Leicester Business Women Information Brochure

Introduction Welcome to Leicester Business Women. This is an exciting project to support local females living in Leicester. The project has been funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Working Neighbourhood Funds (WNF) and aims to help women overcome barriers to starting up their own business with training support designed to increase self confidence and motivation. Leicester Business Women is here to help local women who have thought of starting their own business but don’t have the skills or knowledge to go ahead with it. You don’t have to be a business expert or have lots of experience to become self employed. You just need a business idea and the drive to start! We provide simple, easy to understand help and support every step of the way by working along side women in all aspects of setting up their own business from looking at your ideas, increasing your confidence through to the financials. The programme provides access to one to one advice and coaching and regular networking events. In addition, free workshops will be available to clients and will cover all of the above elements. Workshops and coaching sessions will take place in a number of locations across the city so that they are easily accessible to clients:

� Braunstone � Beaumont Leys & Stocking Farm � Saffron & Eyres Monsall � Central Leicester � North East Leicester � New Parks � St Matthews � Highfields � Belgrave

For further information, please contact Heena Mistry or Nicole Hocking on 0116 2518 730.

Workshops You’ve thought about starting your own business, or have a hobby that you’d like to make an income from, but are not sure about your next steps, perhaps you are looking for some motivation to see your idea through and want some guidance with the practicalities of setting up your own business. Although it may seem daunting at first, you will soon find out that there are many women in the same position as you, thinking exactly the very same thing! The Leicester Business Women programme of workshops have been designed with YOU in mind. Our support is second to none, and we pride ourselves on the number of women that have developed in confidence and their business through our programme. The programme of workshops covers specific areas such as:

Key elements to consider when setting up Developing your confidence

Focusing on your vision to make it a reality Learning about cash flow forecasts and profit and l oss accounts

Overcoming obstacles How to benefit from your unique selling point

Throughout the workshops, you will see yourself develop and you will feel inspired and motivated by the other women around you. Have a look at the attached training diary to see which is the best programme for you, and see below what some of our previous clients have said about the workshops: “I have really enjoyed this course, working with Jo y and the women on the course.

It was very inspirational and Joy and her team are fantastic.” Stevie Faulks

“Thoroughly enjoyed the course, was really explaine d well. I now have a much

better understanding about finances - thank you ver y much Jim much appreciated .”

Tina Chaunhan

“The workshop was so encouraging and made me realise my dreams can become a reality."

Charity Dhliwayo

“All incredibly inspiring and motivating. Given me the knowledge and inspiration to plan and start my business”

Suzanne Sinfield

“Tutor was extremely knowledgeable, down to earth a nd motivating!” Lois McNab

Leicester Business Women will also reimburse any crèche costs if you are attending the programme of workshops.

Cappuccino Corner Events Following the programme of workshops, you will be able to attend a number of Cappuccino Corner (networking) events. These are small, informal groups that have been arranged for you to network and share experiences. Members of the group are able to develop their own agenda. In addition, a Leicester Business Women coach will be present at each event to answer any queries or concerns that you have. The coach will also give short presentations on topics such as networking effectively, developing your marketing further, and how to gain new clients on a shoestring. Coaching Support Many people regularly use a coach to help them develop both their professional careers, as well as the ongoing development of their business. However the cost of coaching support can be very expensive, sometimes costing as much as £500 per hour! There are a number of ways that meeting with your coach will be able to help you:

Guidance in starting up your business Support with self confidence and motivation

Any finance queries you may have Help and guidance with your marketing and business plan

How to move forward with your business idea A coach will also help you gain clarity as to which actions to take first, where to focus in order to gain maximum benefit and also how to deal with occasional overwhelm! It is important, however, in order for you to benefit from your coaching session, that you take time to prepare. This means thinking about what is important to you now in order to progress your business plan or idea and, if possible, specifics about how you would like your coach to assist you, including bringing questions relating to the areas you want to address. Please also ensure you have pen and paper to take notes, as the greatest value you will gain from your coaching is in actually taking action on the points agreed during the session when you return to your business. You are entitled to six coaching sessions to help with starting your business. Leicester Business Women is a project that is fully funded and therefore, we are able to offer this valuable service to you at no cost! Please be aware there are many other clients waiting for an appointment therefore if you don't turn up, someone else loses the opportunity of taking your appointment and Leicester Business Women also lose valuable funding needed to continue to provide you with this service. Should you need to re arrange, please contact a member of the Leicester Business Women team on 0116 2518 730 Leicester Business Women provide a number of coaches with different areas of expertise such as Marketing; Finance; Confidence and Grant Finding. So, check if you are eligible for the service today by contacting us on 0116 2518 730, ask for either Heena or Nicole.

