More To Life Than Shoes

It’s time to make the most of that shiny back to school feeling and really get our big plans going.

To help us all take action we’ve just got to tell you about the 30 Day Challenge. It’s just what we all need to kick start our plans.

Making it happen can be tough – especially when you’ve got so much going on in your life. It can be hard making progress on your big plans with constant distractions from work, boys, kids, laundry and our never ending to do list.

Which is why we’re so excited about the 30 Day Challenge, brainchild of John Williams, author of the bestselling book Screw Work Let’s Play, and one of our heroes.

He has designed the 30 Day Challenge to help people like us put the play back into our lives and get our ventures and adventures off the ground. Think of it as a gentle kick up the bum and hand to hold rolled into one.

Click below to listen to our interview with John and find out why we're such big fans of Screw Work Let's Play.

Click here to visit Screw Work Lets Play.

As a recent female graduate (very recent, I graduated two weeks ago!) I have tentatively begun to look into different career avenues.  I’ve found that other graduates, if not going on to do masters are expecting to work for free in order to gain experience and enhance CVs.  Graduates are attempting to appeal to employers in the face of increasing job competition and enduring economic hardship.

Having considered gaining experience from large corporate firms I have discovered that smaller companies are more enticing to me as a female graduate with potential to develop business startups.  I will gain an insight and overview of how a business works and use this as a route to gaining a broader skills base.  I can apply these skills to my own future startups as a graduate entrepreneur or for future employment.

After a discussion with my parents about my future career as a graduate and the absence of vocational qualities in my degree (BA American and Canadian studies), I have considered the option of business startups as a female entrepreneur rather than embarking on a graduate scheme that would take me into the corporate workplace.

From my perspective as a graduate the overwhelming task of competing against hundreds of fellow graduates for graduate schemes which may or may not lead to permanent employment was not appealing. However, the prospect of engaging in varied work experience with less mainstream companies headed by female entrepreneurs – with the aim to acquire the skills needed to begin any startups – was far more enticing.

Given the opportunity to contribute with some significance to the growth and development of smaller companies and start-ups allocates a sense of worth, albeit not monetary, to female graduates’ efforts and inputs.  The greater variation in day-to-day tasks and the rapidity with which these tasks change certainly keeps you on your toes!  In addition to this the shadowing of female entrepreneurs provides an invaluable lesson for female graduates looking to begin startups.

As a prospective graduate entrepreneur the benefits of startups are far more enticing to me than working for someone else.  These benefits include being your own boss, the stronger sense of dedication to your job, and dictating your own hours (although I have quickly learnt that entrepreneurs work all hours, every day, especially in the early years).   This sense of purpose as the motivating force is especially tempting for graduates when faced with a whole scope of employment in the world of work and no particular direction. 

The possibilities for achievement as a graduate entrepreneur and the sense of satisfaction in reaching your own goals through start-ups make it an attractive prospect.  Instead of doing a job for a large company which may not recognise your achievements or possibility for growth as an employee.

As a female graduate I have therefore decided to gain an understanding of how small startups and entrepreneurial businesses work (especially because I have never studied business at degree level and not even at secondary school).  Seeing first-hand the complexities of startups whilst witnessing the achievements and satisfaction of such an undertaking by other female entrepreneurs inspires me to consider becoming an entrepreneur as a viable option to becoming someone’s employee.  With the large number of graduates entering the work place and the some-what limited graduate places available in large companies, the opportunities that come with graduate entrepreneurship are more enticing.

However, with my large student debt as a graduate, the thought of spending money before making money is unthinkable.  Consequently I would consider becoming employed whilst planning startups as a graduate entrepreneur on the side as a 5pm-9pm job.  Although this may be a more time consuming approach it may be the one best suited to my position as a debt-laden graduate.  My ultimate goal though is to become a successful female entrepreneur.

We’re always being asked for our tip top networking techniques. The trouble is, the idea of business networking gives me the heebie jeebies; all that business card swapping, pointless chitchat and over the shoulder glances to see if there’s someone more interesting in the room. Cringe.

I’ve been to loads of women’s networks and clubs for women. Scoped out many women’s networking events. Worked the room. Talked myself up and generally networked my ass off. On occasion it’s been more exhausting than a full day with a toddler who’s eaten too many ice-creams. Plus, it can feel rather superficial. You come away feeling more judged than a contestant on Britain’s Next Top Model.

When time is so precious, why spend your time juggling awkward moments, canapés, handshakes and glasses of dry white? What is the point of filling your already overfilled diary with business networking events?

