New topic - Make It Your Business

[KateMumsnet]

Hello hello,

Welcome to our new topic. We’ve teamed up with the folks at Make It Your Business, who have just launched, and who aim to help women who want to start their own business. It’s a non-commercial partnership between Mumsnet and Make It Your Business - we’re giving MIYB members a forum to chat with others who are keen to go it alone, and they’re letting their members know that Mumsnet is a great place to exchange ideas.

Make It Your Business offers women who are looking to set up their own business information, advice, inspiration and a chance to network. They put on events around the UK, and offer videos, blogs and a monthly newsletter for those who register (it’s free to do so). It’s founded by entrepreneur Alison Cork.

Alison and her team will be posting in this topic from time to time to give you a heads up on events or news you might be interested in, or to answer your questions - they’ll go by the names AlisonMakeItYourBusiness and SophieMakeItYourBusiness.

Most importantly, we hope that those of you who are thinking about going it alone and are looking for some support and companionship along the way find this new topic really helpful.

Thanks
MNHQ

I have a part time job 22 hours per week but it's not it what I want. The shifts are on times and I only know them a month at a time. I advertised my cleaning and in 5 months nothing happened. Then I got one or two calls and suddenly it's taken off big style. I cannot fit them all in round my job now. I spoke to n accountant he says he will handle my accounts I just need to tell him what I earned. THe thing is what if people cancel what do I do when the year are away. What happens over Xmas whatgappens when I want a holiday. I would like to know what others do. I am charging £10 an hour my part time job is basic wage

Hi Kitty63. You need to plan ahead and work out a sales forecast which allows for holidays, seasonal periods etc. Get terms and conditions drawn up, particularly for ongoing clients which clearly states your cancellation policy. Last minute cancellations do happen in any business. You need to decide whether you accept this to keep your client happy in your line of work or whether they will incur a charge if cancellation falls within a certain period of time.

Have a plan to fill any gaps that may happen. Keep a database of prospects/clients and (only with their prior permission under GDPR) quickly contact them to see if they would like to take the spot. Plan your marketing to attract new clients when you have spaces to fill.

Are you able to reduce your current shift to ease yourself into this business?

I got some excellent help and advice from vegan cow invaluable

Hi
I am an architect (married to a Chartered Architect RIBA) and want to start my Interior Design setup. I will be offering Planning application services for extensions and Space planning/ fit out for interior projects. I would like some advice on how do I make business visible and reach out to potential clients?
Thanks

I got great advice from lady on here. It certainly helps to speak to someone with experience

Hi @squibblers, I think for businesses like yours, always be prepared to show anyone you engaged with your portfolio. They may know someone who is in need for your service. Attending evening events where your target customers hang out always help with raising brand awareness. I would also suggest utilising your social media platforms to showcase your work, ethos and connect with different individuals who are your target customers. Don’t be afraid to connect with them on a LinkedIn and send them a message.

Have you put together a rough marketing plan yet? Would be great to learn more about your business model to understand it a bit better.

My dd is starting up her own little business (decluttering peoples houses ) . We've had a really tough couple of years and I'm proud that she's going to give this a go .

Has anyone got any tips ?

I follow the fashion and worry about choosing clothes. Therefore, I decided to become a stylist. I attended courses here london-makeup.co.uk/2019/02/15/courses-of-stylistic-in-practice/
I have a little daughter, and I do not know where I should look for clients, where to get them. Can you advise me where to start?

Is this thread still being monitored by Make It Your Business?

Hi all,

I've just joined the MIYB community and I hope to meet with some of you in future.

I won the Big Ideas Competition 2018 at the University of Kent and competed at the Global Entrepreneur Challenge at Virginia Tech in the USA with my business idea, an online platform to help small businesses find the perfect employees. I'm in the process of building the platform and would welcome any ideas and advice you can provide.

I'd like to know when your next event in London will take place?

Many thanks.