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Claire Bowes of Baby Gifts Unique

Internet Business Owner of a Money-Making Website

Owner:   Claire Bowes
Business Name: Baby Gifts Unique
URL: http://www.baby-gifts-unique.com

Job description- Be able to use a computer and have an internet connection.  Have persistence and determination.  Be able to follow directions and apply them.  The course tutor and software will guide you through to make you and your website successful!

Reason for starting at home business
Some reasons include: needing to travel, becoming a parent, a job layoff, health reasons, wanting to be your own boss, being a single parent, being disabled, moonlighting, wanting a simpler life, home schooling, upholding family values. I worked as an Office Manager at a local University in the North East of the United Kingdom.  I was sick of being looked down upon by the academics.  I knew I could do better for myself, I knew I could make more money from home than working at the University.  I hate office politics, I hate the rat race, didn't like the travelling, the university had a major restructure and I took voluntary redundancy.

Deciding factors or motivations influenced you
To prove a lot of people wrong, that I could make money from home, from my website.   I knew I could do it.  A motivational article inspired me about Abraham Lincoln which I found through Jim Daniels.

Describe how having an at home business has changed your lifestyle
Its undescribable.  I have freedom, less stress, flexibility, actually enjoy what I am doing.  I cannot believe I get paid for it! and of course, more time to spend with my 10 month old baby boy!

What is your personal passion and how do you express that in your business
My personal passion is my website, and being able to work from home and be more around for my baby boy.  I am enthusiastic about my business and would like to help other moms do the same.  And being honest in everything I do.

Office location
My spare bedroom.  It is all equipped up as an office, so I can separate home and work.

Start up costs
In 1998 when I started out I bought Sausage software HTML editor, web-hosting, domain name, internet marketing manuals etc, webposition gold for search engine placement etc.   Approx £800 British Pounds.  Now though, I only use Ken Evoy's Site Build It for *everything* which costs a little over £250 British Pounds.

Start up strategy
At first in 1998 I did not have a strategy.  I did not *focus*.  That was my main problem.  I was running round in circles like a fly with one wing!  Now, eventually, three websites later, I am actually *focused*.  I did research on my site concept, research on demand/supply of keywords, research on competitors, keep my website simple and focused.  Then I promote on Search Engines, Pay Per Click and submitting articles and try to do some linking.

Years in this business
Since 1998. But more recently more successful and focused.

Income potential for this career
A lot more than my full-time Office Manager post at a local university.

Ideal customers
Pregnant women, their sisters, mothers, grandmothers, friends, cousins.  Anybody wanting to buy a baby gift!

Previous career
Office Manager at a local University

Transferable Skills
Word processing, organisational, willing to learn, *persistence*, determination,

Necessary Skills, Education for Job
You don't really need any.  I learned myself HTML from Sausage software.   However, four years down the line, Site Build It software does all the technical stuff for you.  Again, just need persistence and determination.  Being able to use a computer would help!

Equipment, software, and tools needed for Job
PC, and Site Build It software.  That's it!

Industry Insight
People will always be wanting to buy baby gifts for baby showers, baptism
etc..

Most Effective Marketing Strategies
Good search engine placement (SBI does this all for you), PPC and submitting articles

Top revenue streams
Search Engines

Pricing strategies
n/a I am an affiliate

Recommended resources
http://buildit.sitesell.com/IBS.html

Best part of the job
Working the hours I want, when I want and I love adding new pages to my website.

Worst part of the job
Gets a bit tedious promoting all the time - but it is a necessity!

Secrets to your success
No secrets really, just stay focused and be persistent.  You won't succeed if you give up!

Worst business mistake and what you learned from it
Buying internet marketing information/software without looking into it first, or shopping around.    Don't build an 'Internet Marketing' website. (I did and could not compete) There are too many of them and there are too many good people out there to compete with!  Find a good niche and stick to that.

Helpful advice for someone getting started in this career
Follow the guidelines of someone who knows how to succeed in this line of work.  You must do your research and you must stay focused.  Don't give up.

What are your future plans for business growth
Probably one or two sister sites to complement each other.


How do you balance your career and family life (IE child care etc)
I do my Internet Business mainly on a night time when Jonathan has gone to bed.   Sometimes through the day when the Grandparents take him for a few hours.


Is your spouse involved in your business?
He proof reads my articles.


Any tips on keeping your spouse happy and supportive when you own your own business?
Get him involved.  Make him feel that you need and value his opinion.  He won't mind you spending more time on your business then.


Do you involve your kids in your business, if so then how.
No.  Too young.

Were your parents business owners or entrepreneurs, if so, tell us your story.
No.  They don't understand it when I tell them I have an Internet Business.   They keep wondering when I am going to get a 'proper job'.  I will prove them wrong one day when I make *a lot* of money!