6 minute read
Business
lifestyle Business
A CAREER ACADEMY FOR MUMS
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Jane Knight founded Successful Mums in 2014 when she identified a gap in the market to help mums back to work after having children. The company is now an accredited and awardwinning team of 15, who’ve helped over 6,000 mums regain their confidence and purpose after having children. Q: What challenges did you face when launching your business and how did you overcome these?
Applying for funding had its challenges, especially as a new start-up business. I did a lot of work for free to build up evidence and testimonials to use as part of the funding process. I now share the funding application process with others to fast-track funding.
Q: How do you manage family life alongside being a business owner?
Lots of juggling! I haven’t met anyone that has managed this 100%. I have systems in place and I’m lucky to have a great network of friends and family. I get up early to get the life admin completed and dedicate time on a Sunday to meal planning and kids, clubs etc Sometimes I drop the ball, but I pick it up and keep going.
Q: What impact do you think the pandemic has had on working mothers?
The need for digital skills for mums is even higher now, so any digital or I.T training should be part of every mum’s development plan. We provide these skills and of course there are many fantastic courses out there too. Recent lobbying for flexible working will continue to support mums to return to and sustain a career they love.
Q: What advice would you give to any women wanting to start their own business?
The more niche your product or service, the easier it is to target your market audience. For example, a general photographer will need to do a broader marketing campaign than a photographer that focuses on new-borns. Being niche means you can then build your reputation in that area. Also think about your hobby and how you can work in an industry or environment that is similar.
Q: What’s new for Successful Mums?
We’ve just won funding to support 500 London Mums in the next 12 months through our online coaching and training courses that include CV support, LinkedIn, Career advice, Personal styling, NLP techniques plus links to flexible employers. We are also kicking off a project to work with 100 employers to make their workforce more ‘women returner’ friendly through a number of women’s well-being projects, menopause policy and free advertising on our Job Board.
For more information visit www.successfulmums.co.uk or email jane@successfulmums.co.uk
5 tips to successful networking
Chas Jordan from Bromley Business Network outlines five tips to getting the most from a networking event:
1) Ask questions & listen – opportunity sometimes knocks very softly as Jackson Brown Jr once said.
People love talking about themselves and by allowing them to do that you’ll create a great rapport and others will naturally warm to you. 2) Relationship building – networking isn’t about selling but rather getting to know what people do, who they’re looking to meet and what they need – that way you can help them and allow others to help you. 3) Consistency is key – attend events and do so regularly. People do business with those they know, like and trust. If you show up once, you’re not allowing people to get to know you – and vice versa. 4) Change your mindset – approach a networking event without any expectation of getting new business. Bromley Business Network
Instead go with the idea of meeting new people and building relationships with those you already know. 5) Follow up – If you make a connection with someone, send a note afterwards to thank them. If you promised someone you’d email or call them – do so. And always return emails – even just to acknowledge you’ve received them - people are not mind readers.
For details on Bromley Business Network, which meets every two weeks at Bromley Football Club, visit www. bromleybusinessnetwork.co.uk
Women In Business
#BreakTheBias
With news that the government is to back a new five-year review to monitor women’s representation in the upper rungs of FTSE companies, women across the UK are rejoicing. Research has found that having diversity at the top can improve companies’ profitability. Business Minister, Paul Scully, said: “Evidence shows that more diverse businesses are more successful businesses – the case is too strong to ignore.”
Tuesday 8th March marks International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias. So, to help celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality, we asked a selection of female-led businesses in the borough for their thoughts and ideas on topics surrounding equality…
Why is it important to recognise women in business?
The world is constantly changing and that change is speeding up. It needs new ideas and solutions to the problems we face and women provide an increasing number of fantastic business ideas and bring a vibrancy and energy to the world. Women’s businesses are changing the world and the economy.
Lee Lam, Your Startup Partner
What attributes do you think women have that set them apart in business?
The ability to multitask is a huge benefit. Women are able to take on high level voluntary roles within institutes, groups, organisations and faculties, as well as focusing on their business or job role.
Gail Gulvin, Smart Switch Utilities What women-related myths or taboos need to be broken?
Given that women are still in the minority when it comes to leadership roles, the myth is that women need to change. Women don’t, and we certainly shouldn’t have to act like men to get those roles. The purpose in having diversity in the boardroom, or anywhere else, is not so we change to be like others (or behave like men in this case), but that we are all valued for our differences and the perspectives and experiences we bring. Tracey Latteman THL Coaching
What advice do you have for women starting out in business?
Strip back your business and look at each area, and match it to your strengths. There may be areas of your business that you run, that you are not comfortable with. For example, my weakness is the accounts, I hate doing them and realise it’s not my strong point. So don’t be afraid to ask for help or take advice from those who have experience in these fields. Make contact with those you admire and ask questions. Tell them why you admire them too – building each other up is important. Take what you need from their advice, and use it to enhance your business, but always with your own slant on it.
Michelle Harvey, Michelle Harvey Life Celebrant
Be determined to succeed. Do not allow yourself to be undermined. Stand up straight and come out of your comfort zone.
Christine McNamara, Gracious Care What woman has positively impacted on you – and what lesson did she teach you?
My mother. She has always taught me never to give up and to keep chasing my dreams. Thanks to her I am where I am today.
Maria Dominguez, Trendy Beauty
What is your hope for the next generation of women?
In the words of Coco Chanel, “a girl should be two things: who and what she wants”. Having an eight-year old daughter this is my wish for her and the next generation. The freedom to believe in whatever their dreams or ambitions are possible, and the support and kindness from others to accept them.
Claire Boutcher, Keller Williams
That women have the courage to be true to themselves and to fight for what they believe in without fear of judgement. I hope they are open-minded, honest and most importantly, kind to each other. Our environment will need to be a priority, so I hope they can help save it for future generations. I also hope the next generation of women have incredible men in their lives who will not have to conform to outdated notions of masculinity and will play their part in women's rights - standing side by side with them, sharing mutual respect, love and encouragement.
