tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32565294690586391262024-02-19T06:26:41.983+00:00Creation|CollaborationCreation|Collaborationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13739971316912314324noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-66444556241403836112010-11-10T19:21:00.002+00:002010-11-10T19:26:34.749+00:00Wedding Wednesday - Wedding FavoursThe decision to have Wedding Favours is a personal one, but a token gift to say thank you to your guests for attending your Big day is always a lovely touch.<br />
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Traditionally, a gift of 5 sugared almonds or Bonbonnierre was given, and these represent health, wealth, fertility, happiness and longetivity, but these days couples tend to get a little more creative.<br />
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The history of this goes back to the aristocrats of Europe, notably France and Italy.<br />
The bonbonnierre was actually a box made of porcelain, crystal, and precious stones, but in more recent times this tends to have been replaced by a gift box, an organza bag or the almonds wrapped in netting.<br />
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Modern gift trends can be candy, picture frames, personalised CD's with couples favourite music, the ever popular lottery ticket, soaps, candles, and drinks minatures.<br />
What to choose a lot of the time comes down mainly to budget.<br />
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My choice for my Big Day was silk notebooks [wth a personalised message] for the ladies and lottery tickets for the gentlemen.<br />
In the evening I had Love Heart sweeties in gift boxes, and a love scroll wrapped in green ribbon to co-ordinate with my theme.<br />
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It is also increasingly popular to theme your wedding, whether this be through colour choice or subject matter.<br />
Favours are generally placed at each place setting for reciept during the Wedding Breakfast, but some couples choose to go round with a basket in the evening and hand out each small gift personally.<br />
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Whatever you choose try to inject a little bit of your own personality into your choice.<br />
Here is a selection of my favourites.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrwd3thnyI/AAAAAAAAD8A/mMuu4FFyVQs/s1600/3b0fece9d29f3c0ccbf4c8457c965adc.image.350x524%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrwd3thnyI/AAAAAAAAD8A/mMuu4FFyVQs/s320/3b0fece9d29f3c0ccbf4c8457c965adc.image.350x524%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wooden All you need is love Key - <a href="http://www.letrousseau.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_14&products_id=70">Le Trousseau</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrvlpESk1I/AAAAAAAAD78/FWntOVSoD2k/s1600/t_eb2126f_large1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrvlpESk1I/AAAAAAAAD78/FWntOVSoD2k/s320/t_eb2126f_large1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Shoppe Candy Boxes - <a href="http://www.caesarsweddingfavours.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d1015.html">Caesars Wedding Favours</a></div><br />
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A popular choice at scottish weddings is Tablet such as above by <a href="http://www.highlandfavours.co.uk/online_shop.php">Highland Favours</a><br />
Or if you are really adventurous you could try making your own -<a href="http://www.scottishrecipes.co.uk/tablet.htm"> Recipe</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrt9RmevJI/AAAAAAAAD70/H2L7uDgOZI4/s1600/New_Thistle%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrt9RmevJI/AAAAAAAAD70/H2L7uDgOZI4/s320/New_Thistle%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wedding Coaster -<a href="http://www.jsfavours.co.uk/"> J.S Favours</a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrs39Fli4I/AAAAAAAAD7w/rBzh8SeMTd8/s1600/a%252520Ultimate%252520Wine%252520Glass%252520Charms%252520CRYSTALLIZED%252520-%252520Swarovski%252520Elements%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrs39Fli4I/AAAAAAAAD7w/rBzh8SeMTd8/s320/a%252520Ultimate%252520Wine%252520Glass%252520Charms%252520CRYSTALLIZED%252520-%252520Swarovski%252520Elements%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wine Glass Charms - <a href="http://www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk/product-Ultimate_Wine_Glass_Charms_CRYSTALLIZED___Swarovski_Elements-833.htm">Gift wrapped and gorgeous</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrrWlDwNsI/AAAAAAAAD7s/8Wnjk6kn9u4/s1600/Golden_Lottery_E_4c0a16fc370bb%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrrWlDwNsI/AAAAAAAAD7s/8Wnjk6kn9u4/s320/Golden_Lottery_E_4c0a16fc370bb%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Golden Lottery Envelopes - <a href="http://www.theweddingofmydreams.co.uk/christmas-link/66-golden-lottery-envelopes.html">The Wedding of My dreams</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrqo6gYL8I/AAAAAAAAD7o/tOCGao2Upds/s1600/61918%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TNrqo6gYL8I/AAAAAAAAD7o/tOCGao2Upds/s1600/61918%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sugared Almonds - <a href="http://shop.confetti.co.uk/category/almond-favours">Confetti </a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-17190328480763356762010-10-22T08:00:00.000+01:002010-10-22T08:00:08.798+01:00Feature Friday featuring Tracey Hatter Smith of Midway Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to another of our fabulous <b>Feature Friday</b> articles! Today we're featuring <b>Tracey Hatter Smith </b>who owns<b><a href="http://www.midway-media.co.uk/"> Midway Media</a> </b>- Wedding & Event Videographers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDO0oPok7c6Jx64HfY8mIfKy1Vs_lTs-iVhBkrn7maw5Sg7_ueAYF4Bino9q86xUfnnwByjbtthD93zLPGxgYty3-yQNb7sIfXPYVbMw_8cmU5FzORKPBu6KHbfxl7hBqqeAjewwn7TcM/s1600/Header2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDO0oPok7c6Jx64HfY8mIfKy1Vs_lTs-iVhBkrn7maw5Sg7_ueAYF4Bino9q86xUfnnwByjbtthD93zLPGxgYty3-yQNb7sIfXPYVbMw_8cmU5FzORKPBu6KHbfxl7hBqqeAjewwn7TcM/s320/Header2.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r6P4EQwwSW0dG9VZNrNmkyB2OE143RCU380agjctobpDDZ2fXLgDxCsQNo_8RlLj2gM8ire_PqeWGBnnbkOVjebBVx8Gna0EVmVIGWcu2RKnvELqcXWPiGN3iXV91xmDiwMLPswPLCJN/s1600/Cowie-Brown-Wedding_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2r6P4EQwwSW0dG9VZNrNmkyB2OE143RCU380agjctobpDDZ2fXLgDxCsQNo_8RlLj2gM8ire_PqeWGBnnbkOVjebBVx8Gna0EVmVIGWcu2RKnvELqcXWPiGN3iXV91xmDiwMLPswPLCJN/s320/Cowie-Brown-Wedding_016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us today Tracey - can you tell us more about yourself and Midway Media?</b><br />
I'm Tracey, 37 years young and married with 2 teenage children. I have a degree in Law and worked for many years within a legal environment before taking the plunge and a risk into a completely new area of videography!<br />
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I am pleased to say that I am an associate member with the Institute of Videographers (IOV), one of the largest organisations in the UK for recognising, training and promoting professional videographers.<br />
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Midway Media purely specialises in weddings, events and corporate filming across the UK and wherever needed. No job is too small! I run Midway Media with my wonderful husband, Barry and together we make a cracking team! Midway Media has now been successfully running for 2 years and its good to see that the diary for the years ahead is getting fuller and fuller. Every weekend this summer we have either 1 or 2 weddings to film with no break until the end of October! Out of season weddings are becoming more popular. I got married during the winter season not for any particular reason as I had always wanted a winter wedding anyway. I can honestly say that although I work extremely long hours, I love what I do. I'm certainly committed to the cause.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jt2BMJ6V2onQmA0vNqCdxDXA8a60YjLSQu8IKmnfFSCeYLmHznLaiZmkRKl6xjprm5Uxz1ifKCaFQa9xbNvCadazlZdf_5qTW_LvJpzw5mZTweTxWP2Yy16mztoMaYufHZrUPF1HEpo2/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jt2BMJ6V2onQmA0vNqCdxDXA8a60YjLSQu8IKmnfFSCeYLmHznLaiZmkRKl6xjprm5Uxz1ifKCaFQa9xbNvCadazlZdf_5qTW_LvJpzw5mZTweTxWP2Yy16mztoMaYufHZrUPF1HEpo2/s320/Image1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am very passionate and dedicated about filming. Weddings have always been something of interest to me since I can remember. I get a buzz from every wedding I film and even more so when I finally see the end result before sending it to the client. There is nothing more satisfying than to receive a text or email from your client to say that they loved their DVD it was amazing to watch and the bride becoming all emotional at watching it and that they can't wait to show family and friends! Not that I wish our brides to cry even though they are tears of happiness but it shows the impact of what a DVD can actually do!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ47TbaxyJRJG2LICrYGBa15-aBMSiAYnZL0DdAbGvDaPdrXo6MkuoidIXBW3X0IDQlnqqrVrcjxzN2xYwFOYlS7xxJ_javOfpCiqE4_iQdPbne0ro424P6eWxqV5qLVm6Hmh_LYNRQpY7/s1600/Image10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ47TbaxyJRJG2LICrYGBa15-aBMSiAYnZL0DdAbGvDaPdrXo6MkuoidIXBW3X0IDQlnqqrVrcjxzN2xYwFOYlS7xxJ_javOfpCiqE4_iQdPbne0ro424P6eWxqV5qLVm6Hmh_LYNRQpY7/s320/Image10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from? </b><br />
I have always had an interest in filming but, for a few years prior to Midway Media being set up, Barry would film friends and family weddings while I would purely assist in the background! I finally took the leap at a family wedding with my new video camera working alongside Barry and, although I was very nervous (and I still get nervous now), I filmed and loved it.<br />
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From that moment, I knew videography was for me; it seemed as though I had a natural talent for it, as my shots were captured well and were creatively done. From this moment I've never looked back and when Barry was made redundant we invested everything in getting my dream business off the ground and running! It has taken a lot of time, patience and dedication from both of us to where we are today. <b> </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjg545bVQbBAGUGekn5yLYjspsdoHuQXjF5KWWriNOzf38D6UlUsd8a9BAUjK5rSZV125-cvcDt8biRgosEea9R9O7gjyijtUNcK94HFmRKHVdw0RZwMD7lYrokufamuqXFTYyDMqOj65/s1600/Image21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjg545bVQbBAGUGekn5yLYjspsdoHuQXjF5KWWriNOzf38D6UlUsd8a9BAUjK5rSZV125-cvcDt8biRgosEea9R9O7gjyijtUNcK94HFmRKHVdw0RZwMD7lYrokufamuqXFTYyDMqOj65/s320/Image21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>What do you love most about your business? </b><br />
I love filming weddings and enjoy working with people. It’s the people that really make the DVD that little extra special for the bride and groom. I also get to go to many different locations across the UK and film a variety of weddings. No two weddings are the same.<br />
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<b>What would you like to change? </b><br />
I would change the look of our website on some of the pages by adding more visuals to the page to make it more visually appealing with less text. The pictures would be those taken as screenshots from our video cameras. This also gives a more examples of our work to the potential client.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DcaVKbjO3LG8-zjzEGoJlUZ9-wr2z4Z5YpS_SLuBcrhJF0FgpEAovCSnMS35giCqFGsj95INnUDj5HrG13VoMk7QCCkhZkWvzsjAVvaaNhKgtl6el5DmGebxvwB1YnC7mI9JRczccuzi/s1600/Image48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DcaVKbjO3LG8-zjzEGoJlUZ9-wr2z4Z5YpS_SLuBcrhJF0FgpEAovCSnMS35giCqFGsj95INnUDj5HrG13VoMk7QCCkhZkWvzsjAVvaaNhKgtl6el5DmGebxvwB1YnC7mI9JRczccuzi/s320/Image48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>What is your aim for the next year? </b><br />
I would like to double our bookings for next year and film more corporate work and attend local area networking meetings. <br />
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<b>Where do you ultimately see yourself? </b><br />
As well as running Midway Media, I would also like to partake in some freelance camera work for local television. I would also like to cover an equestrian event as I am a keen horsewoman!<br />
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<b>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</b><br />
<b>Tip 1</b> <i> Speak to other women in business to find out how they got their businesses started and how they found success</i><br />
<b>Tip 2</b> <i>Speak to a local business advisor who specialises in business start-up</i><br />
<b>Tip 3</b> <i>Attend networking meetings and meet key people that can make referrals on your behalf (become a recommended supplier)</i><br />
<b>Tip 4</b> <i>Find your niche market using market research and target area and set your objectives accordingly </i><br />
<b>Tip 5 </b> <i>Use social networking sites and the internet to increase business interest</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39ZHxF1pSkEGbIomQrQjlyfVZRTxcGI81VlJBeOs5pNP0DkR7baOU2W4lT12CVI3Mo4Vv-z6qrKsGu1flwWS1WCijiPJY7rbmq701clVNEuh_X8k3AiUiUCnN2lWXif3uRmiu5T8-npHW/s1600/Image143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39ZHxF1pSkEGbIomQrQjlyfVZRTxcGI81VlJBeOs5pNP0DkR7baOU2W4lT12CVI3Mo4Vv-z6qrKsGu1flwWS1WCijiPJY7rbmq701clVNEuh_X8k3AiUiUCnN2lWXif3uRmiu5T8-npHW/s320/Image143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If any prospective clients are reading this, how can they get in touch with you?<br />
I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.midway-media.co.uk/">http://www.midway-media.co.uk</a> or by email at <a href="mailto:enquiries@midway-media.co.uk">enquiries@midway-media.co.uk</a>; I'm also on Facebook so they can "like" me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/editalbum.php?aid=8640&add=1&id=117733244941078#%21/pages/Midway-Media-Wedding-Event-Videographers/117733244941078">http://www.facebook.com/editalbum.php?aid=8640&add=1&id=117733244941078#!/pages/Midway-Media-Wedding-Event-Videographers/117733244941078</a> or they can Tweet me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/midwaymediauk">http://www.twitter.com/midwaymediauk</a>.<br />
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Thanks so much for talking to us today Tracey - your job sounds so rewarding and I can imagine being in the middle of such a fabulous event every day is so exciting, as is doing something you love!<br />
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Remember, if you are a businesswoman and would like your company to be featured on our regular Feature Friday slot, please drop us an email at <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> and put the words "Feature Friday" in the subject like and we'll send you on the info. Also, check out our forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org</a> - we love our Feature Friday women are all joining us there, and so can you!The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-84264965361225451482010-10-20T13:28:00.002+01:002010-10-20T13:42:52.548+01:00Wedding Wednesday - The First DanceChoosing you first dance can be an incredibly difficult or really easy choice.<br />
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The important thing is to choose something that has a personal meaning to both of you for whatever reason that is, and one that makes you happy.<br />
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There is also tends to be a lot of pressure today for the first dance to be smooth and choreographed.<br />
Of course, you can take a class to improve your fancy footwork, but who cares about trodden toes, it is really about just being together, and being in love.<br />
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Most couples tend to learn the staples like the Waltz, the quickstep, but you can be a little different and choose a more spirited dance like the Mambo, or to a song you particularly love with a more catchy vibe.<br />
Like this one by London photographer <a href="http://www.juliaboggiophotography.com/">Julia Boggio</a> and her husband James <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhlm9GTAQ0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYhlm9GTAQ0</a><br />
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The traditional pattern followed is that the Bride and Groom dance first, and then are joined by parents, and the other Bridal Party members.<br />
During the first dance, the best man tends to dance with the Chief Bridesmaid, and the other Bridesmaids with any ushers.<br />
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Fantastic Perthshire photographer <a href="http://www.shaunward.co.uk/photoblog/">Shaun Ward</a> shares his thoughts on first dances -<br />
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"One of the parts of the wedding I look forward to the most is the first dance the bride and groom have at their reception. This is the first time I really see them relax and may be the first time they have a chance to take in what has happened during the day."<br />
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"Personally as the photographer I am trying hard to create something unique that captures that moment when they forget about what is around them. <br />
This involves working freely with a flashgun attached with cord to the camera or a static light on a stand or simply trying to use the lights available to create a nice image . These images are as much about trying to create the right mood on screen as the technical aspects." <br />
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A first dance is a moment that people worry about for months, but with a little preparation you can dance into a beautiful future.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Credit : <a href="http://www.shaunward.co.uk/photoblog/">Shaun Ward</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-89853455188854171522010-10-15T08:00:00.000+01:002010-10-15T08:00:06.129+01:00Feature Friday featuring Sarah Marks from Tiny Gems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to another of our fabulous <b>Feature Friday</b> articles! Today we're chatting to <b>Sarah Marks</b> who is the founder of <b><a href="http://www.tiny-gems.co.uk/">Tiny Gems</a></b>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdcXktqqPlzhADMd6c294oaEI6l-VCboJB9wOMbTfgZk43tMXwsB07K0I16mHf7S351K5QKZAywgR6kBn9Nr8hWi4uG2nlWkUuWMSi520ghcCD5ExapZyzUGeVfijDPhwAAv5K1JhHnBZ/s1600/P1040813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdcXktqqPlzhADMd6c294oaEI6l-VCboJB9wOMbTfgZk43tMXwsB07K0I16mHf7S351K5QKZAywgR6kBn9Nr8hWi4uG2nlWkUuWMSi520ghcCD5ExapZyzUGeVfijDPhwAAv5K1JhHnBZ/s320/P1040813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>Thanks so much for chatting with us today Sarah - can you tell our readers a little more about you and Tiny Gems?</b><br />
Hello my name is Sarah Marks and I am the founder of <a href="http://www.tiny-gems.co.uk/">www.tiny-gems.co.uk</a>. I design and make my jewellery under the company name of <b>Hemisphere Handcrafted Jewellery</b>; many people ask me where I came up with the name Hemisphere. Picture the scene; I’d just started playing at jewellery making as a hobby and a way to de-stress from my very stressful full time job. I would sit in the lounge watching TV with my husband, a bead tray on my lap trying to be creative and tiny beads would be flying off in all directions. I said to my husband, where did that one go? He replied I think that one hit the hemisphere. And a name was born.<br />
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I have always had a love of all things crafty/arty and like to try experimenting with new things all the time. I am very happily married and have a gorgeous black Labrador of 11 years and a lovable cat of 13 years who are our children.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHK7u5XbPXsWP2AoOIswM7wQKD2iBLRo1D5V-tS-wgaDnD2LHLf7kfSfA7DHKJsADmbnUvImTBCxXHBnhJpTguMH49QGiNeMiYo-RA3mZe8ESA0Y4vnkqnzUblvgpZ1ceY3fitY-KyH1V/s1600/P1050423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHK7u5XbPXsWP2AoOIswM7wQKD2iBLRo1D5V-tS-wgaDnD2LHLf7kfSfA7DHKJsADmbnUvImTBCxXHBnhJpTguMH49QGiNeMiYo-RA3mZe8ESA0Y4vnkqnzUblvgpZ1ceY3fitY-KyH1V/s320/P1050423.JPG" width="320" /></a>Tiny-Gems currently has a large selection of costume jewellery, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, sets, rings, hair combs, hair vines, tiaras, all made using highest quality materials, we offer a bespoke design service and are very happy to make amendments to any of our designs to meet your requirements. We have recently started to make one off bespoke fascinators on request to match special outfits which are proving very popular. <br />
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Tiny-Gems currently feature another designer – Debbie who design’s and makes her jewellery under the name <b>beadsandglass</b>. I met Debbie through doing local craft fairs and we both have very different design/production styles so we complement each other very well. This allows for more variety of products on tiny-gems although, occasionally, we have spooky moments where we make very similar items. Both Debbie and I are self taught jewellery designers and we love what we do.<br />
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We have recently become a supplier for <a href="http://www.erbw.co.uk/">www.erbw.co.uk</a>, a wedding and events planner and are really excited about this new opportunity and working closely with them in the future.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLx78o1fHVYFdeldqPpeNPPKmbC3KcD_f5LyU6YP_y-sx2cigrvZ2TYBDMRGjblEhS1M27bWqvMxBBX5_OYgsJSyX6b2boqhab3N7vuSaEZZ4Fz14pKV16sWoCDaESRxQWgiC4c3A-XxV/s1600/P1040935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLx78o1fHVYFdeldqPpeNPPKmbC3KcD_f5LyU6YP_y-sx2cigrvZ2TYBDMRGjblEhS1M27bWqvMxBBX5_OYgsJSyX6b2boqhab3N7vuSaEZZ4Fz14pKV16sWoCDaESRxQWgiC4c3A-XxV/s320/P1040935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><span id="goog_427121300"></span><span id="goog_427121301"></span>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</b><br />
I was a senior manager in the banking industry and had been so for 14 years, wrongly assuming I was in a job for life. I had recently been promoted and everything was fantastic when a bombshell dropped that my whole department was at risk of redundancy. This lasted for over 90 days with much uncertainty and upset for my colleagues and I. I was offered a job if I wanted one; however, I had completely lost faith in the company after the way everyone was treated. I eventually left at Christmas time 6 months after the bombshell had dropped and made the very scary decision after always being employed to begin a new career on a self employed basis. I am delighted that I was brave enough to do it and haven’t looked back once. Banking is now just a dim and distant memory which gave me the opportunity to start my own business.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisT_-_Fb3lHWCwguYKop5-i1mcR_kogN1XWQtMIjig8VEj88-btJUVp7axARVj5dffnwc_6x_dfwBnYedcKelNk4YbgV1Ok4JjWfvPvNUR6wHxb9THX9vwsM7eTRLTU-Wq1fEtBm6QWrtK/s1600/P1040954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisT_-_Fb3lHWCwguYKop5-i1mcR_kogN1XWQtMIjig8VEj88-btJUVp7axARVj5dffnwc_6x_dfwBnYedcKelNk4YbgV1Ok4JjWfvPvNUR6wHxb9THX9vwsM7eTRLTU-Wq1fEtBm6QWrtK/s320/P1040954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>What do you love most about your business?</b><br />
Now that is a tough question, there is so much I love about it. I think it would have to be when I meet with someone to discuss their requirements for either a piece of jewellery or a tiara for their wedding or even a fascinator to match their dress for a day at the races. We discuss their ideas and I make suggestions and ask lots of questions to find out their likes and dislikes. I show them examples of my work and we work together to design an item that will be exactly what they are looking for.<br />
