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. I’ve had one member of staff for 2 1/2 years now, and Debbie shares my passion for ensuring women are fitted correctly in the right bra for them during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Debbie quickly learnt to offer excellent customer service (one of the reasons why she got the job), and will go the extra mile to help customers feel reassured down the phone or at the end of an email about their order.

So why am I now so hesitant? Even though I am so excited about training bra fitters who will offer a home bra fitting service in their area across the UK, I’m also nervous. When training 2 agents on Monday I said to them, “It’s not easy for me to pass the baton on”. I’m certain my training and support will be excellent. I’m certain they will build fantastic businesses with bras4mums and bras4all behind them and working with them. But, from a business point of view, I’m letting strangers take my business forward. Trained strangers admittedly. Ones I’m getting references for, (but we all know that references aren’t always fail safe!). And I’m going to let them work with pregnant and breastfeeding women in their area? On behalf of bras4mums?

Likening it to letting my children grow up and go their own ways, it’s somehow simpler. I trust my children to grow and develop to have fun in life and live life to the full – with my love and support. The same with my agents. With my care, support and love of my business and the women I support across the world, so they will grow and develop into excellent business women and more importantly, fantastic bra fitters. All the ingredients are there for developing the business. I just need to have faith in myself, trust my processes for recruiting and training, then let my agents fly off under my trained eye, supported by the team and each other.

Easy? We’ll see!

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.

The newest part of business development is the recruitment and training of bra fitting agents who are women wanting to offer a home bra fitting service in their area. Some of these are women with families are wanting to do something worthwhile and earn some money. Others see it as a great opportunity to work the hours they want doing an unusual but very rewarding job, fitting it around their family. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to this opportunity, and are looking forward to working with women across the UK to develop their own businesses with bras4mums.

So, others may not see this award as meaning much. But I don’t see it that way at all. It’s raised my self-esteem when motivation has been flagging with the last six months website problems, (will write about it soon – too raw still at the moment!). My husband has felt rewarded that others outside our friendship and family circle recognise the work and importance of bras4mums as a business and my role within its development. We’re excited about hearing if I’ll reach the next round and get to have a night in a hotel without the children sleeping on the floor. I’m sure it’ll be a business expense – won’t it?.

Yes, all this excitement and buzz from customers, followers, fans and potential customers plus how it’s making me feel – this award nomination is really worth it. Thank you judges :~)

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, from running my business. bras4mums agents are being talked to, slotted into training sessions, and the office is getting more organised to enable us to support them and the online sales more efficiently. I’ve been working on the foundations of the website structure; creating new websites to support the agents; blogging for business and pleasure; planning new lines for bras4mums and bras4all. Wow! No wonder I’m tired!

I’m also tired of the family stuff. My brother has had a tough 6 months, and I guess I still have concerns for my Dad, even though he is very happy with his girlfriend, a year on from Mum’s death.

My husband’s family have also had a tough time. His Dad is having health worries, and his Mum being a worrier anyway is worrying even more!

So, we’re SO READY for our 2 week break! It’s a long time since we’ve had 2 weeks off together. We’re going abroad to an apartment in a quiet part of Germany. We’re taking clothes, bikes, store cupboard items and a football. What else could we possibly need? I don’t remember a time that we’ve all needed a break like this.

Maybe the boys are just older and because they’re doing more, get more tired throughout the year? Maybe it’s a combination of all of the above? Whatever it is, we’re going away. I’m not saying we’re going to be totally uncontactable, or in touch with people who we need to support. But the service will be greatly reduced, (don’t worry bra customers – the office is manned by a trained & experienced bra fitter who can help you with your queries).

But, to reap the rewards, this week is mad busy! We’re getting more tired tidying and cleaning the house, catching up on ironing and packing the suitcase, finishing off work lists and visiting and talking to people before we go away.

I have learnt from previous experience – if you need a break, take it. You’re not doing yourself, your family, friends and/or business any good if you’re not functioning properly. So, get some time set aside…..to do NOTHING!

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?

I am long term list addict – not least because they allow me to procrastinate, but also because it makes me feel good to cross things off. The thing is that lately, my to do list is getting too long, so I’m not getting the thrill of crossing anything off – it barely makes a dent in the list!

What this has done, is shown me that I need to take a step back and work out why the list is too long. This in itself is another great way to avoid doing my long list of jobs, but we’ll blissfully ignore that for a moment. I met someone last week who is very experienced within a large organisation. She manages herself using “Do, Ditch or Delegate”. I have one member of staff who works very hard so I don’t want to pass more their way. To me, one aspect of this is really interesting and it’s not me doing more….. It’s the ditch aspect. But how has something has made its way onto my list if I could end up ditching it? That is another whole thing to think about isn’t it?

