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Company: Million Dollar Women
Project: www.milliondollarwomen.co.uk

http://www.milliondollarwomen.co.uk

Dates: Apr 2007 to Aug 2007

How did the project start?

I know so many talented, capable women who run fascinating businesses selling what they make online. They are often operating as sole traders or as small family businesses and as such don’t always get the exposure or visibility that they could achieve and deserve.

I felt that there was a huge opportunity for them to come together as a collective, not by sharing profits or paying sales commission, but to literally present themselves and their products together in a gallery.
My aim was to create a website that was a hub, an authority on these hidden gems, boutiques, cottage industries, market town traders, independent retail specialists, exporters and importers, all the small British companies that if you don't know about you might never find.
The gallery is in its infancy but is already growing at a rapid rate with new women in business joining every day.
My ambition is to help them celebrate their success, grow their online business and benefit from connection and referral.

We research through word of mouth and personal recommendation, so if you know a Million Dollar Woman, tell us about her http://www.milliondollarwomen.co.uk/nominate.asp

What options did you consider?

I had a clear vision for the look and feel of the site from the beginning in terms of usability and presentation of information. I also knew I could rely on Edward Robertson's expertise as a web design agency to deliver.

There’s really nothing like the Gallery in terms of visual impact. It keeps changing and growing every day. It is an intriguing view of lives and achievement, as well as being a totally original online shopping experience.

What help and expertise did you receive?

I have received help through the North East Regional Portal Company via Catalyst to develop the website. I have also benefited from Pascal Fintoni’s wisdom on the subject of Search Engine Marketing, from which I have developed a Strategy for SEM that will not only develop my site, but that I will also share with the businesses featured in the Million Dollar Women Gallery so that they in turn can improve their Search Engine Marketing.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

I faced the same challenges that every person starting out in business does, that period of time when things seem dark and difficult. When you question your value to create an enterprise, to stand up and be counted.

The lesson I have learned, from the incredibly positive feedback that I have received about Million Dollar Women and from my experience supporting other people setting up in business online, is that talent and energy are pre-requisites, but persistence is the key.

If you can find someone to give you encouragement, to keep you pushing ahead and staying focused – a friend, coach, relative or adviser – their support is priceless.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

We have created a vibrant and unique collective of like minded online businesses that is growing fast and enjoys celebrating success.

What are your plans for the future?

Search engines work when you know what you are looking for and when people in business know how to make their sites work in search engines. A truly double edged sword.

For Million Dollar Women life is about experiences, recounting tales and trading tips.

How about the joy of finding things you didn't know existed? British Tea, Wearable Art, Garden Offices, Celtic rings hand-made on the Shetland Isles, secret holiday hideaways…

We want to develop our collective online presence to a magnitude that delivers visibility. So that online shoppers can explore alternatives and enjoy discovery.