Today I met with a group of inspirational business mums courtesy of a seminar organised by Laura Morris of Networking Mummies Warwickshire. (www.networkingmummies.com)

 

The seminar was all about social networking and lets be honest, there are not alot of women who dont like being sociable, so give them an opportunity to network, build their business skills and explore new ideas, you can imagine the few hours we had!

 

There was lots to learn, including supporting mums during www.businessmumweek.com and the launch of the Business Mums Journal, promoted by www.mumsclub.co.uk

 

I love to talk, you have probably gathered this by now but to be in a room full of like minded women all with different ideas and the same determination was quite motivational.

 

Ultimately that is the theory behind Networking Mummies, people like buying from people and its not what you know (or how much you spend on advertising), its more who you know.

 

I have made some great contacts today and ladies with whom I shall be speaking with again. Its great to find people with the same passions and focus. Like an old BT advert once said "Its good to talk"

 

 

But why mommy? Why?

 

How many times have I heard it today? I am not sure, I think I lost count at 20. When my daughter was a toddler and curious about everything, the word "why" became sononomous with her development and I felt that I was increasing her knowledge and understanding.

 

Now at the grand old age of 5 and a half (the half is very important at that age) the word "why" is back with avengence! I am currently undecided whether she is once again curious about things around her or whether she has a secret plan to send me bonkers.

 

In answering her sometimes amusing or reasonable questions, the response I get again is "why", so I am beginning to think she has a master plan.

 

Never underestimate the power of a 5 year old!

 

I am quite sure that advertisers became aware of this power a long long time ago, when deciding to put adverts for toys, gimmicks, sweets and such like, during the breaks in childrens programmes. The "sponge like" children soak up these fabulous advertisements and want to know "why" they cant have all the amazing things they have seen.

 

As grown ups, we all know that the sand will never make those creatures or those pretty little dolls never actually keep that hairstyle once it has been cuddled and played with a few times. So maybe the 5 year old is right in her constant quest for answers, as grown ups maybe we should be questioning a little more and asking advertisers and manufactuers - why??

 

What do you think?

Its official, the Christmas season has started!

 

I received a notification from Santa today (he is on Twitter dont you know?) that it is 100 days till Christmas. I mean technically we are only just over two thirds of the way through the year but with the summer holidays over and done with, Christmas is the next thing to look forward to - isnt it?

 

Some people get excited about Christmas (I fall into this category) while some shudder at the mention of it. We were at a baby show this weekend and took some of the Phoenix Trading Christmas card range with us. We had a definate mixed review from people openly criticising us for even suggesting they may want Christmas cards, to lovely people excited to see new products.

 

I have to admit to shopping for Christmas all year round but I love the buzz about Christmas shopping, when the dark nights draw in, there are twinkling lights and Christmas music in the shops. I am quite sure that the shop assistants could quite easily scream if they hear "Its Chriiiiiiiiiistmas" one more time on a Saturday afternoon but you get the idea. You can really feel the excitment and anticipation as you walk around the Christmas shop in places like Bents.

 

In the past few years, I have done more and more shopping online, I can do it from the comfort of my own home, at my own pace, (maybe with a cheeky glass of wine) without a queue of people and the pain of dragging a load of bags home with me. Plus, with parcels being delivered from my frequent online orders, its like Christmas every day on the Lilypad!!

 

 

 

 

What will I be when I grow up? Its my question this time, not one of my 5 year olds. When do we become a "grown up"? Is it when we get a job and pick up our first pay packet? It is when we buy a house or our own car? Or is it when we have children?

 

I did all these things long before I was 30, so why do I still not feel like a "grown up"?

 

I was never one of those children who aspired to be a doctor or a lawyer when I grew up and I didnt have pushy parents who insisted I had a "career", instead they encoraged me to stand on my own two feet but to be happy in what I did.

 

I have done my fair share of long hours, hard work, sweat and tears (and there have been a few over the years). I have done every job from Purchasing, Sales and Human Resources but this has stood me in good stead with building the Little Lilypad Co. The Lilypad satisfies my love of shopping and fills me with pride and satisfaction every time we get feedback from our lovely customers.

 

So what will I be when I grow up? Whatever my age or status, being a grown up doesnt mean I have to lose the girl inside my head (or the shopaholic either).

 

All I aspire to be ...... is me.