Brainstorm in a Teacup (SMART 100)

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The following SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity. More about the SMART 100.

Brainstorm in a Teacup

This innovation initially came to life when…

I realised that mums attending my networking events were leaving inspired, but still didn’t have the technical know-how to move forward. However, they also had limited funds to access business support and advice. Brainstorm in a Teacup solved both these problems. Bringing together six biz mums (and myself), the session utilised the skills and experiences of women who were formerly in marketing, sales, IT and more to advise, connect and feedback to one another, all for the price of a coffee and a magazine.

WHAT & HOW

The purpose of this innovation is to…

Draw on the skills and experiences of the six mums in the group to support each other in launching or growing their business.

It does this by…

Everyone gets 15 minutes to briefly present the challenge, obstacle or problem they would like to address for their business and as a group we offer our advice, feedback, connections and more.

PURPOSE & BENEFITS

This innovation improves on what came before because…

It recognises mums in business for what they are — not women who have been out of the workforce for years, brains soft from having babies, but intelligent, experienced business folk with great ideas. It’s also helping mums in business access services they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…

Making amazing connections, getting feedback or clarity on business ideas, the opportunity to bounce ideas off people that aren’t family or friends, learning from others’ mistakes or experiences, forming complementary relationships.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

In the past, this problem was solved by…

…speaking to family or friends, hiring coaches or mentors, surfing the internet.

Its predecessors/competitors include…

…networking events, internet, business coaches, mentors.

TARGET MARKET

It is made for…

…mums starting out in business who would like to make contacts, get support or advice for their business idea and mums trying to grow their business. Brainstorm in a Teacup is also for mums who are working from home and appreciate the opportunity to get out of the house and meet other mums in a similar situation.

DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY

It is available for sale through…

my web site. Mums are able to book sessions directly through links on my site.

Our marketing strategy is to…

…promote the events through my website, newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and word of mouth. I would also like to develop awards that celebrate and reward the amazing ideas of mums in business.

SUPPORTING IMAGES

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