Leicester Business Women web portal These days, marketing can cost an absolute fortune and when you’re setting up in business it isn't always practical or possible for you to spend this amount of money to find new clients. By joining the Leicester Business Women web portal you are able to market for FREE as well as access a wealth of information surrounding starting up your own business. The Leicester Business Women web portal is here to help your business succeed with lots of information and interactive elements to help you network online. We have a growing online community of approximately 150 members and this is growing everyday. So this is the perfect opportunity for you to get your business started and gain some new interest. Take a look at the many ways that the Leicester Business Women web portal can help you:

Guidance on the practicalities of setting up in bus iness Tips on developing your self confidence How to move out of your comfort zone

Develop your business Promote your own events online through our online c alendar

Network in a safe environment online Join groups and discussions to help others

Use your blog or wall space to promote your busines s or special offers Ask questions where you are unsure of your next ste ps

It’s easy and FREE to join, just log on at www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk and see how many new people you would be able to market your business to. Contact Leicester Business Women today to find out whether you are eligible for the programme and take your first step to your new business success! Call us today on 0116 2518 730 or by joining our web portal at www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk

Leicester Business Women have supported over 100 women since

the project began in September 2009. Many of these women have gone onto start their own businesses, with some of them starting more than one business, clearly showing

how effective the Leicester Business Women programme is in encouraging and empowering local women from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds to support

themselves. Some of our successes have been highlighted over the following pages.

Rehana Sidat joined the Leicester Business Women programme in September 2009, since then she has been able to set up her training consultancy company – Transparent Training in November 2009. Rehana is a mother of 4 young children, she works part time and has also completed her degree. As well as these responsibilities, she makes the time towards her business. She has proved that it is possible to juggle all of those tasks that many women face on a daily basis and still be successful. She mentions that she has, ““““had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she enjoys doing like had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she enjoys doing like had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she enjoys doing like had to make the decision to cut down on some of the things that she enjoys doing like volunteering, which she still does but not as often,”volunteering, which she still does but not as often,”volunteering, which she still does but not as often,”volunteering, which she still does but not as often,” however this is one of the sacrifices that she has had to make in order to pursue her dream of being self employed. Rehana wanted to become her own boss because when working for someone else – even in a management post, “you are answerable to others, and this can sometimes be “you are answerable to others, and this can sometimes be “you are answerable to others, and this can sometimes be “you are answerable to others, and this can sometimes be frustfrustfrustfrustrating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot rating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot rating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot rating, especially when you see an opportunity to benefit the organisation, but cannot act on it.”act on it.”act on it.”act on it.” In addition, Rehana enjoys learning from others and sharing her own experiences with those around her. She goes onto say that, “I am passionate about “I am passionate about “I am passionate about “I am passionate about making making making making a difference to others and the world we live in.”a difference to others and the world we live in.”a difference to others and the world we live in.”a difference to others and the world we live in.” Amongst other things, she feels that it is the ability to make a difference to other people’s lives and inspiring others and being a role model to others that really motivates Rehana, Once on the Leicester Business Women programme, Rehana accessed all of the support that was available to her through Leicester Business Women including one to one coaching, training workshops, networking events and networking on the web portal. She has found that the support provided was, ““““vital to her setting up in business.”vital to her setting up in business.”vital to her setting up in business.”vital to her setting up in business.” And she feels that without this support and encouragement, it would’ve taken her a lot longer to set up her business. Although it was sometimes a struggle to get the company up and running, and at times Rehana felt restrained and frustrated, she has however managed to overcome these barriers and found a way to make it work for her, in fact Rehana is also now training as a Leicester Business Women trainer, which just goes to show how much Leicester Business Women are prepared to help make your dream a reality! Rehana goes on to mention that, “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not “I thought it would take a lot longer, and I’m sure it would have if I had not received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”received the training, support and advice to set up in business!”received the training, support and advice to set up in business!” Rehana’s words for those women in the same position, trying to juggle their daily tasks with setting up a business or thinking about setting up a business are:

• Believe in yourself and surround yourself with those that believe in you!

