Marketing, PR and networking....

Good morning everyone,

I hope you are all well. I have been away for a week and it has been bliss!

Back now to the real world and growing my brand, BoBelle London.....as you know from all of the posts below, I am a budding entrepreneur and what is fundamental in any industry is publicising yourself/your brand. Whether you work for yourself, work for a multi-national or have an idea in the pipeline, you must first and foremost believe in yourself. If you don't, then why should anyone else? Confidence is certainly key here and you can only grow it through experience.

I have done a few presentations now to varying audiences, one of which was to over 1000, very intimidating....I am the keynote speaker on Thursday 7th July for the Marketing Conference with Start Up Britain and I am honoured to be part of such a fantastic campaign. I don't think there are many people in the world who really love public speaking, but just think of it as spreading your brand name! It is important to articulate well, get your message across to your audience succinctly and effectively and to project positive body language and confidence. Don't bore the audience with every last detail, but engage with them - have your overall message you wish to convey, and have bullet points to get you there.

Networking is another key word in today's marketing activities. Again, it is intimidating walking into a large room full of people chatting; you think everyone is staring at you, but they are not. They too have done it! My advice is to turn up early - that way when someone else comes in you have to speak with them - problem solved. Again, confidence is key here - something a lot of women tend to lack especially - but if you go to an event with one goal in mind, go and get it! Perhaps it is to appraoch the key speaker at the end - whatever it is, make sure you achieve it before you leave.

Attending such events is great for your confidence building, brand exposure and general marketing. The more you spread your brand name, the better! So have a look at events in your local area and see if you can find 2 to attend over the next 3 months - you'll reap the benefits in due time.

Right, off now to prepare for my presentation....

Speak soon!

Claire

The decline of women in business

A lot of people contact me for business advice and I always endeavour to help. I think that it is so important in today's society to promote women in business and to encourage a more entrepreneurial stance. It is very shocking that in the past 3 years, the number of women launching their own empire has not grown even 0.1%. Why? For a number of factors but namely: the high costs involved, the negative connotations attached to being a female entrepreneur, the difficulties in juggling the work/life balance, raising the finance, getting the publicity, lacking confidence and more. I have vowed this year to try and make a difference. So far I have done the following:

1. Become an Ambassador for UK Female Entrepreneurship - a fabulous charity that aims to inspire more women into enterprise. Have a look at their website - it is pretty in depth and certainly looks promising. There are only 50 Ambassadors in the coutry (you have to be asked) and there is a lot to do - including present/assist with 6 events a year. If you are a woman who is looking to set up her own business, get in touch!

2. Been nominated for Britain's Top Real Role Model - I am really chuffed with this as it would certainly help my profile to say the least! I think this idea is a fabulous one - enough of the Essex Girls/Big Brother/Britain's Next Top Model - let's bring about some real role models instead - those that are still working incredibly hard to build their name/brand. It's not all about celebrity status and copying who's wearing what!

3. Being seen in the Mail on Sunday and FMWF for my entrepreneurial flair - again, I was so thrilled to be featured in the newspaper and it certainly helps get BoBelle's name out there. I hope that my features really help inspire others to believe in themselves.

4. Being asked to speak at the Start Up Britain Marketing Conference - I'll keep you posted on how this goes....I hope well!! Fortunately I have done quite a few presentations now, but you still always have those nerves....if you would like to attend, it is free, visit the link above and register your details. There's no time like the present to kick start your action plan.

5. Finding more groups/individuals via Twitter/Facebook - in doing so I came across Inspirational Woman Magazine, and they have featured me (very pleased!) - click on the links to read more.

I will keep you updated on how things go - if you have any questions or comments, please do feel free to post! The recession has brought about a lot of sadness, uncertainty and difficulties; let's try to get back on track and encourage more independece, growth and entrepreneurial activity. Remember, support your local shops and labels as without them, we cannot develop as a nation.

Have a great week!

Best wishes,

Claire

Growing a business....

