Running a Business around Children with Additional Needs - running online business

Running an Online Business

June 13, 2016June 20, 2021

The massive growth of the internet over the last 10 years has offered many online business opportunities. This is especially true for those who need to work flexibly from home as mothers often do. In the early days you needed coding skills or the money to pay someone to code for you to be able to launch online. There are now hundreds of options to design your own website with no more than the basic computer skills. The flip side of this is that of course, low entry barriers can mean a saturated market. That means it’s more important than ever to have something that will set you apart from the competition.

Retail

One of the most popular types of online business is retail. Before the internet, mail order businesses had to invest a huge amount in national advertising in newspapers or on TV to make people aware of their Products’s. They then need to spend more money sending out catalogues which might or might not lead to a sale. Now people wishing to sell online can do so in a number of different ways. They can promote their products either for free or at a low cost via social media and email. If you want to sell products online you have two options.

The first option is to launch your own website. Great because you get to keep all of your profit, but harder to get seen by people. The website will need to be optimised to ensure that search engines can find it. An active social media presence is likely to be necessary, all of which takes time. Love Anais is a great example of selling direct from a website.

The other option is to sell via an already established website. Many small businesses use eBay to sell their goods but Amazon also had a thriving community of self employed people selling their wares. You can also sell directly through social media. With shopify you can integrate a shop in to your Facebook page. If you make your own items then you can look at more creative outlets like Etsy or it’s more UK equivalent, Folksy.

The other question is, what are you going to sell? Fine if you make your own things but if not you’ll need to find some products. If you don’t have space to hold stock you might want to look at drop shipping. An arrangement where by you promote a product and take orders then a wholesaler ships the items. If you’ve got space to hold stock then you can buy your products from wholesalers (although bear in mind they are unlikely to give you credit in the early days). Check out wholesaler.co.uk to find a list of UK wholesalers. The other option would be to focus on one product and buy it direct from the manufacturer. This is great if you’ve seen a product overseas that you think would do well in the UK.

Information products

Another popular type of online business is the creation and selling of information products. These can be ebooks, ecourses or membership services that provide expertise of some kind. If you are an expert in your field information products can be a great way to leverage it. Once the product is created there is no limit to the number of people that it can be sold to. The work really comes with promoting the product so good social media skills are key. Cassie Farren’s story shows how she used her expertise to create an ebook.

Blogging

People with very specific interests run content focused websites or blogs for a particular niche (rare breed pigs, complementary therapies for rabbits). They make their money by selling advertising. While this type of business is unlikely to make your fortune it can be a nice way to try and earn something from the thing your passionate about. Subscription based deliveries, where a box of items on a particular theme is delivered to your house each month, are becoming more and more popular. Check out surprise boxes story about craft based boxes. There’s even one for sanitary products called “Sanitary owl”.

Services

Other online businesses provide services, such as web design or social media management, to clients and others create software or apps to provide a service. People with admin backgrounds often set up as virtual assistants to provide admin support for small businesses. Some professionals, such as counsellors, nutritionists and accountants, offer their services online via software like Skype.

The law

As with any business there are regulations that you need to be aware of. All businesses need to have some kind of liability insurance. You will also need to make sure you comply with the distance selling regulations if you are selling a product. The government provides a brief summary. There is also legislation around copyright, and data protection. You will need to comply with anti spam laws if you are creating a mailing list, The Law Donut provides a good summary of these.

For more ideas on internet based businesses check out out page of online business stories

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Mamazou – A Social Network for Parents

May 17, 2016October 24, 2019

Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?
My name is Jenny and I’m a first time mum to my gorgeous 2.5 year old daughter, Hayley. I’ve been married for almost 5 years and we live in London

What’s your business called?
My company is called Mamazou

Can you describe it in one sentence?
It’s a social network for parents and parents-to-be offering access to forums, blogs, giveaways, articles, product reviews, interviews and discount codes. (Wow, that was long sentence).

