Have you visited Giant Potential yet? The friendly networking site for women in business is one this month. Join the site for the chance to tap into the collective knowledge and expertise of over 900 women and release your own giant potential in business.
In a recent survey for Skillfair, 22% of freelancer feel business is worse, even dire this year. The credit crunch seems to make businesses more cautious about booking freelancers, with several respondants commenting that it is taking longer to get a decision on a new project.
However, if you are thinking of freelancing as a way to get the family friendly work life balance you need, don’t despair. 78% of freelancers say that business as good or better than last year. A small number, 14%, even said they were rushed off their feet.
Are you a web designer, developer or marketer? I’m looking for a selection of mums to provide comment for an online article. Email antonia@acpr.co.uk and I’ll pass your details on to the journalist.
I’m working with a TV company on a webcast programme full of advice for mumpreneurs. We’re looking for some mums in business for the pilot episodes. If you have an issue you would like advice on email mailto:antonia@acpr.co.uk to fnd out more.
Mumtrepreneur figures set to rise
More than 50 per cent of new mums are keen to set up their own business, according to new research from Tesco Baby & Toddler Club.
In fact, the survey of 2,000 mums* has revealed one in ten working mums are sick of David Brent bosses who overlooked them for promotion simply because they were a parent.
More than ten per cent of those questioned complained they’d been discriminated against at work by female colleagues (who were actually worse than men). And one in five mums had struggled with employers who demanded they work longer than their contracted hours.
The research carried out by Tesco Baby & Toddler Club to mark the launch of its new website suggests the current one million women-owned businesses in the UK** is set to increase – and six per cent of those questioned claim to already have enterprising ideas ranging from hand-painted cribs to pet hotels.
The research also revealed that 20 per cent wanted to be work-at-home mums because of the flexible hours. The mums were especially internet savvy, and with the end of the extended family and 24 hour access to websites, 40 per cent said they turn to the internet for help on baby/parenting matters. This compares with just 34 per cent talking to their doctor, 29 per cent turning to other parents and one in five seeking advice from their local health centre.
A spokesperson for Tesco Baby & Toddler Club said: “While we know from official figures that the percentage of working mums has increased over the last five years***, it seems we’re not so keen to work for someone else when it comes to the practicalities of winning the work/life balance.
“It’s in direct response to the demand for mums seeking parenting help and support online that Tesco have launched the baby club website offering advice from some of the country’s leading baby experts, plus the opportunity for mums to talk to other mums, including work-related experiences.
“We know from our own members that being able to talk to other mums in similar situations can give them the confidence to make changes that are right for them.” The survey also revealed that when it comes to role models, the top 10 working mums are:
| 1. | Davina McCall | 6. | Tana Ramsey |
| 2. | Fern Britton | 7. | Melinda Messenger |
| 3. | Jordan | 8. | Dr. Tania Byron |
| 4. | JK Rowling | 9. | Victoria Beckham |
| 5. | Jools Oliver | 10. | Angelina Jolie |
Just a quick reminder about this month’s competition to win a great selection of parenting books. If you want to take part, email antonia@acpr.co.uk with PARENTING BOOKS by the end of the 30th of September.
The NCT and Working Families want to understand the experiences of mums returning to work in order to develop practical free tools to help mums who choose to, return to work as easily as possible and employers to be able to support them through this sometimes tricky transition period. If you can help, visit http://www.mumsgoingbacktowork.com/. As a small thank you - everyone who completes the survey has a chance to win £200 of toddler and baby products from the NCT shop plus 10% off all orders placed before Christmas 2008. Read the rest of this entry »
Reviews are starting to come in for Special Educational Needs: A Parent’s Guide. This one is from TotztoTeens
Special Eductional Needs: A Parents Guide by Antonia Chitty & Victoria Dawson
ISBN: 978-1-86144-057-0 £8.99
As many as one in five children may at some time need extra help with their education, but does this mean they have Special Educational Needs?
Using expert advice and the latest information, this book brings together the facts on Special Educational Needs, looking in detail at the different types of additional needs and how parents and carers can cope with it in daily life.
Find out which professionals can help, how to get through the ‘system’ and gain support, how to handle behavioural difficulties at home and school, and how to get the best education for your child’s needs.
Whether you are worried about your child’s development or work with children and want to know more about the subject, this book will guide you through helping a child with special educational needs.
Totz2teens Member Review: Wondering if your child has special educational needs is a complicated and difficult time for any parents. Reading this book was very helpful. It is clearly written and explains some of the different difficulties that children could be facing. Even eyesight problems are covered within this book. The way the book is written is so helpful as it is easy to understand and to pick it up as necessary. Totally a useful book and happy to recommend it.
Totz2teens Member Rating: 5/5
Do you think selling chocolate bars with customised wrappers is a great business idea? I’m not convinced, but over 200 people have signed up for a My Little Wrapper business.
My Little Wrapper is brought to you by Sue Botterill, founder of MyMag and Raring2Go franchise opportunities. Together with husband Nigel, who spearheads theBestOf website business op, I suspect Sue does know what she’s doing in the way of business, whatever my doubts.
Anyway, this month Sue has over-ordered the chocolate for My Little Wrapper. Not a big problem? Well, it is if you have over ordered by a factor of 10 due to a fax error. So, if you can get the money over to them by the end of Monday 29thth September, you can get a My Little Wrapper business for les than half price:
Mini Business Pack WAS £1,999 with 1 box of chocolate NOW £800 (plus VAT & P&P)
INCLUDING 4 boxes of chocolate (that’s 400 bars worth over £140!) that’s a saving of over £1,200
Professional Pack WAS £2,749 with 4 box of chocolates NOW £1,400 (plus VAT & P&P)
INCLUDING 8 boxes of chocolate (that’s 800 bars worth almost £300!) a saving of over £1,400
You can get the full details about My Little Wrapper on the website www.getmylittlewrapper.co.uk.
To take advantage of this ‘one off’ offer call Steve or Thom on 0121 765 3400 and tell them that you’d like to take advantage of Sue’s Incredible Chocolate Coated Deal. They’ll be able to take a card payment over the phone and get the Pack shipped to you straight-away. If you prefer, you can buy online here. And if selling chcolate bars doesn’t appeal, read about lots of other flexible home business ideas at Family Friendly Working.
Visit My Baby Radio to hear me talk about A Guide to Promoting Your Business.