One of my guilty pleasures on a Sunday is to relax on the sofa, hot cup of tea in hand reading The Sunday Times. This Sunday we did exactly that. The 'Small Business' article in the Business section always interests me and this week was no exception. The title was 'People like us can put Britain back on its feet'. I am a positive person, well, I wouldn't be where I am today if I wasn't, and so this article really intrigued me. I do agree with what the government are doing at the moment; Britain is sat on a mountain of debt so gigantically massive that some drastic action is desperately needed. How can we get out of this recession? Inspire new entrepreneurs to set up their own empires? Feed people's imaginations to come the next Richard Branson, John Sainsbury, Philip Green or Mark Zuckerburg? I'd say that was a pretty good idea. The problem is how to inspire these people and where to do it. We have so many different organisations offering pretty much the same services, help and advice; business zone, business link and masses more. If you type in 'business advice' into Google you will find pages upon pages of 'advice'. It is quite literally, mind boggling. Talk about putting people off. Perseverance is needed and, back again, to that common sense.



I am a huge fan of common sense; there's nothing quite like common sense mixed in with gut-feelings. I think if you put a group of fellow entrepreneurs in the same room, those 2 traits would be hugely valuable assets to their success. Is it just solely those 2 elements though? No. Firstly, it depends on what 'success' is defined as. I have had a crazy past few months since giving up my part time job as a tutor for Business Studies and writing down a list of what I have achieved since going full time is actually very impressive. That, for me to admit, is something (being self-critical and always aspiring to more is embedded in me). The thing that people need to do is research people they admire and try to establish how they have 'succeeded'. Look at Richard Branson; how many failings has he had? Masses. Your best teacher is your last mistake, and he has certainly learned from his. I too have made mistakes along the way. You live and learn from them. One of my pieces of advice that I give to other entrepreneurs, whether they are established or wanting to be established, is to network. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Take advantage of every single opportunity there is. Believe in yourself and your product/service. Work your way up; don't even try to run before you can walk.



I have been speaking to a lot of fellow entrepreneurs recently, especially young female entrepreneurs, and they always ask 'how have I done it'? I go back to the common sense part, passion and determination. It has hardly been a walk in the park, and when I look back, I do actually wonder how I have got this far in such a short space of time, but always aspire for more. Work hard and we can only hope that the results pay off. Try your hardest and hope to succeed. The mantra 'all good things come to those who wait' works for me when my impatient side of my brain kicks in.



Right, off to do some more work now on BoBelle and see what the day brings....I will be speaking at London College of Fashion soon, as well as Royal Holloway University of London. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Claire

http://www.bobelle.co.uk/

BoBelle London's trip to Paris

Two weeks ago I had a crazy week what with determining the new logistics company, new deliveries, opening new accounts and getting ready for the trip to Paris, back to London and then off to Madrid. It was lots of fun though!

I absolutely love Paris and adore the heady culture, the spectacular architecture, the delicious cuisine and not to mention the hugely desirable and inspirational fashion. I love it even more when it is sunny, and what a sunny trip we had! It was truly stunning; 25 degrees so perfect for meandering the cobbled historic streets and soaking up the atmosphere. First stop, a good coffee by the Eiffel Tower and then onto some shopping and getting ready for the show we were attending, The Box and Pret a Porter. Pret a Porter is the biggest fashion tradeshow in Paris with huge brands exhibiting and showing off their latest collections. The Box is the designated Accessories section which BoBelle London is planning to exhibit at next season.

Pictured above, the stunning Eiffel Tower always takes my breath away...after a lovely fresh coffee and croissant it was time to get ready to hit the show....










As I mentioned, Pret a Porter and The Box are massive shows and for BoBelle London to exhibit there would be just phenomenal. Growing a brand is certainly not easy and to be at the stage of international growth is fantastic. Indeed, our first international stockist in the Netherlands, Sensuous, have just placed their second order with BoBelle London and we have ben seen in one of their national glossies, Zin magazine. Ooh, and if The Box goes really well in Paris, who knows, it might be New York next...!

