80% of parents have changed their working pattern since having children. The main reason parent change the way they work is to spend more time with the family. Just over half of parents explained that their priorities have changes, while nearly 3 in 10 found that their work hours didn’t fit the childcare available, and 3 in 20 found that it was financially no longer worth working due to the cost of childcare. Overwhelmingly, parents are happy with the choice they have made. Not one respondent wished they had never resigned, while 4 in 10 say that is has been the best decision they ever made, and nearly 6 in 10 describe the experience as ‘hard at times but worth it’.

Only 43% of parents who responded are now employed with the rest self employed, seeking work, studying or taking a career break.  And only 17% are working full time. Director of mumandworking and Practical Parenting Business Parent of the Year 2007/08 Sam Willoughby says, “This shows how traditional employment patterns are no longer normal. The 2010 mumandworking awards which are supported by Sarah Beeny reward and recognise the companies and individuals that make flexible working possible and show that family-friendly employment not only supports family life but give real benefits to the companies involved.”

Changing the way you work after having children has a big financial impact – seven out of 10 families have seen a drop in income and for nearly half of those this reduction is between £10-£40k a year. Three in 10 feel they are financially ‘fine’, while four in 10 are ok most of the time but struggle sometimes. Nearly a quarter struggle financially more often than not, with just under one in 10 finding they never have enough money or even have serious debt problems.

Money is not the top priority for parents, however. When asked to list their top three priorities, time with the family came out first for a massive 17 out of 20 parents, while flexible hours were a priority for three in four. Seven in twenty prioritised how much they earn and three in ten prioritised job security. Career progression was a priority for just one in 10. Director of Family Friendly Working and Inspirational Mumpreneur of the Year 2009 Antonia Chitty says, “Employers need to take this message on board to attract and retain employees. I’m pleased to support the 2010 mumandworking awards that recognise outstanding companies and individuals who are committed to flexible and family friendly work.”

To enter the awards or nominate someone go to www.Mumandworking.co.uk. Nominations are open now and there are a range of exciting prizes for the winners.

Check in every week with ACPR to get new ideas to help you market your business.

This week, entirely coincidentally,  we’re looking at your marketing your business through political lobbying. Allying your business to a cause or campaign can help you hit the headlines in a way that focussing on your own products or services may not. If you get involved in political campaigning or lobbying it can add to your business credibility too. But remember to think out all the pros and cons of adopting a particular campaign or stance: anything controversial is likely to alienate some customers while attracting others. Here are some ideas for techniques to help you campaign:

1. Lobbying
2. Parliamentary questions
3. All Party parliamentary Group and Select Committee Enquiries
4. Writing to MPs
5. MP constituency clinics and other meetings
6. Polls
7. National advertisements
8. Targeting political media e.g. House Magazine

We’ll look at how public relations can boost your business marketing next in this series. For more ideas to help your business grow, buy A Guide to Promoting Your Business: The Ultimate Workbook for Business Owners by Antonia Chitty.

A guide to Promoting Your Business

Online Business Success

]]> http://www.acpr.co.uk/pr-blog/2010/04/get-help-to-promote-your-business/feed/ 0 http://www.acpr.co.uk/pr-blog/2010/04/announcing-the-businessmums-conference/ http://www.acpr.co.uk/pr-blog/2010/04/announcing-the-businessmums-conference/#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:08:53 +0000 admin http://www.acpr.co.uk/pr-blog/?p=737

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Visit www.businessmumsconference.co.uk/ to find more about The Mumpreneur Conference for the South – sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date with progress.

The essential book for businessmums who want inspiring ideas and practical advice to help them grow and develop a business, get the Mumpreneur Guide for £12 instead of £18 until midnight, 28 February.

“A great resource for any mum looking for flexible working inspiration and ideas.” Jane Hopkins of Mumsclub.

Visit www.themumpreneurguide.co.uk to take advantage of the offer – don’t forget to buy before midnight.

Could you fill in  a survey about flexible work … and please pass this on to friends

Find the survey here

Many thanks
Antonia

1. Classified adverts
2. Directory advertising
3. Display adverts – national and local, magazines and newspapers
4. Vehicle advertising
5. Radio advertising
6. TV advertising
7. Internet banner advertising
8. Internet text link advertising
9. Adwords – pay per click
10. Advertising hoardings and posters
11. Cinema advertising
12. Direct mail

For more ideas to help your business grow, buy A Guide to Promoting Your Business: The Ultimate Workbook for Business Owners by Antonia Chitty

Get more tips like this in A Guide to Promoting Your Business.