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My regular readers will know that my sons are 8 and 6. Those perceptive readers will also know that my other ‘baby’ is my business. bras4mums is also 6 years old.

It’s easy to watch the development of a baby grow into a toddler, even if we may crave the long cuddles with a newborn. I found it easy to watch the

Letting children grow up & move on

boys start school as they were so desparate to go and I could see that they were ready for the next stage in their personal and social development.

But it is NOT easy to step back and watch your business develop. It may all be part of an overall business plan, but this creature that you’ve personally created is now not going to be soley yours. You’re letting someone else in to share building the vision and actioning the plan. continue reading…

I’ve been shortlisted for Business Parent of the Year in the Mum and Working Awards this week. I’m SO EXCITED!

I've been shortlisted for this award!

It’s the first ever award that I’ve been recognised in, (no idea how many I’ve entered in though). I first heard about it from a tweet congratulating me on making the shortlist. I was supposed to be cleaning at the time, and was checking online for something else. Needless to say I got sidetracked! I grinned from ear to ear, (still am, truth be known!), checked up what it was all about and checked out my ‘competition’. I was even more chuffed knowing that some of the other names on the list are holders of numerous awards.

To me, this award nomination is a public recognition of the work I’ve done in setting up bras4mums whilst being a Mum of 2 small boys. It recognises the challenges that life throws at us as people and Business Parents. It’s a pat on the back that I’m ‘doing a good job’ within the business as well as growing and developing it in the same way I support my children’s development. It makes all the hard work, sleepless nights and worry worthwhile to know that someone out there, and now a few more people ‘out there’ know about bras4mums, and what I’m trying to achieve with my vision. continue reading…

I’m not the only one shouting this at the moment.  Some schools are already closed for the summer. Ours break up on Friday.

Are you exhausted?

My 2 boys are exhausted from their learning and full out of school timetable of activities. No. 2 even went to school crying on Monday because he was so tired, (not helped by 2 late nights admittedly, but it is the end of term, and us parents were selfish in wanting to relax with friends). You can see it on the football pitch that all these 6yo are just plain tired. They can’t run around any more. Their bodies need a break.

I’m exhausted with running the family logistics. Even having one of those family calendars where we all have a different column doesn’t help the actual “who needs to be where with what equipment, and who’s able to take and collect?” questions. Having to think a few days in advance about washing clothes that are needed for such and such, or doing the shopping because “I can’t do it then”, uses brain power.

I’m tired, but have to say exhilerated, continue reading…

Today’s guest post is from Liz Weston of Weston Communications

Tackling time management is not an end in itself…..

Time management. I love this phrase. It’s the sort of phrase that sounds like I could be in control of things. It’s actually a very emotive topic in our house and business – we’re both self employed, so it’s we each need to manage our own time and work schedules, as well as our family stuff. I hate trying to manage my time, because it never ends up being a time management activity. It evolves into so many other things.

What’s your time management strategy?

continue reading…

The IT Department

We’ve all heard of “Identity Theft” and most of us are fearful of using the internet for banking or shopping. We hear many scare stories about not saving banking information on your computer and that hackers can steal all of your data and the babies toys through your internet connection. But how common is this in practice?

In reality internet fraud is relatively rare, provided that you follow basic security principles, and if you stick to shopping with well known high street brand names and checking for the padlock sign. Keeping a good anti-virus programme up-to-date on your computer, and being aware of warnings that pop up, is usually sufficient protection.

A much likelier scenario is for your identity to be stolen through a simple postal scam,
which is remarkably easy to carry out and which the banks and police don’t seem to
be at all concerned about. continue reading…

Some of you will know that I’m about half way through a 10 month business course, funded by NWDA specifically to help support and develop small businesses. I’ve previously posted about the steps we’re following, and have commented on how useful it’s been for me to FOCUS on my business.

At the start we were all fairly worried about how much time we’d be taking out of our businesses. But that, is EXACTLY the point! We’ve all heard about “take time out of the business to work on the business”, but how many of us PLAN that time into our weekly schedules? Even now, my day a week planned out of the business is being taken up with family crises, or doing bra fittings for women who have to see me that particular day, (which I’m happy to do, don’t get me wrong!). But, if I was more FOCUSED then would I ACHIEVE more? continue reading…

Those of you who’ve been paying attention will know that I not only had a stand at the NEC Baby Show this weekend, but I was also being shadowed as part of my LEAD business course. It was certainly a challenging weekend, yet very rewarding.

I reckon over the weekend I did 150 bra fittings. A lot of women didn’t buy from me as they just wanted ‘to get measured’. What I still can’t seem to communicate to these ladies is that a measure, or fitting one bra on them is only a guide. All bras fit differently, so you’re likely to need different sizes in different bras. But, I’m happy to offer this service as my mission is to ensure every woman knows what a comfy bra feels like during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Cake Nursing Cami, pants & Robe

I was delighted with the feedback on how the stand looked – helped in part with the fabulous new Cake Lingerie & Nightwear that we launched at the show. It was lovely to meet some old friends, including @Cheshire_Claire @Mamascarf @CheekyWipes; meet people I’ve met online including (and don’t shout if I’ve missed you out – I met so many people!) @MumsClub @petweetpoppet @GlowStars and @SnoozeShade, and almost met @BumblingTweets. continue reading…

No, not more political talk. I’m getting ready to be shadowed by another business owner, as part of the LEAD course I’m doing.

The 10 month programme, (which I wrote about a while ago), consists of a number of areas.

LEAD course participants, February 2010

We’re now moving on to the part where we all pair up and shadow each other before actually exchanging places for a day in a few months time. (No, he won’t be doing bra fittings!).

Yesterday I was really excited, and came home buzzing. Discussing the shadow and exchange with John, from Jam Publications was interesting and challenging – learning about someone else’s businesses, whilst trying to explain my own. We’ve got a lot in common, but we also do things quite differently. I think I can help support his online business development, whilst he can help me focus my business on the areas that I’m skilled and experienced to deliver. Today? Well, I’m not so sure. continue reading…

Not about the election, although it is the first time ever I haven’t known how to vote. Had thought about doing a post on “Do you vote for a good trustworthy MP, or do you vote for the party politics you agree with most?”. Which I may do, although I think my Friday guest blogger is going to blow us away with her thoughts on party politics.

No, I’m excited that the first bra fitting agent for bras4mums is now trained and ready to go.

Tracy with T-J during her bra fitting training

This seemed a dream just a few weeks ago, but now I’ve done it! I’ve trained someone else. Passed on my knowledge so that she can share her new knowledge with women in her area and get them wearing comfy, suitable bras during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, whatever their shape or size.

When I first started bras4mums my ambition was to have bra fitters across the UK to be able to offer a home fitting service to pregnant women and new mums. Why? Well, the business started when I had a toddler and a new born baby, and I really couldn’t figure out how to go to a shop to get a bra fitting with a toddler and a pram. I was also horrified with the bra fitting advice and information that I was given during my pregnancies – virtually nothing, and some of it totally wrong. continue reading…