Maternal Magnates - Psychologist Geoffrey Beattie offers exclusive advice to business mums

Psychologist Geoffrey Beattie offers exclusive advice to business mums

Chat date: Friday 11th January
Chat time: 14.30

Are you a business-owning mum? Or are you a new mum thinking about starting a business venture of your own? Research commissioned by Yell.com, set to be released in mid-January, investigates why so many new mums run successful businesses, and how the skills they develop as parents can help them in the world of work.

The research is expected to show that business mums not only juggle motherhood with the day job, but with an impressive 18 different job roles - from cook right through to accountant - during any average week. So why start a business around this time? Dr Geoffrey Beattie comments: Pregnancy has a big effect on the body and the brain; it can elevate your mood for significant periods of time. When people are in an elevated mood state, they are prepared to consider riskier types of initiatives such as launching a business. This can lead to the translation of an initial break-through idea into action.

The contribution that mums make to the UK economy is renowned - the latest statistics average a combined 4.4billion turnover each year. Setting up a business from scratch can be a daunting prospect however, especially if you are trying to juggle a family at the same time. The 'Inspirational Business Mum of the Year Award' at the Prowess Awards sponsored by Yell.com recognises the commitment, energy, drive and determination of business mums, and the specific challenges they face in combining entrepreneurship with motherhood.

The winner of last year's award was rewarded for her success in setting up a chain of nurseries, inspired by the need to find suitable childcare in her local area. If you're a new mum or a mum-to-be with a big idea, then join psychologist Professor Geoffrey Beattie and Barbara Newman of Yell.com in our live webchat as they discuss why it is that women are particularly suited to business once they've had children as well as giving guidance on the tools needed to turn a big idea into a successful venture.

They'll also be revealing how to enter this year's Inspirational Business Mum of the Year Award. If you can't wait until then however, click here for a nomination form: www.bizmums.yell.com. This dedicated website also provides budding mum-magnates with advice from last year's finalists.

Professor Geoffrey Beattie and Barbara Newman of Yell.com join us live online at www.webchats.co.uk/webchat.php?ID=483 on Friday 11th January at 14.30

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