Start up a small business from home

Have you ever thought of starting up your own business, but not known what in or where to market it? It can be difficult when you are a full time mum, juggling responsibilities of running the household and keeping the family in check. Everyone relies on you… But it’s important that you also have something YOU can get your teeth stuck in to.

There is nothing better than being able to work for yourself. You choose what you want to do, where you want to work, how many hours you put in, along with when you want to take some time off. Fair enough once the orders start pouring in you may have to put in a fair amount of hours, but it will pay off, and eventually you may be able to branch out and hire an assistant.

One industry that is calling out for unique business ideas and bespoke services is the wedding industry, worth over £10 Billion! Want a slice of that? Let’s get down to business…

What are you going to offer?

First decide how much work you are willing to put in. Do you want to go all out and offer unique venue decoration? Or offer the little extras to make that all-important day memorable? If you want to start off small, why not look in to offering wedding favours, handmade confetti, invitations or get super crafty and make elegant head pieces for the wedding party.


Need Inspiration?

Once you have decided what you want to do, you may need some ideas to get you going. Check out sites like Pinterest, Etsy or Folksy to see what the competition offers, and sign up whilst you’re there too. There are delicately laser-cut paper designs that will add a touch of class to any wedding. Classic books like Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights and Alice and Wonderland, which are often utilised to create decorative flowers and confetti, adding that personal element.


Get the Materials

Got an idea? Start scouring the internet for your materials. If you are really serious about it, buy in bulk, as you will be able to negotiate costs and make a saving! Head down to charity shops and car boots too. Often you will find people are getting rid of some good quality gear! You will also be able to find plenty of tutorials online too, so if you know want you want to make, but don’t know how, don’t worry… The internet is a wonderful place.


Network Yourself and Your Product

Have fun with it. Get out there and build friendships and working relationships. Get on all of the social networking sites you can think of and maintain them. Use a tool like HootSuite to help you manage these. Get a website set up, and talk about what you are doing, along with the trials and tribulations of setting up your own business. Even contact your competition to get hints and tips; most people are friendly enough and will help you where possible.


Work out a strategy

You’ve got a product. You’ve got contacts. Now get yourself down to some craft fairs! Find out what people are looking for, and get feedback on your product. Get some business cards printed up and offer free samples or a competition for the more likes, shares and comments on your social networks, and even for the first 10 orders of the day in order to add an incentive. Once the orders start coming in, try to have a quick turn around, you will get good reviews from the quality of your product and your efficiency. There are eBay couriers that offer great savings on delivering your goods and keep your spends at a minimum.




Once you have a few orders behind you, you will be able to ask for testimonials, and then… The world is your oyster!





*Guest Post*