion for 40+women, I am 58 a size 14 & get very bored with high street fashion I also have 2 other problems, I am 5′10″ tall, trousers are OK now but dresses almost impossible , I also have a size 34F bust so things do not even do up properly, M&S do a longer length dresses,(all horrible anyway) but the bust is always to small & the body length not long enough, Bravissimo are very good but their dresses are now only aimed at women of 5′5″ ,I am not tall enough for Long Tall Sally , many women my age have tummy’s & bigger boobs, but are not overweight,
To Gail…this is more to do with mass market garment production as it is nigh on impossible to mass produce one style/one colour of a garment to fit every different body type. The addition of elastane in fabrics helps a lot but people no longer do ‘dressmaking’ or are able to ‘alter to fit’.
M+S often do the same style in different lengths but it has to be a populist or basic garment as the volumes sold make it worth their while.
Unfortunately, the consumer has got used to very mass market cheap clothing and the price of this trend is a very much ‘one size fits the majority’.
I had shops for 20 years and customers, for example, would adore the skirt, it was a great price (£30 odd) and not available in any other High St store (as I had a niche supply) yet it would be 2” too long. We offerred a shortening service @ £6 per skirt but they baulked at payuing that as it seemed a high cost on top of the £30 (but it was UK labour rate @ £7 per hour…..we couldn’t ship the garment back to China for shortening @ 20p per hr labour rate) whereas years back, it was very normal to alter clothing to suit the individual.
Don’t very expensive trousers/skirts (£200+) still have the hems unfinished so they are sewn to customer spec?
I felt I had to comment. I am approaching sixty- five and fed up with having little choice of where to spend my money on clothes. The fashion industry is missing a trick as I am part of a group who have more money than when we were 35-23-35. (we had waists in the sixties )
I don’t want to dress like a granny or a prim person but I don’t want to show off my body which lets face it is not the way it once was. I want to look good in an understated, with just a hint of mischief, way.
Why doesn’t anyone seem to take pride in producing well made clothes that fit properly with the sewn seams pressed flat not sewn together and even expensive clothes are just churned out and not finished properly. Moan, moan.
Women are poor networkers?
Pha, what utter tosh.
I have given network courses to several thousand people over the past 5 years and the fact of the matter is that Women are more natural networkers than men.
Have you noticed the obvious differences?
Us guys tend to go steaming in with a handshake followed by a sales pitch and then a card is thrust into your unsuspecting hand with the expectation of you *wanting to share your details and card with him.
I appreciate I generalise here and there are many “professional” male networkers who do know how to network well but the majority I meet don’t.
Women in my experience of networking might not be so assertive in their approach but never the less their gentler demeanour is far more disposed towards listening and forging the relationship first before looking for the transaction.
They more naturally appreciate the value in getting to know someone first before considering the referral or transaction. They also tend to look deeper into those they are conversing with rather than going for the superficial approach and going for volume collecting cards as if they were a life line.
Some women maybe less confident particularly in circumstances where there is a heavy predominance of men but that doesn’t make them any the poorer networker and they are far more receptive to ideas that will enhance their skills than men are generally.
So although I am very much in the minority here addressing a women’s audience, don’t you let anyone even suggest that you can’t network. Networking to you is actually a very natural action even though some of you may not recognise this. Just think when you need to call upon a friend or contact within say a social situation, how easy it is for you to make that connection for assistance or advice; the same applies to your business contacts.
M&S- although Stuart Rose has helped M&S move forward from the rows & rows of gondolas packed full of unstylish, boring, lack-lustre, one colour – one cut drudgery aimed at the ‘mature’ market, they now offer lots of colour; this however, remains mundane! A prime example is the summer dresses offering, SAFE, SAFE, SAFE! Each consecutive season the dresses appear to be cut from one simple tried & tested safe & styleless block! Their V’ front & back, sleeveless, eight panel, fit & flare frock made up in a multitude of prints appears to be cloning itself overnight as new prints of the same thing appear on the shop floor. Well M&S, lets hope new Chief Executive Marc Bolland has a ‘Passion for Fashion’ and is able to lead and inspire the team in producing new & exciting designs that inspire the 40+ market.
Debenhams – don’t even bother any more, too much like a jumble sale, no visible staff & lack of customer service.
Hi Julie
This seminar looks really great. I’d love to attend this event on the 7th of July but unfortunately I’m away training. If you are running others, I’d be really interested – especially if it’s a social media marketing class for independent consultants as I’m looking to set up my own consultancy. I am on Linked-in and Facebook already yet I’m not really maximising their potential so this would be really cool as a learning experience for me.
Best wishes.
Lydia Salako
This really struck a chord with me this morning. I KNOW it to be true! Still working on changing the habit of negative thinking, and getting there, but reminders are always useful! Thankyou
Hi Maz
Thanks for your comment – it’s great that you recognise you have negative thoughts and they are a habit that can be changed! That’s the first step….keep persevering at replacing the unhelpful thoughts with better ones, and eventually it will be much easier
Good luck!!
Wendy
Hi,
I only found out about this course today from the London Food Link newsletter but I am a full-time student and cannot pay for the full ticket.
Do you have concessions for students?
I can see that there was an early bird fee, but only found about it today.
Please let me know.
Thanks.
Kind regards,
Fabiana
Great post and very inspiring! I particulary enjoyed the point Deborah states about realism! So true and something all us budding entrepreneurs have to take on board! You may be interested in reading my post on whether ‘to be or not to be an entreprenuer’ – http://bit.ly/cqbPxA
Thanks in advance!
