|
Most of you will be aware that as well as running Mums in Business I also run another business called Tinytalk.
I started Tinytalk because I didn’t want to return to work full time. In reality what I was doing was creating a job for myself. In less than 2 years Tinytalk was a national company, with a network of trained tutors, retailers and a website promoting it.
What you will not be aware of is that even though I achieved what I set out to do it came at a high price, my time.
In the early days I thought I could do it all myself. I got on Today Tonight and Sunrise, I recruited tutors, went to every expo, did all the admin, orders and the list goes on…
After working all the hours even with achieving my goals, I learnt I couldn’t do it alone. I needed the help and support of others. If only Mums in Business had been around then, but instead I found help and support through networking and continued on my journey.
I learnt a lot along the way and with my experience as a successful Accountant & Business Coach I wanted to help other mums with their businesses and prevent them from making the same mistakes I made. My vision was to create a much needed networking and business group that focuses on mums who want to be successful in their own businesses. The goal was to design and develop a system that is affordable, comprehensive and easy to use, therefore Mums in Business was born.
I wanted to share a few important things I have learnt along the way.
- Know what you want to achieve. Having definite objectives will help you to work towards your goals. Break them down into smaller goals that you can achieve as you work towards your ultimate goals. It is much better than having everything going round in your head and being unsure whether you are actually achieving anything.
- If you haven’t already you need to research your market. Keep abreast of what your competitors are doing. Many times I talk to people who are in business and yet have no idea even of who their competitors are.
- Review and Improve. Continue to review where you are and how you can move to the next level.
- Discard the myth that you can do it all yourself – you will pay a high price if you do.
- Get help from experts - use their knowledge to help you grow your business. Recruit a PR person, a bookkeeper, an admin person etc. Check out the expert advice and list of recommended experts contained in the Business Essentials section of the Mums in Business website.
- Ensure you have the support network – family, friends and of course Mums in Business.
- Balance your time. Plan your family and business time. Avoid working in family time.
- Get yourself a ‘buddy’. Surrounding yourself with other like-minded people is a must and so is getting yourself a ‘buddy’. This has been one of the best things I did. My ‘buddy’ is now my dear friend, Sharon Wood. Sharon is part of Mums in Business but also runs the Natural Baby Expo. I know Sharon will agree with me that having each other to talk to on a regular basis (well everyday), bounce ideas off and also get a ‘kick’ when needed has helped us both to take our businesses to the next level.
- Take time out for yourself. Treat yourself to lunch with friends, get your hair/nails done, go shopping etc.
- Believe in yourself. Every one of us has the ability to achieve our goals and dreams. So believe in yourself, believe that you can do it and with help and support from your friends and family this is possible.
I wanted to share some of my story with you in the hope that it will provide you with the inspiration to take the next steps in your business and aim for the stars.
For more information about joining Mums in Business contact the Mums in Business team on 07 5502 7756 or email us
Alison Basson
Mums in Business
|
