The Mumpreneur Guide by Antonia Chitty

September 1st saw the launch of Antonia Chitty’s long awaited book, The Mumpreneur Guide, which was perfect timing for mums considering their working options now the school holidays are over and want to start a business that fits in with their family.

Mother and business advisor Antonia has put together this ultimate guide for parents which is full of practical advice to help you start a business. This book is for you if you are short on time and resources and have to stop at 3 every day to collect the kids, or can only work when the baby naps. 

The first thing that struck me, when my copy arrived, was that this A4 Guide is much more a workbook than a bedtime read. While it is undoubtedly packed with information, every chapter contains almost as many practical exercises, which, when complete, would form the foundation for your short and long term business plans.

For any mum who is literally right at the thinking stage of being her own boss, this book is perfect. Even if you don’t have a business idea yet, Antonia offers over 30 suggestions in the first chapter alone. She then guides you through the process of setting up your business step by step. And if you needed any more encouragement, peppered throughout the book are case studies of other successful mumpreneurs, which readers will find motivating and inspiring.

After talking you through getting that all important great business idea she then goes on to cover How to start a business, Business planning and organization, Business finance, Finding customers, Business on the web, Looking after your life & Taking your business to the next level. As many mumpreneurs look to the world wide web as a means of doing business, I found the sections on building a website and promoting your business online particularly useful. And for mums selling products or services there is great information about expanding by Party Planning, Franchising, Wholesaling and Affiliate Schemes.

The book is written in Antonia’s trademark practical yet accesible style. As a mum who set up her own business after the birth of her daughter back in 2002, she asks you to look realistically at your abilities and resources, such as time available and cash to invest, right from the outset. And being a year down the line already myself, I can fully appreciate the importance of getting it right from the start. Having a clear and realistic overview of your costs is something that simply cannot be underestimated.

I only wish this book had been available a year ago, as it would undoubtedly have saved us hours trawling through the internet for the information all new businesses owners need. However, this is not a book to read then put aside – if you are serious about starting your own business it will probably be the book you reach for, work through and refer to throughout the whole of your start-up year. So I would definitely recommend this book to any budding mumpreneur and it will make a popular and indispensible addition to our business book library.

And, if you buy TODAY, 8^th September,  your get MORE THAN £600 OF BONUSES: 

BONUS 1: ACCESS TO THE MUMPRENEUR GUIDE’S SECRET BLOG: VALUE £300
When you buy the book, you also get a link to The Mumpreneur Guide’s Secret Blog. In this blog, I share extra advice and answer your questions.

BONUS 2: ONLINE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: VALUE £5
The Mumpreneur Guide Online Business Development Programme will give you confidential help and expert advice to develop your business. Trial this programme to see how it could help you. 

BONUS 3: SORT YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE: VALUE £120
It is a dilemma for everyone – how to balance being a mumpreneur and having time for the family. In Bonus 3 coach Sam Pringle of Beeleaf Consulting helps you sort out your own balance. 

BONUS 4: MORE ME TIME: VALUE PRICELESS
Every mumpreneur feels short of ‘me time’ at times. Bonus 4 will help you look after yourself. Follow your plan from Heather Bestel, psychotherapist, stress management consultant & founder of A Little Bit of Me Time to become Calm, Confident and In Control 

BONUS 5: 3-PART MARKETING COURSE: VALUE £150
Your business is nothing without marketing. If you BUY TODAY you can also get a three part marketing course, created especially for The Mumpreneur Guide by Louisa Bird of The Women’s Marketing Forum.

BONUS 6: WIN A PLACE ON THE MUMS IN BIZ TRAINING COURSE
Everyone who buys the book TODAY will get a chance to win a place on one of Mums In Biz’s definitive ‘Start Your own Business’ Days.

BUY THE BOOK