Business Mamas Diploma of Business - Getting down to business

It's time to get down to the nitty gritty in my Business Mamas Diploma of Business course. I've reached the stage where I'm learning to 'pave the road to success' and learn all about how to operate a small business and there is so much to learn.

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Who doesn't have an idea that they'd like to turn into a business? I know I have, many times over the years. These ideas usually came about while I've been running the kids to school, sitting on the bus on the way to my 9 to 5 job back in the day thinking there's got to be more to life than this and heaps of other times. The trouble is, they were just ideas that I never acted upon. Whether that was from me being afraid of failing, thinking it was too much effort, it's already been done before or for whatever reason. I've reached a stage in my life where I've realised I'm over the 9 to 5. My family are way more important than that. I need to be involved in their lives at a young age plus still be able to support them and what better way to do that than start a small business that involves loving what I do.

It's time to stop being afraid of the 'what ifs' and just go for it. This unit of business is covering how to take those initial business ideas, whether that's been something you've thought of while in the shower or scribbled on the back of an envelope and 'test the waters'. Check out your competition. What better way to see if you're on the right track then to check out a successful competitor and how they do it. I'm learning all about market analysis, Government rules and regulations that apply to small business, strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats (SWOT) and most importantly, planning. 

The initial part of the course has given me great tools to stay on track with effective time management skills and even though my everyday life does get in the way of study, I can quite easily get back on track with a daily to do list and setting myself goals, vital tools I've learnt along the way through the Business Mamas Diploma of Business. I'm looking forward to continuing this part of the course and what the future holds for me.

You can read my previous posts here.

Take the first step to live happy, work happy, be happy! Contact Business Mamas today and the Business Mamas team will be in touch with more information.

Business Mamas is an accredited online business school designed to help you launch your new business. Whether it be launching a micro business for extra cash or starting the next big business sensation, it’s all about you and your goals!

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclaimer:  In return for monthly blog posts for a 12 month period, Business Mamas have waived all course fees associated with the Diploma of Business. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own. 

Business Mamas Diploma of Business - #SpringintoAction

photo credit Business Mamas

I'm one step closer to achieving my Diploma of Business now that I have submitted my first assessment for the Go Mama learning module. I'm still waiting to see how I went but should get the results very soon. I'm actually a little disappointed with myself because I was late submitting it. My personal Business Mamas coach, Maree, gave me an extension to complete it. If I would've realised how close I actually was to completing it before my wedding on the 12th of September, I would've smashed it. 

That's one thing that the Business Mamas Diploma of Business has taught me and that is that you can have it all, with good planning and organisation but also not to sweat the small stuff when things don't always go according to plan. You see I was engaged in February this year and we decided on a May 2016 wedding. My (now) mother in law isn't in very good health so we brought the wedding forward to September 2015. That didn't really bother me too much because we were only organising a small family affair in our backyard. In the meantime, I took on the Diploma of Business which presented itself as a perfect opportunity for me at the perfect time. I was very organised with a lot of check lists in place but getting sick for 8 weeks during the months of May and June really put me behind. Factoring in study time during the planning stage of the wedding and in the lead up to it helped me stay on track. Unfortunately falling ill did not. It did however teach me to still create a daily plan, do the basics and do them in your peak times, when you are feeling your worst.

The best thing I've learnt from the Diploma of Business, so far, is how to #SpringintoAction when you need to. The laundry will always be there waiting, toasted sandwiches are a perfectly acceptable dinner option and wearing a cap on top of unwashed hair was my favourite fashion accessory when I was unwell. As a stay at home Mum, you're always wearing many hats and sometimes there are times where you're double booked, you forget an appointment, the kids (or yourself) get sick or any number of things can go wrong. Learning to plan your day well, allow for times when it's just not possible to have it all but spring into action when you need to. Us women have a wonderful knack of doing that but I've learnt how to do it well with the Business Mamas Diploma of Business.

Up until 8th October 2015, Business Mamas are offering 10 women an opportunity to enrol in the Diploma of Business with a special intake for Spring. Ten women will have the chance to turn their business dream into a reality, just as I hope to do. From idea to business launch Business Mamas are with you every step of the way, from your Business Plan to your Marketing Strategy and Financial Plan - you will have everything you need to launch YOUR business.  A dedicated Coach, group monthly catch up with complimentary coffees and baby chinos! Business Mamas provide one on one coaching and a 'learn now, pay later' payment scheme (when your business is up and running and you can afford it). Numbers are strictly limited and enrolments close 8th October. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity. Contact Tarnya to enrol or find out more on 0404 260 679.

