support4women.net

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…

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing, something has knocked me off my simple straight road and sent me off on a new track. Am I ready for it? No idea, but I’m going to give it my best shot and see what happens

Can you see all the paths on your journey yet?

“If you have a clear picture in your mind of what it will be like when you’ve won the fight, you won’t feel the pain”, Mohammed Ali

After all the customer feedback and juggling I’ve been doing, I thought I was moving down one track with the bras4mums business. Slow and steady. continue reading…

I’m currently preparing to go to day 3 of my LEAD course, tomorrow. The course supports each business to develop and grow, through challenging our thinking and practice. Tomorrow morning’s session is being lead by John Leach, whose profile includes the following:

“John is an expert in customer development strategies linked to personal improvement.  His coaching tools and techniques when adopted have immediate impact!  He is the author of ‘Pitch Perfect’ a recently published book that has generated widespread appeal from organisations keen to deliver winning strategies and breakthrough performance.”

Impressive! continue reading…