Inspiring Mums through social media
Inspiring Mums® supports mums in life, health, family, career, business and creativity. Its objective is to establish a solid network of Mums who want to excel and inspire themselves and others for life.
The business provides advertising, Australian products, services, events, information and resources to help mums achieve what they want out of life. The unique Inspiring Mums® Creative Workshops are based around self-awareness and personal development.
How are you managing your business growth?
To meet the demand for the creative workshop, I'm creating it in an audio format product. I've expanded my product range to include Australian fitness clothing brand, which is aligned with the wellbeing and self-care section of my creative workshop program. I'm expanding my product range to include a wellbeing pack as well.
With the popularity and growth of Inspiring Mums®, I have introduced our very own free online community, with a forum, groups, support, resources, low cost advertising to help mums get on their 'Go Train!'
I've introduced an Inspiring Mums® live-streaming TV show. Each fortnight I will compile news and a feature and offer advertising opportunities for businesses that have joined my site.
Outside of Inspiring Mums®, I am developing Inspiring Dads, Inspiring Kids, Inspiring You, Inspiring Businesses and Inspiring Communities. I've also been invited to speak at events in the community and for businesses for large groups of women to inspire, motivate and give them tips on working from home.
What is the most rewarding aspect of running your business?
The most rewarding thing is being able to have the flexibility to do the work when I want to do it. I'm working more hours now than I have been as a full-time employee, but I work at night rather than through the day; this enables me to spend more time with my family. So the flexibility is absolutely the top of the list. And I certainly have embraced the networking side of the business.
How have Business Victoria services assisted your business?
I think the Business Victoria Facebook group is a good resource for business owners to network and share business tips, stories and experiences. I've also referred people to the Business Victoria website for the business templates and information on starting up.
How can social media assist business owners?
I think business owners shouldn't be afraid to use social media. For example, about 80 percent of my referrals have come from setting up my own Facebook site. I've learned a lot about other people's communications and how I can help other people and I've adapted my social media techniques. I have interviewed high profile people on my site, which enables me to leverage their own PR profiles. It has enabled me to appear on community TV and joint ventures, which not only benefit Inspiring Mums® but other local small businesses.
Through networking and social media, I have been nominated by my audience for the Telstra Business Woman's Award in 2010, which has propelled me onto another level and allowed me to align with high profile personalities.
I have a marketing plan that sits next to me every day and it guides me as to what I should be talking about for that week or month. I also have a time schedule to ensure I get what I need done efficiently on social media to ensure I am in and out so I can work on my business.
What's your best business success tip for other business owners?
Invest in your business and invest in your brand. You can tell the difference between someone who has invested in their business and someone who hasn't; if you want to be seen as a credible business owner, get trademarks and get your brand designed professionally. Also, have a solid marketing plan and business plan.
