ACPR Blog

I provided some tips for an article and apparently they have recommended my new book, Family Friendly Working. Would love to see it if anyone still has the relevant week’s magazine. The article says something along the lines of:

“Antonia Chitty, author of Family Friendly Working (£9.99 White Ladder Press Feb 2008) has the following tips for businesses that work well in your spare time:

1. Becoming a rep is one of the most common ideas for a part time business. Before signing up ask yourself if you are prepared to sell to your friends and family, and turn passing acquaintances into potential party hosts. If selling isn’t your strong point point, pass this opportunity by. If you’re up for some sales talk, find out if there are competing reps in your area – you’ll do better if you are selling something new, and ideally something you can’t buy cheaper in your local shops.
2. Set up a service. Have you got a skill? It could be anything from ironing to graphic design. If you have a talent or a few spare hours there’s always someone who wants a job done. Tips to find customers include popping postcards in the local shop window or posting flyers through doors of affluent local houses for services like cleaning or ironing. Target local businesses too if your skill could help them.
3. Hobbies that pay: if you’re crafty or a clever cook, you may be able to turn your hobby into a business. Ask friends and family if they would be interested if you started making something to sell. Check out local gift shops and craft fairs to see if there is a market for hand made cards and gifts. Talk to trading standards about what you would need to do if you want to sell cakes, jam or other homemade goodies. Be careful to work out the cost of your time and materials, and don’t underprice your handmade items.”

If you don’t want to work 9 to 5 now you’ve got a family, but would like to earn some money or continue using your skills, starting your own business may be a solution. Here are some pointers from a short article I wrote for Mum and Working to get you started.

• List your priorities - e.g. earning money, using your brain, or staying at home with your children.
• Write down your skills, and ask others what they think you’re good at.
• Think about the hours you can devote to working. Be realistic, as children may not understand “mummy’s working”.
• Research the market for your business. Will people buy your product or service? Is it unique enough to be appealing?
• Prepare a business plan. Set out aims and objectives, and the steps to take to achieve your goals.
• Pop into a local Business Link for free and low cost advice, and help in getting grants or funding. The Inland Revenue can also send an advisor to your house to advise you.