I can deal with myself taking too much on. But how do I manage changing priorities, which is usually down to external factors with clients – they don’t submit things on time, or there’s a problem with an image, or someone else demands of them. How can I manage that? By building in a lag time for their deliveries to me perhaps? Or by putting in place stricter penalties – “I’ll put you to the bottom of the list”.  I’ve still not solved this – when I do, I’ll ask for another opportunity to be the guest blog to share it with you…

What are your time management experiences and tips? Would be good to hear from you with your thoughts and ideas – and to know it’s not just me that is determined to keep finding more hours in the day…..

Weston Communications is a Marketing and Communications agency which has grown quickly since its launch in 2008. As well as launching the New Baby Guides and  Young Families Baby and Toddler Shows, we’re now also work with a range of big and small businesses to help them with a wide range of projects. Visit www.westoncommunications.org.uk for more info, or call Liz on 01223 501520.

Liz also has a blog Cambridge Mummy

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. Anyone who can regularly access your mail (such as the
post office, postman, cleaner, family, etc) can carry out such a scam with little risk of
detection and virtually no chance of prosecution.

My partner has been the victim of just such a scam and we are amazed at how simple it
was to carry out, and how little she can do about recovering her destroyed credit rating.
The police won’t investigate and the bank is surprised we think they should do so, even
though the bank itself has lost around £6,000.

Essentially she was targeted because the criminals have been able to intercept her post
somehow. By stealing a bank statement they had sufficient details to apply for a new
bank debit card in her name, and new PIN Number. These were, of course, posted out.
(Why can’t the banks text you when you seem to have ordered a new card or PIN?)
By other means they have collated sufficient information to be able to successfully
answer the bank’s woefully inadequate security questions. They then simply stole the
new card and PIN and went on a weekend spending spree until they’d used up the
money in the account plus the overdraft facility.

Typical bank security questions that Wendy has been asked this week include:
• What is your first name?
• What day did your last birthday fall on?
• What are the last 3 digits of your telephone number?
• Name a shop where you have recently used your card.
• Where were you born?
• What is your mother’s maiden name?

If you know someone’s surname and address you can look up their telephone number
on Directory Enquiries. Free searches on www.192.com or www.123people.co.uk will
give you birthday and first name, from sources such as FaceBook, Linked In, etc.
How easy it is to know where someone was born and what their mother’s maiden name
was? Simply go online and order a replacement birth certificate for £9.25. They keep no
records of how often someone has ordered a replacement, nor who actually ordered it!
Look yourself up on Google and you’ll be astounded at how much information is publicly
available about you. Added to this is the fact that the Local Council gives away vast
amounts of information about you, without your permission, through the Electoral Roll.
Internet fraud is nowhere near as scary or as widespread as identity theft through the
old fashioned postal system.

The IT Department offer Remote Support or On-Site Contracts Web Design & Domain Hosting, Network Configuration & Trouble-Shooting, Server Installation & Maintenance

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?

Today I ’shadowed’ a colleague on the course to both learn from him, as well give him and his business feedback. He’s already shadowed me – at the Baby Show, and at the shop, which I found really useful and helpful – even in just preparing for his visit opened my eyes to things I hadn’t addressed previously, (some were on the list, but how come they never got to the top?).

But what can I learn from him? He works with his business partner and wife in the business, his brother and 3 employees. He’s just moved into new plush offices and is really developing his systems and procedures for making things better for his customers and his staff.

Having thought things through this afternoon, I can certainly feedback my comments about his work and how I see it, as a new person looking in. I hope he’ll find it useful. But what can I learn from my half day in his office?

• Work is fun – if you’re not enjoying your work, then you really should be looking to do something else. Creating a sense of openness and creativity within the office is important. Not just physical space, but flexible work hours and getting staff involved with ideas are all important parts to make the workday enjoyable.
• Systems must be created and followed to make the business work efficiently and ensure everyone knows what’s going on, even during staff holidays or sickness. This isn’t always easy in 1-person businesses, but it certainly helps you plan your week if you’ve got a system to follow.
• Go for your GOAL – always keep your goal in sight. Even if it changes over time, never lose sight of what it is your trying to achieve, and how you’re going to get there. You may not get it right first, (or tenth!), time, but if you’re making progress in the right direction, does it really matter?

It’s helped me re-look at my business from a different angle, again! If I can set SYSTEMS up, communicate with others about the GOAL, and HAVE FUN then I’m not going to be far off having a great time whilst developing a bra fitting team across the UK through our bras4mums agents network.