BoBelle London will also be showcasing at Pure in February again and we will keep you posted on our developments from Paris! Keep reading though as soon I shall put up the latest news from our trip to Madrid which coincided with Vogue's night out - and what a night it was....

20% off to celebrate BoBelle London winning award

The Founder of BoBelle London, Claire Watt-Smith, is celebrating winning the Top 35 Businesswomen Under 35 Award from Management Today. The piece was featured in The Sunday Times and Claire is thrilled at the achievement. Previous winners include Sarah Curran, the founder of My-Wardobe.com - a huge name in the world of business fashion.

To celebrate BoBelle London's success, we are offering 20% off all orders placed at http://www.bobelle.co.uk/ this weekend until Monday. Simply enter 'award' into the promotional box at the checkout and the discount will automantically be deducted. Discounts apply to all purchases made, including the new Melissa Handbag, Chloe Wallet and Theia Clutch Bag.

Please contact the Sales Team at sales@bobelle.co.uk if we can assist in any way.

We look forward to welcoming you back to BoBelle London.

Happy Shopping!

Ps, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Small Business is Big Business event with Boris Johnson and Tim Campbell

Having found the invitation via Twitter (can you believe that is how we network sometimes now?!) I thought it would be thoroughly enjoyable to attend the Q&A that was being held in St Paul's with the Mayor himself and a selection of panelists to discuss the ramifications of the credit crunch on small businesses.

After a small introduction of each panelist, the questions came flooding in from the audience. Electric vehicles, the banks, scope for growth, social enterprises and more (as well as the CC) were discussed. About 500 people attended the event; I had hoped for a little more banter on small businesses in particular, and even micro businesses. The issue of funding is still major and often a real hindrance for some reaching their goals. I have to say, the room was packed with energy, vibrancy and entrepreneurial flair. I was honoured to be a part of it and as soon as I could, ran down to speak to the panelists myself.

I have actually met Boris Johnson before in Oxford prior to him becoming Mayor. I find him hilarious; incredibly articulate, bright and charasmatic. Tim Campbell was inviting, passionate and energetic. He was really pioneering social enterprise and helps a lot of underprivaliged children focus on their skills and building certain attributes. Sue Terpilowski is from the Federation of Small Businesses, of which I and BoBelle are members. The FSB exists to bridge the gap between businesses and the government. If ever you have an issue with something, you can call the FSB. If ever you need advice on insurance, HR queries or networking, you can call the FSB. They really are fantastic and a great asset to have. Colin Stanbridge, as well as being noted for working at the BBC for as long as I can remember, is part of the Chamber of Commerce. He again was incredibly articulate and found him to be light-hearted and gentle, too.

I wanted to question Boris, Sue et al issues on finance, how London is helping businesses grow, what incentives there might be for micro companies and how they think England will get out of this recession. Of course, not all of my questions were answered! I do however have all contact details so will find out more and let you know.

I am really looking forward to the next event; I hope it is longer next time. It is a great way to boost one's confidence; there is nothing more exhilierationg and exciting than meeting budding business men and women who are all in the same position and who all have one thing on their mind; growth.

Let's see how BoBelle London will carry on growing, shall we?

Pictured above are the programme and the panel of judges, with Boris standing

Claire Watt-Smith in Red Magazine!

Claire Watt-Smith, the Founder of BoBelle London, has been featured in April's Red Magazine as one of the Top 20 Under 30 Red Hot Women - what an achievement!

The Red Hot Women competition hosted by Red Magazine is conducted to find the most inspiring and fabulous women in England. Claire Watt-Smith is over the moon to be selected as one of the 'Top 20 under 30' and is so honoured to be amongst such awe-inspiring women.

BoBelle London is the retailer of ethical hand made fashion accessories. Currently we use the luxurious eel skin leather; a by-product of the food industry in Asia. It is so soft, sumptuous and incredibly desirable. Incorporating ethics with high-end yet affordable fashion is at the heart of BoBelle London.

Click HERE to read the feature online, or buy your copy of Red Magazine today and see Claire Watt-Smith on page 72.

Congratulations to all those fantastic ladies!