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Once the design is completed I absolutely love to see the delight on the clients face when they see their item. Tears of happiness are not unheard of, which makes all my hard work worthwhile. I also love sitting in my studio with my ipod on staring at rows and rows of beads and wire, just waiting for design ideas and inspiration to hit me. The worst day of my business beats the best day of working for someone else hands down every day of the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS1Z65YuFewIR3Vc38owMFLgC4RsRBNtsxzLa2qVR4E5lXEURMTs29TGueChBoBtRZJ7WQ_ZBQ-MvyZJ2IqlD8aLDSfChNWk2iai4xdVq44Nc8AHJmR3SktRUznUM5zRLoGMM4M0jV5Z0/s1600/P1050386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS1Z65YuFewIR3Vc38owMFLgC4RsRBNtsxzLa2qVR4E5lXEURMTs29TGueChBoBtRZJ7WQ_ZBQ-MvyZJ2IqlD8aLDSfChNWk2iai4xdVq44Nc8AHJmR3SktRUznUM5zRLoGMM4M0jV5Z0/s320/P1050386.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>What would you like to change?</b><br />
There are a couple of things I’d like to change; firstly, I would love someone else to handle all the website administration like listing items, photographing items etc so that I could get on with designing and making jewellery. I would imagine most people starting out feel exactly the same way until we all get successful and can employ people to do those things for us. Another change would be to have more hours in the day (maybe that one is a pipe dream and I’m sure I’m not the first to have requested this change).<br />
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<b>What is your aim for the next year?</b><br />
My aim for the next year is to increase tiny-gems activity with more promotion and getting more business contacts and affinities through local and national contacts. Along with expanding our product lines and getting more new designers on board the tiny-gems journey. To take 1st prize in the jewellery design competition I am entered into for tiaras and necklaces.<br />
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<b>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</b><br />
Ultimately I see tiny-gems as being the name everyone thinks of for designer costume jewellery and accessories nationwide.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk13Hl6YtypR9L6HyNqZso-Zxin_gCa-XltsJ4kcP0hboRv8c4mjmT5xOk0npSchV4pyFoO84WX5rmbxDs7tdmsS7reuYGhR8u1ic6u_ZfNW-fCXzLoP6cOjIlf5FTX8JRAvCxL-kaCPKb/s1600/P1050215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk13Hl6YtypR9L6HyNqZso-Zxin_gCa-XltsJ4kcP0hboRv8c4mjmT5xOk0npSchV4pyFoO84WX5rmbxDs7tdmsS7reuYGhR8u1ic6u_ZfNW-fCXzLoP6cOjIlf5FTX8JRAvCxL-kaCPKb/s320/P1050215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</b><br />
<b>Tip 1</b> - <i>There is no such thing as can’t; you can do anything that you set your mind to the only limits to your potential are yourself or more specifically your own self doubt. With good planning you can achieve your goals. Set good clear goals and how you are going to achieve them to avoid getting distracted and flitting from one thing to another and achieving nothing.</i><br />
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<b>Tip 2</b> - <i>It’s not personal it’s business, don’t assume everyone wants you to succeed and will work to your timescales make sure you have everything in writing with your suppliers.</i> <br />
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<b>Tip 3</b> - <i>Asking for help is a virtue not a weakness. Do not be afraid of asking as this could very likely avoid costly or timely mistakes; remember, no-one is fantastic at everything so play to your strengths and the strengths of those around you.</i><br />
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<b>Tip 4</b> - <i>Networking is absolutely necessary, meeting up with like minded business people is invaluable to discuss problems and pick up tips and hints that you may never have thought of like suggestions of suppliers to use or not use from the people you meet. ou may even be lucky enough to forge great friendships as well as business contacts. If, like me, your business is craft inspired, get yourself along to local craft fairs even if you don’t make vast amounts of money to start with it is great mixing with like minded people and a craft business can be a lonely one so it’s a great way of meeting people and getting out of your studio. </i><br />
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<b>Tip 5 </b>- <i>Aim high, the sky is the limit, have faith in your own ability</i>.<br />
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<b>If any prospective clients are reading this article and have fallen in love with your designs, how can they contact you?</b><br />
I can be contacted via our website at <a href="http://www.tiny-gems.co.uk/">www.tiny-gems.co.uk</a>, by email at <a href="mailto:sarah@tiny-gems.co.uk">sarah@tiny-gems.co.uk</a>, I'm also on Facebook where they can "like" me to get updates on new products at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=186496003750#%21/pages/Hemisphere-Handcrafted-Jewellery-at-Tiny-Gems/186496003750">http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=186496003750#!/pages/Hemisphere-Handcrafted-Jewellery-at-Tiny-Gems/186496003750</a> or they can Tweet me at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hhjtinygems">http://www.twitter.com/hhjtinygems</a><br />
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Thanks so much for talking to us today Sarah - your designs are really beautiful and I think the way you started your business will resonate with a lot of people these days. <br />
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Remember, if you are a businesswoman and would like your products/service to be featured on our regular Friday slot, don't forget to drop us an email at <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> with the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line and we'll get back to you with details. Or check out our forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org</a> - happy to see you there!The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-42857964190028300942010-10-13T11:35:00.001+01:002010-10-13T11:44:21.728+01:00Wedding Wednesday - Planning your HoneymoonYour Honeymoon is that once in a lifetime holiday that you want to enjoy to the fullest, and you will want to enjoy every romantic minute, but that can mean many things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TLWHwwBe0eI/AAAAAAAADgs/Q9P_KYdjNeo/s1600/snapshot-honeymoon-couple%5B1%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TLWHwwBe0eI/AAAAAAAADgs/Q9P_KYdjNeo/s320/snapshot-honeymoon-couple%5B1%5D.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gaiahr.com/">source</a></div><br />
A sun drenched beach, the tuscan countryside, snowboarding in the alps, climbing a mountain, the Australian Rainforest, or a cosy B and B in the Scottish Islands, its all up to individual taste.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TLWJFhWAksI/AAAAAAAADg0/U3LZt64Uyhk/s1600/imagesCARD104L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TLWJFhWAksI/AAAAAAAADg0/U3LZt64Uyhk/s1600/imagesCARD104L.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blanketbay.com/">source</a></div><br />
Traditionally, it was the Groom that organised this really special trip, but these days its usually a mutual decision.<br />
But if you do decide to go traditional, its safest to drop some pretty hefty hints.<br />
Before deciding, its important to consider what you both want out of your time away, a bit like making decisions fo the Wedding, so its an experience you will both enjoy.<br />
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Budget is a huge player in deciding where to go.<br />
Get loads of brochures, and scour the internet for best deals.<br />
Be very sure anything is ABTA bonded.<br />
Take the advice of a travel agent, or consider an independant travel advisor like <a href="http://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/">Travel Counsellors</a> or the <a href="http://www.travelarchitect.com/">Travel Architect.</a><br />
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If you plan to change surname you can get your name changed on your passport prior to getting married, but won't be able to travel till after, or of course you can travel in your maiden name.<br />
Make sure also that you have at least 6 months travel left on your passport before it expires.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TLWKvKEPCSI/AAAAAAAADg4/1wQ13thdCQ0/s1600/images%5B11%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TLWKvKEPCSI/AAAAAAAADg4/1wQ13thdCQ0/s1600/images%5B11%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.angloindiago.com/">source</a></div><br />
<strong>Tips for Honeymoon Travel</strong><br />
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- If booking Honeymoon packages there are likely to be some lovely added extra's at Hotels, make sure your travel advisor is aware.<br />
- Make sure you are smartly dressed when travelling as you are much more likely to get an Upgrade this way.<br />
- Make sure you let everyone know its your Honeymoon. Love is infectious and you never know what freebies may come your way.<br />
- If you are changing your name on Passport beforehand, make sure the name on your travel documents matches. Many people have made this mistake in the past, and you really don't want that last minute stress.<br />
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Something else that is popular these days is having a Wedding Registry for your Honeymoon, where it can either pay for the trip away <a href="http://www.honeymiles.net/">http://www.honeymiles.net/</a> or <a href="http://www.honeymoney.co.uk/">http://www.honeymoney.co.uk/</a> or for some luxury experiences when you are away on your break <a href="http://www.buy-our-honeymoon.com/">http://www.buy-our-honeymoon.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.senduspacking.com/">http://www.senduspacking.com/</a><br />
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Whatever you do and where ever you go, it will be a beautiful beginning on the journey that is married life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-66414238405946270652010-10-08T08:00:00.001+01:002010-10-08T08:00:03.332+01:00Feature Friday featuring Samantha Jones of Samantha Jones Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Welcome to another of our hugely successful <b>Feature Friday </b>articles - today we're going to be featuring Samantha Jones from <b><a href="http://www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk/">Samantha Jones Photography</a></b>. <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi Samantha, thanks so much for taking the time out to talk to us today - can you tell our readers a little more about you and your company?</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> My company is Samantha Jones Photography - I decided to use my own name as I believe that my clients are buying "me" rather than a generic studio. I am based in Faversham, Kent and don't actually have studio which is one of the reasons that my prices are so competitive. My main business is wedding photography throughout Kent, Surrey and Essex but I also very much enjoy family portraiture. I have a small home studio set-up which can fit into the smallest of lounges!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI6HwOPrMS4rUJeJ-Ps4dcAf821VlK3yTnBGCxx9wJEOysI8UHd-MaUuB9uBV1QNZ9nLIOVSj6uJq7EFXAJMqEKqb2wZ4aAYAk6XvOizp843nbDeIk5I9zkkvgj5AsyXI7zUGTnqbYgiX/s1600/20100720-DSC_5551+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI6HwOPrMS4rUJeJ-Ps4dcAf821VlK3yTnBGCxx9wJEOysI8UHd-MaUuB9uBV1QNZ9nLIOVSj6uJq7EFXAJMqEKqb2wZ4aAYAk6XvOizp843nbDeIk5I9zkkvgj5AsyXI7zUGTnqbYgiX/s320/20100720-DSC_5551+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where did the idea of running this as a business come from? </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was working as a legal PA in London for nine years, commuting four hours per day to and from work. The opportunity came up to take voluntary redundancy and I seized it, knowing that my real passion is for photography and working with people to create beautiful images that they will cherish.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you love most about your business? </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the fact that I am my own boss and that no one day is ever the same as the next. I have met some wonderful people during my first year in business, attended beautiful weddings and celebrated the birth of many babies.</span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r6qtbuv6oI6NhQO9HUyKadU_REhaI_dhvoH5Spj7erEEHL3yMOEuGjks2yYi5uzZZhgS7U0IhYe0RuMSOVmC8opSaovO8D4Ae4RkZkSeXtt1GIxRuASbgeARC9aEGW8xn-Cz9HCes2Fs/s1600/20100528-DSC_3767+edit+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r6qtbuv6oI6NhQO9HUyKadU_REhaI_dhvoH5Spj7erEEHL3yMOEuGjks2yYi5uzZZhgS7U0IhYe0RuMSOVmC8opSaovO8D4Ae4RkZkSeXtt1GIxRuASbgeARC9aEGW8xn-Cz9HCes2Fs/s320/20100528-DSC_3767+edit+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" width="212" /></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What would you like to change? </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would particularly like to change the perception that anyone with a digital camera can be a wedding photographer. I am finding recently that brides are trying to economise by asking a friend of the family, who has a decent knowledge of photography, to take their photographs. And then, afterwards, I hear that they are not really very happy with the pictures and regret their decision. That is one of my main reasons for offering "<b>Rock the Frock</b>" sessions, which are becoming much more popular now and involve getting back into your wedding dress and taking time to create beautiful and unusual shots which were not captured on the day of the wedding.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is your aim for the next year? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love living in Faversham and my aim for next year is to become "The Faversham Photographer". I would love to be in the situation that every bride who is getting married in Faversham or the surrounding villages books me for their wedding!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nFoLfa21nqofb9TcmNqUq57rnPPEC0BpQEbXuBF6hpiDj5O9KZ8Hgcjyf11QtiYSV6nXkgxW6dAgB9o5zSQcA_dhUPiF74160BN74hLkdmEMnQWj8m22Y5HqK6_rH73Xu-v48juUQWiT/s1600/20100720-DSC_5731+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nFoLfa21nqofb9TcmNqUq57rnPPEC0BpQEbXuBF6hpiDj5O9KZ8Hgcjyf11QtiYSV6nXkgxW6dAgB9o5zSQcA_dhUPiF74160BN74hLkdmEMnQWj8m22Y5HqK6_rH73Xu-v48juUQWiT/s320/20100720-DSC_5731+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</b> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I would very much like to be in the position to employ an assistant at each wedding as carrying the equipment and setting up group shots can be quite tiring and I would much rather have the energy to be more creative. My ultimate aim is to be booking twice as many weddings as in my first year of business and then to expand accordingly.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tip 1 </b>N<i>ever be too proud to take advice, you don't always have to act on it but you can learn so much from those already in business.</i></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tip 2</b> <i>Invest in proper branding and promotional materials and don't do it on "the cheap".</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tip 3</b> <i>Attend courses and seminars which are applicable to your new business. Understand the power of social media, such as Twitter and Facebook and understand its strengths for your business.</i></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tip 4</b> <i>Embrace your competition and meet up regularly to discuss ideas and concepts.</i></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tip 5</b> <i>Don't give up ... be proud of what you have already achieved and always look to the future.</i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqiWqt-PH8XnS53uItRGDqUZ-fwqH9u4wcH1RtJO7AtLjSqxzodv8JmQA1Ga5hJBVHrYsS7H2nAzHCBepmA_7hb7AsZAS7HDwZorq9y1av0vTJloUB99Rr6ztJl3xYKyZt8CoglMTeB3A/s1600/20100528-DSC_0061+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqiWqt-PH8XnS53uItRGDqUZ-fwqH9u4wcH1RtJO7AtLjSqxzodv8JmQA1Ga5hJBVHrYsS7H2nAzHCBepmA_7hb7AsZAS7HDwZorq9y1av0vTJloUB99Rr6ztJl3xYKyZt8CoglMTeB3A/s320/20100528-DSC_0061+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can any prospective client contact you?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can be contacted via my website at </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><a href="http://www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk/" style="font-family: inherit;">www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk</a> or I can be emailed at <span style="font-family: inherit;">sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk</span> - I'm also on Facebook at <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Faversham-United-Kingdom/Samantha-Jones-Kent-Wedding-and-Lifestyle-Photographer/25818384150">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Faversham-United-Kingdom/Samantha-Jones-Kent-Wedding-and-Lifestyle-Photographer/25818384150</a> or they can Tweet me at </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><a href="http://twitter.com/SamanthaJones68" style="font-family: inherit;">http://twitter.com/SamanthaJones68</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOG5yCFN8I6TynGct_Ph2F4QIche2n56Sel1ajw3su5iuenGANyxt5Q5bPpuUxKhKbbNdTJyVYYSmlpAV9ofn2qszJDWBN9-y7d2Gn7QHNgd32-E5WleiLRwgiiJCb07BM9ARsCwzOPd4/s1600/20100216-DSC_3614+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOG5yCFN8I6TynGct_Ph2F4QIche2n56Sel1ajw3su5iuenGANyxt5Q5bPpuUxKhKbbNdTJyVYYSmlpAV9ofn2qszJDWBN9-y7d2Gn7QHNgd32-E5WleiLRwgiiJCb07BM9ARsCwzOPd4/s320/20100216-DSC_3614+%5B1024x768%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-10119725632569695752010-10-06T12:02:00.001+01:002010-10-06T12:04:40.054+01:00Wedding Wednesday - Choosing Wedding Suppliers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TKxWxiaL5oI/AAAAAAAADbQ/KTPmvFhk5kw/s1600/images%5B11%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TKxWxiaL5oI/AAAAAAAADbQ/KTPmvFhk5kw/s1600/images%5B11%5D.jpg" /></a></div>From working in events over the last year or so, I have found that however well planned, there is always the possibility of having a few little technical hitches.<br />
Usually these are swiftly rectified, and don't overshadow any of the day, but its got me thinking ! [ a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw moment! ]<br />
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"How well do we check out our Wedding or Event suppliers ?"<br />
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Do we look at a brochure or website and say, oooooooh they look good or do we delve deeper ?<br />
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Its definetely all about thorough research, price always has a part to play in a decision but get lots of brochures, samples etc, and book lots of appointments.<br />
And I can't say enough about personal recommendation - ask friends, ask on wedding forums, read testimonials etc.<br />
Take time and research at least 3 suppliers in each catagory of need.<br />
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For any supplier it is advisable to have in depth meetings.<br />
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For a photographer for example, ask to see lots of examples of different styles of his work.<br />
For a cake maker, ask for tasting sessions of their product.<br />
For a venue dresser, ask if they have dressed your venue before, and especially if they are doing chair covers, make sure they are sure their covers suit your venues chairs.<br />
And the same follows through with each and every other person that plays a part in your day.<br />
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For someone that is providing services for you on biggest day of your life, its important that you have a connection, and you feel confident and comfortable that they will provide you with exactly what you are looking for, and so you both know you are on the same wavelength. <br />
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And while seeing a professional accreditation is reassuring, it doesn't necessarily make one particular supplier better than another.<br />
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A lot of the time, peoples tastes and preferences play a large part and while one may love their supplier, another person may have different views.<br />
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You really don't want your event to be overshadowed by avoidable incidents, so choose wisely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-2842827781248631252010-10-01T08:00:00.000+01:002010-10-01T08:00:05.435+01:00Feature Friday featuring Leanna Doohan of Creative Invites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to another of our Feature Friday articles - today we'll be featuring Leanne Doohan from <b><a href="http://www.creativeinvites.ie/">Creative Invites</a></b>, a wedding stationery company based in beautiful Donegal, Ireland.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ScUbnW2OgPwsJK0Ry7NM0skpEuo0w0vmJC_fApNV3Ls_RBIWLNsqUrczNNZXoRALEFAVcK0t24tZO5XBcwTCxi-eckfVDYst576EfNkoLS0cimEvpCj-Sg2029kJgw_JCK2aui4Ux8kR/s1600/LOGO+RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ScUbnW2OgPwsJK0Ry7NM0skpEuo0w0vmJC_fApNV3Ls_RBIWLNsqUrczNNZXoRALEFAVcK0t24tZO5XBcwTCxi-eckfVDYst576EfNkoLS0cimEvpCj-Sg2029kJgw_JCK2aui4Ux8kR/s320/LOGO+RGB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Thanks so much for taking the time out to chat with us today Leanne - can you tell our readers a little more about yourself and your company? </b><br />
My name is Leanne Doohan and my business is Creative Invites, a handmade wedding stationery business based in Co. Donegal in Ireland. The business has been going since 2005 and I bought it in early 2009. It was well-established and very busy but the previous owner had other commitments which meant she couldn’t continue running it. I hardly had time to find my feet when I took over. It was so busy and there was a lot to learn! In fact, I’m still learning every day!<br />
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<b>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</b><br />
I can’t really say that it was my business idea as I didn’t set it up from scratch, but I’ve always done cardmaking and scrapbooking as a hobby. I also knew I wanted to own my own business and studied Business Studies and Marketing at college but I never made any business ideas a reality! It was only when I saw Creative Invites for sale that it clicked with me that this was something I would love to do!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLdAaJUYIWHiGAwraUafH5HX6_78g_zvFRVblw_KjGKqxgyZsC-ibtYwZdbP5L3yrbbPQD5Lr0olo86gHIAI7wwFqk_xscjhNi5XQyMf4j9VdMBLUccdm4y1PutcYfHlQTX6CTrhxa33_/s1600/purple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLdAaJUYIWHiGAwraUafH5HX6_78g_zvFRVblw_KjGKqxgyZsC-ibtYwZdbP5L3yrbbPQD5Lr0olo86gHIAI7wwFqk_xscjhNi5XQyMf4j9VdMBLUccdm4y1PutcYfHlQTX6CTrhxa33_/s320/purple.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>What do you love most about your business?</b><br />
This is a difficult one! There is nothing like the buzz you get out of being your own boss. Just having the control to get things done. Even when there’s a problem such as a late delivery, I enjoy finding a solution to a problem! I also love working with brides (and grooms!). They are very enthusiastic about choosing their wedding stationery. They’re at a very happy time in their lives and it’s wonderful to deal with that type of person. Getting married is usually a once in a lifetime thing so they are new to all the planning and everything that goes with it. Being a newly-wed myself, I can offer little tips and recommendations for other areas to do with the wedding and they’re always so grateful for any information that helps!<br />
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<b>What would you like to change?</b><br />
I’d like to work less hours and have my weekends to myself! But I doubt if that will happen any time soon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUNxYn0c1ZCf3DI69eatYePUSoFBGtGhK1Nv4XrqXvJV08A-NCcA-Bmlbcl7UBxXyQ_nvMaYlE-a-t1ayxS-yLCuSn79ZIEjSrlpJ8OEvUQI9AQ06bX9y4jZB589tYYGgn2gG5rSO2PX_/s1600/green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUNxYn0c1ZCf3DI69eatYePUSoFBGtGhK1Nv4XrqXvJV08A-NCcA-Bmlbcl7UBxXyQ_nvMaYlE-a-t1ayxS-yLCuSn79ZIEjSrlpJ8OEvUQI9AQ06bX9y4jZB589tYYGgn2gG5rSO2PX_/s320/green.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>What is your aim for the next year?</b><br />
I have a lot of exciting changes planned for Creative Invites in the next six months alone. Customers’ needs and wants are changing and competition is increasing. This keeps me on my toes and means that I am always thinking ahead to see how we can be innovative and improve on what we do. Last year we received national recognition by winning ‘Irish Wedding Stationery Supplier of the Year’ with the wedding forum <a href="http://www.realweddings.ie/">www.realweddings.ie</a> and we were voted in the top 5 wedding stationery suppliers in Ireland with the wedding forum <a href="http://www.weddingsonline.ie/">www.weddingsonline.ie</a>. I hope that 2010 brings the same success!<br />
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<b>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</b><br />
I see myself with a successful business that allows me flexibility in my work schedule. I want the Creative Invites brand to be well-known in Ireland but without losing the small business feel that people like us for at the moment. And I might get around to trying out some other business ideas…who knows?!<br />
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<b>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</b><br />
<b>Tip 1</b> <i>Surround yourself with supportive friends and family and never be too proud to ask for help.</i><br />
<b>Tip 2 </b> <i>Don’t try to do everything yourself – you can’t know everything! Get an expert to look after things that aren’t your area of expertise, whether that be your website, accounts etc.</i><br />
<b>Tip 3</b> <i>Always listen to your customers but more importantly listen to people who aren’t your customers. Ask why people would buy from your competitor instead of you.</i><br />
<b>Tip 4</b><i> Network!! This couldn’t be easier these days with all the social media platforms out there. I have built up fantastic contacts with people in other Irish businesses who I’ve never even met!</i><br />
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<b> Tip 5</b> <i>For women that work from home, don’t feel that because you are at home you have to do the housework as well. Separate work time and home time although it can be difficult when it is all under the one roof!</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF6tH-WuwiSoXgmp43f9XXnmTZBfwjeLTOqxE5iTqxalJzYdLuhFy6GzLbJi2tNcna-IShCz-PUtXjFiiALwZRypPyCeKWJWf3FCBshGFBqQHX5H8Px5F9yFLbwU5cvyFDmFkYXd9dujo/s1600/leanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF6tH-WuwiSoXgmp43f9XXnmTZBfwjeLTOqxE5iTqxalJzYdLuhFy6GzLbJi2tNcna-IShCz-PUtXjFiiALwZRypPyCeKWJWf3FCBshGFBqQHX5H8Px5F9yFLbwU5cvyFDmFkYXd9dujo/s320/leanne.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<b>If a prospective client was reading this and wanted to get in touch with you, how can they contact you?</b><br />
I can be contacted via my website <a href="http://www.creativeinvites.ie/">http://www.creativeinvites.ie</a> or they can drop me an email to <a href="http://sales@creativeinvites.i/">sales@creativeinvites.i</a>e. I'm also on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WeddingStationeryIreland">http://www.facebook.com/WeddingStationeryIreland</a> or they can Tweet me at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CreativeInvites">http://www.twitter.com/CreativeInvites</a>.<br />
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Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us today Leanne - sounds like a fantastically busy business and well done for such amazing awards! Long may the acclaim continue!<br />
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Remember, if you are a businesswoman working from home and you'd like your business to be featured on one our Feature Friday slots, email us at creationcollaboration@yahoo.com and put the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line. Or check out our new forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org</a> - happy to see you there!The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-32868438306825473752010-09-29T11:45:00.001+01:002010-09-29T11:49:09.915+01:00In the Mood - Creating a Wedding Mood Board.A moodboard is a collage of materials [images, text, colours, textures] which capture the ambience and feel of something you want to design or create.<br />
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As a wedding and event planner and co-ordinator, this is a useful tool to gather thoughts together whilst not having to commit to anything, and it is very useful when presenting initial idea's to a client.<br />
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From a brides point of view, this can be created by saving magazine clippings, drawings etc and storing them in a wedding planning folder, which in theory some of us have been subconciously filling since we were 5.<br />
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You can save an image of "The Dress", that gorgeous bouquet, those "must have" shoes, that cool car, or the "to die for" stationery you have been lusting over.<br />
This just makes it easier to bring across what you really see as the look of the day.<br />
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Below are some gorgeous examples of how you could bring together your Wedding Wish List to create the vision you have.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://macsflowers.blogspot.com/">source</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-22572662389130967362010-09-24T08:00:00.001+01:002010-09-24T08:00:02.767+01:00Feature Friday featuring Nicole Bogue & Gabrielle Stepan from Little Giggles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to another in our hugely popular <strong>Feature Friday</strong> articles - today we're chatting with <strong>Nicole Bogue</strong> and <strong>Gabrielle Stepan</strong> from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/littlegigglesbaby">Little Giggles</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RhDsEnp8uKM-jXHBPep3U_h_fVpe-3rjlMVUBiKH540L4HlWHIRI1kD1E9ymsF8zVRlhEbWSDuJQn1VGWzyK41fRMEBrSF8fbkxmqXZpmZ6j1SCpmKZ028qChJUYhzusZQeKJwwEA5mi/s1600/logo+final+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RhDsEnp8uKM-jXHBPep3U_h_fVpe-3rjlMVUBiKH540L4HlWHIRI1kD1E9ymsF8zVRlhEbWSDuJQn1VGWzyK41fRMEBrSF8fbkxmqXZpmZ6j1SCpmKZ028qChJUYhzusZQeKJwwEA5mi/s320/logo+final+1.bmp" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY_eG8X9ERF62RtUQ47gGiw1FPaA3zoF9Pkgm7Kp74qPrNrDEg5pJPZDGCXNkNexVmekJxYNBDO7Aoy78n1kRLGoiksn8n5Zf4JiDilV5RjPy3u_AQt1TStf1LBfyZI86Zl1vmMg2Keml/s1600/3+Tier+Nappy+Cake+boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY_eG8X9ERF62RtUQ47gGiw1FPaA3zoF9Pkgm7Kp74qPrNrDEg5pJPZDGCXNkNexVmekJxYNBDO7Aoy78n1kRLGoiksn8n5Zf4JiDilV5RjPy3u_AQt1TStf1LBfyZI86Zl1vmMg2Keml/s320/3+Tier+Nappy+Cake+boy.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><strong>Hi Nicole & Gabrielle, can you introduce our readers to you and your company? </strong><br />
<strong>Nicole</strong> - In addition to being a busy entrepreneur, I am a Mum to 17 month old Cian and I'm also a teacher. <br />
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<strong>Gabrielle</strong> - In 2008, I graduated from college in the United States during one of the toughest economic recessions. After months of not being able to find a job, I took it as a sign that I am not meant to be in the "9 to 5 corporate world" and that I should look at this as an opportunity to do something different that, under other circumstances, I might have never tried. <br />
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<strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong><br />
<strong>Nicole</strong> - I have always been passionate about children and, giving birth to my son last year, made me realise how much I wanted to start my own business. Throughout my pregnancy I was given many lovely gifts from friends and family for our little bundle, and it was amazing to see how spoiled my unborn child already was! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3NVJeuR8sk9RdkNX0qYQfyi-fOvHRmugCwReEU619nbv17KSeFG2x2r661CTtAP5l69L_sr_im_1J1JnEU1NXB6GDIrS0ITr9ReyZzfh9yD1B_jCd-MfIwHxod5AKMr2k0cgM4W2glxs/s1600/Clothes+Bouquet+Front+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3NVJeuR8sk9RdkNX0qYQfyi-fOvHRmugCwReEU619nbv17KSeFG2x2r661CTtAP5l69L_sr_im_1J1JnEU1NXB6GDIrS0ITr9ReyZzfh9yD1B_jCd-MfIwHxod5AKMr2k0cgM4W2glxs/s320/Clothes+Bouquet+Front+view.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Since we left his gender to be a surprise until his birth, we were overwhelmed by the amount of "neutral" baby outfits we received. Not that we weren't grateful, but it definitely got me thinking about how I could put a twist on the traditional baby gift regardless of the sex of the baby.... This is when I recruited the help of my sister, Gabrielle, and together we created Little Giggles!<br />
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<strong>Gabrielle</strong> - I made the decision to move to Ireland with my sister and together we embarked on the exciting journey of starting up a business. Much like Nicole, I have always been interested in the Baby Gift's industry. We both knew that starting up a business was not going to be an easy task but, in the face of tough economic times, we felt that if we were going to take this risk, we might as well do something that we both find pleasure in. Needless to say, Little Giggles is our labour of love and although we continue to face daily challenges, we really enjoy what we do and we hope that we can continue to spread the word and get people to fall in love with our products. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo0RuYCyc5W3QSmwbl216rH6QP_h-9DhvV4ZNaA0w7gnMnbI5XEHdyGjz9EC-yYnRTsRDvJTlzxm2kDg4GEWM0JrCSZz4a_oRSA9HJZx_p9p2uFatMW6oN82PhQZwDimmI5O5xwRyvssU/s1600/Cupcakes-fairy+Cakes+Girl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo0RuYCyc5W3QSmwbl216rH6QP_h-9DhvV4ZNaA0w7gnMnbI5XEHdyGjz9EC-yYnRTsRDvJTlzxm2kDg4GEWM0JrCSZz4a_oRSA9HJZx_p9p2uFatMW6oN82PhQZwDimmI5O5xwRyvssU/s320/Cupcakes-fairy+Cakes+Girl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The concept behind Little Giggles is fairly simple and straight forward, yet unique and practical. All of Little Giggles baby gifts are one of a kind and all handmade. Our products are made in a smoke free and pet free environment. Not only are our gifts pleasing to the eyes, but all of our creations are made with high quality, usable, and practical supplies (or as we refer to them, ingredients) for the parents and the brand new baby. Our products contain ingredients such as Nappies, Toys, Pacifiers, Bibs, Clothes, Teethers, Bottles etc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzKSkYBlnAeVksizC0Wv3brKo-GI9_x6zQq4P9cZxbGnkk4g97GA9-jahhcGTz_f7JRV2P9rHOhQg-q5MOMz0v3DT8HfHIk0Kv-xZwZMXWXt7nk-8sW71LgAMPdIyKWmFheXVXpSsZL1u/s1600/Ice+Cream+Swirls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzKSkYBlnAeVksizC0Wv3brKo-GI9_x6zQq4P9cZxbGnkk4g97GA9-jahhcGTz_f7JRV2P9rHOhQg-q5MOMz0v3DT8HfHIk0Kv-xZwZMXWXt7nk-8sW71LgAMPdIyKWmFheXVXpSsZL1u/s320/Ice+Cream+Swirls.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We specialise in Nappy Cakes, Nappy Wreaths, Floral Clothes Bouquets, Nappy Bears, Nappy Bundles, Ice Cream Swirls, Milkshakes, Clothes Cupcakes/Fairy Cakes and MUCH more. We are continually coming up with fresh ideas to give us that edge and to help us stand out. Our mission is to provide our customers with a unique gift giving experience. We take pride in every single one of our hand made creations and strive for satisfaction. Our ultimate goal is to bring smiles to the faces of those giving and receiving these gifts! <br />
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In addition to our Baby Gifts we also make Wedding Towel Cakes, Christening Gifts, and Big Brother/Big Sister Gifts (so they don't feel left out when the new bundle comes along!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7C0q30WziJZ7vK0QGmaxuI1Q2lRrDhGl5mVcNZaygx9XPh7_AGVi6BLK8OSF-W5Ed8GevjBxZZ_CAEzdKurfU1x8f73YHPNK5hOsYSEKPT-6PHTYhqELNZLwneoREgA-nNr10EAGQ-mGC/s1600/Large+Nappy+Bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7C0q30WziJZ7vK0QGmaxuI1Q2lRrDhGl5mVcNZaygx9XPh7_AGVi6BLK8OSF-W5Ed8GevjBxZZ_CAEzdKurfU1x8f73YHPNK5hOsYSEKPT-6PHTYhqELNZLwneoREgA-nNr10EAGQ-mGC/s320/Large+Nappy+Bear.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>All of our creations can be made to order, customised, and/or themed. We will work with YOU to create the perfect gift, regardless of your budget.<br />
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We have done lots of research on the Baby Gifts industry and we continue to educate ourselves on what's “trendy” and what appeals to new parents. Although we have come across other businesses that do what we do, we have yet to find one that meets our same level of attention, quality, and attractiveness, not to mention our competitive prices. Our products range on average between €7-€100. We take great pride in our work and everything we make exudes the same amount of excitement and love we invest in our creations.<br />
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<strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
We love that our business brings so much joy to our customers. It never gets old seeing the happiness on the faces of our customers! <br />
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<strong>What would you like to change?</strong><br />
We would change that we didn't start our business sooner! However, we have come to realise that things happen the way they do for a reason. And now that we are finally pursuing our dream, we would like nothing more than to increase our fan base and have more exposure! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cbRDjk8gMPtXc3ODqrqoUMHHuNmTsuYWMwYY0akDqMcuvmnAhUQubTT3BcoRUhhXgp4rpic4ZQuzy4twsafnvI9AKLgQnep_NSUM1BXLnKapV1SHAeq6dq0jtKqV3cNzSovX-o3TNPmd/s1600/Milkshakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cbRDjk8gMPtXc3ODqrqoUMHHuNmTsuYWMwYY0akDqMcuvmnAhUQubTT3BcoRUhhXgp4rpic4ZQuzy4twsafnvI9AKLgQnep_NSUM1BXLnKapV1SHAeq6dq0jtKqV3cNzSovX-o3TNPmd/s320/Milkshakes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
By next year we hope to be able to offer our products in stores and retail shops. As of now we sell our products online and in "Trinkets" which is located in Crestwood Shopping Center in Glanmire, Cork. <br />
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<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
Ultimately we would like to open up our own "Little Giggles" retail stores. We hope to start small and local, and over time spread across Ireland and then the world!! :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> If you have a dream, just go for it. Don't let anyone stop you<br />
<strong>Tip 2</strong> Women are extraordinary beings... just stay confident and embrace all the pitfalls<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvbOPNSIeQW6iCUtiE9vEvwkFQLxiU6We-MLkWNjr5k8KLYW2QSPp6_SgzpHt6tQbrcQDB2JOagMHS2YVjRs27SwK62V3u5lYwn2Rv0EpO_r3ejJ_f0f9mRpO-euCHlS2TJMGim7BLxt7/s1600/Nappy+Wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvbOPNSIeQW6iCUtiE9vEvwkFQLxiU6We-MLkWNjr5k8KLYW2QSPp6_SgzpHt6tQbrcQDB2JOagMHS2YVjRs27SwK62V3u5lYwn2Rv0EpO_r3ejJ_f0f9mRpO-euCHlS2TJMGim7BLxt7/s320/Nappy+Wreath.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Tip 3</strong> It's not really a "man's world" let's face it, they would be lost without us! :)<br />
<strong>Tip 4</strong> "Slow and steady wins the race" Don't try to execute all your ideas at once! You will overwhelm yourself!<br />
<strong>Tip 5</strong> Take all criticisms, good and bad, and use them to your advantage. You are already your own worst critic so don't worry about what others think of you or your ideas<br />
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<strong>If any prospective customers are reading, how can they contact you?</strong><br />
We can be contacted via our Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/littlegigglesbaby">www.facebook.com/littlegigglesbaby</a>, by email on <a href="mailto:littlegigglesbaby@yahoo.ie">littlegigglesbaby@yahoo.ie</a> or Tweet us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lilgiggs">http://www.twitter.com/lilgiggs</a>. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks so much for chatting with us today Nicole & Gabrielle - your company is indeed unique and we think that there will be many people interested in your service. </div><br />
Remember, if you'd like to be involved with Creation|Collaboration, make sure to check out our forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a>.The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-5091103339619028252010-09-22T08:37:00.000+01:002010-09-22T08:37:19.584+01:00Coming up Roses ! - Choosing Wedding Flowers "Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful.<br />
They are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.<br />
[Luther Burbank- Naturalist]<br />
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This statement makes your florist a very important part of your event preparation, but firstly you need to be happy with your choice.<br />
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Ask lots of questions, about different flowers, whats in season etc<br />
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Ask to see portfolio's. You want a florist who's style matches your own.<br />
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Its also important to mention any themes, and take colour swatches so that the florist can help you choose the best blooms.<br />
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As well as looking great you have to take into consideration the scent of the flowers, some may be very beautiful to look at but can be overpowering in smell.<br />
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Consider the locations that need to be decorated.<br />
For a wedding as a general guide you may need -<br />
<br />
Church [ pedestal , pew ends]<br />
Reception [ top table, guest tables]<br />
Personal [ Bride, Bridesmaids, groom, best man, ushers,mothers, fathers, gift bouquets]<br />
<br />
In an autumn or winter wedding, the addition of a candelabra to the flower arrangements can be particularly striking.<br />
And for any other non wedding event-<br />
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Guest tables<br />
Buffet Tables<br />
Pedestal arrangements etc<br />
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A good florist will also know many local venues and will be able to give you direction on what works best where.<br />
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Also remember that many florists charge a delivery fee and for set up at your ceremony and reception sites.<br />
Take time in choosing flowers for your event, they are usually primary in the decoration of your venue.<br />
See a few different florist, interview them properly, if a florist is pushing you towards arrangements you can't afford, move on.<br />
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Also as a cost saving exercise, you can give away your table centrepieces at the end of the evening to special family members or guests, or keep for those unable to attend.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TJkwV2Tz46I/AAAAAAAADVo/EOnDwKM2QEk/s1600/orande-fall-wedding-flower-bouquet-centerpiece%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" qx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TJkwV2Tz46I/AAAAAAAADVo/EOnDwKM2QEk/s400/orande-fall-wedding-flower-bouquet-centerpiece%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.bridalbud.com/">http://www.bridalbud.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-37693408665927205172010-09-17T08:00:00.001+01:002010-09-17T08:00:00.682+01:00Feature Friday featuring Helen Lindop from Business Plus Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to our hugely popular <strong>Feature Friday</strong> - today we're chatting to <strong>Helen Lindop</strong> who runs the blog <a href="http://www.businessplusbaby.com/">Business Plus Baby</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Hi Helen, thanks for chatting with us today - can you tell us more about you and your enterprise?</strong></div>Hi, I’m Helen Lindop. I have a blog <a href="http://www.businessplusbaby.com/">http://www.businessplusbaby.com/</a> which helps mums of babies and toddlers start businesses. This week my book was published – it’s called ‘S<strong>tart a Family Friendly Business – 23 brilliant business ideas for mums (and how to tell which is right for you)</strong>’ and I wrote it with Antonia Chitty of <a href="http://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk./">http://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk./</a><br />
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Also, I have just launched a web content and copywriting business, <a href="http://www.helenlindop.com/">www.helenlindop.com<strong></strong></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4VaSq1JoplBcR59QzxoXnvAp182hinn4Pawl9NUArAX6HHzIFLSHwdXqrKnq_mtZbOv0gH_AH94Bp3I1aLx5UXvL_3E5SyO_wBLlHu5qi-mjcB0szyz4BHW1VIpHXQGfk3OKeX4ji-8S/s1600/10+things+cover+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4VaSq1JoplBcR59QzxoXnvAp182hinn4Pawl9NUArAX6HHzIFLSHwdXqrKnq_mtZbOv0gH_AH94Bp3I1aLx5UXvL_3E5SyO_wBLlHu5qi-mjcB0szyz4BHW1VIpHXQGfk3OKeX4ji-8S/s320/10+things+cover+shot.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong></strong> <strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One day in September 2008, I took my four-month-old daughter to visit a nursery. I was going back to work four or five days per week the following January and had to sort out her childcare. As I left the nursery, I discovered that I simply couldn't leave my baby anywhere full-time. It wasn’t the nursery that was the problem, it was me. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I hadn't a clue what to do next. I'd had a permanent job for a while, but before that I'd been freelance for six years. I thought that being self-employed might be the only option open to me but, as a new mum, I had no idea how it might work. What type of work could I do? Was it even possible to run a business around a small child?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I started to research some business ideas. I tried a party plan, but selling another company’s products just didn’t grab me. I worked my way through lots of other business ideas but none of them really fitted me or my family. Then I found out (to my surprise) I was expecting our second baby – due just fifteen months after the first.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The goalposts had moved again - with two babies I would need a business that was very flexible indeed! I started blogging because I wanted to connect with other mums in business and I thought all my research might help someone else.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I noticed my blog was gathering some readers so I kept going and it turned into a little business of its own. Through blogging, I connected with Antonia Chitty and we started to work on our book together. Now I’m going to use my blog to help promote the book and I have plans to write more resources to help mums start businesses.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Blogging has taught me about online copywriting and I find it really fascinating. I noticed that many small businesses are struggling with their web content. For example:</div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They find their website text isn’t getting readers to do what they want them to do, eg sign up to their mailing list, buy, or pick up the phone.</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Blogging is a great way to get noticed by search engines, but it’s time consuming and businesses often don’t know what to write about. </div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Offering a free e-book to potential clients demonstrates their expertise and, if it’s good, clients will want to read it and keep it. That’s much better than advertising, which is often ignored! But writing a good e-book isn’t as easy as it looks and takes a long time to get it right.</div></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I used to write a lot in my previous job as an IT trainer, so I’ve combined the copywriting with my previous experience plus my blogging knowledge to create my new business.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfbT5j1iMS5h7ieLH9E3s0M-2t-TZzzby9YcWOFZLG8rAYJUz0n9AupvnBGWqWEaUWvy_03yccnWP53gmJTwMyidfyG7Vf3md0mNCngqXI-ghYVD2QSa7lpgbyStIA0G7yHPeLt2jW70n/s1600/Start+a+home+business+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfbT5j1iMS5h7ieLH9E3s0M-2t-TZzzby9YcWOFZLG8rAYJUz0n9AupvnBGWqWEaUWvy_03yccnWP53gmJTwMyidfyG7Vf3md0mNCngqXI-ghYVD2QSa7lpgbyStIA0G7yHPeLt2jW70n/s1600/Start+a+home+business+book+cover.jpg" /></a></div><strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong><br />
