Hi Kim, 2 1/2 years ago l started developing a ruler that makes pattern drafting a lot easier to achieve. The ruler called "The Pattern Drafter" is now finished and has been on sale through my website since June '10. If I can be of any help to you with not only running my own business but also inventing what I sell, I would be happy to help you.

Regards Maria

Hi Kim,

I'd be more than happy to chat; I've started http://customerunderground.com (with another woman too!). Also, you might be interested in http://headsoverheels.com.au/ which is a group supporting women starting high-growth businesses (we are one of their portfolio companies).

cheers,
Mel

Hi! I think u have chosen a very worthy subject- we need to get more young women motivated and educated in business(not to be one to pluck the feminist cord). I am a migrant from the uk (2006)and now own a business in a male dominated industry in WA, never even thought about running a business until the opotunity arose, have since learnt an awful lot about business and myself and without sounding corny! - the power of the female in business.... dont give up on the subject- send me an email if I can help I will good luck! lisa

Hi - happy to help you. I have an online knowledge management business - www.intelligencebank.com. feel free to contact me. Tessa

Hi Kim. Are you still looking for subject material? Thanks

Hi Kim

I am in the process of starting an online business. I plan to blog about my progress (including ups and downs) also. I'm in the process of writing the business plan, and looking for grant money right now.

So, don't know if I'm far enough along for you, but happy for you to contact me.

Hi Kim,

I've ben running 2 small businesses for the past 5 years and will actually be selling one of them in the very near future. Feel free to email me.

Hi Kim,
I would like to provide some assistance if I can. My first business was in a traditionally male dominated environment and my current is in the fashion sector.
Drop me an email with your questions, as well as anything else I need.
Thank you, Megan.

Hi Kim,
Would love to help you. I started my business four years ago when I was 18. I since then have completed a bachelor of Communication in Advertising and Marketing. Being a young business owner I have learnt many things which have made me a better and stronger person. I own Inner Beauty Lingerie which is a lingerie boutique that specialises for the fuller figure. Please don't hesitate to contact me via email if you would like more info.
Kayla :)

Hi Kim Id be more than happy to share my story with you.
I started my own Marketing Company 4 years ago after I saw a gap in the market for a company that outsources marketing help to small businesses.
I have 2 children under 2, I work from home and I employ other mums in business as well. Our business is growing rapidly - each year we seem to expand a little more.
We also have a networking arm to our business- www.businessconnector.com.au - because networking is KEY to growing a small business in QLD.
Why don't you give me a call or email me a set of questions that I will answer for you.
You may find a page on our website helpful - it is all about starting a new business and there are a few links on there that'll save yo some time in researching.
http://www.garnish.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=100&Itemid=124
We also have a free E book available on marketing for small businesses - its on the home page of the website www.garnish.com.au - feel free to use any of the info in it if you need to.
Good luck with the assignment.
Regards
Angie Hammond
Garnish Marketing

Hi Kim
That's a brilliant assignment topic, and I'm sure you'll be inundated with women wanting to tell their story. I was in my late fifties when I started my business, so faced huge learning curves after being a stay-at-home mum for the preceding twenty-something years.
So if you want a different perspective on your subject, I'd love to chat with you.
Desolie

Hi Kim
I've had own business (with another female business partner) for 7 years now. Been through startup, having children, staff, separation and still going! And loving it of course. Happy to help - feel free to contact me.

G'day Kim,
I started my business in August 2008, about 19 mths ago. I worked in the Corporate Sector for 20 years but am now following my passion with my own business. Please feel free to contact me if you feel I can help you with your project.

Hi Kim,
I started my business 17mths ago. Had never been in business before - late starter. If you would like to contact me, feel free.

Sure. Why not? You can contact me by email on prizzy07@dodo.com.au.

Hi Leisa,

You might be interested in this blog post from Problogger - How to Choose a Blog Niche [6 Tips]

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2010/03/12/how-to-blog-how-to-choose-a-blog-niche/

He makes some great points including choosing a niche based on your interests (for longevity) and identifying its commercial viability.

Hi Clare,

I honestly couldn't believe that there are similar situations when starting a business as myself!

I was studying full-time, working part-time and setting up my business. I have currently deferred my degree till I am able to manage my other priorities but I assume once money is regularly coming in, you still work part-time.

I would love to hear other people's stories!

Yes, absolutely! First of all, you have to have effective goals in place and make sure that you know what you are going after before you start. There is a difference between 'busy being busy' and 'busy being productive'.

From there you will be able to effectively set simple time management systems and action plans to complete milestones toward your outcome.

In terms of exposure, the key is to get to as many networking functions that you can to tell people about what you do and start building a community of followers early.

Good Luck!

Chandell Labbozzetta

I worked part time whilst building several businesses. I made a decision to quit my career of 30 years in 2004 to work full time in my Feng Shui and Design Business.

Since that decision I have been blessed with meeting the most amazing people and being taken to fascinating places either in pursuit of new studies or meeting new clients.

I so love it and know that this 'career' will walk with me to my grave.

I think this is a really common scenario.

I freelanced throughout my career, but when I decided I wanted to start my own business I quit my full time job to work for the family business (something I vowed never to do). I also went down to 4 days a week until it was ready to launch my consultancy.

During that time of pre-launch I spent time on Twitter getting to know people in my industry and spent the better part of a year focusing solely on demonstrating my ability and building my reputation.

That's returned value to me now in terms of credibility and referrals but for that first year - it wasn't about the money at all.

I think "networking" is something you can do while you're still employed that will return value (and clients) to you when you're ready to launch.

Would love to hear other people's stories?