John Feeney runs Jam Publications who produce community guides and business directories for Fulwood, Cottam, Lea, Goosnargh, Grimsargh, Longridge, Walton le Dale, Hoghton, in Preston, Lancashire.

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.

I felt there were less people at the show this year, but I really don’t blame them – the fantastic weather was ideal for being outside. It did mean that those inside the show got more time with exhibitors – I know I spent more time with customers at quieter periods over the 3 days.

And what about my shadow? Well, John from Jam Publications was a star and spent about 4 hours at the show looking at how I work with my small team, how we all interact, what information we give out, our products, our competitors and generally what we do and how we could do things better. He was discrete and just watched and listened to all that was going on in and around our stand, and kept wandering around the show to see how we fitted in with everything else on offer.

His feedback today has been very positive. He’s given me loads of ideas and suggestions. But the best thing is he’s impartial. He has no involvement with my business. He’s not a friend, family member or even customer. He’s looked at my stand, and a snapshot of my business and given me constructive feedback. I’m not sure I’d have been able to have taken some of the frank speaking from anyone else!

Now all I have to do is start putting things into action. If you’re still paying attention, please let me know what are the 3 things that you value most about bras4mums and the service we offer. And if you’re willing, what can we do better? Not just at exhibitions, like the Baby Show, but with our website, home fittings, agents and affiliate schemes?

We can’t improve, or get more hugs and smiles from more customers without your feedback. I look forward to hearing about your Baby Show experiences, and your comments about bras4mums service and products.

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.

Walking into the shop this morning I saw my messy desk. No, it’s really messy. And it’s at the front of the shop. I juggle so many things, that I don’t have enough in-trays to separate the things I need to do, so I end up with different piles all over my desk. Not good. I must try and improve that work area, as well as the way I work, before John comes to visit.

I’ve also been thinking about how I take on board the feedback he will give me. We’ve done a lot on how to give and receive feedback on the course – used BOFF yesterday which I hadn’t come across before – Behaviour, Outcome, Feelings, Future. Almost a checklist to go through before opening your mouth to rant at someone.

John is straight talking, and so am I. He’s told me he doesn’t like criticism. Do I? My husband would say, no I don’t. But will I be able to take John’s feedback in the constructive way it’s meant? Or will I become defensive? Will I give excuses about why something is being done in a certain way, or why we have to do that and not this? Or will I really think about his feedback and take action to help the business grow and develop in the way I’m currently planning? Would I accept a change in direction if he gave feedback that meant I should reconsider some aspects of my work?

I AM looking forward to John coming and looking at what we do, how I lead my business, and challenging me about the business. But, I now know that I need to do quite a bit of preparation before he visits. I can already see where I can make improvements in the business, and the way I work within it and for it. I guess this is the value of a programme such as this one – looking at things differently and asking yourself why.

If you’re not on a programme such as this, just pretend that you’ve got someone from another business coming to visit and watch you in your business. Ask yourself if you would do anything differently – if so, change it now before they come!

If anyone has experience of being shadowed at work, or has been involved in something similar, please do let me know. This is all new, and I really do want to learn, so that I can totally focus on achieving my goals of having bras4mums bra fitters all over the UK ensuring women are comfy, supported and feel good about themselves during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the widest range of maternity and nursing bras in the UK.

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.

So, you can see that I’m excited. I’m over the moon that Tracy Jones in Wrexham, Mum of 2, who also works as a Hypnotherapist, wants to offer women in Wrexham, Chester and Nantwich the opportunity of getting great bra fitting, in their own homes. Tracy was a fantastic trainee yesterday, and I know she learnt an awful lot about bras and bra fitting. Her head was buzzing most of the day. She was amazed that soft cup bras can be so comfy and give such good shape (we did bra fittings with all bras4mums stock, so she’s got a pretty good idea of the different shapes and fits of the bras now).

I’m also excited with the fact that I’ve stuck with my dream, and even though I’m 6 years down the road, and lots has happened to knock me off course, I’m now able to focus on this important task. With so many women telling us that they’re not getting what they want from the High Street (choice of bras in their sizes, or good bra fitting advice), with it being backed up by a recent Which? report, it is even more important to recruit bra fitters across the UK.

Tracy (@tracyej), is the first, but not the last. All agents will be fully supported throughout their time as an agent, and will certainly have an impact on women’s health in their local communities. So, if you like the sound of this excitement, please get in touch and get involved. bras4mums needs passionate women to make a difference to women in their local communities.

Don’t just vote for a new Government tomorrow, come and join a revolution in the way bras are fitted! (No, I haven’t been drinking tonight, just feeling very passionate and excited about what we can achieve through a network of like minded women. Think this is a THEME for the week!)