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 …