I can't wait to get my teeth into the next stage of study and learning all about how to turn my dream into a reality.

You can read my previous posts here.

Take the first step to live happy, work happy, be happy! Contact Business Mamas today and the Business Mamas team will be in touch with more information.

Business Mamas is an accredited online business school designed to help you launch your new business. Whether it be launching a micro business for extra cash or starting the next big business sensation, it’s all about you and your goals!

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclaimer:  In return for monthly blog posts for a 12 month period, Business Mamas have waived all course fees associated with the Diploma of Business. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own. 

Business Mamas Diploma of Business - Assessing what NOT to do

It's time for another update on the Business Mamas Diploma of Business course I'm currently undertaking and it's assessment time. As I'm nearing the end of the first unit of the course, "Go Mama", I reflect on the journey so far and how much more organised I've become as a result of the course.

One of the best things this unit has taught me is identifying what NOT to do and what I should be doing instead. For example:

• focus on one day at a time instead of looking further down the track, wondering how I will get everything done;
• breaking up larger 'projects' into simple step-by-step tasks, putting them on my to do list and checking them off as I go instead of putting the entire project on the to do list and not accomplishing any of it;
• if I get sick (which I was for nearly the last 6 weeks), get through the simple, easy to do jobs on the list, check them off and carry forward those tasks which can wait instead of not doing anything;
• identify my 'peak' times, ie when I do my best work (9am until 2pm and 9pm until 11pm) and save the more demanding tasks for those times instead of trying to focus on these tasks at say after school time when it's most hectic;
• always, always, always plan meal times, whether that be a weekly meal plan or planning the next night's meal the night before, instead of scurrying around an hour before dinner time wondering what we'll eat;
• ensure I schedule in 'me' time, as hard as that is, and make it something worthwhile instead of making myself an afterthought;
• find a system and any online apps that work for me, ie daily work plan and month-at-a-glance calendar, Google Calendar to keep track of tasks to do, appointments, scheduling in 'me' time etc instead of 'winging' it or double booking myself which results in having to work unnecessarily twice as hard; and
• if you don't get everything on your 'to do' list checked off, it's not the end of the world instead of feeling like a failure and feeling like it's the end of the world, which happened a lot to me in the past.

Based on the daily Work Plan provided by Business Mamas (above), with a few adjustments, I've learnt to complete this plan every night with the next day's tasks, projects and inspiration mapped out for me. There are so many templates, stationery or even using a notebook to write your daily plan. I also found some great online time management and organising apps here. Life is too short to spend all your time worrying about what needs to be done when, with a few simple tools, you can remain on track, keep your head clear of mundane thoughts, remain focused and create the life you really want for yourself.

The Go Mama unit has been a great opportunity for personal reflection at this stage in my life when, say after having children, I lost my sense of self and who I really am as a person and a woman. Since becoming a Mum, that's all I was, a caretaker and nurturer for my children, something that was lacking for me. Doing this course has rekindled a love for all the things that I used to do and the lifestyle I loved to live before having children, for example being organised, sewing, cooking, reading, listening to music, exercising and taking time out to pamper myself.

I'm nearly finished the assessment and can't wait to submit it and get started on the next unit, Paving the Road to Success and well on the road to creating my own successful business, doing what I love and having it all. Stay tuned for the next update and thank you for accompanying me on this journey.

You can read my previous posts here.

Take the first step to live happy, work happy, be happy! Contact Business Mamas today and the Business Mamas team will be in touch with more information.

Business Mamas is an accredited online business school designed to help you launch your new business. Whether it be launching a micro business for extra cash or starting the next big business sensation, it’s all about you and your goals!

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclaimer:  In return for monthly blog posts for a 12 month period, Business Mamas have waived all course fees associated with the Diploma of Business. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own. 

Business Mamas Diploma of Business - Staying inspired

Well, I'm two months into my Business Mamas Diploma of Business and there's nothing like a couple of hurdles to jump in your every day life to throw you off track. I needed all the help I could to remind me to keep motivated and stay inspired. Lucky the content of the Business Mamas course is motivating and inspirational. It makes you want to stay on track.

