LIFESTYLE
Cards, Arbonne and Usborne Books. They have relatively low launch costs (generally you need to buy a start-up pack of products costing upwards of £30), plus you have the backing of a well known umbrella company.
These companies can be a great way to earn extra income and also enable you to meet other service spouses, either through hosting parties, open house or team events. The downside for some is that if you become very successful, you may find yourself having to go out several evenings a week. Also, to build a serious income you need to recruit and manage team members. I worked as a partyplan consultant for a few months after having my second child and found it was a great way of learning about running a home business in a supported environment.
Franchises: these include baby swimming, music and movement groups, and ante- natal classes. The franchise model offers the opportunity to bring in a significant income, however it is likely that an initial investment of anything from £1,000-10,000 is required, which you will need to work very hard to recoup. You are generally allocated a specific exclusive territory in which to operate, so if
you find yourself in the position of moving frequently, this may be a drawback.
Childminding: this can be an excellent option if you have young children yourself, as it allows you to earn an income whilst still caring for your own family. You may also be able to build a business specialising in providing a service for other service families, as you understand the unique difficulties they face when it comes to finding flexible childcare, or dealing with a parent who is away for long periods of time.
The ‘Dragon’s Den’ approach: maybe you have an amazing idea for the next big thing in baby products. Or a whole new franchise that no-one has thought of. Such ideas are always worth pursuing, after all, the Cuddle Dry bath towel, the TrayKit backpack and Plum baby food were all been invented by Mumpreneurs and all have seen sales soar, both in the UK and abroad.
There are various grants and initiatives available to those with an idea worth developing, including the University of Wolverhampton’s Forces’ Families Business Start-Up project, as featured in the previous issue of Envoy. Believe in your product,
have a clear plan and you never know what might happen.
If you do decide to take the plunge, there are a multitude of networking groups available, both locally and online, to offer support, advice and encouragement. Many of these specialise in supporting Mumpreneurs or forces families and getting involved may be as easy as joining a Facebook group. I have found such groups an invaluable resource, not to mention a great way of making friends.
Finally, starting a home business needn’t cost the earth. I launched my company with just £75, which paid for my website to be designed and hosted for a year. Within a week of trading, I was in profit. So my advice to anyone thinking of setting up as a Mumpreneur is this: Don’t be afraid to follow a dream, however crazy it might be. And perhaps we’ll see you at the Mumpreneur Awards next year.
For more about my business, go to
www.military-cvs.co.uk I offer a free covering letter worth £15.99 to anyone who mentions Envoy magazine when ordering a CV.
In beautiful countryside one mile south of the small Cotswold town of Corsham – midway between Bath and Chippenham lies
The Services
Any Service family needing short term accommodation, between postings, on retirement, for a break in the country or for Welfare reasons can stay at the Centre.
You stay in centrally heated, fully furnished and equipped, 3 to 4 bedroom self-catering chalets. To find out more contact your Welfare Office or telephone the Centre 01225 810358.
Cotswold Centre Your
Home from Home
www.raf-ff.org.uk Envoy Winter 2013 39
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