What women want – in business

Perfect Balance Marketing catches up with three successful business women to find out what helps them stay motivated and inspired……….

Pauline Giles, Bosom Buddies UK

“My friends – they are my comfort, my sounding board, my support network.”

“Since the break-up of my marriage 2 years ago and having breast cancer last August they have become an integral part of my existence.  They make me laugh when I am stressed, and their unconditional support and gentle concern when I am doing too much, telling me to slow down, is humbling.”

“They are my focus group when I need to bounce ideas around and I know they’re committed to helping me in whatever form.  I couldn’t ask for any more.”

Jessika Hepburn, Oh My Handmade Goodness

“My online and offline creative community, and my social networking tools.  My business & website (but also my evolution as a person and artist) depend on collaboration, making connections, sharing resources, discussing ideas and building friendships.”

“Working from home would be lonely for a social person like me without my network of other creatives to bounce thoughts off and share new work!”

“So it’s not just about marketing or profit – it’s about participating in & building a supportive community.”

Liz May, Design Thoughts

“Ahhh I’ve hit a brick wall!  When I feel like that and need some inspiration here are my life-savers:

A pen and paper… When I need to be inspired again, I get off from the computer and literally get doodling.  I feel it helps me get creative again – I live by the motto:

[box]”If in doubt, doodle.”[/box]

The beach… I am lucky enough to live close to the sea, so a walk on the beach, the sound of the sea, and filling my lungs with fresh sea air gets me back on track.

Coffee… If I get a lull in my thinking process, I pop the kettle on and have a coffee (also it’s a good reason for a break away from the laptop)

My laptop… I certainly couldn’t live without this! It gives me the tools to design and finish work but it also helps me keep in touch with clients and enquirers.”

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

And for me?  Easy:

• my family (hugs, stories at bed time, family meals, people who know me inside out and still love me)
• my laptop (with its worn-away keys and monkey stickers stuck to the lid)
• space (lets me get a bit of perspective, to step back from all the to-do lists and urgent emails, and helps me prioritise and focus)

Being a  busy working mum, and running your own business can be pretty demanding – but we all have our vices that help us grow and succeed.  Share yours in the comments below.