I love the flexibility to work around my family and the way I get to connect with so many inspiring business women.<br />
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<strong>What would you like to change?</strong><br />
Earning an income online takes a lot of time and patience. Doing anything when you have small children around takes three times as long as it would without! So there have been times when I’ve been very frustrated by my slow progress.<br />
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<strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong><br />
To ease my children into pre-school so I have more time to develop my blog and copywriting business. And to keep learning and improving.<br />
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<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong><br />
It’s so hard to say when you have small children. When they are born it turns your life upside down and I’m still getting used to it. Then you just think you’ve got the hang of it and everything changes!<br />
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If I can run a business that I enjoy, that earns me a decent income and that allows me to spend lots of time with my family then I’ll be happy.<br />
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<strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong> <br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong>. Research, research, research – it’s so easy to skip over this but it’s essential.<br />
<strong>Tip 2</strong>. Do the maths – many people don’t work out all their costs properly and then end up losing money instead of making it.<br />
<strong>Tip 3</strong>. Pick something that you love – it’s hard work and if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing you won’t stick at it.<br />
<strong>Tip 4</strong>. Tweak that ‘something that you love’ so that you’re offering a product or service that people REALLY want. Don’t be a starving artist - It’s so much easier to sell something if people actually want it!<br />
<strong>Tip 5</strong>. Test your business idea by running it in the evenings. When you’ve got some momentum and you’ve proven it works you can give up the day job.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgdZ3wMGoq0O0_hL7slN37tagzF5HfSjVlJyKgAmmv3X7h9cRtqAFh1nvoVIJkMOp4CJmI2GGhJTmP1VLifN8HdT55Qn89JuFKmD3bmOUI5VLWd6QSeh_6gH2pCWrpAmi623DaomLEcD/s1600/Helen+Lindop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgdZ3wMGoq0O0_hL7slN37tagzF5HfSjVlJyKgAmmv3X7h9cRtqAFh1nvoVIJkMOp4CJmI2GGhJTmP1VLifN8HdT55Qn89JuFKmD3bmOUI5VLWd6QSeh_6gH2pCWrpAmi623DaomLEcD/s320/Helen+Lindop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong>How can people contact you Helen?</strong><br />
I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.businessplusbaby.com/">http://www.businessplusbaby.com/</a> or on <a href="http://www.businessplusbaby.com/contact-me/">http://www.businessplusbaby.com/contact-me/</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/businessplusbaby">http://www.facebook.com/businessplusbaby</a> or Tweet me at <a href="http://twitter.com/HelenLindop">http://twitter.com/HelenLindop</a><br />
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Thanks so much for chatting with us today Helen - the organic growth of your business because of your family committments is really fascinating and I imagine a lot of our readers will be able to identify with you regarding running and business with small childen in tow! We look forward to seeing your book in print - make sure to drop back and tell us when and where it's available. <br />
<div> </div><div>Remember, if you'd like to chat with Helen or any of our Feature Friday businesswomen, please check into our forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a>. </div><div> </div>The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-80661813386207412882010-09-10T08:00:00.001+01:002010-09-10T08:00:00.987+01:00Feature Friday featuring Annette Reilly of Neki.ieWelcome to our latest <strong>Feature Friday</strong> article - today we're featuring Annette Reilly of <a href="http://neki.ie/">Neki.ie</a>, a company dealing with Neuro Energetic Kinesiology. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSPGoOvDqFvr6z7nBxlh9hllTFkTu2hJnH3CqjCZHgHX9tx1S_nx-a9O0ZLCynZkJyM3uQDbuMp2k0nnIqzAG5SwCR4r4SUzIGgKbkeXHfkJMY4-D4TMWl0ouMqfAh0Qr9q3CQCU1XR3g/s1600/0607+354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSPGoOvDqFvr6z7nBxlh9hllTFkTu2hJnH3CqjCZHgHX9tx1S_nx-a9O0ZLCynZkJyM3uQDbuMp2k0nnIqzAG5SwCR4r4SUzIGgKbkeXHfkJMY4-D4TMWl0ouMqfAh0Qr9q3CQCU1XR3g/s320/0607+354.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Hi Annette - thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today. Can you explain to our readers what Neuro Energetic Kinesiology is?</strong></div>Kinesiology is the science of movement. Kinesiology has its roots in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and chiropractic methods. It incorporates techniques such as acupressure and meridian balancing, gentle structural manipulation, massage and nutrition. Kinesiology works to balance all systems of the body and can help with any health issue whether it's physical, mental or emotional.<br />
<br />
Kinesiology assesses the patient via a muscle response test. This is a gentle test which detects stresses and imbalances in the four areas of the body's systems:<br />
* <strong>Chemical</strong> eg nutrition, hormones, pH balance, metabolism, immune response<br />
* <strong>Structural</strong> eg bones, muscles, tissues<br />
* <strong>Emotional</strong> eg stress, anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma<br />
* <strong>Electromagnetic</strong> eg hydration, energy levels, energy fields<br />
<br />
In Neuro Energetic Kinesiology we use what are called "finger modes" One mode in particular is called "priority mode" by using this mode at the beginning of a session it allows only that which is priority to work on with each client to come to the surface during a session. In short, Kinesiology works where the body needs it most, in a way that is most effective for each client.<br />
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<strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong> <br />
I began training approximately 6 yrs ago in the area of Complementary Medicine. After qualifying in many different disciplines, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Reiki Mastership, Kinesiology to name but a few, I discovered the therapy that was producing the fastest and most profound results with clients was Kinesiology. I decided to specialize in the area of Neuro Energetic Kinesiology. I trained in Northern Ireland with a wonderful woman, Orla Brady, and also with the founder of Neuro Energetic Kinesiology Hugo Tobar (Australia). Hugo would travel over several times a year to do intensive training with us. The course began with 35 students and ended with 4 of us qualifying. 3 people in Northern Ireland and just me from the Republic of Ireland.<br />
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<strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
I love being able, through my work, to resolve issues in just a few sessions that have been persistent in a client’s life for a number of years. One of the main issues I’m working with at the moment is depression and I’m having amazing results with it. Clients are having huge improvements in as little as three sessions. Also arthritis, learning difficulties, insomnia, digestive disorders, fears & phobias, panic attacks etc. The list of ailments/issues (mental, emotional, structural) is endless that can all be worked on and relieved through the use of NEK (Neuro Energetic Kinesiology).<br />
<br />
<strong>What would you like to change?</strong> <br />
The only thing I would like to change is Hugo’s address!! I would love if he lived a little closer than Australia as he is constantly developing further courses so we can continue our training to a more advanced level. Unfortunately, as there are only 4 of us who have reached such an advanced level of training with him, myself in the Republic of Ireland and three in Northern Ireland, its not really beneficial for him to travel so far as often for such a small group. <br />
<br />
Hugo also teaches many courses in Austria and Germany so we have the option of travelling there to train and I plan to travel to Salzburg in early September to do a course that will allow me to teach the foundation level of his work (Principles of Kinesiology) in the Republic. I’m really excited about that as this course has only been developed in the past year and it has never been taught in Ireland before.<br />
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</div><strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
Over the next year, I plan to teach Principles of Kinesiology throughout the Republic of Ireland. I also plan to do more advanced training on the immune system and vaccination pathways. This course deals with the immune system and all of its related aspects. I will learn how to access the stress on all aspects of the immune system by an extensive formatting system. There will be information on how to access stress with formatting cell physiology and the cell organelles, blood chemistry and blood cells, cell pathology with cancer and ageing, the non-specific immune system, the adaptive immune system, the effects of pathogens such as virus and bacteria, and vaccinations. Formatting, bacteria, virus, fungus, parasites, toxins, liver enzyme balance, 4 types of hypersensitivity balancing (allergies), T helper cell hologram, T killer cell hologram, Antigen Presenting Cell Hologram, Mast cell Hologram, Formatting for CD molecules, balancing transplants, auto immune disease. The training is very intensive and will be run early November 2010 in Northern Ireland.<br />
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<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
Ultimately I see myself teaching Neuro Energetic Kinesiology full time throughout Ireland. In the model of Kinesiology, there is a connection between the physical structures such as the muscles, bones, hormones, neurology, etc and the energetic structures. Muscle monitoring through NEK gives me the ability to assess the stress levels in the physical and energetic structures. After the source of the stress has been identified, muscle monitoring allows me to find what would be the most appropriate correction technique to correct the imbalance. This eliminates the need for guess work, thereby making the corrections very efficient. I believe people, young and old can benefit from the effects of NEK and I plan to do my best to bring it to as many homes in the Republic as I possibly can.<br />
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<strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> If you are new to business, contact your Local Enterprise Board as you may be entitled to a start up grant<br />
<strong>Tip 2</strong> Don’t lose hope when you don’t see clients lining up immediately – be patient, it will happen<br />
<strong>Tip 3</strong> Shop around for business cards/brochures they really vary in price from one company to the next<br />
<strong>Tip 4</strong> Don’t spend a fortune on advertising - the best advertisement is “word of mouth”. If you provide a good service to people, they will tell their friends etc.<br />
<strong>Tip 5</strong> Do what you love and love what you do. When you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life!!<br />
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<strong>Interviews with Dublin’s Near FM:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.bernicepaolozzi.com/podcast/42-health/109-interview-with-kinesiologist-annette-reilly.html">http://www.bernicepaolozzi.com/podcast/42-health/109-interview-with-kinesiologist-annette-reilly.html</a> <a href="http://www.bernicepaolozzi.com/podcast/42-health/145-interview-with-annette-reilly-neuro-energetic-kinesiologist.html">http://www.bernicepaolozzi.com/podcast/42-health/145-interview-with-annette-reilly-neuro-energetic-kinesiologist.html</a> <br />
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<strong>How would a prospective client contact you?</strong><br />
My website is currently under construction but can be located at <a href="http://www.neki.ie/">http://www.neki.ie/</a>, I can be contacted via email at <a href="mailto:nekinesiologist@hotmail.com">nekinesiologist@hotmail.com</a>, I'm on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001110422429">http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001110422429</a> and you can Tweet me at <a href="http://twitter.com/NEKinesiologist">http://twitter.com/NEKinesiologist</a>. If clients wished to contact me via phone, my number is 00 353 85 785 8770.<br />
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Thanks so much for chatting with us today Annette - the science around Kinesiology seems fascinating and it has to be so rewarding that you can help so many people out. <br />
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Remember, if you are a businesswoman running a business from home and would like to become one of our Feature Fridays, please drop us a line at <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> and put the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line. Also, you can join us at our new forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a> to chat to other like minded businesswoman for help, advice and general chat. The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-49115753562336196412010-09-03T08:00:00.001+01:002010-09-03T08:00:07.172+01:00Feature Friday featuring Gillian Bell of Starweds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Welcome readers, to our latest <strong>Feature Friday</strong> article - today we're featuring Gillian Bell of <a href="http://www.starweds.co.uk/">Starweds</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwblet4vzeiqYlVZgNrGqdEdF3pQPedTHb8ZUukbIOYHr8faaxFGRkxTRj0CMk3fdS3P5TjHAL1oP8nzSxblmqgoaWe3WJglkCRoV0FdMKyBVVOrFDL-kCcIjWvnK-Gqb2TQ3FWNDXlSk/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwblet4vzeiqYlVZgNrGqdEdF3pQPedTHb8ZUukbIOYHr8faaxFGRkxTRj0CMk3fdS3P5TjHAL1oP8nzSxblmqgoaWe3WJglkCRoV0FdMKyBVVOrFDL-kCcIjWvnK-Gqb2TQ3FWNDXlSk/s1600/logo.jpg" /></a></div><strong>Thanks for taking the time to chat to us today Gillian - can you tell us more about yourself and your company?</strong><br />
My name is Gillian Bell and my company is an online wedding gift service - <a href="http://www.starweds.co.uk/">http://www.starweds.co.uk/</a>. StarWeds is an exciting and unique service for contemporary couples who don't need any more toasters or towel bales. It is an innovative gift list alternative which allows your wedding guests to make monetary contributions as a wedding gift. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA56wXhZ1XfrY1qOBRn220MkeFJFtEZ15JG0B1-PRpgczEHESkR8CyVvM7SmfAzBs1TtKSDITCHaN2joUt_65jkFiRJfyY8dzX_nIZB5qylxHwU5le_TaDoG1p9wCfHRKCWswmLfiuCRI-/s1600/cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA56wXhZ1XfrY1qOBRn220MkeFJFtEZ15JG0B1-PRpgczEHESkR8CyVvM7SmfAzBs1TtKSDITCHaN2joUt_65jkFiRJfyY8dzX_nIZB5qylxHwU5le_TaDoG1p9wCfHRKCWswmLfiuCRI-/s1600/cd.jpg" /></a>The money in your wedding gift fund is yours to spend as you please, ie you are not restricted to spending within a department store or booking with a specific travel agent. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>StarWeds has your very own personalised wedding website to which your friends and family can contribute money as a wedding gift. Guests can choose from a variety of quick, easy and secure payment methods (ie credit/debit card via PayPal, cheque or balance transfer).<br />
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We provide beautiful, customised invitation inserts so that you can tell your wedding guests all about your website. <br />
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Please visit <a href="http://www.starweds.co.uk/">http://www.starweds.co.uk/</a>, and if you would like to view a sample of the personalised wedding website, then please visit <a href="http://www.starweds.co.uk/sample">http://www.starweds.co.uk/sample</a>. <br />
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After your wedding, your personalised wedding website can be saved to a souvenir CD, so that it can be yours to treasure forever.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIzMxyXn40UJij9LjucYcN4CHkMeRD48VPf1mDlMAoAV5mIFGQpvF8Pgva_SszWbOUvLaXEu7d6yp3BulwTGudlzA_bILi7OSrTTbKDYFlb01CAi1wPEuj43N2nVmdz9YCXhYtz88tYYL/s1600/inserts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIzMxyXn40UJij9LjucYcN4CHkMeRD48VPf1mDlMAoAV5mIFGQpvF8Pgva_SszWbOUvLaXEu7d6yp3BulwTGudlzA_bILi7OSrTTbKDYFlb01CAi1wPEuj43N2nVmdz9YCXhYtz88tYYL/s320/inserts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong><br />
We came up with the idea in May last year. My partner, Chris, and I had attended five weddings in 2009 and given money as a gift at every single one. We found that there was no safe and/or easy way to do this, so we developed the idea of StarWeds.<br />
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<strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
One of the things that I love most about my business is exhibiting at wedding fayres and meeting our prospective clients face-to-face to advise them all about the dedicated, personal and world-class service that we provide.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjz2gWZKtjowogfg68996fyBq5RK588CwPCleJ-OefyEQz08L1BtligPeANzLLy0bAA18e2khV4AdS17Nqa9ea-Ou3KMB__ZdE1R0askqJcFQxXSphDyQC2v2Z27cwXFMbGy6GS27PMGs/s1600/wedding+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjz2gWZKtjowogfg68996fyBq5RK588CwPCleJ-OefyEQz08L1BtligPeANzLLy0bAA18e2khV4AdS17Nqa9ea-Ou3KMB__ZdE1R0askqJcFQxXSphDyQC2v2Z27cwXFMbGy6GS27PMGs/s320/wedding+show.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><strong>What would you like to change?</strong> <br />
Recent research conducted by Wedding Magazine found that 45% of couples would prefer their guests to give them money as a wedding gift. We would like to be responsible for increasing this percentage. In other countries, such as China, Poland, Japan and India giving money as a wedding gift is traditional and we feel that with the truly personalised service we provide, we could lead the UK in following this trend.<br />
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<strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
Despite only launching our business in February this year, we have already been lucky enough to have StarWeds featured in both the Scottish Wedding Directory and The Best Scottish Weddings Magazine. In 2011, we would like to reach a wider audience and aim to be featured in national wedding publications too.<br />
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<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
Ideally, we would like StarWeds to become renowned as the leading UK provider of not only personalised wedding websites but also as the number one facilitator of online wedding gift funds. <br />
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<strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> - <strong>Provide First-Class Customer Service</strong>: The most important tip is to treat your customers as you would like to be treated yourself. Ensure that you provide a high-quality, personal service and make clients aware that you are there for them every step along the way. Chances are if you have your own business, you will be putting your heart and soul into it, so this should shine through in the service that you provide. We understand that a couple's wedding day is one of the most special days of their lives and we want to ensure that they remember their StarWeds experience as enjoyable, stress-free and truly exceptional.<br />
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<strong>Tip 2 - Daily To-Do Lists:</strong> I am a strong believer in to-do lists. If you start each day with a list of what you need to achieve to accomplish your goals, then this helps you to focus and direct your energies more effectively. <br />
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<strong>Tip 3 – Know your Market:</strong> I spent several months researching before I finally set up my business. You need to know who your competitors are, that you are pricing your services correctly and that you have plenty of unique selling points.<br />
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<strong>Tip 4 - Be Dynamic:</strong> Technology-based business is one of the most dynamic environments. We are constantly reviewing, updating and improving our site. Technology business landscape can change in a flash as new technologies are launched every day, so we are forced to be flexible, forward plan to stay ahead of trends and embrace change. <br />
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<strong>Tip 5 - Network:</strong> I have found that networking events, particularly those with other business women are very helpful. These events are a great opportunity to promote your business and to gain feedback. Contacts from these events can be potential customers and possibly open other doorways of opportunity.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByJwQYEkWS7NQGSWm2sfaqwSltJTVXw-4FhUgckCOvVmEa2i1JstL4p6nfZkumGiUsed5Mia47eDERF_l_hq53pCsXQKG5mpPOrlgc2dJDrPoMaIh2ISD6u45L3HrAKI9snyrEJdCXWm3/s1600/site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByJwQYEkWS7NQGSWm2sfaqwSltJTVXw-4FhUgckCOvVmEa2i1JstL4p6nfZkumGiUsed5Mia47eDERF_l_hq53pCsXQKG5mpPOrlgc2dJDrPoMaIh2ISD6u45L3HrAKI9snyrEJdCXWm3/s320/site.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>If prospective customers would like to get in touch, how can they contact you? </strong><br />
I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.starweds.co.uk/">http://www.starweds.co.uk/</a> or by email on <a href="mailto:contact@starweds.co.uk">contact@starweds.co.uk</a>; I'm also on Facebook on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starweds">www.facebook.com/starweds</a> or you can Tweet me at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/starweds">www.twitter.com/starweds</a>.<br />
