Handy Tips for Women in Business From Busy Entrepreneur, Gill Oliver
Release date: 19/11/2008
 As Women’s Enterprise Day takes place, Gill Oliver who runs M&O Virtual Assistants, a Business Link customer, gives some key hints and tips on running a successful business based on her experience.
Business Link in the South East works with women to help them with information and advice to start or run a business. Last year, the service worked intensively with over 3,400 female owned companies.
Gill says; “Here are my five top tips for women in business.
- “Networking is a must.
Not only has it helped me to build my confidence, it also gives me new business leads through the people I meet. I look out for good networking opportunities in my area as a priority.
- “Make absolutely sure that you develop skills in new areas such as finance, sales and marketing and recruitment.
Business Link has been an invaluable resource for free and very low cost workshops on these subjects.
- “Get yourself a knowledgeable accountant who knows all about tax regulations.
I know I have saved money by using my accountant and I’m confident that I have covered the tax and legal requirements for my business.
- “Be totally professional with your clients and keep within your remit.
I have found that it’s far better to admit when I can’t do something, or its beyond my remit and recommend someone who can, than to try and ‘have a go’ at it.
- “Phone Business Link and arrange a free Business Review to assess opportunities and issues in your current market and help you with planning.
I found my Business Review extremely helpful, and I’m now working through the list of practical recommendations which I discussed with my business adviser at the meeting. We discussed a whole range of topics including managing cash flow and maximising sales.”
Rosemary French, from Business Link, explains Business Link’s role:
"Business Link offers practical and relevant support to anyone thinking of starting in business or who has been trading for some time. Our workshops and Advisers help women to tackle the issues arising from these difficult economic times."
Rosemary continues; "I encourage women in business to maintain a good work/life balance. Many women start and run profitable businesses which have to be flexible to suit their life style. Business Link’s information and advice helps women to save time by accessing the right information at the right time. We are here to help you avoid costly mistakes and to maximise the time you can spend running the business that you enjoy."
Over the past two years the proportion of female owned companies in the South East has increased from 18% to 21% and women currently lead around 36% of new business start ups. Business Link encourage all women owned businesses across the South East (around 75,000 – 85,000) to seek help and advice on running their new or established businesses. Business Link’s impartial and free information and advice is helping businesses to respond and prepare for the challenging economic conditions.
To find out how Business Link, which is funded in the South East by SEEDA, can help you, phone 0845 600 9 006 or email
info@businesslinksoutheast.co.uk
For further information please contact:
Francesca Fogell
Francesca.fogell@businesslinksurrey.co.uk
, South East PR Executive,
Phone: 01483 713343
About M&O Virtual Assistants
M&O Virtual Assistants was formed to offer administrative PA help, including telephone answering, to small and medium sized businesses. For a fraction of the cost they can get a professional and experienced PA to help run their business, give the right impression and take a lot of the administrative burden off their shoulders. M&O Virtual Assistants pride themselves on being a Profit Centre and not a Cost Centre!
Business Link’s What Stopping You? Events
Business Link’s ‘What’s Stopping You?’ events across the region, for women who are maybe looking to open a business or have just started trading, offer an opportunity to network and find out more about the advice and support available. The events are a mixture of advice sessions, exhibitions, networking opportunities and seminars covering confidence building, finance, websites and the opportunity to talk to women who are successful trading. For further information, visit their website.
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