New

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New

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New

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New

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2013

“I can choose my hours “I can choose my hours “I can choose my hours “I can choose my hours and work around my and work around my and work around my and work around my

family, or take family, or take family, or take family, or take advantage of the rare advantage of the rare advantage of the rare advantage of the rare

sunny day rather than sunny day rather than sunny day rather than sunny day rather than being stuck indoors”being stuck indoors”being stuck indoors”being stuck indoors”

Karen Sealey of Pure & Blessed Tarot

Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Leicester Business Women Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter

Leicester Business Women would like to welcome you to our March newsletter. Even though its freezing outside and pretty much baltic throughout the day it’s supposed to be UK’s Spring season, so Leicester Business Women would like to wish a Happy Easter and a Happy Vaisakhi to all of our wonderful member and friends. So we have come to the penultimate issue of the Leicester Business Women Newsletter. Our final edition is full of information of what's happening at Skills for Enterprise. Start Up Now‘s next programme of pre-start training workshops are to begin in April and we have further information of the Start Up Loans and Small Business Workout programmes. It also includes advice from one of our advisors on customer service and information on the HMRC’s easy steps to register your business. Plus details of the next Meet / Mingle event and advertisements from our members and other organisations. We began the newsletter back in September 2011 and since then we have produced a monthly issue. All editions have been packed with advice and information to help with business start up from marketing, finance to tips on motivation. We've given details on our support programmes and success stories of some of our members who have successfully followed their dreams to self employment. We have also given our members and other organisations the opportunity to advertise their product or services to women across Leicester and Leicestershire. Each month the Leicester Business Women newsletter has been uploaded to the Issue website, posted on our Facebook pages, tweeted on Twitter and sent out to our databases, it has proven to be an excellent marketing tool.

“Advertising in LBW I am pleased to say, helped me receive several referrals. “Advertising in LBW I am pleased to say, helped me receive several referrals. “Advertising in LBW I am pleased to say, helped me receive several referrals. “Advertising in LBW I am pleased to say, helped me receive several referrals. I was elated seeing my advert go in even though I was a little apprehensive thinking I was elated seeing my advert go in even though I was a little apprehensive thinking I was elated seeing my advert go in even though I was a little apprehensive thinking I was elated seeing my advert go in even though I was a little apprehensive thinking

that I wouldn't hear anything ..how wrong I was!”that I wouldn't hear anything ..how wrong I was!”that I wouldn't hear anything ..how wrong I was!”that I wouldn't hear anything ..how wrong I was!” Louise Cox

“I felt great advertising in your newsletter, other LBW gave me great feedback & one woman“I felt great advertising in your newsletter, other LBW gave me great feedback & one woman“I felt great advertising in your newsletter, other LBW gave me great feedback & one woman“I felt great advertising in your newsletter, other LBW gave me great feedback & one woman who is an interior designer from LBW said she kept my details to work with me in the future.who is an interior designer from LBW said she kept my details to work with me in the future.who is an interior designer from LBW said she kept my details to work with me in the future.who is an interior designer from LBW said she kept my details to work with me in the future. People have brought blank greeting cards off me and I feel LBW is a great middle person to People have brought blank greeting cards off me and I feel LBW is a great middle person to People have brought blank greeting cards off me and I feel LBW is a great middle person to People have brought blank greeting cards off me and I feel LBW is a great middle person to

advertise with as it gains other clients confidence and trust to contact me.advertise with as it gains other clients confidence and trust to contact me.advertise with as it gains other clients confidence and trust to contact me.advertise with as it gains other clients confidence and trust to contact me. When I saw my advert it was perfect, justWhen I saw my advert it was perfect, justWhen I saw my advert it was perfect, justWhen I saw my advert it was perfect, just as I wanted..”as I wanted..”as I wanted..”as I wanted..”

Bali Sangha-Jenkins

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has helped to make the Leicester Business Women’s newsletter a huge success, whether you have featured an advert, taken time to write an article or simply circulated to others. We are grateful for your time. To keep up to date with what’s happening next at Skills for Enterprise please keep an eye on our website www.skillsforenteprise.co.uk or join our Facebook pages. For further information about the Leicester Business Women programme or any of the other projects ran by Skills for Enterprise please contact Nicole Hocking on 0116 251 8730.

