In January 2006 Emma Jones set up Redbrick Enterprises Ltd, a leading consultancy for regional entrepreneurial development with a particular expertise in homeworking. It has been working with local authorities, regional development agencies and other bodies to encourage and support homeworking and home-based businesses. A spin-off of the company was Enterprise Nation, a free website which provides information, advice and support for those who want to set up their own businesses from home. Emma, who set up and sold a thriving consultancy before she reached 30, is its editor. She now works from her home in Shropshire advising companies on adopting homeworking policies. Other members of the Enterprise Nation team include technology editor San Sharma, a self-confessed geek, and mother-of-three Liz Wakeham Jones, who manages her own home-based business and runs the advertising and sales side of Enterprise Nation. The website includes advice fora and blogs from homeworking experts, including Leigh Hunt of Lotus Education Ltd who runs courses for women with families who want to set up their own businesses. Here Emma Jones gives her top ten steps to promoting your home-based business successfully. For more information go to www.enterprisenation.com
Step 1: Define your story
What's your story? Imagine your life is being turned into a movie and plot the script; this should help define the message you convey to the media; are you an action hero battling against all odds (think James Dyson) or is your brand about sensual sensation (think Nigella Lawson.)
What's your story? Imagine your life is being turned into a movie and plot the script; this should help define the message you convey to the media; are you an action hero battling against all odds (think James Dyson) or is your brand about sensual sensation (think Nigella Lawson.)
Step 2: Make friends with the media
Research the journalists who are interested in your industry and trade. Approach them, get to know them and send them "exclusive" stories.
Step 3: Become an expert
The media will be beating a path to your home office door if you set yourself up as an expert in your chosen field. You can do this by developing a blog, writing a report, making predictions or maybe even writing a book.
Step 4: Communicate regularly
Step 5: Enter awards and competitions
This offers an opportunity to get your name and face in the press and a nice night out too!
Step 6: Use good imagery
This applies to your website, business cards and any other printed material you distribute.
Step 7: Create a virtual window to the world
Develop a website or blog, keep it updated and watch it rise up the search engine ranks.
Step 8: Paint your car with the company name and logo
Well, why not?!
Step 9: Do things that make you stand out
But stay within legal boundaries - nothing too outrageous!
Step 10: Tell me your story
So I can pass it on to journalists who write in asking for case studies of successful home business owners.
Email Emma at emma@enterprisenation.com.
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