Bits and pieces

Guess what, slowly but surely it feels as if things are starting to take shape. There’s a holding page on the website now - www.mummo.co.uk - and a few people have even registered their details! Including one mum I just happened to get chatting to in the park. I’m so thrilled that she actually remembered the web address and was interested enough to have a look, seems like a really good sign. Word of mouth is definitely the way this is going to work, and I’m going to have to overcome any shyness and just put myself ‘out there’!

Should be getting to see the second wet proof for the logo colours this afternoon. There was a bit of a problem with the first one and what should have been a lovely vibrant pinky-red with a subtle shade of silver turned out a horrible bright red and dull dull grey! Looked like an 80s boy’s bedroom! The designers were mystified, the printers were mystified, Pantone in America were mystified … and I was just inclined to choose a different colour and get on with it. But apparently, for whatever reason, this new wet proof is much better so hopefully we’ll be able to finalise the stationery and send some stuff to print. And then I might finally be able to start giving out professional-looking business cards and spreading the word in earnest. Although, having said that, there’s only so much I can talk about something that doesn’t really exist yet, and a holding page isn’t going to hold anyone’s attention for long!

As for the rest of the website, well, I’ve been working with the designers to agree some of the templates that will determine the overall look and feel of the site. Once we’ve sorted these out, they’ll be passed across to the ‘techie’ people who’ll begin building the thing. It’s a long slow process but I’m really pleased with what’s been done so far.

So, as I mentioned a couple of blogs ago, the only downside recently has been finding out that I didn’t get an award from UnLtd (www.unltd.org.uk), the organisation that supports social entrepreneurs. I’ve asked for some feedback but haven’t heard back yet - all they’ve told me so far, in the rejection letter, is that competition was really tough. Guess they were just trying to soften the blow, but I think I deserve a little more detail after all the effort that went into the application process. Have to say, though, that there are probably other people who need the money and support from UnLtd more than I do. After all, they’re working with lots of refugees who really have nothing and no way of getting a bank loan or anything like that. So, whilst I’m disappointed, I guess I’m not downhearted. If anything, it’s just made me even more determined to make this a big success!

And finally for today’s ‘bits and pieces’ blog, have you by any chance been watching ‘Millionaire’s Mission‘ on Channel 4 ? I have, and it’s been fascinating. Entrepreneurs worth millions and millions are actually, in many ways, quite ordinary. And yet, some of them, also quite extraordinary! I was so impressed with the ‘Teach Inn Uganda‘ project that Seb, Deirdre and Tony set up - if I didn’t have two small children I’d be off out there like a shot! Then again, thinking about it, perhaps I should take them with me??? And do a Mummo.co.uganda?!! Now there’s an idea …

Softly softly catchee monkey!

Okay, I know, it’s been a while! The weeks have whizzed by, summer passed with barely a single sun-baked day and suddenly here we are in autumn! Been to the park with my little ones this afternoon, running in the rain, collecting conkers from under a blanket of bronze and golden leaves. And the nights are drawing in already. It’s been a good six months since I first decided to set up this business and still all I’m doing is shelling out from my savings with not a lot to show for it. Having said that, I am now officially a company director with a company bank account and a holding page on my company website! So some progress IS being made, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. I have to keep reminding myself that “softly softly catchee monkey”, and that it’ll all be worth the wait. Unfortunately patience never was one of my virtues though, and I’m chomping at the bit to start actually doing business rather than just thinking and talking about it! Had bad news this weekend, too, as I found out that I’ve been turned down for an award from UnLtd, the organisation that supports social entrepreneurs. Guess there are probably other people who need their help more than I do but, even so, I was really disappointed. Had one of those wobbly moments of thinking maybe it was all a very bad idea and I should just cut my losses and go back to being a 24/7 mum … Two tantrums later (not mine, I hasten to add!) and I’d decided that business is going to be a piece of cake in comparison! Famous last words?! …

Back to business …

Three weeks in a caravan in France with two small children, an evil mosquito … and pretty much non-stop rain! Call that a holiday?! Well, anyway, that’s where I’ve been, and boy am I glad to be back! Don’t get me wrong, it was good to have a change of scenery and it wasn’t quite as much of a nightmare as it could have been, but gone are the days of long lie-ins, sexy siestas and boozy nights out! To top it all off, it couldn’t have come at a worse time work-wise. I made the mistake of thinking I’d be able to liaise via e-mail, checked that the campsite had internet access … and then turned up to find that that was only if you’d brought your own computer. As my laptop was languishing at home, having been completely and utterly unable to squeeze into the car, I had to resort to a PC at the local Mediatech, which only opened every now and again (different hours every day!) and which had a French keyboard with everything in the wrong place. I even had to ask a spotty French student how to get the ‘@’ sign! So, to cut a long story short, I’m now three weeks behind ’schedule’, according to my very informal plan. I’ve got a meeting with the trademark lawyer on Thursday, and also with UnLtd, so hopefully by the end of this week I’ll be able to make some big decisions. Same name, different name? Trademark or no trademark? Brand identity, design, database build … full steam ahead? It’s getting to that scary signing on the dotted line time …

An attack of the virals …

Well, I’m back, after a sunny afternoon’s jaunt over to Oxford to meet up with two great ‘techie’ guys who, hopefully, will help to build my website. It’s amazing how, after three years with baby or toddler babble constantly in the background, a couple of hours’ motorway driving with shades on and a good CD seems like complete luxury. Not to mention the Costa coffee when I arrived … and the adult conversation that actually got my brain going. Feels fab to be venturing into fresh territory and learning about a whole new world, even if it does all sometimes seem like Googledygeek technospeak! And, despite that, people still appear to be taking me seriously!

Anyway, back to what I mentioned earlier about viral marketing. I’m hoping to apply for an award from an organisation called UnLtd - www.unltd.org.uk. They’ve got millions of pounds of Lottery money to give to social entrepreneurs - individuals who are going to do something that will have a positive impact on their communities. I’d like to win one of their awards because it’d mean a bit of cash, extra credibility and some invaluable support to help get this project off the ground. But to be in with a chance I’ve got to complete an application form and tell them what I want the money for. Well, I was hoping to use it at least part of it for a viral marketing campaign. (No, I didn’t have a clue what that meant three days ago but I’m learning fast!) But then I spoke to a really helpful guy at a specialist consultancy and he basically said I’d need at least £15k … which, of course, I can’t afford! So that’s why I spent most of last night - in between mopping my little one’s fevered brow - conjuring up all kinds of crazy ideas for a ‘budget’ viral that would blow everyone’s minds! Any suggestions anyone?