For the past three years I have been working as a freelance writer for print. I also have been contracted by ‘Mother & Baby’ Magazine to project manage the selection and testing of more than 250 baby products for the Mother & Baby Annual Awards, write annual feedback reports for each year’s process, and develop a brief for a Mother & Baby Magazine shopping website.
I decided to join the course because, to date, I had taken on such a incongruent assortment of different work commissions, I was having difficulty identifying my strengths and working out in what directions I was most interested in seeking further contracts.
I have been given an outline introduction to all the things I need to know for setting myself up as a business. This has given me a much better defined sense of purpose, direction and a goal. The course tutors have helped me to define what it is that do in a way that sounds logically and marketable.
The course has also been brilliant in many ways that I had not initially anticipated. I had believed that there has been some unwritten diktat to mothers that offering working hours that are limited by the school day and children’s bed times are of less significant value than the ability to work a straight 8 hour day.
Previously I had considered my business ambitions were to be forever limited by my role as a mother and all I did was earn ‘pin money’ by doing whatever work I was contracted to do. Now I am able to see that I can market all of my skills in a practical way, my domestic life doesn’t have to limit the value of my working one, and I can legitimately seek contracts that will enable to develop myself as a business specialist.
The staff and all the other women on the course have all been extremely, and equally, helpful and encouraging. They have provided a non-judgemental, non-competitive sounding board for all my fears and ideas. At the same time, it has been a privilege to share the business dreams of other women. I have gained new friends and a new network of support and opportunities.
My business model is to offer, along with the work I already do, a web development consultancy service. I believe I can develop vague briefs or unwritten ideas into functional web proposals for web designers to build.
I understand the functional logic of web site navigation, I can help clients to become aware of the web site’s potential and identify their particular market objectives and, uniquely, I work with the perceptional viewpoint of the internet browser in mind.
I already have my first web development contract for a company based in Devon which is both exciting and scary. The difference is that now I don’t fear being limited by what I don’t know as I am confident that I know where I can get the information and help I need.
Since attending the course, Jessica has been approached by Cornwall Today magazine to write an article profiling the SMART Women Project. This will be due over the Summer period in time for the September Programme intake.
Lorraine Moore, Lavenders
My name is Lorraine Moore and I have a lavender nursery in Camborne. When the letter first arrived with the invitation to attend the SMART Women course, I was unsure whether to accept or not. Upon reflecting the letter, I accepted as I believe that opportunities are brought for a reason. As to the expectation of the course I imagined the usual 'running a business' structured learning modules and thought that by re-visiting these areas I could look at my existing business and see where I needed to make changes.
The course did indeed prompt me to examine more closely what I was doing, not only in my business, but personally, and I have indeed pared off those areas which are unproductive. As to the soft skills modules - how exciting and empowering these were! They also served to reinforce several things; what I am, what I understood, or, was already doing. These then highlighted the areas I needed to change, to build on, or to ditch.
The course has opened up new avenues through contacts and possibilities not only locally but world-wide. I have an original new Cornish line for my business for which I have two models - and, have more recently, taken this idea on to yet another new innovative Cornish line!
My future map is to pursue these new ventures and promote their 'Cornishness' in county and via my web site (still building). I hope that those of us who were in the first SMART cohort keep in touch as we have become friends.
Finally, a quote given in one of the soft skill sessions sums it up for me - "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be" Lao Tsu (Sharpening the Saw - JS).
The course was an experience for which I am grateful to have been one of the chosen participants."
Marie Preece, Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Ever since finding out that marketing and fundraising at Cornwall Wildlife Trust was going to become a department in its own right with myself as manager, I have been searching for a management course. I wanted a course that was not only based in Cornwall but one that addressed management issues at a strategic level (and didn’t cost a fortune). When I saw the SMART Women course advertised on Network Cornwall, I applied immediately and was delighted when they accepted me.
The course dealt with business skills and strategic thinking in the morning and personal development in the afternoon. This format really suited me and the personal development sessions really opened my eyes.
My need for a management course was immediate and therefore my expectations were extremely high. The SMART Women course has exceed all of those expectations and I now feel a much more self-a ssured, assertive and confident person as a result. I have already put a lot of what I learnt into practice with great results and would recommend this course to anyone out there who needs a bit of guidance in both management and personal development.
Chihoko Jones, Seaside Sushi
Chihoko Jones is from Japan and now lives in Newquay with her husband and three year old boy. ‘I was thinking of starting a sushi business - then I found out about Smart Women Project in the local newspaper.
I didn't hesitate to join this project as I was already looking for a course which would help me realise my business idea. I hoped to gain the basic knowledge required for small businesses and how to write a start-up plan. I also wanted build my confidence to enable me to venture out on my own.
The course was hard for me, because English is not my first language, but it was definitely worth working hard. The course contained almost everything I needed to learn in order to start my business. I even chose my business name - ‘Seaside Sushi’. The Project provided practical business knowledge and helped me to develop emotionally. I also learned a lot of things from networking with other women who were attending the course.
On completion of the formal training, I now have very clear goals after. I intend to stay engaged in the Project through events and mentoring, so I feel confident I will achieve my aims.’
On the last day of the course at our celebration lunch, Chihoko struck up a conversation with two fellow SMART Women, Alison Zutshi and Andrea Callis (manager of the Fowey Hotel). After discussing her Sunshine Sushi business plan, Alison Zutshi who owns Zutshi’s Toll Bar & restaurant in Fowey offered Chihoko her first Sushi Demonstration and Tasting evening event.
This is one of the first business collaborations between the initial 40+ SMART Women on our project. We are delighted that Members can support one another in this way and that Alison can help to launch Chihoko’s new business. We want to ensure that these collaborations keep happening, so make sure you use all of the SMART Women resources to promote your organisations. Don’t forget that the new online forum will be excellent for this!
Caroline Dobson, Full-time Mum
My name is Caroline Dobson, I am a full time mother. I first read about the Smart Women project when I was considering returning to work. I thought fantastic, it will give me an excellent opportunity to polish up my sales and Marketing Skills. My immediate thoughts were this course will bring together educated, professional and creative women to take part in collectively developing ideas to be smarter in business.
I enrolled on the course and it unexpectedly turned my life around. I went from contemplating returning to a job I have always done, to pursuing an interest and developing a working business plan demonstrating credibility and a real vision.
I have increased self awareness, learnt how to be myself socially, and greatly improved self esteem with the ability to create real happiness in my life regardless of past or present circumstances. I have also learnt the essence of leadership and a true understanding of what motivates individuals. This has all been made possible by the entrusted support of colleagues and mentors who are extremely down to earth like minded individuals.
My future plans now are to develop the business plan and start my own business. I thank everyone who has helped me to explore my true potential. And my life long friends, to your success in business.'