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Thanks so much for taking the time out to chat with us today Gillian, your service is really clever and innovative and I can see a lot of people being really interested. <br />
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We really hope you enjoyed today's Feature Friday - remember, if you are a businesswoman running your business from home and would like you and your company to be featured, please drop us an email to <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> with the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line. And don't forget to join our forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a> to chat with like minded businesswomen.The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-21590074516032224032010-09-01T08:15:00.000+01:002010-09-01T08:15:25.481+01:00How to be Picture Perfect for your Big Day !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TH2ODncOq8I/AAAAAAAAC7g/r2qEoVBd8zc/s1600/gem-camera%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TH2ODncOq8I/AAAAAAAAC7g/r2qEoVBd8zc/s320/gem-camera%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I think every single one of us stress about our wedding photographs, after all it is the one lasting memory of our Special Day.<br />
First there is the monumental task of finding a photographer that suits the style and range we wish, and then we just worry about trivial things, like that big pimple popping up and the weather not being good.<br />
But any photographer worth their salt will have the skill to overcome all these issues.<br />
However, there are ways that we can help ourselves be picture perfect.<br />
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Consider an engagement photo shoot. <br />
Spending time with your photographer perfecting the look you want prior to the main event will help you relax more on the actual wedding day, and allow your photographer an insight in how to get the best from you.<br />
Look after yourself inside and out. <br />
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Eat well and drink lots of water, take up gentle exercise and get plenty of rest.<br />
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Remember to cleanse, tone and moisturise.<br />
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Stress and tiredness and lack of care will show in your skin.<br />
Consider long and hard what you want to do with your hair and make up and have trials in both.<br />
If you want to go for a completely different hair look [say long to short] , give yourself a good few months in case it doesn't turn out how you wanted.<br />
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And be careful with any new make up, you don't want it to react with your skin.<br />
Practicing your pose in the mirror might sound a little self indulgent, but by lifting your head a little, any double chin will hopefully disappear, and it will give you a chance to find the best way to face your body to disguise any little hang ups you have.<br />
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On the day, remember to keep your flowers down , as beautiful as they may be, you really want to have the focus on and show off that beautiful dress.<br />
And probably the very most important thing that you really shouldn't have to practice or think about - SMILE !!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-61017309955172834912010-08-27T08:00:00.001+01:002010-08-27T08:00:07.976+01:00Feature Friday featuring Vanessa Coppes of Envjewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to another of our <strong>Feature Friday</strong> articles which are proving hugely popular - today we're chatting with <strong>Vanessa Coppes</strong> from <a href="http://www.envjewelry.com/"><strong>Envjewelry</strong></a><strong>. </strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3nEC4-ZdY4ApcM-gz_L8BjkYo4fRvUFXKu0yvBtqUqWVSseSJR4y52HA9KVas102W5ExWcvHv8Sp2dhzuF1YNtAK4Qx-44-FgB8rBvmkjfN-qj3WMnLK4n44q2RtbhVViGOfj0V5jh_P/s1600/Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3nEC4-ZdY4ApcM-gz_L8BjkYo4fRvUFXKu0yvBtqUqWVSseSJR4y52HA9KVas102W5ExWcvHv8Sp2dhzuF1YNtAK4Qx-44-FgB8rBvmkjfN-qj3WMnLK4n44q2RtbhVViGOfj0V5jh_P/s1600/Banner.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSLNG8D-NmsBtGeD_jHNakO2AN3NQik0MMjiepWFDK2zbO9yMCrgYRtyYckbw826Hly4_5UFR3BkBlOE-uvx3JKdM5Rr_XBNGz0dLGqpQHDZsh7swPnP1YvTdfMCPggfZc8R9pmvl_AWg/s1600/ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSLNG8D-NmsBtGeD_jHNakO2AN3NQik0MMjiepWFDK2zbO9yMCrgYRtyYckbw826Hly4_5UFR3BkBlOE-uvx3JKdM5Rr_XBNGz0dLGqpQHDZsh7swPnP1YvTdfMCPggfZc8R9pmvl_AWg/s320/ring.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><strong>Thanks for talking to us today Vanessa, can you introduce us to you and your company?</strong><br />
Bold, stunning and beautiful are just a few words that have been used to describe my jewelry designs. Taking elements from my homeland, the Dominican Republic, and mixing them with classic and contemporary trends of fashion, I have been able to successfully launch my costume jewelry line in Staten Island, New York in June, 2009. These very diverse and unique pieces are little works of art that you can wear and they will definitely strike a conversation wherever you go. enV caters to all women who love jewelry and fashion, but most of all to those who dare to be different. <br />
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<strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong> <br />
Being creative was always easy for me. I could just look at something and find different ways to use it, or just change it. I was always curious in subjects related to the arts. I disliked Math, with as much passion as I loved Literature. It just wasn't "fun". <br />
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I've also always had a job and the need to keep my mind busy. Ten months after I had my son, and being at home, I decided I had to do something for my creative sanity (that and I found cleaning to be very boring ). So I picked up an old hobby, making jewelry. Using techniques I had learned through the years and brushing up on new ones, <strong>enV by Vanessa Coppes</strong> was established on June 16, 2009. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqj6RSGioSB2I7WpgBF-3mNmRsU2RZGLdlbclKFl6TeH-I9ifFpdJjyMqmiFwOk86336Tp79ui9gBIaRkySxMVQAZHMTkulLfm3omdAiMcGAK8ybIifXGEUl-i5JvyJDiaYoTx-Q-PGst/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqj6RSGioSB2I7WpgBF-3mNmRsU2RZGLdlbclKFl6TeH-I9ifFpdJjyMqmiFwOk86336Tp79ui9gBIaRkySxMVQAZHMTkulLfm3omdAiMcGAK8ybIifXGEUl-i5JvyJDiaYoTx-Q-PGst/s320/bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
I truly love the fact that it's mine.. so, If I need to, I can pace myself. I do enjoy working in my PJ's. I also love meeting women and other artists who enjoy this craft as much as I do. Everyday is a new opportunity to make it better and different. It keeps me on my toes and gives my life balance.<br />
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<strong>What would you like to change?</strong> <br />
I am still learning how to manage my business on a daily basis. I still dislike administrating it. So, if I could go back I would advise myself to be a little more organized with the administrative part of the business, understanding that although it isn't "fun", it's completely necessary for it to be successful. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOevyazVw3ri31zZRDI3KuJ-DuxobMO16nEZujfNiNjkWsBu4SfZ13dHVdoItfG8HVMsy824TlDBnUZLew3EWixks4FvK2DvapiYY9lwzf4heZLxsnLFnQQ_BeGenLxgARUeqFRC2fIjN/s1600/earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOevyazVw3ri31zZRDI3KuJ-DuxobMO16nEZujfNiNjkWsBu4SfZ13dHVdoItfG8HVMsy824TlDBnUZLew3EWixks4FvK2DvapiYY9lwzf4heZLxsnLFnQQ_BeGenLxgARUeqFRC2fIjN/s1600/earrings.jpg" /></a></div><strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
I am aiming to branch out, exploring other venues to sell my jewelry and accessories. I am also finding many of my online colleagues approach me for advice on how to market and run a business. So, consulting is definitely on my agenda as well as getting a lot more exposure.<br />
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<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
When I dream, I dream big...I seriously see my jewelry, not myself, on the cover of a magazine. So all of my energy is focused on getting more known. I don't, however, want to compromise the balance, flexibility and comfort that I get from working from home. So, as long as that balance isn't disturbed too much and as my son gets more independent, I see myself getting busier.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuJLGEGrFr8dkO5ZlcsY0CNmuiH-VnSLFrauadb412wmbo57fr9Bp7Y9dmpLKVQOYtnWAzYsvD_nXsftDwJrdsBipP6mtqlNndflcQMtifg6WsihlHFj9CxCcOUnt92UufhB08Gv12bJc/s1600/headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuJLGEGrFr8dkO5ZlcsY0CNmuiH-VnSLFrauadb412wmbo57fr9Bp7Y9dmpLKVQOYtnWAzYsvD_nXsftDwJrdsBipP6mtqlNndflcQMtifg6WsihlHFj9CxCcOUnt92UufhB08Gv12bJc/s320/headband.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women? </strong><br />
I cheated, I have 7:<br />
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<strong>Tip 1:</strong> <em>If your heart believes in it, follow your dream. It may be a hard step to take, but you must be able to step outside of the box and dare to do.</em><br />
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<strong>Tip 2</strong>: <em>Take advice from business professionals who have succeeded in taking the path you wish to take. They know what they're talking about, therefore should be able to give you sound advice.</em><br />
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<strong>Tip 3:</strong> <em>Be unique and stick to your company's identity. As tempting as it may be to copy someone who may be doing more business than you, in due time, people will start to recognize your efforts, and will flock towards what you offer, attracted by it's authenticity.</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlSOpV9j7bkuxp-9vpQHdPmoMwu4mmNDR9V8PDDTrkf8RuO5575EYs-hk5evv7rlW33zHJ-R0ra9UCUDtRHzWFvjaJJsEAAyWDw5zD9LIdv6WVPzqN0QHnb6g-4M20zXMhixSKAYG_D25/s1600/Lemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlSOpV9j7bkuxp-9vpQHdPmoMwu4mmNDR9V8PDDTrkf8RuO5575EYs-hk5evv7rlW33zHJ-R0ra9UCUDtRHzWFvjaJJsEAAyWDw5zD9LIdv6WVPzqN0QHnb6g-4M20zXMhixSKAYG_D25/s1600/Lemon.jpg" /></a></div><strong>Tip 4:</strong> <em>Learn how accounting works. If you don’t know how to bill and collect money that is owed to you, keep track of your receipts, or have a fundamental knowledge about accounting procedures, find a qualified accounting firm. It is very important to keep accurate and detailed records of all transactions (sales and purchases). If you have time, and the extra money, take a few accounting and business courses at your local community college to further your knowledge of how to run your business. If you can do it yourself, you will be able to save money and keep afloat during hard economic times. I use Quickbooks Pro and it has worked wonders for my company.</em><br />
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<strong>Tip 5:</strong> <em>The reaction from the customers who use your services or purchase your products, not only sales, should help you measure your success. Many companies have forgotten what customer service is really about. It is the key to your success. Satisfied and unsatisfied customers talk about your product and services. Bad news tends to travel faster than good news unfortunately.</em><br />
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<strong>Bonus Tip 6:</strong> <em>Create a sample of your product or services to give away. Contact local charity events to find out if your your product or service can be donated.</em><br />
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<strong>Bonus Tip 7:</strong> <em>Network, network, network. I have joined Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Digg, and possibly others I can't remember... they have helped me stay current and searchable on the Internet, and gotten me even more customers than I could've gained on my own...it's also helped connect with other amazing women, and we've been able to offer each other invaluable support.</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoVliscPd7YTHKBlp33qM32EQA7IRrGq7bzrJ4VTX5PENzOeTeI-GPD0yCochX1-54U2wEhP_4quGIu9KMYx8RPYkD7jmfBXFqsp95eSrJB9duCXtLOMnPhpMbh_5y7NOKTl_2Uv7w-cK/s1600/Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoVliscPd7YTHKBlp33qM32EQA7IRrGq7bzrJ4VTX5PENzOeTeI-GPD0yCochX1-54U2wEhP_4quGIu9KMYx8RPYkD7jmfBXFqsp95eSrJB9duCXtLOMnPhpMbh_5y7NOKTl_2Uv7w-cK/s320/Rainbow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong>If prospective clients want to buy some of your fabulous pieces, how can they contact you?</strong><br />
I can be contacted on my website at <a href="http://www.envjewelry.com/">http://www.envjewelry.com/</a> or they can drop me an email at <a href="mailto:vcoppes@me.com">vcoppes@me.com</a>; as I mentioned, I'm also on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/envbyvanessacoppes">www.facebook.com/envbyvanessacoppes</a> and they can tweet me at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/envbyvcoppes">www.twitter.com/envbyvcoppes</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IooHZ-gouZ0pDHPe0lZoNpQOxfwmh7nUvkQtFQFB8swtw6UaYZbPdWMMZPCPGdePfz6MWu5eAy4TOXMDNLaG-W-R1lf-mtPjWcrc0lYnU1IBlu06boyE0fe9OF64MN2wLyd-udM6fbLN/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IooHZ-gouZ0pDHPe0lZoNpQOxfwmh7nUvkQtFQFB8swtw6UaYZbPdWMMZPCPGdePfz6MWu5eAy4TOXMDNLaG-W-R1lf-mtPjWcrc0lYnU1IBlu06boyE0fe9OF64MN2wLyd-udM6fbLN/s1600/necklace.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy life to talk to you today Vanessa - your pieces are truly unique and it's inspirational to see that a successful business can be run alongside bringing up children and having a family.<br />
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Remember, if you are a businesswoman running your own business and would like to be featured on one of our upcoming Feature Friday articles, please drop us an email to <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> with the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line and we'll get back to you. And remember to join us at our forum where you can meet like minded businesswoman for advice and chat <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a>. The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-41807481969554535512010-08-20T08:00:00.036+01:002010-08-20T08:00:01.010+01:00Feature Friday featuring Amy Russell of It's Your Choc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome to another of our fabulous Feature Friday articles - today we'll be chatting with <strong>Amy Russell</strong> of </span><a href="http://www.itsyourchoc.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: small;">It's Your Choc</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_e-j6aLhkIcuO2VupX8JNVHQd__sNm8e63pR2JCpzGHiNErZGNEUAbcQ8vZpOF7oEh3le-bRGTKXB7YZaez413zQBv817Jrnnoa1eI9ip7-DrDhgKh9w_NLWfc_V5y3nAaD-DoMFYOlK/s1600/ITS-YOUR-CHOC+clear+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_e-j6aLhkIcuO2VupX8JNVHQd__sNm8e63pR2JCpzGHiNErZGNEUAbcQ8vZpOF7oEh3le-bRGTKXB7YZaez413zQBv817Jrnnoa1eI9ip7-DrDhgKh9w_NLWfc_V5y3nAaD-DoMFYOlK/s200/ITS-YOUR-CHOC+clear+background.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6efdPzWNz1K8noX3oremGs8uWQjWK2kpPHuhbnpnCwDGXd-QxZXSUVN4DrJ_2flPq5X2Pm8jCIQWIwTlT-L2Ll-knF3JEoiLIop0l0WPvGJr3dIBNuG_ScnE5NCVv_BhmS8wULMDKIy4j/s1600/386i+Party+Genie+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6efdPzWNz1K8noX3oremGs8uWQjWK2kpPHuhbnpnCwDGXd-QxZXSUVN4DrJ_2flPq5X2Pm8jCIQWIwTlT-L2Ll-knF3JEoiLIop0l0WPvGJr3dIBNuG_ScnE5NCVv_BhmS8wULMDKIy4j/s320/386i+Party+Genie+Birthday.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><strong>Thanks for chatting with us today Amy - can you tell our readers a little about yourself and your business: </strong><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Hi, I'm Amy and I'm 36 years young, a wife to Jon and mother to Lucy! </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It's Your Choc was started in November 2008 after I was made redundant. I needed something part-time and flexible to fit around my daughter and our life. At It's Your Choc, we make personalised and promotional chocolate bars which can be used for any occasion. Every bar is unique and can be designed to your own requirements with your input every step of the way.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from? </strong></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I originally bought a semi franchise but soon realised this was quite limiting. So we rebranded - got our own name, logo and website, and introduced some new products. Since then, its gone much further than just the franchise ever would ever have!</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HP5P5QEkhZsM5UEIidpOA_tY5Q7Hz2WsHxJsMSuJwjNKZgJm50OcICWk75pN1vFUwtTVBFBu_dQCkTngG3uCl3StmqhkWc-rCdjzzIGhx300YXhyphenhyphen-v1Z9B3X3WQPYCCE-V92KQO1QwgP/s1600/w111+Sarah+Brookes+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HP5P5QEkhZsM5UEIidpOA_tY5Q7Hz2WsHxJsMSuJwjNKZgJm50OcICWk75pN1vFUwtTVBFBu_dQCkTngG3uCl3StmqhkWc-rCdjzzIGhx300YXhyphenhyphen-v1Z9B3X3WQPYCCE-V92KQO1QwgP/s320/w111+Sarah+Brookes+wedding.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Every order I produce is for an occasion, be it a wedding, birthday, Christmas, birth announcement, product launch, whatever. I love seeing people's faces when they collect their bars and see the designs we have put together for them. Even though they have already seen them via email, nothing beats seeing the real thing!</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>What would you like to change?</strong> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I wish I had taken the time to set things up better when I first started. I started on the dining room table and am still here 2 years later! I have got so used to it that I am now finding it hard to move to my "office" upstairs!!</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I would like to introduce some new flavoured chocolate, as well as white and dark so that I can meet customer requirements. Also, I really would love to move more into corporate gifts/promotion - when you next have a coffee in a hotel, I want one of my chocolates on the plate with that coffee!</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DiQ-00kc98XGGi8dY7B5U-PwjArDmNJEsut3xcl9oHxumvA-2hNVuEZFgLh6X39g3-vQzEM_LijYYt81bdM64Pk1k6AIEqZBODpFz2JCstlg8OzJ8oAbOuwiFHuncL06UzzZwsfl8YkM/s1600/w121i+Jo+Norbury+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DiQ-00kc98XGGi8dY7B5U-PwjArDmNJEsut3xcl9oHxumvA-2hNVuEZFgLh6X39g3-vQzEM_LijYYt81bdM64Pk1k6AIEqZBODpFz2JCstlg8OzJ8oAbOuwiFHuncL06UzzZwsfl8YkM/s320/w121i+Jo+Norbury+wedding.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Eventually, I see myself working with a team of wonderfully talented people who love wrapping the chocolate and creating that perfect bar as much as I do! </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Tip 1</strong> Dont be afraid to ask for help and advice, but be strong enough to not take it if its not right for your business</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Tip 2</strong> Take the time to get yourself set up properly. If you need a desk space to work get this first, try not to make do with the dining room table</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Tip 3</strong> Take time out for you and your family. Work is always important but your family should always come first. That email really can wait till the morning</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Tip 4</strong> Don't spend a fortune on fancy software if you don't need it. Use Excel for your accounts, for instance, to get you started</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>Tip 5</strong> Enjoy what you do - when you stop loving your business its time to rethink!</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tf3_WgSs41lUQXxefUajTbJbqKxCPGuwPFB-VJbIOGSgHoZ0aYxjvyYmygswG-okvyCRn-s2Um6qqFrNAf52TjGONmkd6ifF7j9glDyBC3agroPl3jIuA3H2w99_xoIo_0pzjL4Kl3xb/s1600/w120+Rachel+Bastow+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tf3_WgSs41lUQXxefUajTbJbqKxCPGuwPFB-VJbIOGSgHoZ0aYxjvyYmygswG-okvyCRn-s2Um6qqFrNAf52TjGONmkd6ifF7j9glDyBC3agroPl3jIuA3H2w99_xoIo_0pzjL4Kl3xb/s320/w120+Rachel+Bastow+Wedding.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong></strong> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><strong>How would a prospective customer contact you?</strong></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">We can be contacted via our website at <a href="http://www.itsyourchoc.co.uk/">http://www.itsyourchoc.co.uk/</a> or by email at <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1541002507"></a><a href="mailto:itsyourchoc@btinternet.com">itsyourchoc@btinternet.com</a>. We're also on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/itsyourchoc">http://www.facebook.com/itsyourchoc</a> and on Twitter at <a href="http://www/twitter.com/amyarussell.">http://www/twitter.com/amyarussell.</a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Thanks so much for talking to us today Amy, your products look wonderful and I can see just how much you love doing what you do - and who doesn't love chocolate!!!</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB83ieMiv0cY1scC5bg5TnJ0SAUIWYergxI1cJPWp_3ogKvZS-ffBzRRMoJaZyvQ_K8RYIewCzP72oYjCcxLKW8Ln8gf3FDIDbAhdIKRxkYv2nmQkXSiW9LlVjiftfrPjplBCdV0dHaCTf/s1600/388i+Phab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB83ieMiv0cY1scC5bg5TnJ0SAUIWYergxI1cJPWp_3ogKvZS-ffBzRRMoJaZyvQ_K8RYIewCzP72oYjCcxLKW8Ln8gf3FDIDbAhdIKRxkYv2nmQkXSiW9LlVjiftfrPjplBCdV0dHaCTf/s320/388i+Phab.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; font-family: inherit;">If you've enjoyed this article and your are a businesswoman running your business from home and would like to be featured, don't forget you can drop us a line at <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> and put the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line (otherwise it might get missed!) and we'll be in touch with you.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; font-family: inherit;">Also, don't forget our fabulous new forum where you can chat with like minded businesswomen - and we all know just how important networking is! Find us at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a>.</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B5G-Hz6uHKnt-aA9Zb6rZikcsf1GIc8kJUI_ZGqhW_hHbS6_pJuPIpxBrjZrNXhXa5_be-QlSLV3LKLBPYItVfFPxvGLk54g_iJvGkROAJzYpPsJbGWgVa55TsefNDXqY1uYbjFoX51j/s1600/381i+Victoria+Moloney+exams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B5G-Hz6uHKnt-aA9Zb6rZikcsf1GIc8kJUI_ZGqhW_hHbS6_pJuPIpxBrjZrNXhXa5_be-QlSLV3LKLBPYItVfFPxvGLk54g_iJvGkROAJzYpPsJbGWgVa55TsefNDXqY1uYbjFoX51j/s320/381i+Victoria+Moloney+exams.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div>The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-6663155784592983732010-08-18T13:58:00.000+01:002010-08-18T13:58:08.107+01:00Choosing a Venue for your wedding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TGvYhtZYL5I/AAAAAAAACok/AXh4FQWmtPc/s1600/summer%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TGvYhtZYL5I/AAAAAAAACok/AXh4FQWmtPc/s320/summer%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When choosing a Venue for the most important day of your life, there is more involved than just providing a pretty setting for your photographs.<br />
It has a direct influence on guest numbers, the kind of entertainment you can have and any special touches you may wish to incorporate.<br />
A major consideration when deciding where you hold your wedding is down to budget.<br />
<br />
Here are a few pointers on what you should do to find the right location for you as a couple.<br />
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- Decide on the priorities you have for choosing your venue. ie, the look, the size, and the atmosphere.<br />