Leicester Business Women’s March Newsletter

Includes

Start Up Now

Meet / Mingle

Never Forget That Your Customers Are Human

Small Business Workout

Start Up Loans

When Is The Right Time To Register Your Business

Easy Steps To Start Your Business With The HMRC

****

We hope you enjoy We hope you enjoy We hope you enjoy We hope you enjoy

More ways of connecting with Leicester Business Women As well as our monthly newsletter, there are many other ways of keeping up with our information, success, our stories, forthcoming events and advice:. Check out our webportal - www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk Join our facebook group - www.facebook.com/#!/groups/386715381358641/ Like our facebook page - www.facebook.com/#!/leicesterbusinesswomen Follow us on Twitter - LBW_network

We look forward to seeing you there…..We look forward to seeing you there…..We look forward to seeing you there…..We look forward to seeing you there…..

Do you live in Oadby or Wigston?

Thinking of self employment?

Do you have a hobby that you would like to turn into an income?

Can’t find a suitable job?

Always wanted to work for yourself, but don't know how to begin?

Our new and exciting Start Up Now programme is aimed at helping unemployed individuals start their own businesses. The project is currently available for

those living in either Oadby or Wigston. The Start Up Now project offers FREE support, guidance and advice to those who wish

to become self employed, have a business idea or would like to earn income from a hobby. Our support consists of 5 training workshops, one to one appointments with a specialist advisor and group events, all aimed at giving information and advice

on self employment and business start up.

Our training workshops will focus on:

Our next programme of FREE workshops start in April 2013

Please note: we have limited places available

For further information or to confirm your place

call the Start Up Now team today to ensure you don’t miss out!

Tel: 0116 242 9482

E-mail : info@skillsforenterprise.co.uk

Date Time Workshop Venue

Thursday 11th April 2013 10.00am - 3.00pm Deciding To Start & The Business Plan

TBA

Wednesday 17th April 2013 10.00am - 3.00pm Motivation & Attitude TBA

Thursday 25th April 2013 10.00am - 3.00pm Financial Planning TBA

Wednesday 1st May 2013 10.00am - 3.00pm Finding New Customers TBA

Thursday 9th May 2013 10.00am - 3.00pm Promotion & Publicity TBA

Confidence Motivation

Marketing Business Start Up

Financial Advice

Working From Home Stepping Out Your Comfort Zone

Time Management

Meet / Mingle

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

from 5.45pm to 8.00pm

At the LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street,

Leicester, LE1 1RE

A free event for people thinking about

starting up a business or in the early

stages of trading. It will bring together Leicester's

entrepreneurial enthusiasm and energy in one

event. This event is organised and

run by a large selection of local organisations that

help people start businesses.

Following on from your feedback from the last

event, we've kept the fun and energetic approach

to networking, and added in some interactive

workshops giving you the chance to practice

what you've learnt on the night. Join us for a

packed evening to make connections and meet

people also starting out on their business journey,

at no cost to you.

Agenda:

5.45pm - 6.15pm Registration and refreshments

6.15pm - 6.50pm Welcome and introductions,

following by 3 mini workshops

6.50pm - 7.20pm Speed Networking

7.20pm - 8.00pm Refreshments and Networking

Always fun and informal, this event is a great way to Meet / Mingle with around 50 people in the same

situation as you, over refreshments in the attractive informal surroundings of LCB Depot.

Simply bring yourself and business cards if you have them, so people can easily find out how to contact you.

If we're fully booked we'll operate a waiting list system, please add yourself to the waiting list.

This is an event is bought to you by a partnership of business support agencies and networking groups

including: A4E, b-Inspired, Case-Da, LCB Depot, The Prince's Trust, Skills for Enterprise and Spring.

Book your place at http://meetmingleapr2013.eventbrite.com and follow this event on Twitter #Meet/Mingle *please note, there may be free on-street parking available around the Cultural Quarter after 6pm, which you may be able to take advantage of. We have therefore opened registration until 6.15pm

We look forward to seeing you thereWe look forward to seeing you thereWe look forward to seeing you thereWe look forward to seeing you there

Never Forget That Your Customers Are Human

One of the most difficult jobs when you set up a new business is getting people to buy from you. Once they have started buying and become your customers, the next task is to try to keep them. It is much easier and cheaper to sell to existing customers than it is to make new ones. So, what should we do to attract and to keep?

