How to promote your business during the credit crunch

Hi everyone,

Sorry ive not been blogging that much but I have been very busy, sorting out this and that.I have been working on a workshop targeted towards small businesses, and business owners aimed at both start-up businesses and existing businesses. So this really is perfect for all you business women out there!

The workshop called: How to Promote your business in the credit crunch will take place in Derby, Charnwood Street, on the 31st march 2009 from 9:00 am til 11:00 am, tickets cost £45.00 and only a few places are still available - so get yours while you can.

For further information on this workshop please check out the following link. Please also note that you can book online (which is both safe and secure) and over the phone.

http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/calender-event.php?eventID=496

I look forward to seeing you there

Best wishes

L J Pearce

Heres another Interview...this time with a very talented designer called Laura Mabbutt

Hi everyone!

For all those business women out there looking for inspiration, perhaps for growth, more success, or perhaps even for those women who are looking to start up their own business, then here is an inspirational interview with small business owner Laura Mabbutt a designer whos gorgeous one off pieces are must haves.

What is your business and how did you get started?
I am a self employed designer maker specialising in felt-making. I also teach crafts in schools and to groups. I became self employed after completing BA (hons) degree in Contemporary decorative Crafts at University of Lincoln.

Does you business offer anything out of the ordinary/something different that no one else is doing at the moment?
The USP of my business is my materials and the way in which I use them. I use un-dyded natural fibres and create seamless work that reflects and exploits the natural properties of wool and other natural fibres. It is surprising the number of makers there are out there and making my work stand out whilst keeping hold of its integrity is always at the forefront of my mind.

What inspires you and what is the inspiration behind your business?
The act of making using my own hands has always intrigued me from a young age, and still does. I find the material I chose to specialise in fascinating, although it is considered textile, it can be moulded and used to create seamless forms without using traditional textile techniques such as stitching. conceptual ideas behind my work are inspired by nature and in particular the theory of evolution.

When did you start your business and why?
My business started in May last year, so still very new at this stage. from an early age I was concerned with being tied down to a job that I hated and a career being focused solely on money, I believe you spend a lot of your life working so you should do your best to find a career in something you love, although I might never be rich I know thatI will always have a passion for what I do.

What is the best thing about your business
I think the uniqueness of my work, the materials I use mean that no piece is the same.

What would you tell other women out there who were thinking of starting their own businesses?

I would say make sure you do research into the area you wish to set up in. I would like to say "go for it" but I don't think its a decision to take lightly, however, I wouldn't change
the decision I made! there are also lots of organisations to help with advice etc.

How would you describe your business in about 15 words?
Contemporary home and fashion accessories made from wool and natural fibres uniquely designed and handcrafted by Laura Mabbutt.

Where is your business located and do you have a website?
My business is located in Lincoln UK. my website is http://www.lauramabbutt.co.uk/

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The fact that I can make a living doing something I love is the best thing about my business,as many others will say, I am my own boss, and although this means I have to deal with all the problems it also means that I reap all the benefits of the business.

I hope you have found this interview useful, inspirational and helpful. Good luck everyone wishing to start or grow/expand your business.

Best wishes

Laura

Useful website

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would let you know of a brilliant website that you can sign up to and network on for free. This site is just for women so why not check it out and sign up now. at http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/.

Best wishes

Laura

Todays interview with Rachel of Rachel Helen Designs

Hey everyone,

Todays interview is with a very talented jewellery designer, whos work is gorgeous, different and will really help you stand out from the crowd.

Heres the interview...........

What is your business and how did you get started?
Rachel Helen Designs offers bespoke handmade jewellery. I have two ranges, Vintage recyceld and precious metal jewellery.
I started making jewellery when I was about 12 years old. It was generally just hobby until about 2002 when I decided to take evening classes in silversmithing. I've always received positive comments about my work and after training for a few more years I decided to take the plunge, reduce my working hours and set up the business.

Does you business offer anything out of the ordinary/something different that no one else is doing at the moment?
All Rachel Helen Jewellery is one of a kind. I don't like to replicate any of my designs. This keeps each piece individual and special to the person wearing them.
Another of my selling points is that all of my work is produced solely in the UK. I think it is important to support local and UK businesses and will go out of my way to source materials and equipment from UK suppliers.

What inspires you and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I am inspired by many things. I have a passion for Art Nouveau, fairy tales and the darker side of nature. I love working on commissions where I take inspiration from the person/people the piece is being made for.
My business is driven by a passion for beautiful jewellery and the joy of sharing it with others!

When did you start your business and why?
I officially started my business in 2005. After leaving university in 2001 I hoped to work in animation and film making, however the industry had changed and employment was hard to find in the area I desired.. After working full time in office based employment for a while I decided this wasn't the route for me.
I took up evening classes and studied around my working hours. After training for a few years I was given the opportunity to work full time with a very experienced jeweller. I took the job and worked closely with him for a year until the time came to move on and branch out on my own.