Ultimately, networking is just meeting people and talking to them, building relationships and creating opportunities. We do it all the time, with friends, family and work colleagues, and most of us girls are actually pretty good at it! And yet somehow the words “business networking" or “networking event” give us the fear – us included.

Here are my top reasons why networking is a brilliant thing:

• You meet new people. Some of whom will come in handy.
• If you talk about your business and big plans, you might even meet potential new clients
• If you’re on the scene people will think about you when they need someone like you
• It’s a great way of sharing ideas and collaborating
• You’ll be more likely to spot exciting new opportunities
• It gets you out the house – not to be underestimated if you work home alone
• It can be fun (really!)

My fear of networking (especially business networking!) was one of the reasons we founded our More To Life Than Shoes women’s network. We wanted to create a club for women dedicated to helping women turn aspiration into action, with members all committed to helping support and encourage each other. And it works.

So, as the founder of a new kind of women’s network, I’d like to share some top tips for getting the most out of networking that will hopefully make it more fun. Hurrah to that.

Experiment. Go to loads of events until you find something that suits you. There are all kinds of networking organizations out there, all doing slightly different things. Find events where you like the vibe. And don’t bother with the ones that scare the pants off you or where people are unfriendly. Obviously, if you’re a woman and you’d like to turn aspiration into action come and join us!  And then, once you’ve found your kinda place, go regularly. It’s easier to build relationships and make friends when people know you.

Chill Out. There’s nothing worse than being sold to from the get go. It’s boring. People will walk off! Instead, take a different approach. Listen to what people have to say and try to think of ways you might be able to help them out.

People love swapping business cards – it’s a big part of business networking in particular so make sure yours are really cool. We love www.moo.com. And bring them with you. Always.

Hunt down key influencers – Time is short, so don’t waste it hiding in the corner chatting to people who don’t know anyone either. Best to get chatting to the people who know everyone! They’ll help connect you with others and recommend you to a wider group of people.

Notches on the bedpost – Meeting people is about making friends, not gathering up loads of new acquaintances and a big bunch of business cards.

Prepare some cool introductions – Instead of the usual what’s your name what do you do thing. You want people to remember you after all.

If you meet someone you get along with, make contact immediately after the event and make an effort stay in touch. You might become friends and they will certainly think of you if an interesting opportunity arises.

Networking is a state of mind – think beyond “networking events” and “business networking” and chat to people when you’re out and about, at the school gates, on the bus or in the gym.

Listen when people are talking – there’s nothing worse that someone who’s biding their time until someone else comes along and clearly not listening to a word you’re saying

Don’t get drunk! A couple of drinks help with dutch courage, but more than that and you’ll probably end up talking crap or spilling your drink on someone!

 
And that's it. Simple. Have a great time networking like a nutter and let us know how you got on.

It started with a random magazine and all kind of discoveries. Then we got physical got sweaty. And last week we all had a go at making that call.

This week, we're after some entrepreneurial inspiration.

One of the reasons we started More To Life Than Shoes was to create an inspiration hub where we could share cool discoveries, helping us fuel our own fire and maybe even inspiring a new business idea.  

I am lucky enough to meet some amazing female entrepreneurs doing all kinds of cool things. For example, the other day I met Genevieve Murphy, co-founder of Trinket Women - a great new way to buy high quality tampons.



Simply sign up, enter your dates and details and receive a neat and stylish present from mother nature's helpers each month. Simple and genius.

I love the fact someone has taken on the big boys and given a much needed feminine touch (not to mention style upgrade) to the most feminine of products. Plus, never again will I get caught short. I'm a real fan of getting letters and packages- just imagine if getting your monthly supply became a joy!

(And if you'd like to try Trinket out, Genevieve has kindly offered us a 2nd box free when we enter code T1005 on www.trinketwomen.com.)

We'd love you to join in this week's mini mission and dig up some of your own entrepreneurial inspiration. 

We wanna hear about amazing business ideas that get you going. If nothing springs to mind, panic not - check out www.trendwatching.com and www.springwise.com. They are both rammed with amazing ideas and concepts - sure to give you as much buzz as a triple espresso.

Wouldn't it be great if we all shared our discoveries - to help each other on the way to success.

Tell us - what's the big idea, why you like it, key things we can learn and give us a link to the website so we can check it out.

And tell your friends about the More To Life Than Shoes mini missions too! Blog, tweet, retweet, text, Facebook, do real talking, whatever floats your boat. Tell everyone!

Nadia x