BMU 11: Our delegates

With thanks to http://emmawilsher.co.uk/

BMU 11: Our exhibitors

BMU 11: setting up

Thank you to http://emmawilsher.co.uk/

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ISSSLtd

Since the conference a number of people have asked me for Chris' contact details so I thought I would just post some information here.


You should have all had a flyer in your goodie bag ... which also had a discount code on. If you didn't and would like one just let me know.


Chris developed the websites for both businessmumsunite.co.uk and mummyfever.co.uk

About ISSSLtd:

ISSS was born out of a desire to create a service for clients that offered first class technical skill and custom development whilst maintaining the ability to also provide that personal touch.

At ISSS we pride ourselves on the innovation and skill of our team combined with the passion to create pioneering systems which serve the needs of our diverse clients.

We are adaptable and resourceful and have a wealth of experience in our field.

In addition to being able to create highly specific custom solutions for our clients we also offer off the shelf products that are very easy to install and use. We aim to use terminology that everyone understands instead of making your mind boggle with technical jargon.

What makes us different?

In a time when there are hundreds of companies offering similar products and services to ours, you are probably asking yourself what makes us stand out from the crowd?

We believe the following make us unique in what we can offer you:

• All of our products are developed and maintained in house - the majority of companies are offering customisations of third party software. This means that they are able to customise the look and feel to a certain degree but they have no control over the underlying products that they are using.
• Our products can be tailored to YOUR needs as opposed to your needs being tailored to what some existing product can do. This means you do not have to compromise what you want to achieve for your business, we can mould our products to meet your specific needs.
• We can provide end to end services from the design right through to the implementation and hosting of your website.
• Easy to use - our products have been developed in collaboration with our clients to ensure that they are as easy to use as possible. A lot of products are developed in isolation by the software developers so the end product may not be that usable to the end users.
• The personal touch; when you communicate with us, you get to talk directly to the people that design, develop and test the software. This means you can get answers fast as there is no being passed from one department to another. It also ensures that there is a firm understanding on both sides of what is required; greatly reducing the chances of any misunderstanding.
• We have years of large enterprise (FTSE 100 companies) software design and development experience. With the pressure on budgets, there is a tendency for companies to employ relatively inexperienced people to develop their software. This can often lead to a lack of understanding about the technical challenges of creating and maintaining large scale performant real world systems.
• We are perfectionists - we are not happy unless you are happy.

info@isssltd.co.uk 

My BMU11 highlights: Part four - my support team

A definite highlight for me was my small but very effective support team!


My little team consisted of:


Chris from ISSSLtd - Chris was a star leading up to the event, developing the website etc. and on the day he was on hand to help set up, help exhibitors unload and re-load their cars, deal with any technical issues people had on the day, help speakers get set up and so on. Most of all he was and continues to be the person I bounce ideas off, off-load on and the one who keeps me sane  and supported!


Chrissie - As some of your know, Chrissie and I have known each other a very long time (22 years to be exact) we went to school together. Chrissie is a hard worker and always willing to lend a hand. She is one of the few people I know I can trust and depend upon. She took the day off work just to come and help out - and what a great job she did!


Rita - (Chris' Mum) - Came to help set up and assist with registration. She was a star on the day and expertly dealt with latecomers and the staff at the venue.


A special mention also has to go to Sally from The Mother Factor who arrived early to help get set up. She was a wonderful support to me on the day. She stayed behind at the end to pack away as well - there aren't many people like Sally!


x

My BMU 11 highlights: Part three - Rebecca Jones

I am so thrilled that Rebecca Jones came to speak at BMU 11 and I know you all really enjoyed it too!


I have reflected quite a lot on what Rebecca said since the conference. I can really identify with a lot of those 'manic mum' moments and I was actually cringing during her speech as I know I am guilty of lots of those things.


I can guarantee that my phone will ring at one of three times during the day:

• Between 9am and 9.15am when I am still on the morning school run
• Between 11.30am and 12 noon when I am collecting my son from pre-school and getting his lunch
• Between 3pm and 3.30pm when I am collecting my daughter from school

I am guilty of trying to juggle everything and ending up trying to take a call whilst carrying numerous school bags and holding onto two children - it doesn't work and I hate myself in those moments.