A lot of times it comes down to a gut feeling you have for your venue. Its a bit like the dress, in that you know its "the one".<br />
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- After you get engaged, the venue is probably the very first thing you will arrange.<br />
Many venues get booked up years in advance, more so for summer Saturday's.<br />
If you are a little flexible on dates, and especially days of the week, you have more chance of securing the Venue you want.<br />
- Recommendations from friends and family are helpful with venue choice. But it has to be remembered that each person has their own specific wants and requirements, and what one person likes, another may hate.<br />
- You cannot over estimate the importance of research. Get googling and also request lots of brochures.<br />
If you have all the information, you can wittle it down to your favourites, and then create a shortlist, ensuring that you are not going to locations that are completely inappropriate.<br />
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- Have a list of questions for the Venue for everything that is of upmost importance to your plans.<br />
Sometimes in the excitement of seeing somewhere we really like, we can forget to ask specifics.<br />
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- Don't make a snap second decision, take away all the information and ponder it.<br />
Look at a few locations before making a concrete choice.<br />
Is there somewhere better that can offer you a better deal, be just as pretty or suitable for the look you want etc.?<br />
Pore over small print in Contracts, and check all the fine details.<br />
I speak to a lot of brides that have had venue price hikes, and venue exclusivity taken away.<br />
If you have solid written documentation of all details, then you have a fall back if there is issues.<br />
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- Finally enjoy looking.<br />
All too often, it can feel like this enormous pressure to find this perfect place.<br />
Remember this is your special day, and should be a reflection of what you have always dreamed of, not what you think other people might expect.<br />
<br />
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Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.blairquhan.co.uk/">http://www.blairquhan.co.uk/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-34360517712787456872010-08-13T08:00:00.002+01:002010-08-13T08:00:08.958+01:00Feature Friday features Vanessa Walilko of Kali Butterfly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Welcome to another of our Feature Friday profiles of woman run businesses - today we'll be talking to Vanessa Walilko who is the owner/designer for <a href="http://www.kalibutterfly.com/">Kali Butterfly</a>, a fabulous handmade jewellery company basedin Chicago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmb9ODYx_yMUFAht6iA4nbK1NdKuavzwaUwHHc99Ifoz1iA3bY_AtvmV-8MOkYFf0_OIBBw9boztj9H1ZAPEqXq-5BoG1YaBtqKhryMEN7uIDL6EailqNHUvoxAX63roEnLpjLuMzgTJB/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmb9ODYx_yMUFAht6iA4nbK1NdKuavzwaUwHHc99Ifoz1iA3bY_AtvmV-8MOkYFf0_OIBBw9boztj9H1ZAPEqXq-5BoG1YaBtqKhryMEN7uIDL6EailqNHUvoxAX63roEnLpjLuMzgTJB/s320/logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGVU4IHp273fy7QOVo_7z6FvBcS0butu0nw1_l0XxItZW82CgT5CHNETzy9NyjbEqXg3lwwTHq1PT9D_EDURsv2DWlf64n_-3nxWXIe9T7Pq40NGZCSJ56MzBRZtn6lQ1G1ajTxl_AQZl/s1600/REdhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGVU4IHp273fy7QOVo_7z6FvBcS0butu0nw1_l0XxItZW82CgT5CHNETzy9NyjbEqXg3lwwTHq1PT9D_EDURsv2DWlf64n_-3nxWXIe9T7Pq40NGZCSJ56MzBRZtn6lQ1G1ajTxl_AQZl/s320/REdhat.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><strong>Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us today Vanessa - can you tell our readers more about you and your company?</strong><br />
My name is Vanessa Walilko and I own and operate Kali Butterfly. I make aluminum chainmaille jewelry and clothing as well as beaded armor pieces and sculptures. I also teach chainmaille jewelry classes throughout Chicago, Illinois. I've been making beaded jewelry since I was 8 and I started making chainmaille about five years ago. I just love working with my hands and having the ability to give form to whatever ideas I can dream up. I'm meticulous, which comes through in my work--I'm obsessed with taking lots of little things and putting them together to make wearable pieces of art.<br />
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<strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong> <br />
As I mentioned, I've been making jewelry for nearly all my life, but I didn't think that I could make a living off of it. I had spent several years doing what was expected of me, and working in safe jobs, even if I wasn't particularly thrilled with them. One day, I just got fed up and departed from the safe path. I wanted to be able to do what I love, so I decided to start a business. I don't want to be doing anything else aside from making jewelry, so I'm determined to make this work. Thankfully, I've spent the past four years working for jewelry designers, so I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't work when starting and growing your own business.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFo33C76GYBzeeSWDEkdPxbq-wVOaWk55bBdl9AC3TFG4aPBSG5CULmc2PdAp4uE9yPF8uAkJIHCVPYkDkfqbRT1JcPW38sgj1WLBxzWSbvVEsceXLZaAgvGKu6c7EjmCQQBoYNWC4guq/s1600/Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFo33C76GYBzeeSWDEkdPxbq-wVOaWk55bBdl9AC3TFG4aPBSG5CULmc2PdAp4uE9yPF8uAkJIHCVPYkDkfqbRT1JcPW38sgj1WLBxzWSbvVEsceXLZaAgvGKu6c7EjmCQQBoYNWC4guq/s320/Necklace.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
I love the fact that I get to do what makes me happy every day. There are few things I love more than making jewelry for people. When a customer tells me that they wear a piece they purchased all the time, to me that means that they really love it. I also enjoy being able to teach chainmaille and to give people the opportunity to use their hands to create a piece of jewelry. It's so satisfying to watch people light up as they're making something that brings them joy. <br />
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<strong>What would you like to change?</strong> <br />
I would love to have more wholesale accounts to provide a steadier income. Aside from consistent sales, wholesale accounts would help me better live my ideals. I make aluminum chainmaille jewelry because aluminum is 100% recyclable and endlessly recyclable. I love the idea that if someone got tired of one of their pieces, they could just toss it in a recycling bin. In order to do a craft show or art fair, you should have about four times as much inventory as you actually hope to sell in order to keep your booth looking full. That's a lot of jewelry! I would prefer only to make pieces that I know people want instead of making pieces and only hoping that someone will want them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYrzjNzxYUNb3SQMtdxB8sX9ueITxUYA5_IoNKxKu4onm7PdnQ1gnv4GFtfNAKfpeL9RSSKQ_gJV0ocItIeiov86w76E3s36gEJdMyTMef3wWTMFyeElkRQx3vkakruPrNfCqa2hnvKgC/s1600/animal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYrzjNzxYUNb3SQMtdxB8sX9ueITxUYA5_IoNKxKu4onm7PdnQ1gnv4GFtfNAKfpeL9RSSKQ_gJV0ocItIeiov86w76E3s36gEJdMyTMef3wWTMFyeElkRQx3vkakruPrNfCqa2hnvKgC/s320/animal.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
Next year I hope to have at least 15 new wholesale accounts and to be more situated on my path as a business owner. I also hope to have more international orders. I've sold pieces to women in Australia and Russia, I'd like to add a few more countries to that list. My plan in the next year is to start making instructions for some of my beaded animals. I designed many of these pieces years ago and I hope to start sharing them with the public.<br />
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This past year has been an experiment--if I had to put everything on the line, what would I do in order to make my dreams a reality? So far, I've been working hard and building a fulfilling life for myself and things are coming together in a way that I didn't think was possible. I recently won the People's Choice Award and second place in the Wirework category in the Bead Dreams competition for my chainmaille jacket. Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine also published my Squares with Flair project in their latest issue, and just accepted another jewelry project for an upcoming issue. I've done things in this past year that I didn't think could happen, so I'm excited about facing any new challenges in the upcoming year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Wub0R8e1r3L9n-q-XZCJSNVVyRElOLcd6s0t6grpjlwvxTPJtTuDRxe_L42WzW8OGNHDI5ge2mJBNvpmQ-ah2RvzymocTVDa3uiYT3srQChNCzl5ipv88Xz9b0TtND4jV2z_a6A6GM_w/s1600/top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Wub0R8e1r3L9n-q-XZCJSNVVyRElOLcd6s0t6grpjlwvxTPJtTuDRxe_L42WzW8OGNHDI5ge2mJBNvpmQ-ah2RvzymocTVDa3uiYT3srQChNCzl5ipv88Xz9b0TtND4jV2z_a6A6GM_w/s320/top.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
I'd love to be known as the aluminum chainmaille jewelry queen! Ideally, I would have a studio/storefront in New York City with three to five employees. My pieces would be in galleries throughout the United States. I hope to keep applying to competitions, winning awards and getting more attention for my work. I would also love to start selling some of my chainmaille fashion pieces on commission, since those are my passion projects. I hope to continue publishing projects consistently and selling my jewelry-making instructions to the public.<br />
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<strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> - Never give up. Starting and running my own business is easily the most daunting task I've ever undertaken. I don't know how many times I've thought that it would be easier if I just decided to work in an office and receive a steady paycheck. At the end of the day, I keep working at building my business because it's really the only thing I want to be doing, and the only thing that makes me happy. If you have a dream, be willing to pour all of your time and energy into making it happen. The rewards are worth both the risk and the fear.<br />
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<strong>Tip 2</strong> - Be shameless. I spent a long time making jewelry for myself and putting it on my website, hoping someone would notice me. Unfortunately, that's not how things work. If you want people to notice you and what you're doing, you have to put your work in front of as many people as possible. I don't feel comfortable bragging to people I don't know, so I've had to train myself to tell people about what I'm doing. I've also gotten used to doing craft fairs and art shows, applying to every competition that seems relevant to what I'm doing (especially the contests with no entry fees), and posting everything on Facebook and my blog. There are so many things vying for people's attention--you need to be able to provide consistent content to your fans in order to keep them interested in what you're doing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldNHEb-ZHIMZWHLRBlPpkgsM12GBFQLFtbonx7NTZn8wbE-gyyHWtLWN3peDf0lLilK4rjCCb9uBWJFfHhQc3RyEzxxayOrq7qfT4P4EQUHi8zrK-44BAC-_-e2fHGgfc8vmaUYiBBWhe/s1600/other+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldNHEb-ZHIMZWHLRBlPpkgsM12GBFQLFtbonx7NTZn8wbE-gyyHWtLWN3peDf0lLilK4rjCCb9uBWJFfHhQc3RyEzxxayOrq7qfT4P4EQUHi8zrK-44BAC-_-e2fHGgfc8vmaUYiBBWhe/s320/other+necklace.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><strong>Tip 3</strong> - Get organized. It's never too early to keep track of expenses and file all of your receipts away in an orderly fashion. As your business grows, you'll be happy that you started organizing all of your paperwork at the very beginning. Having all your receipts in one place also makes tax time a lot easier, especially if you have consignment accounts in a number of places.<br />
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<strong>Tip 4</strong> - Surround yourself with supportive people. I'm very lucky to have a close circle of friends who support everything that I do as an artist. I spent a number of years with nay-sayers in my life. Negative people are a drain on your energy. As a small business owner, your energy is your greatest resource--don't let anyone take that away! When I talk to my friends, their excitement for me gives me added inspiration, and I feel ready to take on any other challenges that arise.<br />
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<strong>Tip 5</strong> - Set specific goals for yourself. When running your own business, it's very easy to think about the big picture and get overwhelmed. In order to keep yourself from panicking about everything that you have to do, set specific goals for yourself. One of my goals for this year is to have a piece in a juried exhibition every month. In order to reach this goal, I keep track of calls for art that happen around the country and apply when I feel that my work is relevant. Specific goals help keep your energy focused so that you can see results from your plans.<br />
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If any of our readers would like to contact you regarding your fabulous items, how can they do that?<br />
I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.kalibutterfly.com/">http://www.kalibutterfly.com/</a> or by email at <a href="mailto:vanessa@kalibutterfly.com">vanessa@kalibutterfly.com</a>; I'm also on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KaliButterfly">http://www.facebook.com/KaliButterfly</a> or I can be tweeted at <a href="http://twitter.com/KaliButterfly/">http://twitter.com/KaliButterfly/</a><br />
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Thank you so much for talking to us today Vanessa - your items are truly unique and stunning!! <br />
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Don't forget to check back next Friday when we'll be featuring another woman run business on our Feature Friday slot. If you'd like your company to be featured, drop us an email at <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> with the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to join us on our new forum at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a> - lots of businesswomen chatting and networking!The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-47679111192598808912010-08-06T08:00:00.002+01:002010-08-06T08:00:04.934+01:00Feature Friday featuring Viv Smith of Poppy Sparkles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Welcome to another of our excellent Friday Feature articles featuring new women run businesses - today we're talking to Viv Smith, the designer/owner of <a href="http://www.poppysparkles.co.uk/">Poppy Sparkles</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJMgDvwYfZmC1CU84-pZ1rkvxC9PtDLQJ1CZs0lcboI3cvHnlQtLtnMCA8bi9PKxS7umGd1LgHxsV9xGHWWuRkJ8gkYv9_wfjtCLd-1HyIxC6MzJyzO8SBxhpdb1Jr0eGc6tgymjcAF1B/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJMgDvwYfZmC1CU84-pZ1rkvxC9PtDLQJ1CZs0lcboI3cvHnlQtLtnMCA8bi9PKxS7umGd1LgHxsV9xGHWWuRkJ8gkYv9_wfjtCLd-1HyIxC6MzJyzO8SBxhpdb1Jr0eGc6tgymjcAF1B/s320/logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eEeUZ_-Hif71WhjOcRNCuh0EwavWYCI6634-xNEkdyO30GWbcpRFVb804fjeVJEVIwWvT4z5GVaQwTWREJm5A2j62rJCVOSwC8FUHHTFy-7RWw7oGC8OC0M5dQga2U2FGLCYT5yMc6f7/s1600/bridalcharmbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eEeUZ_-Hif71WhjOcRNCuh0EwavWYCI6634-xNEkdyO30GWbcpRFVb804fjeVJEVIwWvT4z5GVaQwTWREJm5A2j62rJCVOSwC8FUHHTFy-7RWw7oGC8OC0M5dQga2U2FGLCYT5yMc6f7/s320/bridalcharmbracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Hi Viv - thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us this Friday. Can you tell our readers something about you and your business? </strong><br />
I’m Viv Smith, a self-taught jewellery artist and the owner, designer and jewellery creator of Poppy Sparkles. I am based near Blackpool, Lancashire. I have been making jewellery since my early teens. Poppy Sparkles was launched this year, 2010, and offers handcrafted jewellery, predominatently bridal jewellery. The majority of my jewellery is made using Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystal and sterling silver. I aim to create beautiful jewellery using high quality materials, that are designed to be lasting pieces to treasure. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganTeqbSIGOFA2RBSxUnbi40CqY11xbL2t8d8Y6NpPJAfGQBkpSDmUZYinnmnUHrzl-8BrDLpYHNQMkbmgk9hIrj2H72GpFwmwODbuoEc8dw9uZR9WTul2hFuN1OywVDc2Yy4adSiOy0fD/s1600/BermudablueHeart+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganTeqbSIGOFA2RBSxUnbi40CqY11xbL2t8d8Y6NpPJAfGQBkpSDmUZYinnmnUHrzl-8BrDLpYHNQMkbmgk9hIrj2H72GpFwmwODbuoEc8dw9uZR9WTul2hFuN1OywVDc2Yy4adSiOy0fD/s320/BermudablueHeart+earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong> <br />
Ever since I began making jewellery as a young teen I have sold bits and pieces. In more recent years I started to sell online with some success. With two young children, I am currently on a career break and decided that this was a perfect opportunity to put more time into creating jewellery, promoting and selling it. And so, Poppy Sparkles was launched earlier this year. With a real love for Freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals, it seemed logical to focus on Bridal jewellery. Plus, I love being a part of the magic of someone’s wedding and helping a Bride to look her absolute best with well-chosen accessories. <br />
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<strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
I love creating beautiful jewellery, especially custom orders. Interacting with customers and creating a piece that is just perfect for them in style and colour is perhaps the most enjoyable and satisfying part of my business. But, in all honesty I love all of it – except the paperwork and accounts side! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XPDEVZ2NbulezmUr_Vw1JXXSJioCgRbym1KdpHI00uuO8D9e5_7rUx94YpUDzfbxLaPoCvWW0XKheRCNLpKB06LBWsT38w3M72MdrkcegKT9vpCZgPJzyFVXaTL3y8_riE_qjdFkMt3v/s1600/07_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XPDEVZ2NbulezmUr_Vw1JXXSJioCgRbym1KdpHI00uuO8D9e5_7rUx94YpUDzfbxLaPoCvWW0XKheRCNLpKB06LBWsT38w3M72MdrkcegKT9vpCZgPJzyFVXaTL3y8_riE_qjdFkMt3v/s200/07_full.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>What would you like to change?</strong> <br />
Jewellery is notoriously difficult to photograph. At the moment I am trying to find the best way to capture my jewellery on camera – looking at different backgrounds, lighting etc, as well as trying to learn how to use my camera to its full potential. I want to ensure that each and every image I have shows my jewellery off properly, so for now the thing I want to change is my product shots. <br />
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<strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
Over the next year I hope to develop my website further, adding an online shop so that people can buy direct through my website. I also want to begin to establish Poppy Sparkles locally and nationally as a place to source quality handcrafted jewellery, especially Bridal jewellery. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XW7mGU6p8R7DR0uRBqw8XVjMEJF1vhuS9o0dooVkG10oU7DzKLbTe38WD6ZQ6oE0F0UF21_9Eqy2GlS6s2UK3sCHWCdh1ugg_eUsBk-N61SaO3ZagXGJdHnWHAosxL5wQjs5kWRJoowL/s1600/gracenecklace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XW7mGU6p8R7DR0uRBqw8XVjMEJF1vhuS9o0dooVkG10oU7DzKLbTe38WD6ZQ6oE0F0UF21_9Eqy2GlS6s2UK3sCHWCdh1ugg_eUsBk-N61SaO3ZagXGJdHnWHAosxL5wQjs5kWRJoowL/s320/gracenecklace1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
Ideally, I would love to be a full time WAHM. Realistically, it is extremely difficult to make a full-time living from creative work. Bearing this in mind, I would like, once my time being a full-time mummy at home comes to an end, to be able to return to work in a more part-time capacity. Obviously, if I were to be able to do Poppy Sparkles full-time I would be extremely pleased. <br />
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<strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> Write a business plan – it helps you work out where you want to go and how to get there<br />
<strong>Tip 2</strong> Keep up to date with paperwork<br />
<strong>Tip 3</strong> Create a network of supportive people around you, for WAHMs who may struggle to network whilst at home with children, the internet and social media, like Twitter, is a valuable resource<br />
<strong>Tip 4</strong> Have some proper time for your different roles i.e. quality time with family, dedicated time for the business<br />
<strong>Tip 5</strong> Enjoy what you do! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4rWv7A6CuJCltnKypFnFjxhFDactjOPy9_bsZeRat-dFT2EMkLlmwJqQwbEhZGcWLxnRtGOOalRppyYewIVn27RLuebcM3Eu6PlOUu9XnfhLQzb2sadZ8uQvqVFYlwRdfqF_LOQcQAfk/s1600/single+simplicityearrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4rWv7A6CuJCltnKypFnFjxhFDactjOPy9_bsZeRat-dFT2EMkLlmwJqQwbEhZGcWLxnRtGOOalRppyYewIVn27RLuebcM3Eu6PlOUu9XnfhLQzb2sadZ8uQvqVFYlwRdfqF_LOQcQAfk/s320/single+simplicityearrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All your pieces are so beautiful - if a client was interested in purchasing, where can they contact you?</div>I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.poppysparkles.co.uk/">http://www.poppysparkles.co.uk/</a> or by email at <a href="mailto:viv@poppysparkles.co.uk">viv@poppysparkles.co.uk</a>; I also have a Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/poppysparkles">www.facebook.com/poppysparkles</a> and you can Tweet me at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/VivPoppySparkle">http://www.twitter.com/VivPoppySparkle</a>.<br />
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Viv, all your pieces are stunningly beautiful! We wish you the very best of luck in the future and thank you so much for talking with us today.<br />
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Remember, if you are a woman running your own business and would like to be featured on our regular Feature Friday, please drop us an email to <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> and put the words "Friday Feature" in the subject line and we'll forward on the information to you. If you're interested in joining our forum, you can find us at <a href="http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/">http://www.creationcollaboration.myfastforum.org/</a> - we'll be happy to see you there!The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-85763382230511589572010-08-04T10:34:00.002+01:002010-08-04T10:59:47.506+01:00A wedding planner , I don't need one of those ! - Do I ?!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TFk1bSgMZDI/AAAAAAAACXM/eNpG9KlgowE/s1600/stressed%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Mj4FkS3YxcU/TFk1bSgMZDI/AAAAAAAACXM/eNpG9KlgowE/s320/stressed%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Most of us, when it boils down to reality, have far from a Royal budget but in focusing on that one special day we all still share much of the same issues. <br />
Basically having enough money, enough time makes for some hard decisions especially in this economy.<br />
<br />
The first days of engagement are a blissful time when all that is focused on is shared love, but then REALITY can hit and the actual planning of the day looms, and sometimes it can all seem a bit ominous.<br />
<br />
You, of course may love planning, DIY in weddings is all the rage at the moment, but for some, all the organisation that goes into such a special event may be a nightmare, and they may have absolutely no idea where to start. <br />
This is where a some professional help can be vital.<br />
A wedding and event planner can assist you in all the nitty gritty and logistics of creating a day the way you envision, working with you to make your day "yours".<br />
<br />
