Horace's Bootstraps Diary

Horace

Well folks I thought that I had better update my diary.

I had a chat with my mentor at the Chamber last week and he told me all about test trading and what would happen, I told him that my £15.38 a week that the government gives me as a training allowance would be put into my business account to pay for the insurances that I need (I am not going to get any until I get some clients). He also told me that when my test trading period had finished that I shouldn't think of giving up the business and certainly not go back on the dole and that I should get working tax credit which works out as more than dole money. Plus I get three free ads each worth £50 in the Chamberlink magazine - I must put some words together and do those pronto. He even asked if I would be interested in a centre page spread in the magazine because they liked to feature unusual businesses and I am the only wedding planner on their books - of course I said yes.

I have updated my website again - it cost me a little over £30 to do so but it needed a makeover. I have also been in contact with some rather prestigious suppliers who have all agreed to be my suppliers:D Today, was a particularly good day as I had a chat at lunchtime with a guy that I met at the Events UK trade show and he invited me to a special business lunch on 15 December - so I am going. We had quite a chat about my business and its newness and he mentioned that I had probably been bombarded with information I agreed and said that one wedding magazine had been persistent in offering me advertising space that I cannot afford, I would only be interested if it were free. It was then that he told me that they were going to hold their first ever wedding show on 15 Feb 2009 and offered me a free stand - talk about me being grateful, of course I am taking it:D It is kinda scary so I shall have to go and speak to some suppliers and see what I can get from them - maybe I will contact the day spa to see if they can offer me something as a prize I have never done an exhibition on my todd before so don't really know what I need to take with me - any ideas from all the business types on here would be appreciated:D

I have been very good in keeping a record of what I have spent and my poor credit card has taken a battering but I keep transferring the balance to my 0% balance transfer card so I get zero interest but it is disheartening when the balance keeps rising - it is currently at £4500:eek: Unfortunately, it is the only way to get some money for the business. When I start earning then the business will pay me back and maybe I can get something from the tax man (I live in hope). Unfortunately, I am not due a tax rebate so couldnt get anything back when I signed for test trading.

I am in desperate need of a foolscap filing cabinet because my filing is currently in various bags which isnt good for me because I have to rummage to see what I have:rolleyes: I am looking at buying a second hand one or seeing if I can acquire one.

As for the rest of my life, I am managing to survive on the odd bit of mystery shopping, doing my chap's washing in exchange for money plus careful shopping sprees. I know that Tesco clubcard vouchers are worth more for things rather than shopping but these days I would much rather get some money off my shopping than buy a holiday or whatever.:rolleyes:

Well I shall sign off for now and update you later on my progress.:D

The_Dragon

It sounds as though things are going well for you Horace! I hope that the credit crunch doesn't kill your business before it gets going, I really, REALLY want this to take off for you

MrsPorridge

Hi Horace - that is such good news about your free stand:j I'm afraid I've never been to a wedding show. Just think about the shows you have been too. Write down all the good things you liked about the exhibitors and the bad things.

I would say you need lots of flyers with your website and contact numbers. I like the idea of a prize. You could always take people's contact numbers (say they go into a prize draw), then you could contact them a few days after the show.

Have you got a directory of suppliers that you would use? If so then see if you can get some samples from them, failing that then lots of photos.

As you are on your own its going to be a long hard day - first thing would be to make friends with the person on the next door stand (you will have to ask them to mind your stand when you pop to the loo)!! Also take plenty of bottled water with you and high energy snacks so that you can keep going - probably paracetamols too in case a headache strikes.:D Where is the exhibition going to be?

I'll try and think of some more ideas.

whatatwit

Hi Horace, I think a prize draw is a great idea....we all like the idea of something for nothing.
If you could get some sheets printed, maybe postcard sized, with spaces for name, address, email address and wedding date, or potential date, then it is easier for people to complete.
Then at least emailing people is free and it would direct them to your site.

I do hope the business is sucessful for you.

Horace

In true MSE Style I have been on the scrounge today.

My local florist (she has been really helpful and supportive - if only her website was up and running:rolleyes: ) has agreed to provide some flowers for my stand (she will have her business card on display too), I need to scrounge some balloons from the local balloon company and maybe a dress from the local couture shop (we all support each other).

I think I shall have to visit Vistaprint to get their freebies.

I wondering what to give as a free prize? I shall try and blag something from the day spa - ideally I want something that won't cost me a fortune - free is better:D

Thanks for the ideas folks - I shall start beavering away designing my forms (I shall see the local printer and make friends with him - he has already given me 30% off any stationery I want).

The_Dragon

Horace wrote: »

In true MSE Style I have been on the scrounge today.

My local florist (she has been really helpful and supportive - if only her website was up and running:rolleyes: ) has agreed to provide some flowers for my stand (she will have her business card on display too), I need to scrounge some balloons from the local balloon company and maybe a dress from the local couture shop (we all support each other).

I think I shall have to visit Vistaprint to get their freebies.

I wondering what to give as a free prize? I shall try and blag something from the day spa - ideally I want something that won't cost me a fortune - free is better:D

Thanks for the ideas folks - I shall start beavering away designing my forms (I shall see the local printer and make friends with him - he has already given me 30% off any stationery I want).

The spa sounds a good idea, they may be up for it as hopefully the person will go back again and pay!