Starting a new venture of any kind can be quite daunting, but doesn't need to be so. This is an exciting time and one that should leave you breathless in anticipation!

You will need to have a clear idea of what it is that interests you and do some research to make sure that it's something that really ticks all your boxes.  Remember that with anything you do, you need to be passionate about the concept, company or product, otherwise you won't put your heart and soul into it.  To make a success of your business you need to be prepared to work hard and smart in the time that you have, whether it's just 3 hours a week or 15 hours a week, and be prepared that you may not get a return immediately.  Most businesses need a good year to get your feet under the table.  There will be mistakes along the way, it's all par for the course! Anticipate the lows that will come your way and stay focussed on the task ahead and you will make a success. 

Ask your friends and family to be supportive of you and not to be negative, and read and learn whatever you need to – knowledge is power!

With Franchising, Network Marketing and Party Planning, you will already have the support structure and products in place, so most of the background stuff has been done. These types of businesses are almost ready made and make life easier, though you will have to put effort and due diligence in to build an income,  and earning a good income won't happen overnight.

Afraid of going alone? Why not team up with some local mothers and do a joint venture – two or three heads are sometimes better than one and will keep you on track when things might start to wander astray.

Looking after the children – time to start finding some good friends, neighbours and other mothers who dont mind having the children for a couple of hours if you need some quiet time to focus – you can always return the favour.

Getting Started:

Once you have decided on your idea, get going.  You will need to have some basic tools.  A room in the house, or a desk where you can work is key.  A telephone, business cards and some sort of filing cabinet to keep you organised.  Most businesses will need a computer, though not all – if you don't have one it could be the business you are thinking about doesn't need one and you can get one later if necessary.

Have a separate phone line – there are some good companies that offer good deals on free calls.

Have a good voice mail message (one without kids wailing in the background) that sounds professional.

Open a bank account, it doesn't need to be a business account (that will cost you money) but an account where you can keep your money separate from your household bills.

Keep all your receipts and do some basic book keeping and get an accountant to help out – a new business typically will get a tax refund in the first year.  We recommend DSL for their friendly approach and a great company to help with small businesses setting out.

Do some marketing: promoting your business is essential and doesn't need to cost the earth.  Good fliers on quality paper, maybe a simple website to direct people to, word of mouth and free press are good starting points.

Local papers love new ideas and if you contact the editor and send them some information they may  do a free write up for you.

The more professional you can make your business look the better response you will have.  This means having some good fliers drawn up and business cards.  

Business cards: www.vistaprint.co.uk and www.goodprint.uk are good sites and not expensive.

Become a great networker: tell everyone what you are doing and ask for referrals – youll be amazed at how people like to help spread the word.  Advertise in local pages, parish magazines and post offices.  Contact the editor of your local newspaper and see if they will do a small feature on your business. Invite friends and family round to support you,  and get referrals and contacts.  Offer incentives for referrals.

Mail drops: are fantastic for getting your name about and don't have to be costly.  

Visit: www.royalmail.co.uk for various options on how to go about this and pricing.

Supplies: Printing ink: www.999inks.co.uk offer amazing deals on ink for your printer!