• If at first you don’t succeed, then try again (and again) but don’t give up!

• Success is not what society perceives it to be, but what YOU perceive to be success – so don’t let other people hold you back!

Leicester Business Women helped Kathy launch Latin Fit in March 2010 with the support of the Leicester Business Women training programme and one to one advice, not to mention the Cappuccino Corner events. Latin Fit was a way to make money and get back into shape after pregnancy. She believes that if everyone was a lot fitter they would not have so many medical costs and would learn to be and live healthier. Kathy already has sports and fitness qualifications so is aware of the issues surrounding fitness regimes. So where did the enthusiasm for dancing develop? Well, Kathy used to live in the Caribbean for 7 years, and with lots of Spanish friends dancing was a key part of Kathy’s life. The ideal way to incorporate a healthy lifestyle with something she loved was Latin Fit. Kathy also feels that the freedom self employment gives you is amazing, “I don’t want “I don’t want “I don’t want “I don’t want anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.”anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.”anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.”anybody telling me what time I can eat, how long to take and the hours that I should work.” Although, there are many barriers to starting in self employment, such as negativity from others around you and childcare arrangements, Kathy still loves what she does. She talks about her very first class, as something she felt absolutely sick about, “the “the “the “the thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me thought of standing in front of those people, and having them follow me was making me extremely nervous extremely nervous extremely nervous extremely nervous –––– I really felt that I wouldn’t be able I really felt that I wouldn’t be able I really felt that I wouldn’t be able I really felt that I wouldn’t be able to do it, and almost cancelled the to do it, and almost cancelled the to do it, and almost cancelled the to do it, and almost cancelled the class!”class!”class!”class!” However, she is extremely grateful to herself and her positive family and friends who made sure that she went to the class, and of course, it wasn’t as bad as she thought. Having attended the Leicester Business Women workshops, networking events and coaching, Kathy has been able to develop a great networking database of clients and at the same time develop her own abilities in herself. “I love the fact that when you call I love the fact that when you call I love the fact that when you call I love the fact that when you call Leicester Business Women, everyone knows Leicester Business Women, everyone knows Leicester Business Women, everyone knows Leicester Business Women, everyone knows who you are, what you do and what you’re who you are, what you do and what you’re who you are, what you do and what you’re who you are, what you do and what you’re talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the talking about. The organisation of this programme is absolutely brilliant! I can’t thank the team including the trainers enough!”team including the trainers enough!”team including the trainers enough!”team including the trainers enough!” Having now started her business, Kathy is a lot more aware of what is required, her advice to you:

• When borrowing money – try and borrow for the best equipment, and think about what else you may need (in Kathy’s case, she wishes she had some more money for Latin Fit outfits to promote the brand more)

Kathy’s top tips for starting in business:

1. Find out your 'why'. Why do you want to start y our own business? Be honest and be real. Have some alone time to write down your deepest, most honest reasons. Is it because 'I want to be m y own boss'...or is it ' I can do a much better job than that boss I work for. It's about time I worked for MYSELF and MY FAMILY? Your 'why' will keep you going during the tough times.

2. When you've made the decision to start your own business, then DO IT. Don't 'try it out'. Feel it in your heart and never waver from your p ath of decision. Feel it in every cell of your body. Rem ember your 'why', and nurture it with every bit emotion you have.

3. For the 3rd top tip, refer to the fine words o f Marianne Williamson, spoken by Nelson Mandela as part of his Inauguration Speech i n 1994: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Find this online, print it out and put it somewhere that you will see every day. I wish you every success!!!

Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan is local social entrepreneur who started her business with the help of the Leicester Business Women programme through one to one coaching, workshops and networking events. Zinthiya has set up the TomorrowTogether Ltd which is a social enterprise undertaking a hive of activity including cleaning, leaflet distribution, catering and arts and crafts activities, and is also currently working alongside women in prison in Peterborough. This enterprise started in February 2010 and employs 2 permanent employees and several casual people. The social enterprise developed from the activity of the Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan Trust which provided women in long term unemployment and who have found their way in to crime with a career and employment guidance and a drop in facility. Zinthiya found that there were a number of women with various skills who were unable to find work, the idea of a social enterprise designed to provide the services that these women could offer was a pragmatic solution to their problems. Many women are unsure of the demands on their time when setting up their own business, however Zinthiya finds that the most enjoyable aspect of being self employed is the flexibility that it brings, and of course with young children this is quite an appealing prospect. In addition, meeting new people always brings with it a range of opportunities, whether they be referrals in or out, or just learning new aspects to other people’s businesses. Clearly, you have to know everything to run your own business, but don’t be frightened by this, because you will want to know everything as it’s your baby! One of the main barriers for Zinthiya was securing funding for this venture, when you’re looking to set up a company, it is very important to be aware of how to sell your idea / services. She mentions that at times she found it de motivating, but then remembered that at the end of the day she was doing it as she had the passion to make it succeed and the commitment to make it work, and a desire to help others. On a more personal note, Zinthiya found that she was not entirely confident in selling herself or her business concept to others, and this is where Leicester Business Women were able to help, Zinthiya states, “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in “The Leicester Business Women programme has been instrumental in helping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, and provides a fantastihelping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, and provides a fantastihelping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, and provides a fantastihelping to overcome my low self esteem and confidence, and provides a fantastic opportunity c opportunity c opportunity c opportunity to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the to develop, get out of your comfort zone and meet other women in the same situation. At the same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like same time, it is an opportunity to learn about the more practical sides of business like negotiation skills, finance and marketing.”negotiation skills, finance and marketing.”negotiation skills, finance and marketing.”negotiation skills, finance and marketing.” She mentions that you soon realize that you’re not the only one feeling like this which is very comforting. She continues to add that it is through the workshops that you see yourself develop and it motivates you being around others in similar situations. As well as Leicester Business Women Zinthiya received support from UNLTD and ESF. Zinthiya has accessed all the support that Leicester Business Women offer from coaching through to the networking events and web portal where she can promote events and network with other women online. Zinthiya adds “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is “the web portal is brilliant as people can see what you do and it is another form of marketing!”another form of marketing!”another form of marketing!”another form of marketing!”

See some of Zinthiya’s top tips for setting up in business below:

• Make sure you never under price yourself, no matter how tempting it may seem to do this, you are undervaluing your services by not providing an accurate price that reflects your skills, abilities and experience.

• Never be scared of the competition! • Networking is crucial, so always make some time for this. • Have the commitment and enthusiasm to make your bus iness succeed. • Take the opportunity of any training available to y ou as life is about

learning and development. On a final note, Zinthiya mentioned, “the “the “the “the Leicester Business Women workshops have been Leicester Business Women workshops have been Leicester Business Women workshops have been Leicester Business Women workshops have been extremely helextremely helextremely helextremely helpful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is pful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is pful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is pful to me, it would be difficult to quantify this, but what I can say is that it is only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business only through the workshops and coaching that I had been able to go forward with my business idea, and develop my confidence idea, and develop my confidence idea, and develop my confidence idea, and develop my confidence –––– so I’m glad that I attended.” so I’m glad that I attended.” so I’m glad that I attended.” so I’m glad that I attended.”