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?
When I fell pregnant, I found myself Googling most things and becoming very overwhelmed with the information presented. Most websites I stumbled upon were cluttered and overbearing. I also saw a lack of social space for real parents to not only read information, but to talk and engage with one another from all over the world. I found myself wishing that there was a place that parents could come together and share their own experiences and offer advice without feeling judged. I woke up one morning telling myself I had to create it and haven’t looked back.

How did you fund your start up?
I used my savings

How do you manage working around your children?
I tend to work around my daughter’s schedule. She goes to nursery in the morning so I get a couple of hours work done then and once she goes to bed I’m back on my laptop working away until the early hours of the morning.

Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?
I am a list lover. I have to write a task list of things to do in order of priority. My emails are generally answered either first thing in the morning or last thing before bed so that I’m fresh for the day ahead. I find that managing the social media side of the business is the most time consuming so I plan what I’m posting carefully. I then spending some time on conference calls with companies I’m collaborating with as well as networking. I also make sure that I have some of my own time to workout/relax so that I can keep a clear mind and focus.

What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I had to date was soon after I first launched and half way into my next project, my web designer went into liquidation (about 2 weeks after I’d paid them a hefty amount) and didn’t even contact me to let me know. I was absolutely devastated and never managed to get the funds back. I was so tempted to give up and quit but my husband and family told me to keep going. I shed quite a few tears but knew I had to pick myself back up. That time taught me patience and thankfully I now have an amazing web designer who has helped the company go from strength to strength.
·What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?
Knowing that I can be a full time mum to my baby girl and not being tied down to anyone. My family come first, they always have and always will. The best thing about my company is it’s family orientated so it can grow as my family does too.

What are your plans for the future?
I have some really big plans but sadly can’t discuss them yet. All I can say is watch this space.
What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
Get a lawyer. It’s so important to make sure every aspect of your company is covered.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Yes. If I can do it – so can you. Keep focused, be confident and reach for your dreams.

www.mamazou.com
IG – www.instagram.com/mamazou85
Twitter – @mamazouu
FB – www.facebook.com/mamazou85

Supermums UK – A Business that Supporting Mums

May 1, 2016October 24, 2019

Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?
Im Michelle Aston, i live in Witney in Oxfordshire and i am married with 2 children. My daughter Belle is 4 and about to start school and my son Alexander is 2, we also have a dog called Jasmine.

What’s your business called?
I co-own SupermumUK Ltd

Can you describe it in one sentence?
Mums supporting mums in business

When did you become a Mumpreneur and what inspired you?
Whilst i was on maternity leave with my second child. I enjoyed my job and i really wanted to progress but there were no part-time positions and i craved the flexibility of working around my children

How did you fund your start up?
From savings

How do you manage working around your children?
It is a constant juggling act, especially difficult during the holidays but my family comes first. I always have a to do list and prioritise what needs to be done on the day and what can wait. Im a social media addict though and find myself constantly trawling through Facebook and Twitter looking for opportunities to promote our brand and our members. I try snd set aside time each day so that i can keep up to speed with my news feed!

Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?
My job is a constant balancing act of dealing with enquiries, promoting our members, writing useful content for our members and scheduling posts/content. It is flexible though if i need a few hours or a day off, i just need to be organised by scheduling and responding to members and enquiries. I don’t have childcare everyday so when i do have i make the most of it and find myself glued yo my laptop. The benefit of my business is that i can work anywhere as long as i have WIFI and i am amazed at the amount of work i can do whilst im out walking the dog! I love the art of multi-tasking!

What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?
Balancing family/work life is a constant challenge so i have to really prioritise. Another constant challenge is deciding how to grow the business and continually promote our brand and our members locally and nationally. We have just run a successful campaign in-conjunction with Digital Mums. We had a trainee working with us for 5 months. It enabled us to further grow our social media channels and consider how to take the business forward. It is really beneficial to have a fresh pair of eyes to help you decide what you want to achieve.
What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?
The flexibility and being able to work from home so i don’t have the daily commute, just the 10 min walk to my daughters nursery.