Lavinia
Butterfly Wealth Creation
[...] from a post about business presentation not too long ago, here is the article on how to win clients that has been published in [...]
Why oh why does the fashion industry think that over 60s want to look like their mothers, or in some cases their grandmothers, so we may not want to wear “way out” clothes, most of us not having the figure for it (or as in my case never did) but we do not want crimplene dresses and cardies, we want good quality interesting clothes, and just because some of us are big we do not want to look like ancient sacks tied up in the middle, or in the equivelant of “preggie” dresses. So come on fashion industry help out the biggest(in more senses than one), most wealthy and time rich ladies who want to be “out there” looking great.
Great article. Thank you for that. It has reminded me to liven up my Home Page.
Would welcome your comments on my site: personal-assistant-tips.com. What is it lacking?
Many thanks
Marguerita
[...] ASKING FOR HELP IS NOT CHEATING | Women Unlimited [...]
[...] FROM PROSPECT TO CLIENT IN THIRTY SECONDS | Women Unlimited [...]
A very simple, yet intelligent way of turning prospects into clients. I like this!
[...] FROM PROSPECT TO CLIENT IN THIRTY SECONDS | Women Unlimited [...]
I’m really happy to be 50. I love fashion and dressing up. Is it just me or do women seem to be dressing younger and younger? I think that old idea about women becoming invisible as they get older is being turned on its head by Baby Boomers.
I got so fed up with the boring greige stuff aimed at my age group or the too-frou frou, revealing high fashion stuff my daughters buy that I set up my own label, designing and buying gorgeous clothes and accessories that I would want to (and do) wear. There’s some lovely stuff out there, it’s just so hard to find amongst all the poor quality dross. I am often shocked on the high street and even at fashion trade shows by the huge volume of unwearable, unflattering, crap quality clothes for women. Good for Mary Portas if she can start a revolution in Fashion for Fabulous Forties – she could be the Jamie Oliver of fashion!
[...] Five questions to come up with one idea | Women Unlimited [...]
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We urge businesses not to forget in this mix to have good contracts ready from the start. It is easy to get your fingers burned at the beginning when you want to please customers or clients. Make sure you have Terms and Conditions, and get your client to sign a contract when agreeing services. And if you build a website make sure it meets the basic legislation, such as the display of your company name and registered address, and a privacy policy if you are collecting email addresses.
In the past you needed a lawyer to help you with these things but you can now go a long way on your own using ready made contract templates which you adapt yourself.
It is as the article says, about KNOWLEDGE – its no different when it comes to legal contracts.
Arm yourself!
More info and contracts are at http://www.contractstore.com
And you can contact us for more help.
Why is it assumed all women over 50 are larger than they were in their teens and twenties? I am a petite, 5ft size 8. Petite ranges in department stores look like something your granny would wear to a wedding. I do sometimes have garments altered but begrudge paying for smaller sizes and then again to have even more fabric taken away!! I recently went to France where I found some wonderful high street ranges that actually fitted and weren’t boring. Why can’t we do this in th UK?
Tried to get a pic but lost all my comment when I clicked on Gravatar and have had to type it all again – not ideal. If you want to see what I look like, look me up on Facebook.
I am 65, slim, boyish figure, size 8. I love clothes and keeping my wardrove up to date. I am prepared to pay extra for a fashionhable well made garment, but where do you look. Yes, Debenhams looks like a jumbe sale with hardly any staff. Clothes for the older women are generally drape round your ankles which makes you look old granny. Most shops only want to sell you garments whether they suit you or not and their staff are not trained to advise you. Most of the departments stores have a fashion adviser, but often I have made an appointment and come away with nothing. Why is the older women not expected to feel good the way she looks and dress feeling sexy and confident. I could go on.
Great article Jenny. We gain confidence by stretching ourselves. Our fears stop us from living up to our true potential. Successful people still have fears, but they don’t let the fears stop them! It is not the fallling down that matters, but how many times we are get up!
This is a great post and I like the reminder that we determine our own “failure”. The three different approaches are something I am going to remind myself when things don’t quite go according to plan, I have had a client who just stopped using my company for no obvious reason, and I did ask the question why.
Sometimes it is good to take a step back and realise that it may not necessarily have anything directly to do with you at the time and as you say, when your space is suddenly free, time for another client!
Hi Nicky and Melanie
Many thanks for your comments and glad you enjoyed the article.
It’s always interesting to understand the meaning that we have attached to certain words and how much they can hold us back. I’m sure there are more I haven’t uncovered yet!
Warmest regards
Jenny
I set up My website from scratch and it was quite a struggle and still is as no banks are lending ! But still provide a great service.
Thanks for the useful guide. I will be setting up a facebook page for my own business and this is useful information.
I am 48 and have found recently that decent clothes are really hard to find. I want classic sometimes but not frumpy and not flouncy frilly like some ghastly 80s throwback. Aaargh!!!
I fondly remember working hard in the 80s and absolutely LOVING the next directory – classy work clothes and casual weekend clothes and great lingerie ALL great stuff and all in one place!
A Mary Portas backed kind of next directory would be fantastic!
Hello .
.Because of the progress of technology and creative strategies it is now possible to start a business in 5 minutes and at nil cost ..
The general advice given is centre it on your interests …all the recent research into DNA human /behavior ,suggests this will not give the best chance of success.
The very first thing to do is know what your unique talents /skills are .and build your profile/ business around this.
Use technology initially to build a list ..which can be done almost at nil cost .( using for example free webpages from “wordpress “.)
Ian ceo TMI …