The Summer Meet Up... Want to come too?

I am super-excited to be attending our very own CM Rhiannon from The Wellbeing Web's very first event this coming Sunday. It's called 'The Summer Meet Up' and is set to inspire and empower women to boost and nurture their wellbeing in everyday life. We don't all have the time (or motivation) to go the gym or meditate daily, but with Rhiannon and her special guest speaker's we can take some time out and go beyond that, to create and live a life we love - everyday! It provides practical, simple, everyday tips, ideas and actions to boost wellbeing, inviting more peace and balance into your everyday life... Sounds like every mum (including this one!) could do with a little Wellbeing-Web-goodness.

Special guest speakers are Cristina Re, founder of Cristina Re Designs, and Julie Parker, creator of Beautiful You and they will share insights about creating and living a life you love - everyday. And to top it all off it's being held at the absolutely gorgeous Cristina Re store, Where A Girl Goes AND includes a Champagne High Tea. Sounds like body, mind and soul will all enjoy this one.

To top it all off Rhiannon has included a goodie bag for all those attending which includes a stationery gift from Cristina Re, and there are some fab door prizes on offer worth over a combined $500.

As a special offer for all you lovely Clever Mamma followers, Rhiannon has very kindly offered to include her "Wellbeing Workbook", an insight into the five areas of Wellbeing and an easy and practical guide designed to boost your everyday wellbeing (worth $29), as a gift. All you have to do is mention "Clever Mamma" on sign-up and it will be emailed to within 24 hours. Simply let Rhiannon (rhiannon@wellbeingweb.com.au) know by Friday (that's tomorrow) that you would love to attend and you can pay on the day.

Now ladies, clear your schedule for this Sunday arvo, full details below. I'll see you there :)

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What: 
Boost your wellbeing by taking time out to mingle with like-minded ladies... Amazing, Adorable and Authentic women who recognise the importance of nurturing their wellbeing not only for themselves but for all those in their life!

Where:
Cristina Re Tea Rooms
Corner of Oxford St and Langridge St Collingwood
 
When: 
Sunday, 3rd February, 2013
 
Time: 
2:30pm-4:30pm
 
Cost: 
$70
 
Special Guest Speakers: 
Cristina Re & Julie Parker 

RSVP:
rhiannon@wellbeingweb.com.au

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Clever Mamma Profile: Invisible Business Solutions

This week we head north to the Gold Coast and have a chat with the lovely Helen Goodman from Invisible Business Solutions. Helen works alongside her hubby to provide biz mums with the services they need for success. Be sure to check out their new "School Hours Business Mums Networking Group" too. Such a great networking opportunity, I only wished I lived closer... although a trip to the Gold Coast does sound tempting!  

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business… I am a wife, and mother to two boys, who love their footy (massive Titans fans) and the beach! My husband and I have created Invisible Business Solutions to provide business mums with the services they need. We focus on workshops for business mums that are innovative, interactive and fun! And give you the recipe for success to take away! We also offer consultancy in business analysis, the best graphic design solutions to build your brand, print management to ensure you get quality print material at a price you can afford, and eBrochures (which make your brochures interactive!). Our first "live" workshops are on the Gold Coast in January & February so we are booking now to make business mums 2013 the best year.

2. How did your business begin? We started Invisible Business Solutions to offer our services to business mums. We moved to the Gold Coast and it became impossible for me to commute to my part time job, which I had begun to dislike for a great many reasons, not least of which that we felt we had more to offer. I wanted to go out there and share 20 years of management accounting and business analysis knowledge, and Paul has the Creative talent to cost effectively build a great brand for business mums. So Invisible Business Solutions was born! Why Invisible Business Solutions? We are invisible to your clients, we offer the services and experiences that make your business succeed. Its what we add... that you take away!

3. The bits I love… We have it covered… I love the "numbers" things and Paul is the creative - together we make a great team!

4. The bits I not-so-love… Being in business is a long road, and can be challenging as well as rewarding. But now we have the business we want, there are not so many bits not to love. Everything is a step towards our goals!

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Be confident in yourselves, we can make a valuable contribution, but lets not apologise for our mummy status and the fact that we choose to balance our work aspirations with our family lives. We only hold our children for such a short time, they should be enjoyed and given the attention they deserve! I also think it's important to recognise when we need help in an area, we seek out an expert and get the help we need (and the knowledge too).

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Having grown up in England and migrated to Australia almost 10 years ago now, I would have to say that I am a Devonshire Tea lady! But Devonshire teas are for the afternoons! In the mornings I am very happy with coffee!