What are your plans for the future?
We want to continue to grow our membership and look at adding more benefits for our members, for example we are looking at offering business coaching.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?
Research, establish your USP and target your marketing appropriately by researching who your customers are.

Oxfordshire.supermum.org
www.facebook.com/supermumoxfordshire
Supermum.org

AB Marketing Services – Running a Marketing Business around a Family

February 18, 2016October 24, 2019

Tell us a bit about your family?

I am 1 of 5 from a small village called bradwell on sea. we as a family have suffered a lot of heartache over the years but its only served to bring us together and to appreciate loved ones more. It has made me stronger and to never take things for granted as tomorrow is never promised. I am 32 years old and a proud mum to elliott aged 10 and kaytie aged 8 and a half! My partner of 5 years also has 2 children of exactly the same ages. I am lucky to not only have the full support from all of my family but also the wonderful family of my partner.

What’s your business called?

AB MARKETING SERVICES.

Can you describe it in one sentence?

AB Marketing services prides itself on being able to offer low cost and affordable websites and marketing packages for new or small businesses to enable them grow online.

How did you fund your start up?

I managed to get my first few jobs in the door with no money, just me and my pc and the first few jobs then paid for me to start expanding and purchasing my Macbook, and stationery and even my own website to help run my business. I also still manage a part time job which also helps the funding!

How do you manage working around your children?

I don’t sleep!! haha! My children are my priority – I get up everyday, check emails, fire out messages and then I am a mum until school time! I take my kids to school and then have a day job to get to 3 days a week and work on my business only during the evenings once the children are in bed on these days. I then commit to all day tuesday thursdays and saturdays to my own business. I try to have sundays off with the children. It is difficult but you just manage! It won’t be forever, as I hope to reduce the day job one day. But I do appreciate my time with the kids more when I do get it. I have 2 kids and my partner has 2 kids, so weekends with 4 kids can be fun but also handwork but I wouldn’t have it any other way

What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?

I face daily challenges – strong competition in a crowded market is my main problem! You will always find that one guy that will offer a website for £99 and undercut me! But i stick to my guns. I know I do a good job and give it my all! People get far more than just a website from me. I only work with people I feel comfortable representing and I put my heart and soul into every site. My children always comment on all the sites and they even get to know the customers, they become a part of me. I overcome challenges by being true to myself and sticking to my guns, if people like me and choose me then GREAT if not then thats their personal choice and I still wish them well with their venture.

What’s the best thing about being self employed?

That feeling of achievement I get overtime I hear the words THANK YOU! Every time I receive a nice review, but best of all every time I hear my children tell their friends how clever their mummy is.

What are your plans for the future?

To loose the day job and just be me! I would say I would like to employ someone but then I think i would find it hard to not be involved or full control – so maybe someone to do the accounts and filing! haha!

What advice would you give for someone just starting out?

DONT GIVE UP! Look in that mirror and remind yourself of why your doing it! Its far better to say I tried than I wish I tried…

www.abmarketingservices.com

Adele recently had her story printed in the local paper, you can read it below:

Im Adele, aged 32 years, and mummy to 2 gorgeous kiddies Elliott aged 10 and Kaytie aged 8 and a half years. I am an office manager/administration clerk for an insulation firm in south woodham ferrers part time.
I then set up my own new business AB MARKETING SERVICES in 2015 and currently manage to do both jobs.

It all randomly happened after I helped my partner with a bit of marketing and a few newsletters for his new business. We were out for dinner one day at a family event and I saw an advert whilst surfing online on my phone, for a diploma in Digital Marketing! Before I knew it I had signed up – with the intention of it helping me to help my partner with his new venture another local firm, DJC KIT CARS. I thought it would give me a better insight into things. My partner Dan also gave me the encouragement to give it a go!
For the last 15 years I have always worked within sales, marketing and administration roles and just thought this would further increase my knowledge etc… Once I started the diploma I soon realised that my passion stretched much further than just wanting to help my partner out. I really enjoyed this – I loved learning and pushing myself, I passed with distinction and 98% and soon began making plans of perhaps trying to make a business out of this. After a few recommendations and setting up a Facebook business page and my own professional website that was it…. I obtained my first few clients from word of mouth and the enquiries started to flood in.