Kamalangi Costello began her business of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) in 2009. This is a tapping technique that is used to balance the whole body’s energy system and releases emotional and physical pain. Kamalangi chose to go into self employment as she enjoys that she can be in control of her life and time. Initially, Kamalangi faced a number of personal obstacles including a lack of confidence, lack of experience in networking and fear of rejection. These are all very common fears for women looking to set up in business and are therefore addressed through the workshops and coaching support that Leicester Business Women provides. Although, Kamalangi initially found this de motivating and thought she would not make it, she felt completely different after the support from the Leicester Business Women team, she goes onto say, “The support helped diminish the anxieties that I had about myself and my business “The support helped diminish the anxieties that I had about myself and my business “The support helped diminish the anxieties that I had about myself and my business “The support helped diminish the anxieties that I had about myself and my business idea.”idea.”idea.”idea.” Kamalangi has found each of the aspects of the Leicester Business Women programme very useful and excellent in terms of the advice and guidance that is given, “The training “The training “The training “The training workshops encouraged me to become a successful business woman; the one to one support was workshops encouraged me to become a successful business woman; the one to one support was workshops encouraged me to become a successful business woman; the one to one support was workshops encouraged me to become a successful business woman; the one to one support was a good sounding board and gave me the opportunities to aca good sounding board and gave me the opportunities to aca good sounding board and gave me the opportunities to aca good sounding board and gave me the opportunities to access the information that I needed; cess the information that I needed; cess the information that I needed; cess the information that I needed; the Cappuccino Corner networking events helped me practise my networking skills as well as the Cappuccino Corner networking events helped me practise my networking skills as well as the Cappuccino Corner networking events helped me practise my networking skills as well as the Cappuccino Corner networking events helped me practise my networking skills as well as getting to know other members of the programme and the web portal is somewhere that I can getting to know other members of the programme and the web portal is somewhere that I can getting to know other members of the programme and the web portal is somewhere that I can getting to know other members of the programme and the web portal is somewhere that I can blog and use my wall and the calendar fblog and use my wall and the calendar fblog and use my wall and the calendar fblog and use my wall and the calendar feature to promote my workshops and business eature to promote my workshops and business eature to promote my workshops and business eature to promote my workshops and business further. I have to say that the biggest difference I’ve found from the programme is that further. I have to say that the biggest difference I’ve found from the programme is that further. I have to say that the biggest difference I’ve found from the programme is that further. I have to say that the biggest difference I’ve found from the programme is that knowing I CAN do it!”knowing I CAN do it!”knowing I CAN do it!”knowing I CAN do it!” Kamalangi’s advice to other women wanting to set up their own business:

• Do your research, as this is very important to find ing out what people are looking for, so find out what people need.

• Network as much as possible – by attending differen t workshops / sessions, you have the opportunity to inform people of your products or services.

• Put service as a number 1 priority to your clients and the community – the money WILL come later.

• Register with Leicester Business Women – the servic e is excellent, all the trainers and coaches are there to help you and it r eally does make a huge difference!

Maggi began her business in May 2010. Fit for a Queen is a bespoke design and

dressmaking service along with specialist alterations. As her previous job was personal

seamstress to Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan and Maggi had over 25 years in the

fashion and textile industry, and decided it was time to utilise these skills and go it alone,

not to mention being tired of a regular 9-5 under someone else’s thumb.

She mentions that, ““““Although being selfAlthough being selfAlthough being selfAlthough being self----employed is hard work, I enjoy the freedom of being employed is hard work, I enjoy the freedom of being employed is hard work, I enjoy the freedom of being employed is hard work, I enjoy the freedom of being

in control anin control anin control anin control and making the decisions as to what I do and when, without feeling beholden to d making the decisions as to what I do and when, without feeling beholden to d making the decisions as to what I do and when, without feeling beholden to d making the decisions as to what I do and when, without feeling beholden to

anyone (other than my clients). This does mean that I also have to take responsibility for how anyone (other than my clients). This does mean that I also have to take responsibility for how anyone (other than my clients). This does mean that I also have to take responsibility for how anyone (other than my clients). This does mean that I also have to take responsibility for how

much revenue I make. The richer you want to be, the harder you have to work, so you much revenue I make. The richer you want to be, the harder you have to work, so you much revenue I make. The richer you want to be, the harder you have to work, so you much revenue I make. The richer you want to be, the harder you have to work, so you need to need to need to need to

decide just how much your prepared to put in to achieve how much you want to get out.”decide just how much your prepared to put in to achieve how much you want to get out.”decide just how much your prepared to put in to achieve how much you want to get out.”decide just how much your prepared to put in to achieve how much you want to get out.”

Leicester Business Women were able to help Maggi with her major barriers - lack of

confidence, worries about whether she was good enough or knowing how to do it.