Where is your business located and do you have a website?
Shed 2 Studios, 10A Heanor Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8DX (by appointment only)
http://www.rachelhelendesigns.com/



What is the best thing about your business?
The best thing about Rachel Helen Designs is that you can have pretty much any piece of jewellery your imagination dreams of.. platinum rings full of sparkling diamonds, silver necklaces with hidden inscriptions or Grandma's pearls made into a beautiful necklace with vintage brooches and earrings. Each piece is like a little piece of art that should be treasured no matter what the style or value..



What would you tell other women out there who were thinking of starting their own businesses?
If you don't try you'll never know... You have to be extremely patient but also determined. Its taken a long time to get where I am now but I'd recommend it to anyone.. after all who really enjoys being stuck in the 9-5? Being my own boss and enjoying my work is far more important.

How would you describe your business, in your own words?
Bespoke hand made jewellery for the individual. Little pieces of art to be treasured for years to come.

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The best things about running my business is loving what I do, talking to people who share my enthusiasm and being my own boss.

So there you have it, an interview with a very passionate and talented designer....Check out her collections now at: http://www.rachelhelendesigns.com/

Interview with Designer and Maker Clare Gage - www.claregage.com

Hi everyone, todays interview is with Clare Gage, a very talented designer/maker who produces gorgeous individual pieces including porcelain cups, tableware and vases.

Heres the Interview:

What is your business and how did you get started?
I am a designer/maker working in textiles and ceramics. I make porcelain cups, tableware and vases with the texture and appearance of textiles.
I started my business after graduating from university and began producing the collection I had developed during my final year.

Does you business offer anything out of the ordinary/something different that no one else is doing at the moment?
My designs are very unique and individual; they are what make my business different. It is interesting that I have designed, developed and made the products myself and each pieces is worked on individually so are unique themselves.

What inspires you and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I am inspired by the process of making things. I have always loved to explore with materials and techniques and this has led me to design my current range of ceramics, by experimenting with the idea of bringing textiles into ceramics. The inspiration for my business is my love of making, I want to be able to continue to be creative through running my business.

When did you start your business and why?
I started my business in February 2008, months after I left university. I wanted to continue working with the designs that I’d developed whilst studying and believed that they were marketable products. This led me to starting my business and retailing my products.

What is the best thing about your business
Being able to continue being creative in my work as I had hoped I would be able to.

What would you tell other women out there who were thinking of starting their own businesses?
Be very organized! It is difficult to keep on top of everything that you have to do when you own your own business and organisational skills are key. I recommend making nice clear lists!

How would you describe your business in about 15 words?
I am a designer maker; I produce porcelain pieces with the appearance of textiles.

Where is your business located and do you have a website?
I work from my studio in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. My website is http://www.claregage.com/

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I enjoy getting my hands dirty in the studio. The best days are when I leave work with clay in my hair!

Getting business Insurance

Hi there

If you have started a business or perhaps are in the process of starting a business then more often than not Business finance is someone in your thoughts. Business insurance is virtually a necessity - It gives you reassurance and peace of mind.

Its always best to work out what you want from business insurance and why, and then start getting quotes. I have found though that Simply Business, who just focus on business insurance are more than helpful.

Visit there site, get them to call you back now and check out what they could do for you, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain:



TOP TIP: Remember dont feel pressured to sgining anything or agreeing anything until you are 100% happy with what you are getting for your money.

How to be a better leader or manager

Hey everyone,

Sometimes when it comes to developing your own busienss, or being a better entrepreneur it all starts with developing yourself, for example developing yourself into a better role model, into a better manager and so on.

Here is an article that I have put together that will give you some top tips and advice on how to achieve more business success through being a better leader or manager.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1436934/how_to_be_a_better_leader_.html?cat=3

Best wishes and good look with your business or businesses

Laura

Interviews coming up with woman run/owned businesses

Hello everyone,

Hope you have had a good day and are having a good week so far, just thought I would let you know that I am currently composing and compiling interview with local business women and entrepreneurs from in and around Derbyshire which will be on this blog as soon as possible.

If you know of a business that is owned and run by women or an entrepreneur that would like to be featured on the blog then please let me know so I can get in touch with them and help generate free publicity for their business.

Best wishes

Laura

Looking for female run/women owned businesses

Hi everyone

As this blog is all to do with Business women and female entrepreneurs I am looking to put some case studies up of businesses owned, ran and started by females/women.

I am looking for women run businesses and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. So if you would like your business featured on here with a short description and interview then please do not hesitate to contact me, I will be more than happy to give you some free advertising, marketing and promotion

Best wishes
Laura

Women in business

Well hello!

To all those women business owners and women who are thinking about starting up a business, hope you are well and everything is going to plan. Sometimes just talking things through with people, sharing advice and guidance and meeting new people can help your dreams to own and run a business possible, this is why I like networking. With networking you get to meet loads of people from different backgrounds, you find new contracts and find new business ideas and opportunities.

