Life as my own Boss (part two)

My first hurdle to overcome was a company name…

‘Dawn Delivers’ had a ring to it but I feared folk would ring asking for pepperoni pizza.

After many long nights I settled on ‘Love Marketing’ – because quite simply I do :)

Time now to create a brand, website, buy all the equipment, mac, printers, insurance and hit the road with my shiny new business cards. I networked like a woman possessed and it started to pay off. One of my previous bosses (who then became my mentor) had bought a big old private school and had lovingly restored it into the most fabulous venue for weddings, private parties and corporate events and she needed someone to help set it up, brand it and market it and would I be interested…??

Seriously, if Carlsberg did first gig as your own boss!!. Wow what can I say about Deborah Fern MBE and Stancliffe Hall except that I am so so proud and privileged to have been a part of the Stancliffe Story. It was a glorious first gig as I got to design the logo/brand, brochures, website, flyers, wedding fayres and when the phone started ringing I took the first couple around to view the hall – what an amazing thing to be part of. This is how I got into wedding planning too (another blog for another day). I have been incredibly fortunate to still be working with Deborah and Stancliffe Hall nearly 10 years later. I also had calls and requests for work from many brilliant colleagues and bosses, from my time at various previous jobs, thank you to each and everyone who has put their faith and trust in me, it means the world.

I still work with almost all of my clients from my early days and I like to think that its mainly down to my mum’s wise words ‘Always treat others as you would want to be treated and they will keep coming back’ and they certainly have. She always told me to make sure I stop my wee mid flow – that advice is worth at least a ‘Tena’!

From there my business grew and grew – I have had some amazing opportunities such as working with Sir Bobby Charlton (and him making me a cuppa!) to recording a world cup song at Abbey Road studios. Life is never dull that’s for sure.

These days I never miss a school event, attend sports days, concerts, awards etc, myself and my hubby take Katie or pick up everyday (he’s self employed too!). We eat tea together every night (I’m northern so its not dinner at 5pm it’s teaJ) I get to go on lovely Netwalks with the most fabulous bunch of ladies and attend some great networking events whenever I want or feel the need.

I appreciate time so much more and try not to rush from one thing to another.

Sure I could earn more in the corporate world but you can’t put an amount on the time I was able to spend with my mum in the few years before she died because I was self employed. Or the days me and the hubby will bunk off work and go for a ride because it’s a gorgeous day and my boss gives me the day off for my birthday every year.