Helen, it's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and your fabulous biz better. Be sure to let me know when your networking groups come down to Melbourne as I will be first on the list! Now loyal readers, you can find Helen's direct contact details here on her listing on the Clever Mamma business mum directory and be sure to find her on Facebook and Twitter too (deets on her website). Do you and your biz a favour and make 2013 the year your business moves forward with Invisible Business Solutions. Oh, and be sure to let her know that Clever Mamma sent you :)

Clever Mamma Profile: BabyButton

Our very first Clever Mamma Profile for 2013 is the super sweet Janell from Babybutton. I met Janell over a year ago in my Business Mum's Club and we have been following each others biz since, and now I am so excited to have her and her awesome handmade mummy-products on the CM site (you MUST check out her nappy wallets!). 
 
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... My name is Janell, I’m mother to Addison who is 2 years old and I am expecting my second child in May 2013. My business is Babybutton, a range of handmade products to assist new mums in their motherhood journey, such as breastfeeding/burb cloths, larger absorb bibs, nappy wallets and baby tag-a-long blankets.

2. How did your business begin? I love being a mother, and have found my journey to motherhood has been beautiful, life-enhancing and taught me lots of lessons I was completely unprepared for. My business Babybutton was born after experiencing several situations using my breastfeeding cover and finding the high demand from other women to have such an item. I started by word of mouth and grew from there. Through my experiences and in talking to other mums, I found myself with a desire to create an entire range of handmade products that meet our needs. Some of my main design ranges have been bibs that are larger, using more absorbent and durable fabrics, and breastfeeding/burb cloths that are soft washable and using fashionable fabrics.   

3. The bits I love... I love seeing my new concepts come to fruition. And more importantly, I love meeting new mums and sharing stories.

4. The bits I not-so-love... Like most business owners, my accounts seem to be on the bottom of the to-do list each day and sourcing new stockists for my product range.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Follow your dream, don’t give up on yourself. There are so many wonderful network groups and services that will help you. The community of business mums is amazing, and the support we all offer each other is amazing.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? I am more of a coffee girl and I do love cake with anything! 

Thanks for taking some time out with us Janell, and best of luck with bubs number 2. We can't wait to hear if Addi has a little brother or a little sister!

Now I know you would like to take a closer look at the Babybutton range for yourself or as a very thoughtful gift for a loved one. You can find Janell's web details here on the Clever Mamma directory and please do let her know that Clever Mamma sent you.

Clever Mamma Profile: Vivacity Consulting

It gives me great pleasure this week to introduce you to a business mum who is personally helping this Clever Mamma move forward with her biz in 2013. It's mum of two, Fiona Redding from Vivacity Consulting! I could go on and on about Fiona's fab consulting and mentoring biz, but I'll let the lovely lady explain it herself below... And be sure to read on as Fiona has a very special deal for the months of December and January!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... Vivacity Consulting offers business consulting and mentoring that is specifically targeted to help women in business, wherever they are in their business journey and whatever their level of business management skill and experience.

I launched the business in 2012, with the catalyst being a desire to create a challenging, innovative and rewarding working environment (and a scalable business) that was flexible around the needs of my young family.

2. How did your business begin? After months of fruitless searching for a good, meaningful part-time job, I realised that I needed to think more strategically and laterally about what I could do for work. It took months of research & planning to work out exactly how my background in strategic & business planning, HR, organisational development & change, and project management would translate into a business - and how I could help other mums set up and run their own successful businesses. It has been an amazing adventure.

3. The bits I love... The intellectual freedom, being my own boss, the financial rewards, working with and learning from other awesome & inspiring business owners, and the ability to dream big and make it happen!

4. The bits I not-so-love... Admin & financials

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Do what you love and love what you do, and then do it really well.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Coffee and cake.

So go on, do yourself and your mum business a favour and check out Fiona at Vivacity Consulting. If you are serious about moving forward I'd highly recommend it.

And in those famous words... "But wait there's more!". Fiona is offering a very special deal for Dec 2012/Jan 2013.

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Want to get a head start on 2013? 
Would you like an independent, objective and insightful assessment of your business to ensure you are heading in the right direction?

With a Vivacity coaching session you will gain clarity & focus on your business direction, have clear objectives in place, feel inspired and motivated to achieve your goals, and most importantly receive an ACTION PLAN to help you take your business to the next level in 2013.

For a limited time Vivacity is offering a coaching session and action plan for only $199! That is a saving of over $75.

Simply mention this blog post and book your session for December or January to access this fantastic offer. Please note that places are limited and it will be first in first served.

Fiona's full contact details are on the Clever Mamma directory, so book your session and get your business on the right track for 2013!

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Clever Mamma Profile: First Step Virtual Assistant

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to brand new Clever Mamma, Anne Clark from First Step Virtual Assistant. Anne is keeping busy (but I'm hoping she is getting some R&R too) with Master 2 PLUS a new bub on the way in February. Based in Melbourne, Anne is able to support biz mums Australia-wide with social media, admin and project management plus lots more. Anyone else spending way too much time on social media? You know who to call!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... My name is Anne Clark, I worked as a Corporate PA/Office Manager for 20 years before becoming a first time mum.  I am expecting my second child in early 2013, which is very exciting.
 