Upon returning to the UK, from the Middle East, Maggi was very conscious of the fact

that many people were intimidated by her previous position (but without due cause),

leading to Maggi being too humble, afraid to appear like a show-off, rather than

celebrating her achievement. “Let’s face it, how many people get to be a personal seamstress “Let’s face it, how many people get to be a personal seamstress “Let’s face it, how many people get to be a personal seamstress “Let’s face it, how many people get to be a personal seamstress

to royalty? Through support and encouragement from Leicester Business Women I was able to to royalty? Through support and encouragement from Leicester Business Women I was able to to royalty? Through support and encouragement from Leicester Business Women I was able to to royalty? Through support and encouragement from Leicester Business Women I was able to

rejoice in my achievements, pat myself on the back and welcome my ambitionsrejoice in my achievements, pat myself on the back and welcome my ambitionsrejoice in my achievements, pat myself on the back and welcome my ambitionsrejoice in my achievements, pat myself on the back and welcome my ambitions without without without without

feeling conceited.”feeling conceited.”feeling conceited.”feeling conceited.” The sessions and coaching helped Maggi embrace her talents and

take them further. She feels that the programme came at exactly the right time!

“The workshops were both fun and inspirational. It was great to be with other women“The workshops were both fun and inspirational. It was great to be with other women“The workshops were both fun and inspirational. It was great to be with other women“The workshops were both fun and inspirational. It was great to be with other women who were who were who were who were

in the same boat, all of us trying to overcome our fears and obstacles, with professional help in the same boat, all of us trying to overcome our fears and obstacles, with professional help in the same boat, all of us trying to overcome our fears and obstacles, with professional help in the same boat, all of us trying to overcome our fears and obstacles, with professional help

from very motivational women who had already been there and knew how women tick from very motivational women who had already been there and knew how women tick from very motivational women who had already been there and knew how women tick from very motivational women who had already been there and knew how women tick –––– this is this is this is this is

what makes the Leicester Business Women programme different twhat makes the Leicester Business Women programme different twhat makes the Leicester Business Women programme different twhat makes the Leicester Business Women programme different to many others out there.”o many others out there.”o many others out there.”o many others out there.”

She felt the Leicester Business Women approach was more in tune with how a woman

thinks, and not as dry and often boring as other more corporate approaches. Maggi also

felt that the follow up Cappuccino Corner events gave her the chance to, “Recharge my “Recharge my “Recharge my “Recharge my

batteries whenever I felt they were going flat. Self motivation can be an extremely hard thing batteries whenever I felt they were going flat. Self motivation can be an extremely hard thing batteries whenever I felt they were going flat. Self motivation can be an extremely hard thing batteries whenever I felt they were going flat. Self motivation can be an extremely hard thing

to do, so mixing with like minded people can keep you on the right track, reto do, so mixing with like minded people can keep you on the right track, reto do, so mixing with like minded people can keep you on the right track, reto do, so mixing with like minded people can keep you on the right track, re----igniting the igniting the igniting the igniting the

spark to keep you going.”spark to keep you going.”spark to keep you going.”spark to keep you going.”

She also goes onto mention how it is through the Leicester Business Women

programme that she has learnt how to network far more effectively, how to manage her

business affairs more proficiently, where to go for the help, and to be proud of what she

can do. Previously, as an artistic person, all she wanted to do was be in her studio

creating wonderful designs and sewing beautifully made dresses. After joining the

programme, Maggi is less inhibited and realises the importance of marketing, selling and

finance and makes the effort to go out there and talk to lots of different contacts and

clients.

“For me, to know there is on“For me, to know there is on“For me, to know there is on“For me, to know there is on----going support and coaching available when I need it is crucial. going support and coaching available when I need it is crucial. going support and coaching available when I need it is crucial. going support and coaching available when I need it is crucial.