I learnt a great deal from Rebecca the other day and I can't wait to read her book (hoping I can find the time). Most of all what stuck with me was when she said "do less but do less really well" - I can't promise I will do less but I can promise that I will try, and I do feel as if the time is right to reflect a little.

I know why I have been trying to be the Superwomen that Rebecca talked about ... because being busy and not having time to stop, to think, to reflect has been a huge part of how I have overcome recent difficult times, but now things have settled down maybe it is time to take Rebecca's advice?

My BMU 11 highlights: Part 1 - The venue and its staff

The spectacular Albert Hall Conference Centre was the venue this year http://www.alberthallnottingham.co.uk/ - the venue itself was really impressive and made a big impression.


The staff matched up to the quality of the venue, they were well organised, efficient, responsive, considerate, polite, helpful and worked exceptionally well as a team.


Those exhibiting were assisted carrying boxes, stands, banners, rail and other items, they offered help in carrying a pram up and down stairs, and responded to requests from delegates very quickly.


The venue and its staff have left a positive lasting impression!

That's all folks ...

So that's it ... BMU 11 is officially over ... can't quite believe it really - was all over in a flash and feels very surreal. I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback, thank you all very much.


Thank you to everyone who made a contribution to the conference, by speaking, delivering a workshop, as a sponsor, blogger, exhibitor or just through taking part. I am only sorry there was not time for me to chat to all of you.


I'm being asked abut BMU 12 already and have had people offer to run workshops etc - thank you to everyone for that!


I have to say that if you had asked me a week ago if there would be a BMU 12 I would have said NO WAY (maybe with a swear word inserted somewhere). The problem with events like this is that people let you down, and down and down again. I am the sort of person that likes to trust and believe that people will do what they promise but sadly there are very few that do. 


I have learnt a lot in this process ... about me and about others.


I have learnt that in the huge ocean of people who are out for themselves, do not have any problem letting others down or taking advantage there are a few absolute treasures! These are the people I want to surround myself with and I live in hope that there are more out there.... I know there are, as I met lots yesterday!


So will there be a BMU 12 ??????? - well Georgi from Starfish Accounting (who is one of those treasures by the way) has already been using #BMU12 on twitter!


For now ... let's say hopefully!


Thank you everyone x

Workshop Information

Session1 (1.45-2.45):

Blogging for business: City Suite

Direct selling: Balmoral Suite

Small businesses and the law: Osborne Lounge

Session 2 (2.45-3.45):

The three R’s in customer service: City Suite

Small business accounting: Balmoral Suite

Sales success: Osborne Lounge

       Please note: you can select ONE of the workshops in each session - you will be expected to sign up to these during the morning and places are first come first served, so if there is a workshop you are keen to take part in please sign up early!

I look forward to welcoming you all to the first 'Business Mums Unite Conference and Exhibition'

When is it?

Wednesday 19th October 2011

Where is it?

Albert Hall Conference Hall, Nottingham - see the link below for parking information and directions

http://businessmumsunite.co.uk/Page/Register 

What do I need?

Something to take notes would be useful and of course feel free to bring your laptop or equivalent

Bring along business cards, flyers or equivalent so you can exchange your details with others on the day

Change for raffle tickets (raising money for Cheshire and North Wales Human Milk Bank who supply donor breast milk to sick and premature babies across the UK) - prizes include: a Trunki; a Baby Bjorn Active Carrier; A signed copy of Elaine Hanzak's Book; A signed copy of Business In Red Shoes by Rebecca Jones.

What should I wear?

Dress code is smart casual

Key timings for the day (full agenda will be given on arrival)

9.30am Registration and exhibition time

10.00am Conference begins in the great hall

4.30pm Conference closes (you can exchange your comment form for a lovely goodie bag!)

Wi-Fi

The venue is Wi-Fi enabled and the password is Syndicate

Hash Tag

If anyone wants to tweet during the day or afterwards we will be using the hash tag #BMU11

Contact for the day is:

Charlotte Pearson (07762798008) until 10am on the day of the conference for any problems

Charlotte Pearson BA, MA, AIC

Founder of Business Mums Unite Conference & Exhibition

Suite 73

Westminster Chambers

7 Hunter Street

Chester

CH12HR

07762798008

Twitter: scandc

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/pages/Business-Mums-Unite-Conference-and-Exhibition/162350760496576

www.businessmumsunite.co.uk

www.businessmumsunite/blogspot.com