First Step Virtual Assistant is a support service for businesses.  I provide social media support, administration support, project management, electronic newsletters and lots more.
 
2. How did your business begin? First Step Virtual Assistant was established with the desire for me to be able to achieve a dream which is running my own business, be able to be at home with my children and continue to do what I love doing.
 
3. The bits I love... I love working with my clients, I’m very lucky as they are wonderful.  I love learning about their industries.  I take it upon myself to keep up to date on technology and services so that anything that can benefit my clients in the services I provide I can pass on to them.

4. The bits I not-so-love... The thing I don’t love is the constant ‘spam’ emails I get bombarded with and the hoax service seekers I get.  Surely they have better things to do. 

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? When trying to grow your business, utilise the free social media tools around such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and LinkedIn to attract your audience.  Take the time to understand your business direction/target audience and those social media tools.  It is important to try and get your audience onto your own database, you can’t solely rely on the social media platform because if it was gone tomorrow, you would have lost your database of potential clients and have to start all over again. 
 
6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? These days I definitely prefer my coffee and cake! 

Thanks so much Anne for letting us know your biz story. Stay tuned for a bubs update early next year, but in the meantime do pop past Anne's listing on the CM directory for full contact details and see how First Step Virtual Assistant can support you and your business. Isn't it time to work "on" your business and not "in" it? 

Clever Mamma Profile: Healthy Personal Finances

Our latest Clever Mamma is the fabulous and super-lovely Stacey Price. Stacey, together with hubby Richard run Healthy Personal Finances. Based in the North West of Melbourne and with two young boys to keep them busy, they are able to combine both their professional skills and personal experiences to provide clients with solutions to achieve lifestyle and financial goals. Isn't that a breath of fresh air - A finance team able to relate and understand the financial challenges us families face!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... My hubby and I started our business so that I could spend more time at home with our two lovely boys. I am a qualified accountant and hubby a qualified book keeper. We are passionate about sharing our financial knowledge and helping people become in control of their financial future. To be able to plan for holidays, weddings, retirement, buying a house, interest rate changes without fear and understanding how small changes can make a big impact. 

2. How did your business begin? Our business started off by producing individual cash management plans for ourselves to understand where all our money went and to help me save for our wedding. We then created a joint cash flow for our family, which includes our son’s bank accounts, the mortgage and our own personal accounts. We monitor our money each week of the year. We were then offering our plan to others and thought – we should be in business!

3. The bits I love... Seeing the smile on people’s faces when they realise they can achieve their dreams. Whether it be save for an overseas holiday, their first house, their children’s school fees or a comfortable retirement. Most of what we do is educate people and help them understand what can be achieved without making huge sacrifices. 

4. The bits I not-so-love... At the end of the day, we can guide people in the right direction, but we have no control over if they choose to follow the plans we create. People’s lifestyle and situations can change in an instant which effects what we have created so at times we need to start again from scratch.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? People tell me not to work with family, but for us it works. It is great to bounce ideas off each other and we often see things from different perspectives. Sometimes a fresh approach is what is needed, and that is what we try to give our clients. Sometimes the answer is right in front of you, but you are too close to see it. 

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Can I have both...but with a hot chocolate instead of coffee??

Thanks for spending some time with us Stacey, and letting us get to know you and your finance biz a little better :) So if you need help with budgeting, cash flow, book keeping or financial planning you know where to go! Healthy Personal Finances' full contact details can be found here on the Clever Mamma directory... What are you waiting for? Go check them out :)

We're giving away a free membership a day!

To celebrate reaching 600 "likes" on Facebook, Clever Mamma is giving away a membership a day!

Over the next six nights we will be randomly selecting an Aussie mum business to join the Clever Mamma online directory absolutely free. That's a 12 month membership valued at $120 each... And there are six to be won!

To enter, simply follow the three easy steps below:
1. Own an Aussie mum business.
2. Be a Clever Mamma Liker on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CleverMamma)
3. Comment on this blog post with your name, your business name and web address.

Each night at 6pm a winner will be selected using random.org and notified. Giveaway begins Tuesday 16th October 2012 and ends Sunday 21st October 2012.

Do you know what makes Clever Mamma different from other directories? 
We offer additional perks at no additional cost:
- A company profile on the Clever Mamma Blog.
- Continuous Facebook and Twitter mentions and shout-outs promoting your business throughout your membership.
- The Clever Mamma personalised service we pride ourselves on, you are not just a name on a list!

So what are you waiting for? Comment now!