There will always be times when you hit a rock, feel stuck or deflated or at a loss as to wThere will always be times when you hit a rock, feel stuck or deflated or at a loss as to wThere will always be times when you hit a rock, feel stuck or deflated or at a loss as to wThere will always be times when you hit a rock, feel stuck or deflated or at a loss as to what to hat to hat to hat to

do next, or how to do it better, and if you can find help from someone who’s been there before, do next, or how to do it better, and if you can find help from someone who’s been there before, do next, or how to do it better, and if you can find help from someone who’s been there before, do next, or how to do it better, and if you can find help from someone who’s been there before,

this is invaluable!”this is invaluable!”this is invaluable!”this is invaluable!” She is aware that there will always be new things to learn along the

way, and obstacles to overcome, but has taken the stance that you need to really

embrace the challenge and take yourself way out of your comfort zone. “You become a “You become a “You become a “You become a

much stronger person in so many aspects and this is really something to embrace as it feels much stronger person in so many aspects and this is really something to embrace as it feels much stronger person in so many aspects and this is really something to embrace as it feels much stronger person in so many aspects and this is really something to embrace as it feels

wonderful.” wonderful.” wonderful.” wonderful.”

Lauren began her business dream by booking onto the Leicester Business Women training programme and since then has attended networking events, one to one coaching and using the Leicester Business Women website for further contacts and networking. Before booking onto the programme, Lauren was studying business, textiles and drama at college, but upon completion she felt at a total loss as to what she wanted to do with her career and aspirations. Shortly after, she had been contacted by the college to come and collect her textiles work by the end of the week or they would be disposed of!!! Lauren then went to collect her items, feeling that the odd one may go in the loft but the rest would go in the bin which is when Lauren had her idea… she thought “Why“Why“Why“Why am I about to waste some am I about to waste some am I about to waste some am I about to waste some fantastic garments and pieces of art which I had spent hours slogging over to finish?”fantastic garments and pieces of art which I had spent hours slogging over to finish?”fantastic garments and pieces of art which I had spent hours slogging over to finish?”fantastic garments and pieces of art which I had spent hours slogging over to finish?” This made Lauren wonder how many other people were about to clear out or store their work? That is when she had the idea of Quirky Closet! Quirky Closet is a website for designers of any experience but with good quality items to sell their work. Lauren hopes to target designers with their own small business; designers in employment who want to sell their work or anyone who simply has a passion for design. Each designer will have their own shop and space on the website so will be able to brand it as though it were their own shop or website. Lauren goes onto mention, “t“t“t“the ladies I met at the Leicester Business Women course were lovely and the stylhe ladies I met at the Leicester Business Women course were lovely and the stylhe ladies I met at the Leicester Business Women course were lovely and the stylhe ladies I met at the Leicester Business Women course were lovely and the style of e of e of e of presentation the coaches used made you feel comfortable and confident to express yourself and presentation the coaches used made you feel comfortable and confident to express yourself and presentation the coaches used made you feel comfortable and confident to express yourself and presentation the coaches used made you feel comfortable and confident to express yourself and any concerns or opinions. It was a great environment to be in, meeting so many likeminded any concerns or opinions. It was a great environment to be in, meeting so many likeminded any concerns or opinions. It was a great environment to be in, meeting so many likeminded any concerns or opinions. It was a great environment to be in, meeting so many likeminded people to myself and having their ideas and motivations to considerpeople to myself and having their ideas and motivations to considerpeople to myself and having their ideas and motivations to considerpeople to myself and having their ideas and motivations to consider with my business.” with my business.” with my business.” with my business.” Furthermore, Lauren felt her biggest challenges to getting her business started was talking about her ideas and the finance and tax issues involved in setting up a business, and focusing on herself more and not letting others put her or her business idea down through their opinions. Through the programme, she has been able to address these by taking heed of the advice of group members, trainers and coaches:

• There is no such thing as a failure – it is merely a learning curve to success

• Confidence in her ability to do her business accoun ts

• Be aware that not everyone will agree with you all of the time

Lauren’s tips for any woman looking to set up her own business are:

• Go for it!

• Remain focused, be ambitious and chase your dream!

• Leicester Business Women is fantastic as they have all areas of support you need when first starting out in business – make sure you make the most of all the support that is out there for you!

Visit Lauren at www.quirkycloset.com now for more information or to simply register your interest, and be prepared for the big launch on 31st May 2011 where there will be unique designs to inspire – not only for you to buy , but also a great opportunity for you to set up your own business and start selli ng your work!