Find out more about our new Golden Ticket member – Debra Glover
Debra has been a member of The Business Woman’s Network, South Essex, for the past year and recently became a Golden Ticket member. Her reason for becoming a member is because “we are nuturing community with some excellent speakers at each meeting. The BWN is passionate about member’s successes and actively promotes its members.”
We spoke to Debra to find out a bit more about why she set up in business.
What made you set up your Company?
Having worked for 23 years as a Consultant Clinical Scientist in Cancer and Leukaemia diagnosis, I wanted to have more time at home with my family. My youngest son (I have 4 boys!) started school 3 years ago and so I was looking for an opportunity to set up my own business that allowed me to work around my family. Utility Warehouse is a perfect fit for busy parents, youngsters who want an additional income and a Plan B and even those who are retired who want to supplement their pension. There are no products to buy or sell, in fact you are saving households and small businesses money on their essential everyday services (energy and telecoms) by recommending them to the Discount Club.
How many years have you been in business?
21/2 years
What do you love most about running your own business?
There are many advantages of running my own business! Firstly I dictate when and how much I work, I have the flexibility to arrange my work around the demands of family life. I am responsible for the the success of my business and it is my effort that decides the results. I no longer have trouble finding holiday childcare cover and I can have as much holiday as I see fit
What do you hate most about running your own business?
I’m accountable to myself which is at times difficult! The annual tax returns are also a pain (even though I have an accountant who submits them).
What benefits do you get from networking?
Networking has introduce me to other like-minded entrepreneurs who are a great source of support in my business and I have also gained clients and team members too.
What do you see the future holding for your Company?
The company has a massive future – we currently supply 5 services but our aim is to be a 12 service provider in a few years. Currently 2% of the UK are Utility Warehouse Customers so there are 98% of the UK still to talk to. As UW don’t waste money on expensive advertising, most people only hear about our award winning company via word of mouth referral.
To find out more about Utility Warehouse and follow Debra click here.
Meet Debra at our event at The Harvard Inn in Stock on Valentines Day for her masterclass on understanding colour personalities to engage your clients and aid success book here.
If you would like to become a Golden Ticket member, contact Jenny Sjollema on 07903 347782 to find out more.
So Happy I Brought The Business, Twice!
Following our new series of interviews with BWN member’s (to be a member you just have to turn up every month. Learn more here ) here we meet new Saturday North Essex Coordinator Dawn Moss.
What made you join Utility Warehouse as a partner?
I signed up as a customer with Utility Warehouse (The Discount Club) in March 2014 having just started my first home based business (Your Interview Coach!) because at the time it was extremely important for me to reduce my outgoings. I was so happy with the savings and service that I decided to join The Discount Club as a 
partner because I wanted to share all the benefits with my personal network.
I immediately saw the benefit of a business model that builds a residual income. Longer term this residual income will create more time for me to do the things I’m really passionate about (volunteering, coaching, training, horse riding, travelling across Europe and beyond!!)
I’ve always enjoyed supporting people to improve their lives in some way – so for me it was a no brainer to show home owners how they too could reduce their household bills with little effort on the services they already use – so they can spend their hard earned income on the nicer things in life (holidays, weekend’s away, family days out, meals out, etc).
How many years have you been in business?
I’ve been a business partner with Utility Warehouse since September 2014.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I like meeting new people and its rewarding being able to share the benefits of the business with my friends, family and business associates alike and there are lots of benefits – Savings, Simplicity, & Award Winning Customer Service.
What do you hate most about running your own business?
I’m not very good at cold calling – luckily there are lots of other options to grow a business that don’t require making those dreaded calls most people hate receiving!
What benefits do you get from networking?
I really enjoy building long term relationships and getting to know people in both formal and informal environments. For me networking is the best and most effective way of building trust and credibility. I’ve also been lucky enough to make some very good friends through networking.
What was the reason that you decided to be a member at The BWN?
The BWN has gained a very good reputation over the years (all credit to its founder Mandie Holgate) and I’ve always heard good feedback from the women who have attended the events.
What really works for me is that there is the right balance between having a structured format and time to have genuine conversations and network informally.
There’s always a slot for personal development and a chance to gain valuable information for running your business from the wonderful expert speakers.
The BWN events also offer a variety of options to promote and present your business – from a 60 second promo slot, to sponsoring an event or having your own stand.
There is also a guaranteed warm welcome to everyone attending the events – I like that too!
What do you see the future holding for your business?
I’m very excited about the future (putting the BWN Saturday Networking Events aside!) I’m very much looking forward to growing my business and showing as many people as possible the benefits of joining the discount club and I’m also very focused on recruiting more driven and enthusiastic people to join my existing team.
All members are welcome to answer these 7 questions and feature in our blog along with on our social media and you may even get a mention in our newsletter too. Just send your answers to us at info@thebusinesswomansnetwork.co.uk