14 November 2017

An update on business, life and the blog

I'm beginning to notice that working on my own as a sole trader is a lot of hard work, I am responsible for everything from developing my website (which finally launched!) to promoting my business, creating posts for my business's blog and social media accounts, keeping on top of new apps/programs, updating my skills to finding jobs and clients.

My website is now live

Finding clients has been the hardest thing, I am currently not affiliated with any virtual assistant agencies, so I have to promote my business and find clients on my own. I attended my first ever networking event a couple weeks ago. As an anxious introvert, I had to take myself out of my comfort zone and make myself attend. It happened to be a lovely morning, and I got to meet some nice people who like me are either starting their own business, or have been in business for years and dealing with similar issues as myself.

When you feel like your business isn't going anywhere or you are thinking of giving up...keep going...

I work from home, so I have multiple distractions (yes, I am talking to you coffee machine!), then there's the phone ringing (usually Mum wanting to know something), my mountain of washing that stares at me each time I go into the bathroom, but one thing I do miss is having someone to bounce ideas off.  I am thinking that I might need Santa to buy me a laptop for Christmas so I can do some co-working off site, and meet up with other likeminded business people!

The girls love that I have my own business and often ask me what I have been working on. Popette in particular, wants to assist me and often draws pictures of jam jars (my business name is JAM), and says "Mum you can use this on your website". 💗



I am looking forward to having a relaxing break over Christmas...can you believe it's only 6 weeks away!!! I have made a start on Christmas shopping, and hoping to have it finished before the mad rush at the shops begins!

Our weekends have been crazy lately. The girls had their end of year music concert a week ago, and played amazingly. I was super proud of both of them. Popette had been practicing her song so much at home, and performed it beautifully, and Cherub who has only been learning keyboard for a few weeks did a great job too!

Then on Saturday we had a bunch of Cherub's friends over for a belated birthday party for her. Cherub had turned 6 when we were away, since it wasn't such a nice day on her actual birthday, we thought she should have a little party at home with some of her school friends. With a My Little Pony theme she had a great time looking for Pinkie Pie's cutie mark (treasure hunt), then placing the cutie mark on Pinkie Pie, followed by some disco dancing, a game of statues, and finally pass the parcel. Popette was my big helper, and did a wonderful job gathering the group.

Hubby and I also celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary last week. Hubby got off work early, and took me to a resort in Leura for lunch, which was lovely, although we were then in a mad rush to school pickup.

On the blog


Not sure if you have noticed but I have made some changes to the blog. With the girls both getting older, and being able to understand what's being written about themselves online, I have decided to change up the topics on the blog.

You will still be able to read posts from the early years - stories on motherhood/birth stories/my pregnancies, Having a Premmie series, grateful and craft posts, but I have now added new menus - like "Travelling with Children" which allows you read all about of our adventures. From camping trips, road trips to bushwalking and places we have visited.

One of things we enjoy most as a family, is exploring our beautiful country and to see and experience nature. So I am thinking of adding a little less personal posts for the time being, and more of the exploring kind, as well as returning to my grateful and possibly art posts (but not so much kids craft).

I am still sorting out the menus and labelling, but if you find anything weird happening it would be great if you could let me know.

It's always good to have a bit of change...what's the saying, a change is as good as a holiday!

16 comments:

  1. I know what it is like to have distractions from home. I love Monday morning when I get rid of everyone (LOL) and I finally get to get back into my own thoughts. I work on my business mentally all weekend and look forward to Monday to implement stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! I find it hard for me to turn off my mind some days, especially when I don't get to finish everything on my to-do list and need pick up the girls from school. :)

      Delete
  2. I hear you on the distractions! I do a bit of freelance writing from home and it can be impossible some days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It goes to show you really need to be disciplined, and not give in to the distractions. :)

      Delete
  3. Change is ...nearly as good as a holiday. I think a holiday is still a bit better :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Julie, well-done in this new venture of yours. I hope it develops in leaps and bounds!! Denyse x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, working from home can be a challenge if you're not incredibly disciplined. I would get so distracted by the food in the cupboard. It doesn't help that I used to work at the dinner table!! Good on you for going to the networking event. Those things terrify me, but they are always well worth it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Renee, As an introverted business owner networking is a little scary, especially when they want you to stand up and speak in front of everyone :)

      Delete
  6. Congratulations on the new/growing business! And the launch of the website, oh man, I've been there. Good luck with it all. Enjoy your time off too, I always take a month off between Christmas and February. It's such a restoration thing for me. Then I dive back in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Melissa. It's such a learning curve, hopefully it'll start bringing in business soon. :)

      Delete
  7. Congrats on your new venture - sounds very exciting! I look forward to hearing more about it and wish you all the very best. #teamIBOT

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes I hear you. Working for yourself is a whole lot of work - but it's so rewarding too. And awesome when you can look back and see how far you've come. Good one you attending the networking event! I would be anxious too I think. Can not believe how close Christmas is! I have three very excited little girls here :) Hope all is great for you Julie xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have two excited little girls Elisa, that can't wait for Christmas. I hope everyone is well in your family, and you have a lovely Christmas xx

      Delete

Hello! Thanks for popping by, I love hearing from my readers. Feel free to leave your comment here :)