Get Britain Trading 2012

The event was hosted by The Forum Of Private Businesses and was the official launch of their Get Britain Trading campaign 2012. I’ve been supporting this campaign since last year even appearing on their website as a case study!

I’m fully dedicated to helping small businesses with Noisette Marketing and now Noisette Academy so it was fantastic to share what I do with such a diverse range of people.

We heard from some inspiring speakers and the Small Business Minister, Mark Prisk shared what he was doing to help make it easier for businesses to grow.

I was able to share my business story with a number of people, hopefully inspiring them in the process. I’m still a relatively new business owner compared to some of the people I met. There were businesses with turnovers in the millions, and others who have really felt the impact of the recession with business getting harder year on year.

Blogging, Etsy and Social Media still leave people confused

It was eye-opening for me to get out from behind my computer and see my business through the eyes of others! It’s easy to forget that not everyone has heard of Etsy or Twitter. I had to explain what a blog was numerous times and why I write it for free. Within this group, starting a business up with no investment and no money spent on advertising was unusual even though it’s something we come across everyday in the creative community.

I also met the lovely Karen from UK Handmade who I have worked with in the past but never met. It was so nice to catch up and hear their plans for a print magazine!

What about us?

Ultimately, I left the event feeling re-energised about my business and what is possible for the future. I have to be honest though, I also felt a bit sad that the Government still don’t seem to fully understand what help is needed for the micro business owner, especially creatives like us who sell online.

Most of the things the Government are working on include making it easier to get lending from the banks, encouraging international trading and delaying the increase to employers National insurance, to encourage us to take on employees. I found none of these things relevant to me or the majority of creatives I work with.

Most online businesses already sell internationally and lots of businesses like myself are working with freelancers rather than taking on employees. It’s more flexible and means you can build a powerful team of people with the right skills.

The future for creative businesses

Yesterday served to highlight for me how important it is to get creative businesses into the limelight. I’m even more dedicated to helping you get the press and recognition you deserve. I want to change the perception of online businesses and show the world that we can achieve HUGE things.

Here are 5 tips I hope will motivate you to continue striving forward with your business this year wherever you are based in the world!

1) You have it in you to change the course of your business for the better. You do it by taking ACTION.

2) Don’t blame anyone for the circumstances you find yourself in especially the economy. There will always be people with the money to afford your products and services you just need to make sure they know where to find you.

3) Even during the worst times there are positive moments. Cling to these moments and let them inspire you to find a solution to change things for the better.

4) Your business is worthy of attention whether you sell one thing a month or 100. Every product you sell creates a positive impact on the economy.

5) Hold your head up high when you discuss your business. If you don’t believe  in what you do, no-one else will.

I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. It’s harder now sure, but there has never been a better time to be a small  business owner so let’s show the world what we can do!

I’d love to hear what help you need with your business? What would you ask your Government to change?