Weddings are a major stress inducer, even when things are going well, we always have that fear in the back of our minds that something will go wrong or we will have forgotton important details.<br />
<br />
If you imagine your wedding as a project and each part of the planning as working towards project completion and your wedding planner as a project manager , they will do what a manager does best ie. management.<br />
<br />
Your planner will deal with suppliers, doing all the leg work and research for you, negotiating discounts for you and finding you the very best for the best prices and to your direct specifications.<br />
This leaves you the time to relax in the run up to your special day knowing that someone is making your day top priority.<br />
<br />
The wedding budget is probably the most important part of the planning process as the day basically hinges on it. <br />
Sometimes couples can end up wasting money through not enough research.<br />
This is where a professional help can be so valuable, through contacts in the wedding industry a planner/co-ordinator can negotiate, and secure savings and discounts.<br />
<br />
Sometimes too, couples can get carried away with big ideas they have for their day that are very exciting but sometimes not practical. <br />
The planner will help to find creative ways to make the big day special and distinctive, realising the couples vision without blowing the budget. <br />
A planner can also act as a go between against suppliers, family and anyone that makes the path to your perfect day difficult.<br />
<br />
On average, according to statistics a wedding can take up to 250 hours to plan. <br />
These days how may people have that much free time ?<br />
<br />
<strong>But isn't a planner expensive ?</strong><br />
Some planners charge a percentage of a wedding budget and some charge a set fee but a good planner should strive to make back their fee in the savings they make for their client. <br />
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<strong>I don't want to lose ownership of my wedding, will a planner not take over ?</strong><br />
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In fact a planner should work with you to create the vision you have of your day and usually offers several services from initial supplier and venue searches through to on the day management and of course the full co-ordination option, and everything else in between.<br />
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<strong>But I have a co-ordinator at my venue ?</strong><br />
<br />
This may be true, but a <strong>Venue Co-ordinator</strong> deals with your venue, nothing else.<br />
They don't act as an intermediary if your family are driving you bonkers. They don't find another florist if yours is sick. They don't get you to the church on time, if your transport breaks down.<br />
A wedding planner is in essence your own P.A. They are on hand to answer your questions when you have that mini freak out, they are there to act as a shoulder when everything gets a little too much, they sort out every little detail exactly the way you want it, so that dream you have had since you were 5, becomes reality<br />
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It is a personal choice to have a planner but one that should be considered for the reassurance it brings. <br />
If I can be of any assistance to you with your wedding or event , don't hesitate to contact me <br />
<br />
Website: <a href="http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk/">http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk/</a> <br />
Email: <a href="mailto:alisontinlin@plansandpresents.vpweb.co.uk">alisontinlin@plansandpresents.vpweb.co.uk</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-67607811415794020302010-07-30T08:00:00.002+01:002010-07-30T08:00:04.663+01:00Feature Friday featuring Sharon Hawkins of Girl Power Network & Routes2Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Welcome to our regular Feature Friday article, featuring a fabulous woman run business - today we're featuring Sharon Hawkins from <a href="http://www.girlpowernetwork.co.uk/">Girl Power Network</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReg3eLb2Rbc8sNewAhx5HNfCQNF8eyYHNCn-M42crNd9YvKu3GlWI8Hbg1RGigVGXXKgAqgL_l1-BcLKasZCts2J1M94rd22f20WGQHe2IjFFwJDb088JZlh4bt4MRG_gkxsKCEp0BQoz/s1600/GirlPower_final+logo+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReg3eLb2Rbc8sNewAhx5HNfCQNF8eyYHNCn-M42crNd9YvKu3GlWI8Hbg1RGigVGXXKgAqgL_l1-BcLKasZCts2J1M94rd22f20WGQHe2IjFFwJDb088JZlh4bt4MRG_gkxsKCEp0BQoz/s320/GirlPower_final+logo+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRilhqsIOo5nTEQaI7k93HPoauyvA31mpEXVlJg3_Mq9IwCu2MAfl0-ZSo01PtvYPTqewuh59NRjiXO_s5HYNwTyBM81moQ7gGzID3Nf2eN-8lV5X7q0DsqvyQdTqWNwmUKE982oQBuaxR/s1600/GPN+event+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRilhqsIOo5nTEQaI7k93HPoauyvA31mpEXVlJg3_Mq9IwCu2MAfl0-ZSo01PtvYPTqewuh59NRjiXO_s5HYNwTyBM81moQ7gGzID3Nf2eN-8lV5X7q0DsqvyQdTqWNwmUKE982oQBuaxR/s320/GPN+event+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Thanks for chatting with us today Sharon - can you introduce us to yourself and your company?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Girl Power Network offers an affordable way for ladies in business to meet and share their advice, ideas and services without the rigid structure and expense of member networks. Time is a valuable commodity and so we invite ladies on an informal basis to come along and chat over coffee, at a convenient time that doesn’t eat into work or family life. No membership fees; no pre-booking; just turn up on one of the days that suits and feel welcomed, supported and part of an encouraging community that will help you grow your business.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Michele and I met just under three years ago at a networking event. We knew networking worked because 80% of our work originated from it, and we couldn’t deny the support we received from other business owners really made a difference. However, we were tired of expensive annual membership fees and rigid structures that meant we had to be in a certain place at a certain time every month: and usually inconveniently slap bang in the middle of the day. Flexibility was something we knew was lacking and so we decided to create a different kind of networking group. And so Girl Power Network was born! The commercial incentive behind the idea was that we would develop our own network and build relationships for us and for others; the stuff that business development is made of.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMgtErPT0KGr2Fo924xZ3Cpoi7rNDZuQGtDUMO5QULaGSW2UATK81itV89WqsMSuQZsG0B8B10GgNLGP-5BWTiW1t-CtOz9L3cTlvfEptX8PevPgLuLnsIlqnLiDCQUGofAOUa8Ltjo__/s1600/GPN+Event.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMgtErPT0KGr2Fo924xZ3Cpoi7rNDZuQGtDUMO5QULaGSW2UATK81itV89WqsMSuQZsG0B8B10GgNLGP-5BWTiW1t-CtOz9L3cTlvfEptX8PevPgLuLnsIlqnLiDCQUGofAOUa8Ltjo__/s320/GPN+Event.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
Seeing the business grow is exceptionally rewarding. Every meeting sees at least one new attendee and it is wonderful to see the group get so much out of our guest speakers, who we choose selectively for their value in advising and guiding business owners. The fact that everyone always takes something away from each meeting is something I personally love; whether that’s a new contact, an idea, or simply the feeling that they have support and are not alone.<br />
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<strong>What would you like to change?</strong> <br />
Rather than change anything I would say it is more about developing what is already there. I’d like to see a higher degree of diversity of industries attending our meetings. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuI9PzvGve5UUMlnWZoZd823FMm3R1HbzyFeUmVgEjd5DVMpDl3AEKdPvXwGpmL1FqCtohWOdtQd0ZJAE2x5qdbLzAuxjpKN9St_bE7A9unnMtWFDGBAIt1KyZuSmb1c_k27OUwrvtCg7/s1600/GPN+Natwest+Guest+Speaker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuI9PzvGve5UUMlnWZoZd823FMm3R1HbzyFeUmVgEjd5DVMpDl3AEKdPvXwGpmL1FqCtohWOdtQd0ZJAE2x5qdbLzAuxjpKN9St_bE7A9unnMtWFDGBAIt1KyZuSmb1c_k27OUwrvtCg7/s320/GPN+Natwest+Guest+Speaker.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
To enhance and build on what we already have is our aim. To grow the number of attendees and in doing so increase opportunities and support for all our attendees. We also intend to expand into new areas: Brentwood for starters is imminent and Thurrock is on the agenda for 2011. Another goal is to attract a wider variety of speakers to add greater value to each meeting.<br />
<br />
<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</strong> <br />
The ‘bigger picture’ aim is to develop a franchise offering over time. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBoWf8ZAyN3aDR8rfdq-hkQsexUpedbj0okR7efjp9KrOUlbNdLUwMcyjNhIzEPNIl8SnR5WGbM_St8f9N77GJpJcBX2wryFmh1ZxwpN2TzBfpjEdSn6StMwzJEJFg0naRZjroWqz9T5E/s1600/GPN+Banner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBoWf8ZAyN3aDR8rfdq-hkQsexUpedbj0okR7efjp9KrOUlbNdLUwMcyjNhIzEPNIl8SnR5WGbM_St8f9N77GJpJcBX2wryFmh1ZxwpN2TzBfpjEdSn6StMwzJEJFg0naRZjroWqz9T5E/s320/GPN+Banner.JPG" width="130" /></a></div><strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> - Network<br />
<strong>Tip 2</strong> – Seek support from those in the same boat<br />
<strong>Tip 3</strong> – Seek advice from those who’ve been there and been successful<br />
<strong>Tip 4</strong> – Don’t be afraid to ask for help<br />
<strong>Tip 5</strong> – Set clear goals and stay focused on them<br />
<br />
<strong>If people are interested in attending any of your events, how can they contact you for details?</strong><br />
You can contact me via our website <a href="http://www.girlpowernetwork.co.uk/">http://www.girlpowernetwork.co.uk/</a> or email me on <a href="mailto:info@girlpowernetwork.co.uk">info@girlpowernetwork.co.uk</a>; you can also catch us on our Facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Girl-Power-Network/295181547939">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Girl-Power-Network/295181547939</a> and our Twitter page will be coming soon!<br />
<br />
he network sounds like a fantastic idea and echoes a lot of what we're trying to set up for Creation|Collaboration - we are firm believers in networking and the huge benefits it can bring for small businesses.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMwlm5Mx3s9WxE-MAqnSqsYZugr-OoBLtqMzeUJ2-Va33_G7Apn9e2GJX1GlWlE7__-SMXylJ-jOkN-A-5kJC8XWKymwS3buLLSKYQUXHIruTM4yGy0bR4IuBIilQur1TSYIP6iFzG6fd/s1600/routes+logo+design+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMwlm5Mx3s9WxE-MAqnSqsYZugr-OoBLtqMzeUJ2-Va33_G7Apn9e2GJX1GlWlE7__-SMXylJ-jOkN-A-5kJC8XWKymwS3buLLSKYQUXHIruTM4yGy0bR4IuBIilQur1TSYIP6iFzG6fd/s320/routes+logo+design+2.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For this Feature Feature, we're doing something different - Sharon actually runs two businesses (where she gets the time I do not know - she must be Superwoman or something) and here is our profile of her second business <a href="http://www.routes2reality.co.uk/">Routes2Reality</a>.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIKalksSwYfZBZDZ_NgpWF63c1zyD9Xh-6AVZt7IF2Qsv7RBxGqRcF2YrHJM7msUuu24rQqJGUpqKfitVWevWOPfbfbG0efH7KaCfNY-wIBQWPkE4WnNIS-lTJSg14UtEwm8m3yCKo01/s1600/holistictherapyessex.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURIKalksSwYfZBZDZ_NgpWF63c1zyD9Xh-6AVZt7IF2Qsv7RBxGqRcF2YrHJM7msUuu24rQqJGUpqKfitVWevWOPfbfbG0efH7KaCfNY-wIBQWPkE4WnNIS-lTJSg14UtEwm8m3yCKo01/s320/holistictherapyessex.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong>Sharon - can you tell us about your other company? </strong><br />
Routes2Reality provides affordable, value added solutions for small and start up businesses; solutions that get companies noticed and present a consistent, professional profile. Routes2Reality offers website design; print design; promotional copy writing; online marketing and offline marketing support: basically all the things a business needs to get noticed via an ‘out there’ profile that is designed to be razor sharp and outstandingly edgy when stood up alongside competitors.<br />
<br />
<strong>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</strong> <br />
Having attained a degree in Business Studies with a specialism in marketing, as well as a Masters in e-Business, again with a marketing specialism, my natural path was to move into employed work in the marketing sector and all positions involved building and maintaining websites. However, because of the marketing education, the work was not restricted to design; I was always focused on the bigger picture. How will this website work for your business? What do you want to achieve from the site? How will you attract new business and capture data?<br />
<br />
After my daughter came along I lost the will to travel 100 miles a day to work and decided it was time to put my experience and bigger picture knowledge into action, doing things the way I knew from experience would work. And so Routes2Reality was born!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HPnUYW4cvsDZTGsYB-e5TvWJlnuvfju6rVxt40P1Y25a9tAKya1FPi4zFQSK3V_l5De-qhxQKIcQHhfSlTi6XYhhV1h8d3-6a-ZXfy2B7ec-aULj_uTKELHeDxP9s_fHRxtRXyiS1IeR/s1600/bthebest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HPnUYW4cvsDZTGsYB-e5TvWJlnuvfju6rVxt40P1Y25a9tAKya1FPi4zFQSK3V_l5De-qhxQKIcQHhfSlTi6XYhhV1h8d3-6a-ZXfy2B7ec-aULj_uTKELHeDxP9s_fHRxtRXyiS1IeR/s320/bthebest.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What do you love most about your business?</strong> <br />
Total diversity; one day I’ll be working on a project for a building contractor, the next will be a motor home manufacturer. Every day brings new opportunities; starkly contrasting conversations and a plethora of personalities with which to deal. Developing a network and bringing clients and contacts together to provide an all round service is one of the greatest parts of the job, as is seeing a project through from start to finish. And I adore the flexibility of being my own boss and being able to allocate time for everything that’s important, including family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvUtWTCracCbdFGUbnaxY_3O22K4gv7ScsjpZ4paBQONTgITKGwQ308DL5Uk9jAkcLv2j1mh6VFin8CTRO1_3CAbjwWWdO-ZdgPZnLIamXX7XaT15rCKsCxBdPIBlQkNNn1mmf055tuAe/s1600/health+and+safety.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvUtWTCracCbdFGUbnaxY_3O22K4gv7ScsjpZ4paBQONTgITKGwQ308DL5Uk9jAkcLv2j1mh6VFin8CTRO1_3CAbjwWWdO-ZdgPZnLIamXX7XaT15rCKsCxBdPIBlQkNNn1mmf055tuAe/s320/health+and+safety.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Is there anything you'd like to change?</strong><br />
In all honesty I wouldn’t change a thing, but I would build on what I have. I’d like to receive more enquiries and to expand my network. And I have solid plans in place to do so!<br />
<br />
<strong>What is your aim for the next year?</strong> <br />
To increase enquiries and therefore sales and to expand my network; business building is the major goal for the next twelve months. <br />
<br />
<strong>Where do you ultimately see yourself? </strong><br />
Heading the business development arm of Routes2Reality! My strengths lie in building relationships and so I’d like to work more in this area whilst mentoring technicians in the service and quality ethos of the company so that they can get the work done without compromising our exceptional standards; standards for which I want Routes2Reality to become known and standards which are affordable to the smaller business.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YKVCBBFjxieg7TuXoPVW6yq3aZDZxMQld88irQtm_OKK8f82P8vQ-JkqMigihbLnnYTJmzdd8rwKcuzKQMS9m-8IV5i1htrHEH6QqYTUEQ7dHgvWNjmdxFMN5nysw8Vjj7yKANQBFg-G/s1600/rosylifeworks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YKVCBBFjxieg7TuXoPVW6yq3aZDZxMQld88irQtm_OKK8f82P8vQ-JkqMigihbLnnYTJmzdd8rwKcuzKQMS9m-8IV5i1htrHEH6QqYTUEQ7dHgvWNjmdxFMN5nysw8Vjj7yKANQBFg-G/s320/rosylifeworks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><strong>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</strong><br />
<strong>Tip 1</strong> - network<br />
<strong>Tip 2</strong> – allow a realistic budget for marketing<br />
<strong>Tip 3</strong> – know when to outsource<br />
<strong>Tip 4</strong> – be comfortable with the fact that you can’t do everything: it’s normal<br />
<strong>Tip 5</strong> – never, never, never, ever give up on your goals<br />
<br />
If our readers are interested in any of your services, how can they contact you?<br />
I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.routes2reality.co.uk/">http://www.routes2reality.co.uk/</a> or they can drop me an email at <a href="mailto:enquiries@routes2reality.co.uk">enquiries@routes2reality.co.uk</a>; alternatively, we also have a Facebook page and they can "Like" us at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Routes2Reality/331334151368?ref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Routes2Reality/331334151368?ref=ts</a> or Tweet us on <a href="http://twitter.com/Routes2Reality">http://twitter.com/Routes2Reality</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks os much for chatting to us today Sharon - you really are a powerhouse and I don't know where you get your energy from!!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPA2EwXGg7w5sdAd7AEPhziYU7B33NFb0FjaQqgyG3PnKqody1FXtCR63a9m44Phghvh8AP7Y5CZ-5aC0NHkLC3RurrSCsDfxnyzwlIg2ar4aGoxBIOe7dnIjQ-r2c75pki7Fc46EJNyx/s1600/r2r+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPA2EwXGg7w5sdAd7AEPhziYU7B33NFb0FjaQqgyG3PnKqody1FXtCR63a9m44Phghvh8AP7Y5CZ-5aC0NHkLC3RurrSCsDfxnyzwlIg2ar4aGoxBIOe7dnIjQ-r2c75pki7Fc46EJNyx/s320/r2r+banner.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-68578896144147519562010-07-25T08:00:00.002+01:002010-07-25T08:00:05.307+01:00Start Up Sunday series - Week 8 - Online Marketing & Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl42V5-1tKoywfiP4j9QWEJ0kG5R3F6h1avnc-bof_HkNusrMOoZINwqICPiO2p9zeHAwuIePZBLSixOqoDTueOPXZNA0lYcaqD6jw5HL4oiMFLUZqk9eoqFsb93UznYd2JzqkESo5Z5Qp/s1600/CC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl42V5-1tKoywfiP4j9QWEJ0kG5R3F6h1avnc-bof_HkNusrMOoZINwqICPiO2p9zeHAwuIePZBLSixOqoDTueOPXZNA0lYcaqD6jw5HL4oiMFLUZqk9eoqFsb93UznYd2JzqkESo5Z5Qp/s320/CC+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b>Start Up Sunday – Week 8 Online Marketing & Social Media</b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLw-6I2Gn4dcEg8D8XrlINf2ioftNXUI8_6_p5dTLUvh6kiM8SJu0m5RPO3eIE4AX19RCTyCU9V2wtpbrK6L5SA0xBXrJgRIyNvCtv2kj-DS1Os8ppMBQh7W_xeaXkCGGD0LjXbt5VyAU/s1600/world+chat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLw-6I2Gn4dcEg8D8XrlINf2ioftNXUI8_6_p5dTLUvh6kiM8SJu0m5RPO3eIE4AX19RCTyCU9V2wtpbrK6L5SA0xBXrJgRIyNvCtv2kj-DS1Os8ppMBQh7W_xeaXkCGGD0LjXbt5VyAU/s1600/world+chat.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These days, the world is far smaller than it ever was – we can converse in real time with people from all four corners of the world via the internet. We are inundated with information all at times of the day and night. Whilst this can lead, at times, to information overload or major repetition (evidence Sky News rehashing the same topic over and over again, from every conceivable angle when something even remotely interesting happens), but from a business perspective it means that there are people out there, possible clients, who want and actively seek out information – information we can provide them about us and our business in an easily accessible, inexpensive and readily available manner. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Small businesses, generally speaking, do not start out with mega marketing budgets. These usually are factored in over time, as the business begins to make enough money to cover those types of costs. Whilst that makes total sense, the question remains – how do you get your message out to your potential customers if you don’t have a budget? How can you compete with the “big boys” if you don’t have a budget to match their marketing strategies?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LvkGJMeNdLekqcBKL65PWbh2qomOuLYX2kcktg5f_j9zmdyvJWiMFsPtgj5k-ms5FU3km0e3F_WoASpbYTY_a7UAVNO0CxVRKUbAVR-OHROsvinU19ddSAPDs3P8SHBd3RcjcTPzgXGs/s1600/social_media_icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LvkGJMeNdLekqcBKL65PWbh2qomOuLYX2kcktg5f_j9zmdyvJWiMFsPtgj5k-ms5FU3km0e3F_WoASpbYTY_a7UAVNO0CxVRKUbAVR-OHROsvinU19ddSAPDs3P8SHBd3RcjcTPzgXGs/s200/social_media_icons.jpg" width="200" /></a>The question is at your very fingertips. The internet and the use of social media. Most people have heard of Facebook and Twitter and many people use it regularly to catch up with friends and colleagues. But how do you turn something used for social purposes into a vibrant, exciting business marketing and promotional tool? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Firstly, you should know that setting up a Facebook page or a Twitter account costs nothing. It is entirely free. You can set up a business page very simply and add an image of your logo or one of your products. Include details of your website, blog, contact information – add photos and say something interesting about them. Make a page you’d like to read as a possible customer… ask yourself what you’d like to see and provide that. Then you can go ahead and invite your friends and family to join. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoKivLx7lwPRRtvBAAECCECfk31z5hQBYI9bfSA2ioUM9r5Smqmq2XvBW-4XHuY8LuzAdroUhdLAztPG8J8F4Is3OLRklr9r1OkQd3wDBfFlxyvqHEYxXpSoOyF7MF3O45wzN1BDjKbP5/s1600/facebook-icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoKivLx7lwPRRtvBAAECCECfk31z5hQBYI9bfSA2ioUM9r5Smqmq2XvBW-4XHuY8LuzAdroUhdLAztPG8J8F4Is3OLRklr9r1OkQd3wDBfFlxyvqHEYxXpSoOyF7MF3O45wzN1BDjKbP5/s200/facebook-icon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When you’ve built up at least 25 fans, you can change your Facebook fan page to what they call a "Vanity URL". When you first create your Facebook fan page, the web link will pretty much just be a string of letters and numbers and will be long and not very attractive. To make it more like your own site link, that contains the name of your company, click on to http://facebook.com/username. At the bottom of the page, you'll see a link called "set a username for your pages". Click on it and then you'll see a drop down - click on this and you should see your "business fan page". At that point, you should put in the name of your company/fan page, ie Soaperstar. Word of warning, at this stage you have to make commitment to using that name - you can't go back and change it later so make sure you've clicked the right thing!!! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After doing all this, you'll have a nice simple Facebook Fan Page address instead of a mass of jumbled up letters and numbers after the dot com. This is handy to quote on your business cards, the end of your emails, on Twitter, your blog, the end of forum signatures etc. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphIjRL78Smo-4bc3YV_lI1ThCWlVF-keKgpcbyKZUkxlSscgZuzANKK6992cI1fAuc5Xd71AyaGe3VU6UQnKq0ISLx8KG0F7ImaTUriCSmdRwwsiMHrVSz4HImjIzoGh7X89PIIbHoyto/s1600/twitter+purple.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphIjRL78Smo-4bc3YV_lI1ThCWlVF-keKgpcbyKZUkxlSscgZuzANKK6992cI1fAuc5Xd71AyaGe3VU6UQnKq0ISLx8KG0F7ImaTUriCSmdRwwsiMHrVSz4HImjIzoGh7X89PIIbHoyto/s320/twitter+purple.png" width="320" /></a>Setting up a Twitter account is really easy also – use an ID name that includes your company name; mine, for example, is @Soaperstar… some names are already taken so try something that is readily identifiable as you. Always, always, always fill out your complete profile – this will help you if people want to find out more about you before they decide to follow you. Personally I won’t follow anyone who doesn’t have some information in their profile (at minimum location and a blurb about themselves, but it’s far better if they have a link to their website – an excellent way to drive people there also). Choose a picture as an image of your and/or your company. Mine is really simple but people know it’s me/Soaperstar. My advice is don’t change it too often or at all – this is because a lot of people rely on the images against account names to recognize a person… change that image too often and people won’t remember who you are. