I was feeling excited.....now I'm freaking out a little! You know those conversations you have with people, saying 'oh yes, thats in a few weeks time'.....hmm....well I've been talking about my bank manager meeting like that and only today, realised that actually I meet him in 6 days. Do I feel ready? Hell no! Typically, the more I try and put together my costings, the more little things that crop up that I will need, slatwalls, pegboards, carrier bags....and who knew a mirror wasnt a straightforward item to price up?! I actually think that when...not if but when...I get this business off the ground, I'll actually have less brain ache.
I do have a couple of unique things up my sleeve. I am hoping to be able to stock items that currently can't be bought in Grimsby, in fact, for one item, not in England yet :) I am also waiting to hear back from a surprise contact who might help me get the edge I need to be different from other places.
So, more than anything, I need to get it all on paper, but of course what has happened? Oh yes, the ink has run out. This whole project is certainly testing my nerves!
Please remember, I appreciate all feedback and suggestions. My intention is to help support mums like myself in nursing their little ones, whatever their confidence level with doing so, and also bring some different maternity styles into the town.
I cant believe that in just 6 days I might have an answer as to when my business is likely to be able to be launched! Well best get my beauty sleep whilst I can! Fingers crossed next time you read this, I'll be a very happy bunny! :D
Saturday 28 May 2011
Monday 16 May 2011
cash flow charts, google optimisation, wtf??!?!
Ever get the feeling that you need a dictionary in life?! Well I am beginning to realise that setting up my own business is a whole new world and language to me.
I have been a busy bee researching, getting in touch with suppliers, completing paper work, but after my second meeting with my business advisor today, I have come to realise I have only just scratched the surface of this journey into self employment.
I made an attempt to talk to a fellow market stall holder after being introduced by the market officer. The answers I got to every question was 'lots' or 'I dont know'. Considering she is running a business, I was hoping for better advice than that! She also suggested I start with an outdoor market stall....hmm....probably not ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women who would like to be trying things on! I got the firm impression that she didnt want me there. So, next step, is to measure the size of the stall I am looking at, to get an idea of how much stock I will need.
The biggest headache for me now is looking into setting up the website. The business option I thought would be the easiest, will likely be the hardest. So I am now looking at my options there.
And cash flow charts....which I will be seeing in my sleep soon! Oh my lord...! Its all the little things isnt it? Shop rail fittings, cash registers, labels......so.....will I get much rest over the next couple of weeks? Probably not! With 2 weeks until I meet the bank manager, I need to get my head around all this business.....and hope he likes my smile... :)
I have been a busy bee researching, getting in touch with suppliers, completing paper work, but after my second meeting with my business advisor today, I have come to realise I have only just scratched the surface of this journey into self employment.
I made an attempt to talk to a fellow market stall holder after being introduced by the market officer. The answers I got to every question was 'lots' or 'I dont know'. Considering she is running a business, I was hoping for better advice than that! She also suggested I start with an outdoor market stall....hmm....probably not ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women who would like to be trying things on! I got the firm impression that she didnt want me there. So, next step, is to measure the size of the stall I am looking at, to get an idea of how much stock I will need.
The biggest headache for me now is looking into setting up the website. The business option I thought would be the easiest, will likely be the hardest. So I am now looking at my options there.
And cash flow charts....which I will be seeing in my sleep soon! Oh my lord...! Its all the little things isnt it? Shop rail fittings, cash registers, labels......so.....will I get much rest over the next couple of weeks? Probably not! With 2 weeks until I meet the bank manager, I need to get my head around all this business.....and hope he likes my smile... :)
Saturday 7 May 2011
Am I there yet?!
My goodness, I had no idea how much work goes into setting up a business! Trying to look after Evie as well taking the time to complete research and business plans has certainly been hard the last couple of weeks. Thankfully, with parents on hand, and a great E factor advisor, I've (just about!) managed to stay on top of it all....although when I attended the last meeting, I was handed part 2 of the business plan to complete. An average size business plan to complete for a bank is 3 pages apparently....the E factor one weighs in at a hefty 26! But I am half way through.
I've had a great response so far through survey monkey. Plenty of suggestions and ideas which I will do my best to accomodate for. I have also just printed off a number of surveys to take into places such as the town centre, childrens centre, surgeries....the list is endless. My aim is for 10 responses per place, which doesnt seem as daunting!
Of course the other side of the research I have to complete now is the costings. Sounds simple enough but now I have to consider set up costs - rents, stock, driving/tranport costs (warehouse visits and party plans for example), signage, advertising, cash registers, card payment costs....the list probably goes on!
Of course research is much easier when people actually get back to you. I went to the last meeting with the intention of providing some birth rate details from our local area. After 2 unsuccessful calls to the hospital (which kept transferring to Scunthorpe!), I got in touch with the council. I did eventually get a response, literally 5 minutes before heading in to my meeting! She only had stats from 2009 though, so has said she will try and find and more information for me over the next few days.
I have until May 16th to complete this second part, and then I have a meeting with my bank on the 2nd June.
So, I'm guessing I'll probably be spending a few days with my babysitters....I mean parents before those dates!
In the meantime, If you havent already, please let people know about this blog. Also, if you know anyone who can fill in my survey please direct them to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BT7HFTQ
It all helps me!!
I've had a great response so far through survey monkey. Plenty of suggestions and ideas which I will do my best to accomodate for. I have also just printed off a number of surveys to take into places such as the town centre, childrens centre, surgeries....the list is endless. My aim is for 10 responses per place, which doesnt seem as daunting!
Of course the other side of the research I have to complete now is the costings. Sounds simple enough but now I have to consider set up costs - rents, stock, driving/tranport costs (warehouse visits and party plans for example), signage, advertising, cash registers, card payment costs....the list probably goes on!
Of course research is much easier when people actually get back to you. I went to the last meeting with the intention of providing some birth rate details from our local area. After 2 unsuccessful calls to the hospital (which kept transferring to Scunthorpe!), I got in touch with the council. I did eventually get a response, literally 5 minutes before heading in to my meeting! She only had stats from 2009 though, so has said she will try and find and more information for me over the next few days.
I have until May 16th to complete this second part, and then I have a meeting with my bank on the 2nd June.
So, I'm guessing I'll probably be spending a few days with my babysitters....I mean parents before those dates!
In the meantime, If you havent already, please let people know about this blog. Also, if you know anyone who can fill in my survey please direct them to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BT7HFTQ
It all helps me!!
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