“In competitive markets, 70% of customer decision-making is based on how we are treated . . . surprisingly, only 10% of company resources are invested in how humanly the organization interacts with its customers”, wrote John McKean in his book Customers are People . . . The Human Touch.

I remember being taught as a child that I should always “do unto others as you would have them do to you”; it’s something I have taught my own children. When you think about what annoys you most about the way you are treated by others, I’m sure that your list would include being ignored, rudeness and lack of respect. We like to feel that we matter and that we are acknowledged. How often have you been almost completely ignored by a checkout operator in a supermarket or by a waiter or waitress in a restaurant? You might walk into a shop, browse for 15 minutes and leave without any human interaction at all; you may as well be shopping online.

Whether our customers call into our “premises” or wherever we’re speaking with them, it is so important to treat them politely and with respect, yet it should hardly need repeating. It goes further than that, though if you want to build up good business relations with them. People buy from people they like and trust, so you need to be friendly enough to build up a rapport with your clients. That doesn’t mean “being a pushover” or giving in to every demand, but it’s about showing a caring nature. When you care for someone, you will do a lot for them to show that care. Isn’t it the same with clients? Then we should “go the extra mile” sometimes, to show that we value them as clients. Doing that bit extra, for no extra cost, is only a small gesture, but it creates huge feelings of positivity and loyalty. A promise of something more is fine if you remember to provide it; we all hate broken promises! What have you done this week for a customer or even a potential customer? Have you shown a kindness? Have you been considerate? Have you gone out of your way to please them? I don’t mean bribery; just plain and simple excellent and outstanding service. Whatever your USP, people love dealing with people who stand out because they are so thoughtful, so kind or so good at looking after them. What is it that “winds you up” when a sales person tries to “sell” to you? You have probably had more than your fair share of marketing phone calls from people who are reading from a script. As well as persistent, they may also be rude and pushy. They will often try to disguise their intent by telling you that they are conducting a survey. How does it make you feel when you answer the phone to one of these? Do you feel your privacy has been invaded? Perhaps you feel powerless and angry that you cannot control this marketing, even in your own home. You probably feel that you and your wishes are not being respected, that the caller does not know you and that they don’t even try to listen to you. Next time you receive one of these phone calls, make a note afterwards of the emotions you feel and how it makes you feel about dealing with the supposed company the callers represent. Consider then how you deal with your customers, from marketing to selling, from delivery to after-sales service. Do you do anything that might cause your customers to feel angry, annoyed, ignored or simply disrespected? Do you treat them in a way that you would choose not to be treated? Asking customers for feedback on you and your company makes good sense. It shows that you care and that you’re prepared to listen. It gives them the opportunity to remark on something that they might not otherwise have done. Good feedback gives you the chance to learn from the error of your ways, and to put things right. Everyone makes mistakes and you can be forgiven for that. Failing to right a wrong or to listen to your customer is what undoes the reputation of many organisations.

It really has been a pleasure to work on the Leicester Business Women project and your commitment and your passion for your new businesses have been an inspiration to me. Good luck with your business in 2013 and beyond. Be the best that you can be and give the best to your customers. Take time to get to know your clients and what makes them tick. You know that you are special and have such a lot to offer. Make sure your clients know that; ensure that they feel that they are special to you. Release your humanity and remember to smile!

© Jim Hewitt, Decimus Training

Hello I am Lorraine from RT LORRAINE

Do you think you can't paint or draw? Would you like to experience using various art materials?

Would you like to see your character expressed through art?

RT Lorraine is an educational, character, developing service through art I have also recently started hosting art parties

where each participant gets to take their design home.

So why not contact me for more information regarding group sessions, 1 to 1, youth groups etc...

Sessions start from £3.00 to £18 per session

RT Lorraine 07584707647

Small Business Workout

The Small Business Workout programme aims to help existing business owners overcome the barriers encountered at key points in the early stages of the business cycle. The programme provides a customised and comprehensive programme of business support, including opportunities for business owners to develop new skills and have access to one to one mentoring and business networking. The programme offers 5 support strands, these include:

• A company Skills Needs Analysis - pre and post programme participation analysis of how well the business is performing. The diagnostic will assess the views of the business owner and its customers and make recommendations for future strategy and development.

