Nice to meet you, I’m Helen Lindop!
Here’s a little about me…
I didn’t want to put my baby into full-time childcare when my maternity leave ended in January 2009. I knew starting a business from home could be a solution but I couldn’t find the information I needed. So I started writing about the information I could find on Business Plus Baby in the hope it would help other mums like me.
That lead on to me writing a book, Start a Family Friendly Business: 129 Brilliant Business Ideas for Mums (with co-author Antonia Chitty) and a series of e-books and courses.
Here at Business Plus Baby you’ll find…
- Lots of info on online business including internet marketing and starting an online store without spending a fortune.
- A focus on building a solid, long-term financial future for you and your family, rather than making a few pounds to top up your family income (there’s nothing wrong with this of course, but there are already a lot of websites that cover making a few extra quid).
- An interest in personal finance – having a business is only one piece of the puzzle if you’re aiming to build a solid financial future for you and your family.
- Inspiration from other parents who are out there running their own businesses right now.
- Other tips, tricks and products for staying fit, well and happy as a working parent of young children.
And if you’re a parent with a business and a young family (or just hoping to be!) I can send you…
- My e-book: Running a Business Around a Family: 9 Steps to Success (4000 words, 23 pages)
- Updates from Business Plus Baby, including upcoming online courses
- Free stuff and discounts (including some that I don’t put up on the Business Plus Baby blog)
- Good stuff I get to hear about from other home/mum business experts
…if you join my email list 🙂
Just enter your email address at the top of the right-hand sidebar -> so I know where to send it all!
Will look forward to finding out more Helen!
Antonia
http://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk
Hi Helen
What you say sounds sooo familiar and I love your site/blog! I’ve got 3 children (2 under the age of 2) and have been building up my busines over 6 years now juggling the three roles of mum, wife and business owner.
I’m following you on Facebook and look forward to spending more time reading through all your posts. There is some really valuable information on their and it’s great that you are sharing your research and links!
Also really happy to see some very unbiased comments and observations about the Direct Sales industry. I’m running a successful direct sales business, but I completely agree with all your comments that it’s not for everyone and especially that success depends on the same factors that success in a traditional business model would depend on.
Barbara (www.barbaravonow.com)
Thanks Barbara, I really appreciate your comments and support. I’ve emailed you and hope to have you as a guest blogger soon!
Helen,
When babies arrive – our world changes forever! Sometimes even though we think it won’t or don’t want it to LOL. I’m a mumpreneur and I love that I can do what I love and it fits beautifully around my family’s needs. It’s wonderful to read your blog and hear all the support and encouragement that you give and get from other mothers. You’ve created a wonderful community.
Much love
Heather xx
Thank you Heather, what a lovely comment!
Hi Helen,
I stumbled across your website late lastnight once my little one was fast asleep and I must say its Fantastic… Lots of useful information I am overwhelmed, Coming from an IT background of over 14 years I left my comfort zone, retrained to become a Life Coach and trainer simular to yourself I decided to step back into the working 9to5 world, Now I have my son on maternity leave I have realised I too am not prepared to leave him with a childminder or nursery as a result I have registered as a childminder myself and I have been thinking about starting a community magazine so I was happy to see the information you have supplied thank you. I will be completely honest the past 8 months have been a complete blur with regards to what I can and will do, now I am ready to turn my dreams into reality again one being working for myself and seeing my son grow. Regards Michelle
Thanks Michelle! Your experience is so familiar and so much like my own. As well as the IT background, coaching and not wanting to go back to my job full time, I also considered childminding and a community magazine! And I understand that 8 month blur completely. It’s great to hear you’ve got some clarity now, and if you’re like me you’ll be so determined to create something great for your family that you’ll be more motivated than you’ve ever been. Even with a lot less sleep and and a house being turned upside down by a toddler (or two, in my case!)
Wow, what a fantastic website – well done to you for juggling everything and more importantly following your dreams – one of my fav quotes is ‘If you can dream it, you can become it’ 🙂
I’m the founder of http://www.VIPregnancy.com and thought of the idea when I was pregnant. I’m now trying to juggle my different careers, moving house and looking after my 20 month old son! I respect you and every single mum who is trying to set up a business.
I hope we can work together in the future and it would be great to feature you and other mumpreneurs on my website.
Veena V x
Hi Veena, I emailed you but – whoops – forgot to reply to your comment. It would be great to work together as I love what you’re doing with VIPregnancy. I’m fascinated by multimedia on the internet and you’ve used video and audio brilliantly – you’re definitely one to watch! And you’re absolutely following your dreams!
Hi Helen, your site has so much good info on it and I really admire how much effort you have put in to it. Like you say having your family to care for really does give you that extra push to keep going and make the best of your business. I have always wanted to work for myself and found that it was the best option for me due to health issues and having my wee girl pulling at my heart strings. I have my daughter in nursery 3 days a week (feel guilt ridden every day I leave her!) and the rest is done when she’s settled in bed. I enjoy my work that much that I dont really mind it taking over my ‘me time’ lol
Siobhan
Trela – Bringing creative people together
Thank you very much! You’re absolutely right in that it does take over your ‘me’ time, especially in the early days. That’s why it’s so important to do something you enjoy or you’d never stick with it. I can really relate to the guilt thing too, but I always remind myself that I’m building a better future for my family, so it will all be worth it.
Hi Helen, just reading your article on things to do for easter and notice the affiliate link and detail on product reviews -could you tell me more about this please. Great Site and good content.
Fiona x
Thanks Fiona, I’ve dropped you an email.
I just wanted to thank you for the information on maternity allowance and self employment thank you thank you thank you!!!!