Networking is easy and just required that little bit of confidence to put yourself out there and mingle with strangers.

If you are not confident to get out there and meet new people, why not start off by networking online, there are a whole host and bunch of websites you can join and meet new people with interests similar to you, from www.facebook.com to www.enterprisenation.com all websites are welcoming and friendly, so what are you waiting for, get stuck in, meet new people and realise your dreams and aspirations.

Best wishes
Laura
Author of the book 1001 ways to make money

New Business Start Up Tips

Hi everybody!

If you are starting a business, or thinking about starting a business then you are more than likely running around conducting market research, deciding on prices, writing your business plan and so on.

Perhaps it is all getting a little bit out of hand, or maybe even too much at times, so why not take a break and check out these useful articles for some tips on starting up your business to make your life a little bit easier.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1389666/business_startup_tips.html?cat=3

And

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1374862/9_top_tips_for_starting_a_business.html?cat=2


Good luck with your ideas, plans and businesses
Laura

Have a business Health check

Hi everyone.

If you have a business and would like to move forward, improve performance or perhaps expand or grow, you know how important it can to give your business a sort of M.O.T. To be more precise a business health check so you can see exactly what needs doing and why.

You can get a free personalised check plus confidential advice as part of your free M.O.T provided by the Government's Business Link service. Mentoring and ongoing support and guidnce is also available so what are you waiting for get your free performance/business M.O.T right now. Visit http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/businesshelp for more information.

Best wishes
Laura

How to Market and Promote a new business

Hello everyone1

Hope you are having a good start to the week.

If you are a new business owner or looking to start up a business then you may be asking yourself, how can I advertise a new business or company and how much is it going to cost me? The answer to this is dependant on your marketing budget, your target markets, audiences and so on. To successfully advertise, promote and market a new business or company you will need to undertake some market research to discover and find out what type of media your target audience/market reads and responds to.

Here are 2 articles that tell you how to go about this. The articles are also packed with ideas for ways you can promote, advertise and market your business.

http://http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1360170/promoting_and_advertising_a_new_company.html?cat=35

AND

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1360144/how_to_promote_a_new_business_ways.html?cat=3

I hope you find these articles useful. Good luck in promoting, advertisng and marketing your business.

Growing and Expanding a Business

Hi all you business owners and entrepreneurs out there!

If you are coming to the stage where you are thinking or wanting to Grow or Expand your business, then you are probalby thinking and wondering where the heck do I start.....Well here is an article that provides you with some ideas and guidance on how to go about expanding and growing your business.

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1377506/how_to_grow_and_expand_your_business.html

Good luck with yur growth and expansion plans

Best wishes

Laura

How to Improve your business - Ways to improve your business

Hey there!

If you currently have a business and are looking at ways to improve, then here is an article that is perfect for you. It contains tips, ideas, advice and guidance on ways you can go about improving your business.

Check it out now and get that business of yours even better

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1240663/how_to_improve_your_business_ways_ideas.html?cat=3

Good luck

Laura

Working from home

Hi everyone, hope you are having a good day!

Working at home is a dream come true for most but it can also have its downsides, If you are considering working at home, or would like advice and guidance on how to get started on working from home then why not check out the article below.

It provides top tips, ideas and advice on how to create a workable and useable space in your home and much more.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1357739/working_at_home_earning_extra_income.html?cat=31

Best wishes

Laura

30 Business Ideas and Opportunties

Hi everyone,

Perhaps you are looking for a part time business idea or opportunitiy, or perhaps something to boost or top up your inceom, whatever you are looking for, the following article provides 30 business ideas and business opportunities, so check it out now, see if there is anything to suit you, your needs and your circumstances.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1358228/30_business_opportunities_and_ideas.html?cat=3

Best wishes
Laura

Business Ideas, Business Opportunities and Startup advice

Hi there,

If you are interested in setting up, starting or running your business but are not sure how to go about it then why not check out this article.
The article provides business ideas, startup advice and top tips on how to get started with your very own business.

Check it out now: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1373957/business_ideas_and_business_start_up.html

Best wishes
Laura

5 Influential Business Women and Entrepreneurs in the UK

Hi

If you have ever wanted to start a business but perhaps just need that push in the right direction then why not take a leaf out of some of the following business women, and female entrepreneurs, seek inspiration and learn from them.

Read more at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1374053/5_influential_and_inspirational_business.html

Good luck, follow your dreams and realise your ambitions.

Laura

Hello and welcome

Hello, and welcome to all those women business owners and entrepreneurs out there.

If you currently own your own business, are looking to start one, or are currently in the process of expanding your business then this is the blog for you.

This blog will feature case studies on female entrepreneurs, business women and inspirational women. Feel free to view the blog and ask any questions you like. Dont be shy introduce yourself.

Favourite us and get the latest news, information, advice and guidance.

Best wishes
Laura