There's also nothing like a winter cold to go through the house to set you back a couple of weeks. First it was my son, then me and as I was nearing the end of it, my daughter came down with the same annoying coughing bug. It was a good three weeks I lost and got totally off track with my studies. Needless to say, during that three week period, all of my daily chores all took a back seat so I've been in catch up mode since. It's all about staying motivated to complete the course and good organisational skills to keep you on track.

I like to think of myself as a pretty organised person but with a couple of set backs I soon found I had a lot on my plate. I find my daily to do list is a great tool to remind me of what's on for the day. Taking out 10 minutes just before I go to bed and checking my calendar, I can see what I've got on for the next day and I prioritise my workload for the day. I've learnt to write everything down. It's so easy to forget something that you had planned. Even if it's a phone call you need to make, an appointment, helping out at the kid's school or scheduling in your laundry, baking, grocery shopping, coffee with the girls, getting dinner on, it's all important to help you schedule study time. Don't forget to schedule in breaks during your studies, even if it's 15 minutes. You can achieve so much in that little amount of time. Tidy a drawer, wipe down the fridge while you're boiling the kettle for a cuppa, check your Inbox, put a load of washing on, take a walk around the block. If it's written down and you can check it off, you really feel like you're accomplishing all that's on your To Do list.

I started off the first unit of study, Go Mama with a bang and the first study module, Ms Happy was the perfect opportunity to look deep inside myself. Having gone through a lot in the last 3 years with the loss of my mother and my marriage break up, I'd forgotten just what makes me happy, like really happy. This was a fantastic exercise because if you find out what truly makes you happy you can apply that to the type of business you'd like to create. They say "if you do a job you really love, you'll never work a day in your life" or something like that.

The next unit of study, Inspire Me was like a smack in the face with a wet fish for me. It truly was inspirational to watch the webinars from truly inspirational women who started out with a dream and made it happen. It made me want to start my business, like yesterday, and put some action into place. Such perfect timing when I found it hard to get back into it after dealing with illness and a back load of housework. 

The next step is working on Have Your Cake And Eat It Too, then the assignment for this study module, a complete review of the subjects that I have already covered. I can't wait to get my 'teeth into it' and recap on what has been a great start to my Diploma of Business journey. Stay tuned for my next update next month.

You can check out my previous post, Getting Started here.

Take the first step to live happy, work happy, be happy! Contact Business Mamas today and the Business Mamas team will be in touch with more information.

Business Mamas is an accredited online business school designed to help you launch your new business. Whether it be launching a micro business for extra cash or starting the next big business sensation, it’s all about you and your goals!

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclaimer:  In return for monthly blog posts for a 12 month period, Business Mamas have waived all course fees associated with the Diploma of Business. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own. 

Business Mamas Diploma of Business - Getting started

There have been many times in my life where I've reached the 'crossroads'. Sometimes I've taken the right path and many times, I took the wrong path. I'm very happy with my lot in life at the moment but there's something missing. Before I had my children, I was a worker. I worked all my life since I left high school. I took great pride in my jobs, loved going off to work, loved the socialising and more importantly loved the pay packet at the end of the week. Since the children, I haven't had that. I haven't missed it really but that job satisfaction I crave. Don't get me wrong. I'm busy. I've never been more busy since I had children but let's just say the pay's not that good. My children are my priority in life and will be for some time but how can I 'have it all'? I can I firstly decide what it is I want to do and then create that 'work/family' balance?

I've been given the most amazing opportunity to study a Diploma of Business, online through Business Mamas, an online business school designed to help you launch your business. Whether it be launching a micro business for extra cash or starting the next big business sensation, it's all about you and your goals.

Business Mamas is specifically designed with the stay at home mum in mind. Created by mums, for mums, the program is designed to help you develop a business idea from a concept through to the launching stage. Business Mamas is fully accredited to deliver the Diploma of Business (BSB50207) across Australia.

Right from the initial consultation with a Business Mamas' representative I just knew this is what I needed right at this moment in my life. I prepared my work space, ready for online study and was assigned a business 'angel' who went through the student log in process and is available at all times for any questions I might have.

