Today on our very first Mumpreneur Monday blog I introduce Amanda who runs Velocity Media & Communications and also writes a great blog about being a Mumpreneur. Amanda and I are talking about working together to offer even better services to our clients so stay tuned. Amanda has got some great tips for Mumpreneur’s so have a read!

1. What is your name

Amanda Jesnoewski

2. What is your business name

Velocity Media + Communications

3. Website address

http://www.velocitymedia.com.au  

http://www.mummypreneurs.com.au 

4. Please tell us about your business

Velocity Media + Communications is a results-driven copywriting, marketing and public relations consultancy, specialising in creating strategic messages that engage your target market.

I also write about my mumpreneur journey on my blog Adventures and Misadventures of a Mummypreneur, which is a memoir on marriage, munchkins, meetings and the inevitable mayhem that comes with it, along with some practical tips for running a business with babies, toddlers and kids.

5. How long have you been in business?

I started Velocity Media in 2007, though I’ve been in business since I was eighteen (just over ten years now) and have owned three other businesses in event management, networking and marketing.

6. What inspired you to start your business?

In addition to the flexibility that comes from owning your own business and being passionate about writing, I founded Velocity Media after noticing numerous business owners were struggling to articulate their value and generate sales from their marketing material.

7. How do you try and maintain work-life balance as a Mumpreneur?

When I work through the day while my kids are awake, I break up my work into blocks (30 minutes on and 30 minutes off – and try for more if I can) so I still have quality time with my kids while getting some work done. I tend to leave my high-concentration work for nap times or evenings after I have spent some time with my husband.

To make better use of the time and energy I put into my business, I look for ways to streamline and systemise my tasks, outsource them completely, or leverage off others by providing an incentive (like forming strategic alliances or creating joint promotional opportunities).

8. What are your top tips for mums thinking of launching a business

First of all research your market and find out if there is a need for your product or service. Then find out what the biggest frustrations are with your industry, as this will help you to form your point of difference and ensure you are offering what the market needs.

Also make sure you build a portable and flexible business. When you work with kids a normal 9-5 work arrangement isn’t suitable, you need to be flexible with your work hours and be able to work on the run if need be.

9. What are your top marketing tips

First and foremost know your customers. What are their greatest needs? What are their most pressing frustrations? What do they want most? The answers to these questions will help you create better products and services and better sales pitches.

Secondly take the time to build relationships with your current and past clients because word of mouth marketing is powerful. The cheapest and easiest business you will ever generate is from the clients you already have, through upselling and referrals.

10. What is one of your favorite website resources for small business?

There is an absolute wealth of information available, though if I can mention two, it would be Flying Solo (www.flyingsolo.com.au) and Start Up Smart (www.startupsmart.com.au). They each have a wide range of articles on relevant issues faced by small business owners, with practical tips that can be implemented easily into your business.

11. What business tools do you use to run your business?

The main tools I use to run my business are my iMac, laptop, iPhone and wireless internet. My laptop and iPhone are by far the most valuable tools as they give me the flexibility to work from anywhere.

I also have to admit I love the phone system I have. With features like do not disturb (silent mode for your landline), hold, mute, speaker phone and a phone locator (for when kids hide them) it certainly makes the life of a mumpreneur a little easier.

12. Have you undertaken any online courses or programs or engaged a coach to assist you to learn more about running an online business?

I strongly believe in furthering my knowledge and skillset, so I regularly read articles, books and blogs, as well as do webinars and courses (both online and offline). I have also had a couple of coaches throughout my business ventures and continue to surround myself with successful business owners who I respect and admire, and learn by their example.

13. What is the best advice you could give mums wanting to become a Mumpreneur?

Be very clear on why you are going into business, what your priorities are and also what your non-negotiables are (i.e. no work between the hours of 5pm and 7pm as it is family time). It can be so easy to get caught up in work and lose sight of why you went into business in the first place, that is why it is important to establish this from the very beginning – and stick to it.

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