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you're using Twitter regularly, I would personally recommend that you download Tweetdeck, click <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">http://www.tweetdeck.com/</a>; it's free and it manages the process far easier. You can set up columns for your friends or for specific people you want to keep a track on. If you want to use hashtags (which are used for subjects of interest to people - if lots of people use it for the same subject, it's called trending) then add your hashtags, ie #weddingplanners and/or #weddingfavours to your Tweet. Then people can search for all the #soap tweets if they want. Also it makes it a more trending topic. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3cz5EYlJj-z5BhTUHJLHMiLS9ryopubF6g6he8GlzFmN6MFsVfdXdyTmEbzIJxlqUSwn4UB6t1j1068wEsGDEJv3lCYWjjqMK8Cj2nqxSOATa7Ck-6Tv_UenN9RDlPDicm2mnGVOl_uX/s1600/two+women+working.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3cz5EYlJj-z5BhTUHJLHMiLS9ryopubF6g6he8GlzFmN6MFsVfdXdyTmEbzIJxlqUSwn4UB6t1j1068wEsGDEJv3lCYWjjqMK8Cj2nqxSOATa7Ck-6Tv_UenN9RDlPDicm2mnGVOl_uX/s320/two+women+working.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ok, so now you’re all set up. What do you do next? Well, here comes the bit where it is going to cost you … but not in money. One of the real keys to good social media interaction is that you have to spend time on it. Social media works so well because you form relationships with people – you create a page, you show your products, you give them the link to your site… but why should they visit, why should they look at your page, why should they talk to you? Another key ingredient in the successful use of social media is making networks, which basically means making friends. Whilst you may have invited your family and friends onto your Facebook page or chat to them on Twitter occasionally, you’re not really going to make your fortune from them so you need to extend beyond them. However, they can be important to help drive their friends and colleagues to your page so encourage them to invite others to join. An incentive often helps so, depending on your product or service, offer a giveaway or a discount for your Facebook or Twitter friends. People love a bargain, especially in these recessionary times and if they think they just have to send a few invites to your page or recommend you on Twitter and have a chance of getting something for free, then they’ll do it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BqhM7oOcL0Ennm7itS0Cgg9LrSZn3TI-h-l6P0kTnSZUpxj-bODC_xYwJyJKkgfedPJL7BySKxl3ppZJb9PO6KE4ptjKRntGhaZYydm8IMeBLF4XoI06s63A8S2mG5cJAwtchSJfIcUU/s1600/chatting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BqhM7oOcL0Ennm7itS0Cgg9LrSZn3TI-h-l6P0kTnSZUpxj-bODC_xYwJyJKkgfedPJL7BySKxl3ppZJb9PO6KE4ptjKRntGhaZYydm8IMeBLF4XoI06s63A8S2mG5cJAwtchSJfIcUU/s1600/chatting.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the problems people have when they first start on Twitter (and Facebook to a lesser extent) is that they have no clue how to start a conversation or get someone to chat to you. How do you make friends? You do it the same way you do anywhere else - online is no different from offline. When you don't know someone but think they might be nice or interesting, you say "Hi, how are you, having a good day?" or something, to them. It's not going to rock their world (but it might make them happy, sometimes a nice hello is worth its weight in gold) but it's going to say that you're a decent nice person... generally speaking, the reaction will be "hi, I'm fine, how are you?” And so it starts. Just like it does no matter where you are - yes, it feels a little awkward at the start but it does in real life too. You cannot get to know someone without starting off with a Hello! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gY3MYAUIwyHjfwyi1TfALq1CVtqHAt6YLiMI5Q4j660lefrWRJB002i084mptJiZpsru022dCY2imHaP12IgVhM1KcYBKQ4FVfXM0ZBpAMVkj5ezj3YUhH_3hu13O9RhpWTLsfrLqLH3/s1600/women+group.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gY3MYAUIwyHjfwyi1TfALq1CVtqHAt6YLiMI5Q4j660lefrWRJB002i084mptJiZpsru022dCY2imHaP12IgVhM1KcYBKQ4FVfXM0ZBpAMVkj5ezj3YUhH_3hu13O9RhpWTLsfrLqLH3/s320/women+group.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So now I hear you saying, "Ok, that's fine, just say hi, what next?” What's next is keep up the conversation, or chat to others in the same way ... talk about something interesting, something they might want to talk about. For example, imagine you're selling ski equipment - a hard sell but you could start out with a shout out to everyone saying "I've just come back from a ski holiday, it was fantastic, anyone else been on one?". You'll no doubt get an answer or two .. ask them some questions, be interested. Don't jump in with "oh wanna buy some equipment?".. drop the fact that you sell equipment into the conversation but don't make it the topic of the conversation. They'll know now that you sell equipment but it doesn't mean that you're a nameless faceless person selling equipment and nothing else - you're a human being, interacting with them, being interested, being funny (hopefully!) who happens to sell ski equipment. Keep up that conversation over time, make friends, chat when you get online and who will they go to for their ski equipment if they need any?? Their friend, who's a nice person and funny and who, handily enough, sells ski equipment. Get it? That's the beauty of social marketing and the key to it - you have to be a person, you have to be real, you have to be YOU. You are the company yes, but you're also a person with feelings and thoughts and opinions, not just a person selling ski equipment. So share yourself, whilst you're sharing your business.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhnARyHB0dlc7lJPDrZOqYa6TDUHrWiJ8orJEkAOGdy55gmX9ee00i_ySnys5TNnWb2Hn4H0CYKRrlqelZELXn4d3u_4GUpSFk9KHQ12kJT0r0o08FjXmIe34fI8SF0qTTg109ArHdi6Q/s1600/Network+Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhnARyHB0dlc7lJPDrZOqYa6TDUHrWiJ8orJEkAOGdy55gmX9ee00i_ySnys5TNnWb2Hn4H0CYKRrlqelZELXn4d3u_4GUpSFk9KHQ12kJT0r0o08FjXmIe34fI8SF0qTTg109ArHdi6Q/s1600/Network+Twitter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That's the thing to remember about social media and marketing - it's sociable! You need to interact with people, chat, talk about things, give an opinion, be yourself. Drop in some tweets or Facebook updates about your business in the mix, link it to what people are talking about, let them know that you sell handbags or soap or ski equipment or whatever and do it in a way that it seems to meet people's needs and wants. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You will slowly but surely build up a network of friends, some of whom will become your customers, some not. They are people that see you as a person .. but a person who runs a business and when they need what you provide, the first person they’ll think of is you. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you're a small business starting out, think about your marketing strategies, your budget available to you - see what time you can offer to social media (it does take time to build up friendships, online or offline, so dropping in and out once a month isn't going to cut it, I'm afraid). Don't be afraid to be yourself, show people that you're someone they want to get to know, be funny, be interesting. Get your brand out there via your profile, your personality and your business related tweets but don't make it just about the business - the business is you not just the brand. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY6-QIlBSD_dPMWoW8h4-oluEGDPPdaxodcGEMYFU_mOVFZzkQjHN1NEltJ7R8BMKpnpaMbeHkmvUD8BLajrl1g7hKVsgTx5BKKz3c4pE3jVume0Cwlj4SWramJkSNVykHf1Qbnqn4g1I/s1600/dos-and-donts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY6-QIlBSD_dPMWoW8h4-oluEGDPPdaxodcGEMYFU_mOVFZzkQjHN1NEltJ7R8BMKpnpaMbeHkmvUD8BLajrl1g7hKVsgTx5BKKz3c4pE3jVume0Cwlj4SWramJkSNVykHf1Qbnqn4g1I/s1600/dos-and-donts.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some key <b>do’s</b> are:</div><ul><li>Put time and effort into keeping both your Facebook and Twitter pages up to date and interesting</li>
<li>Plan a certain amount of time a day that you’ll devote to marketing and choose the time of day wisely. Not that many people will be around at 3.00 am but more may be online at 7.00 or 8.00 pm – work out when the best time is for your particular audience </li>
<li>Be personable, be yourself, be pleasant </li>
<li>Do be honest – if you don’t supply something, can’t supply it or can’t provide a service, be honest and say so </li>
</ul>Some key <b>dont's</b> are:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Don’t swear or rant and rave about customers or suppliers – it’s not professional or businesslike</li>
<li>Don’t think a “hit and run” approach to social media will work – it won’t. You’re wasting your time if you think you need to drop in once a month and say nothing. </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t underestimate the value of social media to your business – you are talking to a huge potential market out there. One of the most famous business Twitter users is Dell, which said that $9m of its 2009 sales came directly through Twitter and Facebook combined . It has been argued that smaller businesses also benefit from using Twitter, since they can compete on equal terms with larger businesses within the Twitter platform . In the UK, a survey indicated that 17% of small British businesses were using Twitter, mainly to attract new customers.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hSCtiM_4ZPlmQxlbQUNylLYTdo7sr9VxVdT6zDIU1VoAjBsvJ46YpY3KAOd6WYf-yTPHItzrjvNmR3l3lwGldkHAqkBNkyyWdmRCu3oT1UVpTUfFa0GmnQuWU7f38KOlK4Z8MSUx7RCH/s1600/chat+network+icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hSCtiM_4ZPlmQxlbQUNylLYTdo7sr9VxVdT6zDIU1VoAjBsvJ46YpY3KAOd6WYf-yTPHItzrjvNmR3l3lwGldkHAqkBNkyyWdmRCu3oT1UVpTUfFa0GmnQuWU7f38KOlK4Z8MSUx7RCH/s1600/chat+network+icon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Friday 11 June 2010, Mashable (one of the most influential blogs reporting on social media) reported on a survey they held asking users to define social media. They noted 20 key words that were used by people as their personal definition: </div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Collaboration</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Network </li>
<li>Conversation</li>
<li>Sharing </li>
<li>Relationships</li>
<li>Multi-dimensional</li>
<li>Inclusive</li>
<li>Information</li>
<li>Community</li>
<li>Personalization</li>
<li>Empowering</li>
<li>A Radical Shift in Communication</li>
<li>Real-time</li>
<li>People</li>
<li>Content Distribution</li>
<li>Self-expression</li>
<li>Unity</li>
<li>Dynamic </li>
<li>Discovery</li>
<li>Power of the Crowd </li>
</ul>These words are hugely powerful and illustrate for anyone starting out in business how important involvement in social media is – to network with real people in real time, to build relationships with people, to distribute your company information in a dynamic powerful manner to reach your intended audience. I personally find these words are inspiring for a small business owner because it proves that one person can involve themselves in a community of like minded people, building and maintaining relationship with friends and customers alike. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqOTlzh8IMFR5xX13xWEJMwzXC7XZ9IkBJYnWHwXafifNEqe6vqqhJ7zhsdbGsMPIrg3mmEicIkfJV-8rIecIdaVl4y2SvhJDsTVhump96K-l9fodNBy5gfyFVZTJokC-KX7GqVDqQBoa/s1600/online_business_networking_groups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqOTlzh8IMFR5xX13xWEJMwzXC7XZ9IkBJYnWHwXafifNEqe6vqqhJ7zhsdbGsMPIrg3mmEicIkfJV-8rIecIdaVl4y2SvhJDsTVhump96K-l9fodNBy5gfyFVZTJokC-KX7GqVDqQBoa/s320/online_business_networking_groups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I hope that this blog post has helped you understand the importance of social media as a key marketing tool for small business. Now... make sure you set that Facebook and Twitter Page up today - link your new pages in the comments below and we at Creation|Collaboration will be very proud and happy to follow you!!The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-50485684205313979112010-07-23T08:00:00.005+01:002010-07-23T09:58:04.468+01:00Feature Friday features Tracey Phillips of Bridal Designs Wedding Jewellery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s1600/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuBsVsApD39KYHoTRYtSwRxGoPtEfNClO980nu6wURXf7s3AurcEGMcxByeR-AcG7M0TLgnWdkAfBCYJ87CDUbV7L-UkGa1Q3nlI-iBsH2_INgKYjlfFjYoljOcRzMDMr45xZftr7oeDp/s200/WhitebackgroundFFborder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Welcome to our regular Friday Feature here at Creation|Collaboration - today we're featuring Tracey Phillips from <a href="http://www.bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk/">Bridal Designs Wedding Jewellery</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsPIAyjvhYYS5neEjfFcOID2hqwFLvHZt3jOGBW4CSATRkD9QhEHGwEK_HM_sJVieLv0UouFgoY7B4dT-Osn_Dmx9NxhOLFUZDJo8b2XnjgU0rnLEtR8drn0Yi9O8YA6GPS-7Rf3ko_Ah/s1600/logo+and+tagline+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsPIAyjvhYYS5neEjfFcOID2hqwFLvHZt3jOGBW4CSATRkD9QhEHGwEK_HM_sJVieLv0UouFgoY7B4dT-Osn_Dmx9NxhOLFUZDJo8b2XnjgU0rnLEtR8drn0Yi9O8YA6GPS-7Rf3ko_Ah/s400/logo+and+tagline+jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxRCLtVSwSW6dPgVRuNdeVC_O50_G07_-xWU_X4ocFHDM4xqfPaqcSUKLdWcUp4agrdMxKbak-yusHdBY1qbf1m-fgPuwXpv0aRdV6RmlmkvwMLeqSqffUuwjK9X9vdhLSBFk4x0sAsO5/s1600/black+rose+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxRCLtVSwSW6dPgVRuNdeVC_O50_G07_-xWU_X4ocFHDM4xqfPaqcSUKLdWcUp4agrdMxKbak-yusHdBY1qbf1m-fgPuwXpv0aRdV6RmlmkvwMLeqSqffUuwjK9X9vdhLSBFk4x0sAsO5/s320/black+rose+necklace.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <b>Hi Tracey and thanks so much for chatting with us today. Can you introduce us to you and your company?</b><br />
My name is Tracey Phillips, I am 38 years old and am the owner of Bridal Designs Wedding Jewellery. I design and handcraft bridal jewellery with Sterling silver and Swarovski crystal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcmi3rDqOCAxOp-yX1sdmFanRdSCU-GnVEtPK0-MWUlVWRnO5OKwtQEcLqUKTgGoTKC6_Zjyhyphenhyphenu1uoAcMlU5UOsyulIAsXfrt4f__IuybRC_a-JrZrrpLJSXMZtXhMStv8kZ2-1F3cFDJ/s1600/icicle+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcmi3rDqOCAxOp-yX1sdmFanRdSCU-GnVEtPK0-MWUlVWRnO5OKwtQEcLqUKTgGoTKC6_Zjyhyphenhyphenu1uoAcMlU5UOsyulIAsXfrt4f__IuybRC_a-JrZrrpLJSXMZtXhMStv8kZ2-1F3cFDJ/s320/icicle+bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Where did the idea of running this as a business come from?</b><br />
I was working in a jewellery shop and started studying the jewellery closely - how the stones were attached and the wire looped, I was curious as to how it was done and started looking on the internet for jewellery making instructions. After a lot of practice I made up a few pieces, my sister saw them and asked if I could make her a necklace for her wedding. After changing her mind a few times (brides/womans prerogative!) and after she had chosen her necklace I ended up with quite a collection of different necklaces with no homes. I bravely decided to approach a local wedding shop t see if they would be interested in stocking the jewellery. I was terrified walking into the shop but they said on the spot that they would be interested and I’m still working with them 2 years later,along with others. A year ago I decided to make the move to online selling also and set up my website.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-vUTFpOyg1JN2lF_0Lz47AVfCvAdlegCRYFbKNKSrGBD4W_W_NU13rFof6UrgNYp5fb8BoMz9gAezelvxEm_sdPnNetkTvS0ckarBWRSbQ5SMQ6xJhoSPWJVDqpJTrEj7u8JzVD2GnYD/s1600/Moonshadow+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-vUTFpOyg1JN2lF_0Lz47AVfCvAdlegCRYFbKNKSrGBD4W_W_NU13rFof6UrgNYp5fb8BoMz9gAezelvxEm_sdPnNetkTvS0ckarBWRSbQ5SMQ6xJhoSPWJVDqpJTrEj7u8JzVD2GnYD/s320/Moonshadow+pendant.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<b>What do you love most about your business?</b> <br />
I love working for myself and I love the feedback I get from brides-It’s the biggest day of their lives and they have allowed me a part of that. I always feel privileged.<br />
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<b>What would you like to change?</b> <br />
I’d like to know more about websites so that I could do more to it myself…unfortunately I am quite technically challenged!<br />
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<b>What is your aim for the next year?</b> <br />
I have no delusions of world domination-I would just like to be recognised as someone who makes quality jewellery and cares about her customers. <br />
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<b>Where do you ultimately see yourself?</b> <br />
As a recognised name in the Bridal market and successful enough to have someone on call 24/7 to sort my website for me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXPKDGpcM6oxKQVeRq82OjF0fVEmqjUXKrQ4hIqKyyQv_p2VBOE13wANatSIWgP8kbcj3xMMRxQgNLtT8aakSRDJZ83GitDwP_uqs7He5FOutNp5mmsm9bFvCsfDbSNTuKwJHRCxQwK81/s1600/5+Romance+Earrings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXPKDGpcM6oxKQVeRq82OjF0fVEmqjUXKrQ4hIqKyyQv_p2VBOE13wANatSIWgP8kbcj3xMMRxQgNLtT8aakSRDJZ83GitDwP_uqs7He5FOutNp5mmsm9bFvCsfDbSNTuKwJHRCxQwK81/s320/5+Romance+Earrings.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<b>What are your Top 5 tips for new Business Women?</b><br />
<b>Tip 1</b> <i>Don’t let people tell you you can’t succeed</i><br />
<b>Tip 2</b> <i>Don’t tell yourself you can’t succeed!</i><br />
<b>Tip 3</b> <i>Use Twitter and Facebook-Invaluable for contacts</i><br />
<b>Tip 4</b> <i>Listen to yourself-if something doesn’t feel right it’s probably not</i><br />
<b>Tip 5</b> <i>Carry your business cards everywhere you go and if you make something wearable-wear it! You are your own best walking advert</i><br />
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<b>How do we contact you?</b><br />
I can be contacted via my website at <a href="http://www.bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk/">http://www.bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk/</a> or you can email me at <a href="mailto:info@bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk">info@bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk</a>; I can also be found on Facebook at <a href="http://www.bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk/">http://www.bridaldesignsweddingjewellery.co.uk/</a> or on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bridaldesigns">http://www.twitter.com/bridaldesigns</a><br />
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<div style="border: medium none;">Thanks so much for talking to us today Tracey - your designs are absolutely wonderful!!</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrQrKVyXDre3005e65rwAZshuN4vXJ7ofL8fRC-crZhCY3AzxI6buw8Ua2f9eBQeILjp_zlRSVsKAaiOyIQd45_-qt4ckwqzO-Z02E4EKiyXBpcr0fygHzyoeX4mrlG45EcqZfCuFAoDg/s1600/Forever+Bracelet+with+Pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrQrKVyXDre3005e65rwAZshuN4vXJ7ofL8fRC-crZhCY3AzxI6buw8Ua2f9eBQeILjp_zlRSVsKAaiOyIQd45_-qt4ckwqzO-Z02E4EKiyXBpcr0fygHzyoeX4mrlG45EcqZfCuFAoDg/s320/Forever+Bracelet+with+Pearls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">Remember to check out our blog next Friday for another Feature Friday article - if you would like your company featured, please drop us an email at <a href="mailto:creationcollaboration@yahoo.com">creationcollaboration@yahoo.com</a> and put the words "Feature Friday" in the subject line. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div>The Lazy Lacqueristhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18430400401906233397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256529469058639126.post-61803134727906429112010-07-21T09:21:00.000+01:002010-07-21T09:21:30.658+01:00Wedding Wednesday - Choosing a Wedding Ring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl42V5-1tKoywfiP4j9QWEJ0kG5R3F6h1avnc-bof_HkNusrMOoZINwqICPiO2p9zeHAwuIePZBLSixOqoDTueOPXZNA0lYcaqD6jw5HL4oiMFLUZqk9eoqFsb93UznYd2JzqkESo5Z5Qp/s1600/CC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl42V5-1tKoywfiP4j9QWEJ0kG5R3F6h1avnc-bof_HkNusrMOoZINwqICPiO2p9zeHAwuIePZBLSixOqoDTueOPXZNA0lYcaqD6jw5HL4oiMFLUZqk9eoqFsb93UznYd2JzqkESo5Z5Qp/s200/CC+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The wearing of wedding rings on the third finger of your left hand dates back to the 17th Century BC. The ancient Egyptians believed that this finger contained a special vein of love that ran directly to the heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOjT00e9gtrA1vciVXmaucrovdKI82HVrfQ8g4LBWNABVyhsXQjbIjtzKXSn0KljYMeOEc-VkQwsZc_2Gi4hbWG673UhlaK8wRIjB2UNNfh5dzUidUl3IYmigUxhCxxsmG4_JQQxdLV8N/s1600/wedding_rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOjT00e9gtrA1vciVXmaucrovdKI82HVrfQ8g4LBWNABVyhsXQjbIjtzKXSn0KljYMeOEc-VkQwsZc_2Gi4hbWG673UhlaK8wRIjB2UNNfh5dzUidUl3IYmigUxhCxxsmG4_JQQxdLV8N/s320/wedding_rings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border: medium none;"></div> The idea was that, by placing a metal band around this finger, your everlasting happiness was assured. There are many things to consider when choosing a ring, but it is an enduring reminder of your special day, and a very important element in the act of getting married so take time to get it right as you want to choose a piece that is timeless, and of high quality.<br />
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There are 4 popular metals used in the creation of these rings:<br />
<ul><li><b>Yellow Gold</b> - traditional and a symbol of wealth, comes in 9,14,18 and 14 carat.</li>
<li><b>White Gold - </b>increasingly popular and a hot trend as it co-ordinates really well with silver.</li>
<li><b>Platinum</b> - a stylish and hard wearing metal, but slightly more expensive.</li>
<li><b>Titanium</b> - a striking grey metal which is extremely durable, and which is a popular male choice.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxR1VuXFC12UzwKkWnf1p4m0CL4-oJcqkCq6rCJzfDVbfM63E4nSJcEGZb1X21HlcDbsp3BZPm2S2b8-WTwM-vVnET5DQF7t24AgblPXWLnVw4SO6ZrE65u2W4LK9lEk51vC2kKzi4OkK/s1600/WeddingRing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxR1VuXFC12UzwKkWnf1p4m0CL4-oJcqkCq6rCJzfDVbfM63E4nSJcEGZb1X21HlcDbsp3BZPm2S2b8-WTwM-vVnET5DQF7t24AgblPXWLnVw4SO6ZrE65u2W4LK9lEk51vC2kKzi4OkK/s320/WeddingRing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">Things to consider when buying your rings are:</div><ul><li> <br />
<div style="border: medium none;">Will it fit/match your engagement ring</div></li>
<li> <br />
<div style="border: medium none;">Will it be durable enough to sustain implications from your lifestyle</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dgMFB3KtEf6lbnir_EL-ZBjis83T0uOmhk5h8Hs2JwsKXq8yA_fJs3uXGuEl5ccJnhy2uNLnCNj76ykFK-QstMCCKqOY9U0ddj6gNq9hIURLPTP4Hj05I1u1iS8KBV-MqJSA-dLtVNL-/s1600/WeddingRings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dgMFB3KtEf6lbnir_EL-ZBjis83T0uOmhk5h8Hs2JwsKXq8yA_fJs3uXGuEl5ccJnhy2uNLnCNj76ykFK-QstMCCKqOY9U0ddj6gNq9hIURLPTP4Hj05I1u1iS8KBV-MqJSA-dLtVNL-/s320/WeddingRings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">It is really important that you are happy with your choice, as this is reminder that will, hopefully, be with you for the rest of your life. Take lots of time to research different styles, thicknesses, metals. Choosing a wedding ring is a little like choosing your partner, it has to be a very considered choice.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">A growing trend these days is to have your ring specially designed, and in the era of all things vintage, using an heirloom lets you honour your family member that has passed, and be very on trend.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2