• A business planning clinic - a half day one to one session to ensure that participants are confident in the business planning process and are able to set SMART objectives for their business. This element will be especially crucial for businesses at key stages of development (i.e. growth, taking on new staff, building supply chains etc)

• One to One Business Mentoring - a dedicated business coach offering 6 half day mentoring support sessions to the Business Owner.

• Funding Application Support - Support with access to a range of funding opportunities for businesses looking to access funds from a range of providers.

• Business Networking Opportunities - regular opportunities will be provided for participants to come together to network and develop business to business relationships and to establish local supply chain linkages.

SfE has been successful in securing funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support businesses accessing the programme and are based within Leicester City.

For further information about the SBW Programme, please call David Ryan on 0116 2518730 or e-mail david.ryan@skillsforenterprise.co.uk.

Then our Start - Up Loans

Enterprise Programme is for you!

Enterprise Loans East Midlands offers:

• Business skills workshop • Start - Up Loan (amount varies) • Ongoing support from a voluntary business mentor

If you are interested or for further information call Start - Up Loans

today 0116 251 8730 or e-mail

info@skillsforenterprise.co.uk

Are You Aged 18 - 30?

Interested In Business And Have A Business Idea?

Looking To Become Self Employed Or

Start Up Your Own Business?

Easy Steps To Start Your Business With The HMRC

Being on the right side of the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can only work in your favour and will mean that you do not get any unwanted surprises when starting up your business, that's why the HMRC have launched their new e learning package. An easy way to work through starting your own business with simple step by step guidelines and modules.

The HMRC have launched their new e learning package to help you start up your own business. This is an excellent tool with their step by step processes and modules covering all the elements of starting up your new business venture, there are a number of aspects that you can also focus on if you don't want to go through the whole module such as the legal requirements, registering your business and of course tax and VAT. In addition, there are also experiences of others who have started their business and details on how they did it, a great way to pick up useful hints and tips for yourself. To access the e learning tool, please click on the following link http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob/syob/HTML/syob_menu.html

Please note the learning cannot yet be accessed from iPods or ipads.

When Is The Right Time To Register Your Business Registering your business is a legal requirement and is a MUST once your business starts promoting your product / service or begins trading. If you have a business card, leaflets or other marketing materials including a website or Facebook page, you are in fact promoting your business and, therefore need to register it with the HMRC as soon as possible. After all you wouldn’t be advertising yourself / your business if you wasn’t ready for clients / customers:: Registering as a sole trader is quite straightforward. you need to contact HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) either by telephone where a member of the team will go through the process with you or via their website www.hmrc.gov.uk where you can also find all the information you need to register and further information concerning TAX & VAT, contact numbers etc. If you want to register as a Limited Company you need to contact Companies House either by telephone where you can go through the process with a member of their team or via the website www.companieshouse.gov.uk where you can also check that your chosen companies name is free to use for your business.

How you went about registering? “I went on the HMRC website and followed the instructions”

How long did it take? “Completing the form took about an hour, including double checking details. Once I’d

sent it off it took about 7 – 10 days “

How do you feel now that your have a registered business? “Fine – pleased that I did it as I feel it gives

me more credibility and also means I can use my accountant to sort out the technical details re tax payments

etc”

Sue Grogan – Director of Joined-Up Working Leicestershire A little word of advice from Leicester Business Women, whether you think your business is big or small, whether your business is a shop or simply baking from home – if you are receiving an income from your business it is trading! It is an offence to trade and not have registered with the HMRC and when caught people do receive a heavy fine! Don’t be one of these people.

This newsletter is dedicated to these ladies and This newsletter is dedicated to these ladies and This newsletter is dedicated to these ladies and This newsletter is dedicated to these ladies and the rest of Leicester Business Women’s members the rest of Leicester Business Women’s members the rest of Leicester Business Women’s members the rest of Leicester Business Women’s members

who have been such an inspiration! who have been such an inspiration! who have been such an inspiration! who have been such an inspiration!

If you missed our December 2012, January or February newsletters check them out!

http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/leicester_business_women_newsletter_december_editi

http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/

leicester_business_women_newsletter_january_editio

http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/leicester_business_women_newsletter_february_editi

Full of relevant business information such as pre start advice. marketing, finance, hints and

tips on motivation and confidence as well as information other projects ran by Skills for Enterprise, forthcoming training workshops,

networking events, adverts from our members and plenty more!!!