I've reached another 'crossroads'. My children are now 10 and 8. Soon they will be at high school and then leaving home. I've always had so many business ideas but always had faith 'working for the man' was the better option. What a perfect opportunity for me to now discover all about having my own business that will fit around my family's life. From the first couple of units I've already done of the Business Mamas Diploma of Business course, I'm on a voyage of self discovery, identifying what my strengths and weaknesses are and how I can improve, how I can hone in on the skills I already have, how I can apply that to running my business and all in the comfort of my own home still while ferrying the kids to and from school, being involved in their busy lives and being a stay at home mum.

Stay with me over the next 12 months while I share all about my study adventures and my journey of self discovery. What that business is I'm just not sure yet but have a couple of things in mind. 

Take the first step to live happy, work happy, be happy! Contact Business Mamas today and the Business Mamas team will be in touch with more information.

Business Mamas is an accredited online business school designed to help you launch your new business. Whether it be launching a micro business for extra cash or starting the next big business sensation, it’s all about you and your goals!

Connect: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclaimer:  In return for monthly blog posts for a 12 month period, Business Mamas have waived all course fees associated with the Diploma of Business. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own.

5 ways to prepare for online study for stay at home mums

You don't need me to tell you how busy it is being a stay at home mum. I couldn't even begin to comprehend how busy it is for a working Mum but my days can be so hectic sometimes. I've been given the most wonderful opportunity to study online for a Diploma of Business (more to come on that shortly) with a particular focus for stay at home mums. It's not going to be easy. It will require a lot of dedication and effective time management skills on my part but show me a Mum who hasn't developed very capable time management skills since having children. Here are 5 points I've implemented to prepare for my online study adventure.

1.  Organise a dedicated workspace

Laptops, tablets and similar devices all have their place when it comes to mobility. I used to love sitting up in bed with my laptop, checking emails or pinning madly to Pinterest but I'd lose track of time and spend way too much time doing it when I should've been sleeping. I have a small office space in my downstairs room which has been totally dedicated to my study space. This is where I will focus totally and entirely on my online study. Make sure you have a comfy chair, fresh air, plenty of stationery like pens, pencils, note pads, a lovely candle to burn and easy access to the coffee pot.

2.  Plan the next day the night before

Needless to say with school aged children (or even younger ones), there's always something going on. There are sport's days, reading groups, canteen duties and the usual drop off and pick up from school. The night before I check my monthly calendar to check what appointments I have on and schedule my study time around that. I've got a window of opportunity from 9:00am to 3:00pm which I will use to work around the children's commitments, my appointments and general household duties. I use a daily planner to write things that I'd like completed for the day.

3.  Maintain your focus with Momentum

I stumbled upon an excellent Google Chrome app called Momentum which allows you to focus on your main task for the day, schedule a couple 'to do' tasks while deterring you from opening a new tab to check on other things like Facebook, for example. You set your own tasks, there is a time and weather feature plus a motivational message every day with a beautiful picture. Even when I'm writing a blog post or paying bills, I'm always so tempted to check Facebook or emails so my intended half hour I want to spend on the computer turns into 2 hours and my whole days is wasted. There is probably Apple equivalent apps but I don't use Apple products so can't help you there. 

4. Get dinner started

Whether you're a menu planner or a 'fly by the seat of your pants' kind of gal when it comes to thinking about what's for dinner, incorporate preparing the evening meal into your daily plan. It could be something as simple as getting the slow cooker on in the morning, defrosting the meat for a barbecue dinner or chopping the vegetables and having them in the pot of water ready to go. By the time 3:00pm comes around for me and the children are home from school, it's usually complete chaos and I'm running on empty. I've always started to think about the evening meal even before I started studying online but even more so now. 

5. Keep study times to 1 hour blocks

You might think about trying to cram 3 or 4 units of study into a couple of hours just so you can smash through them but that's not going to do you any good. Try and aim for 1 hour study blocks at a time, with 45 to 50 minutes of study with a 15 minute break to get up, move around, get some fresh air and have a change of scenery. You will stay refreshed and will be more likely to absorb what it is you're studying. I will use this opportunity to get up, maybe put a load of washing on, have a bite to eat, tidy a drawer, fold the laundry etc. You'd be surprised how much you can get done in 15 minutes. Try and even write up that 'to do' list of odd jobs you've been wanting to do but never got around to them (like me). I'm hoping to really be organised, complete this diploma with flying colours and get my house organised. I've also uploaded a Google Chrome alarm clock so I can schedule my 45 minutes of study time and organised breaks.

Good luck with your online study journey and staying organised. More will be revealed in the next week.