Throughout this year, s part of our Going for Growth programme, we’ve been organising free weekly events, known as Jellys, for freelance and home workers and those running small businesses. They take place in Christchurch, Ferndown and Wimborne. The Jellys, so-called because the idea originated from two lone workers in the States who were eating jelly babies at the time, take place in informal, friendly settings where people who run their own businesses can get together, talk and share knowledge and experience. It can feel quite isolating and lonely working from home or being your own boss. Meeting with others in a similar situation to spark ideas or simply have a sympathetic chat over a coffee and a biscuit, can be just the thing to invigorate and inspire you.
In the short time the Jellys have been going, several home businesses have already felt their benefit – such as Sharlene Lopez. Sharlene attends the Wimborne Jelly on a Wednesday. She’s the founder and owner of Eye Catcher Marketing consultancy. She’s a mother with a toddler and works from home. Through attending the Wimborne Jelly, Sharlene realised she was not fulfilling her business potential – particularly in relation to the clients she was aiming for. The Jelly helped her to refocus her work. By attending the Wimborne Jelly, Sharlene learned about and was able to access grants and other support that was available for small businesses.
She has recently taken on her first Silicon Valley client. A major breakthrough.
Sharlene said: “Co-working via Wimborne Jelly has given my business a new lease of life both socially and strategically. My network of ‘non-colleagues’, as I call them, offer a vital camaraderie that has bolstered me to set higher goals for myself and my business.”
Although the Jellys are informal, relaxed occasions with the emphasis on networking and meeting like-minded people, we do sometimes have invited speakers on topics which we believe can be of real benefit to those attending.
Recent speakers include Teresa Barton, from Skills and Learning, who provided a presentation on how Twitter can benefit your business; and Karen Johnson from The Digital Marketing Academy on ‘Blogging for Business’.
Our next speaker on Thursday 10th November is David Pitfield from Dorset Growth Hub. He will be explaining the role of The Hub in providing free and impartial local business support to help new, start-up, and existing businesses to grow. In November, Denis James from Dormen (Dorset Business Mentoring) will be talking about the power of language to sell your business. Details of these and all our Jellys are below.
So, don’t have a wobble over work. If you’re feeling in need of some friendly, business support, come to a Jelly and get set for success!
Jelly Details:
Tuesdays in Ferndown: 9.30am – 11.30am The Orange Teapot- 42 Victoria Road. Ferndown. BH22 9HZ
Wednesdays in Wimborne: 10.00am – 2.00pm. The Village Green Café. Allendale Centre. BH21 1AS
Thursdays in Christchurch: 1.00pm – 3.00pm. Somerford ARC Community Centre, 20 Southey Road, Christchurch, Dorset. BH23 3EH
Speaker details:
Thursday, November 10th, Christchurch Jelly – David Pitfield from Dorset Growth Hub
Thursday, November 24th, Christchurch Jelly – Denis James, Dorset Business Mentoring
Thursday, 8th December, Christchurch Jelly – Sarah Veakins and Mike Slaughter from Get Set For Growth talking about business finance: ‘How to understand your costs, pricing and breakeven’
Every Jelly is free to attend and is open to freelance, home-based workers and small business owners from the Christchurch and East Dorset region. For any enquiries or more information about the Christchurch and East Dorset Jellys contact Economic Development Officer Duncan Newman via email dnewman@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk .