Your name and age

Lynne Mendelsohn – 58.

What did you do before coming up with your business idea?

I am a qualified, accredited counsellor and have had a successful private practice for the past 13 years.

When did you launch?

2007.

How did you get started?

I have been a customer of Utility Warehouse for several years; however a friend of mine introduced me to the business opportunity and instinctively I knew it was for me.  In my counselling work I aim to help people with their mental and emotional well being; with Utility Warehouse I help them in a more practical way.

How have you funded the business?

My counselling practice continues to be successful and has enabled me to fund my business; although the initial set up costs are very modest.

How do you promote your business? What has worked best?

One of the big advantages of is that I have the back up and expertise of a highly successful British plc company.  They host a website for me and provide me with as much free training as I need.  They also provide marketing materials and advice on how best to promote my business.

What has worked well about your business?

There are no aggressive sales pitches or cold calling.  The business comes largely from word of mouth recommendation and the personal touch.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?  How have you dealt with it?

Keeping focused can sometimes be hard when I am leading a busy life; however I surround myself with positive, successful people and there are plenty of those in this business.

How do you fit in work with your family?

I do not have any dependants, so in that respect my time is more flexible.  However I do have a partner and friends who encourage me to maintain a work/life balance.

What advice would you give to someone else wanting to work in this area?

Give it a go!  Be consistent in your time and effort and take advantage of the training and support.

If you have a flexible working business opportunity, please explain briefly what you offer and how people find out more?

This work is ideal for women from any age or background because it is totally flexible.  You can run it part-time alongside a job, family or other commitments and the sky is the limit in terms of income.

For anyone interested to know more please contact me via my website; or at lynnem@uwclub.net or on 0800 781 0648.

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