Featured – Page 9 – Business Plus Baby

September 14, 2012September 12, 2012

Tomorrow is worth saving for

Did you know that from next month UK employers will have to, by law, enrol most staff into a pension scheme? Even if you’re not employed at the moment, it’s well worth knowing about it in case you got back to employment, or your partner is employed or if you plan to employ staff yourself. Today’s guest post is from Brenda Vannan, Head of Employer Installation at the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).

As a busy mum there are so many things to think about and do right now that it can be difficult to take time out to think about the future. We’re also often guilty of thinking about others first, putting their financial needs ahead of ours, particularly when it comes to our children. But one of the best ways to give your family peace of mind could be to make sure you will be ok as well. And that means taking responsibility for your long term financial security.

Next month a new law is coming into effect that should make this task far easier for millions of people, including around 5.5 million women. For the first time employers will have to automatically enrol most staff into a workplace pension scheme that meets or exceeds certain government standards and make a contribution. Continue reading “Tomorrow is worth saving for”

September 10, 2012

If I was starting out as a work at home mum now, here’s what I’d do…

It’s now four years since the day I took my three-month-old daughter to visit a nursery and discovered I couldn’t leave her and go back to work full-time. It wasn’t the nursery, I just couldn’t stand to be parted from my baby. (If you feel that way right now, you might like to read my story here?)

Next week she starts school! That’s quite a milestone for both of us.

I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in those years and I was just thinking what I’d say to myself if I could go back to where I was back in 2008. So I decided to share it because if you’re a work at home mum who is just starting out, you might find it helpful.

I’ve got a list of practical tips coming up (that’s me, always practical!) but my decision to start a business from home was anything but practical. It was very emotional at the time. So the first thing I would tell myself is that it’s OK, you’re not going crazy. It’ll all be fine. It’s going to be hard work and there is a lot to learn, but you won’t regret taking time out with your little girl during those precious few years before she starts school. And I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but those years really do go fast.

you won’t regret taking time to out with your little girl during those precious years

Despite that, there will be times when the frustration of not being able to work when you want to will drive you bonkers. You’ll have a task you desperately want to finish but it’ll have to wait until toddler goes to bed (yes, when you’ll be shattered and struggling to keep your eyes open). That doesn’t make you a bad mum, so don’t beat yourself up. In fact resist the urge to be too hard on yourself whenever you possibly can.

So (clicking back into practical mode again!) here’s what you need to do next: Continue reading “If I was starting out as a work at home mum now, here’s what I’d do…”

September 3, 2012September 2, 2012

5 tips to boost your self-confidence

You might think that business owners are filled to the brim with confidence. The truth is that business owners, just like everyone else, sometimes experience self-doubt.

In fact, business owners may suffer even more that the average person because they take more risks and can be more isolated than most employees do.

The more confidence you have, in business and in life in general, the more action you’ll take. Let’s face it, action produces results and if you’re self employed, the only person responsible for the results is you! So here are five quick tips that could help you get over a dip in confidence: Continue reading “5 tips to boost your self-confidence”

August 28, 2012August 24, 2012

Finding PR Angles for your business

Today I have Julie Sherwood’s (of Get In The Press) second guest post on PR. In this article she looks at the often overlooked subject of finding an angle for your press release.

(Don’t forget to take a look at her first post, So what is PR… exactly?)

Over to you, Julie!

The trick with PR is to find a news-worthy hook for your press release. Easy if you have something obvious to shout about; a businesses award you’ve won, a major new contract or a new product line. But there are plenty of other ways you can find an angle too.

You can get creative by linking in subjects relating to your business. This can lead to two things: it opens up potential features you could be featured in AND it positions you as an expert in your field. Don’t be afraid to pitch a feature or article idea to a journalist – just be sure you can back up your idea with stats, facts or expert opinion.

Another option is to keep up with trends in the news, and get in contact with the journalist offering additional statistics, a different view or findings. If an announcement has been made about new health findings, can you offer a supportive view or a case study for a feature. Continue reading “Finding PR Angles for your business”

August 24, 2012August 23, 2012

Who else wants to overcome that back-to-school anxiety?

Welcome back to guest blogger Neil Fellowes, whose last post was Using your entrepreneurial skills to inspire your kids. (You can find out more about Neil at the end of this post…)

Yes, it’s that time of year again.

The children are about to return to school and anxiety fear, tears and the playground dramas are all about to happen.

They’ve had a nice time over the summer – getting up when their body is rested rather than when the clock dictates they need to get up for school. They’ve had a holiday with you and had your attention, played with their friends, lounged in front of the TV and enjoyed some fresh air and freedom.

So it’s little wonder that, for many kids, the slightest mention of returning to school causes them to prickle.

And it’s little wonder…

Think back to their last school year…

Was it a happy year? Continue reading “Who else wants to overcome that back-to-school anxiety?”