I pitched myself at being able to offer affordable Website & marketing packages for fellow new businesses like myself. I love nothing more than helping people and seeing fellow businesses do well. I am lucky that I managed to get a fantastic graphic designer on board, Gary Thomas from Braintree, that assists me and helps me to be able to offer all the services that I do. Gary has been in the business much longer than I have and offers me a wealth of support and experience.

As Iwork from home this allows for minimal overheads and in turn ensuring the best possible rates for my customers. I already have an extensive client base and seem to be going from strength to strength. I pride myself on only taking on clients who I feel proud to represent. I take the time to talk with new clients and understand about them and their business. I ensure we are all happy to work together and that I feel happy to recommend them and their businesses to ensure the best service possible for the client and for me to perform my duties in an honest and fulfilled manner.
A lot of the companies I have had the pleasure in working with have been local self employed people like Aaron from A Clarke Carpets & Flooring in Mayland, and Nick from NCD Equipment in South woodham and my first e-commerce website lays with entrepreneur and new found friend thanks to our businesses John at Maldon Furniture at the causeway in heybridge. it gives me a real sense of pride working with local companies within our small communities.
My contacts do stretch further afield with having completed websites for companies such as a Hot Tub Rental company in Manchester and I’ve made a lovely friend in Gabi from Ludlow Food Hygiene Centre In Shropshire and more recently a new cleaning company from North London has seen me come to meet the loveable duo Vio & Rina. I have created websites for all kinds of companies, local Chimney Sweep, DJ, Builders, Construction firms, Window tinting company, Double glazing & Window repairs and even a Michael bible tribute act. All my clients have been unique and individual and carry some amazing stories. It has been very humbling.
My own mum from Southminster has stepped out into the entrepreneurial field and now has a budding eBay business in pre-loved wares. I have been lucky to be able to offer my marketing skills to help further her success.
There are far too many awesome clients to mention, and i can honestly say its been an absolute pleasure to work with them ALL. They have all given me far more than just money, they have given me their trust and faith and in most cases their friendship. I think the fact that I take the time to get to know all my clients and take a real interest in them and their business is what helps me to stand out. This is great as website & marketing services is a crowded field and theres strong competition, this is why I try to offer a little more. I don’t just want to create a website. I want to help people. This is far more than just a business to me. I LOVE this. I love meeting new people and have an absolutely wonderful customer base, all details of which can be found on a separate page on my website, so please be sure to check out these new companies too as no doubt we shall be seeing great things from these companies as they begin to grow over time.

Experience has taught me that digital marketing has seen massive growth in recent years and keeping up with new trends is key to success when embarking on new marketing strategies. Social media for example shows us how times are changing and how people connect and seek advice and the importance of being recognised in such a vast and competitive field. My aim is to help companies grow online. I work hard with new or small businesses to empower them to get noticed and i am committed to being low cost & affordable and tailor my packages to suit ALL budgets and individual needs. I try to offer as much free help and advice as i can and shall begin blogging from next month to help offer my clients that little bit extra.

It has been a very tough conquest to get here, I’m currently completing my second diploma in Social Media & Online Reputation Management. I have days where 2 kids, my chronic illness (crohns disease) a house to run, a day job AND my own business to run and the DIPLOMA with live evening lessons, assignments and exams all gets a bit much for me. But when I take a breath and see how far I have come and what I have achieved, or I think back to the little notes my kids write for me wishing me luck or when I hear them telling their friends how clever their mummy is I know I have made all the right choices. Most importantly I am achieving something for myself and getting paid to do something I love. I could not have got here with out all the love and support from my close friends and family (you all know who you are!) and the continued faith all my clients have in me.

so, If anyone would like to know more about me and AB Marketing Services and how i can help your local business with a new low cost website or marketing packages then please visit my website at:www.abmarketingservices.com where there is also a list of other local firms I am happy to recommend.