CAREER PURSUIT

an extensive list of suppliers and customers to provide my new address to. Unfortunately not all of them noted this and, subsequently, a large box of stock was delivered to my old address by my manufacturers. Then there was the logistics of packing and unpacking. I kept all my stock in the plastic wrapping and cardboard boxes they came in, which was really helpful for moving! I taped them up the night before we moved, so I only had 48 hours when I couldn’t pick and pack any orders. Once we were unpacked, I launched my Etsy shop. After I had been through a move once, the next was less daunting. Nine months after the first move, it was time for the next one. I had the logistics sorted, but every time I had to change my address with Google it took a while to get the new address verified. This meant there was a delay in continuity with addresses, and for one to two weeks it was a slightly messy mix of both. So I always had a postal redirection set up, posted on social media and sent out emails to ensure I had covered all bases. I have moved the business three times over the past three years. It certainly adds another dimension of stress to the moving process, but you can’t escape from that. Another 15 months later, we moved into our forever home. So I made that move with my business for the final time − or so I thought! The business is busier than ever, and next year we will be facing a 12 -month stint in Cyprus. I will work around it somehow, but I’m not quite sure how yet. Having moved so many times already, I feel well-equipped to be able to deal with it. The beauty of the military community is that I already know self-employed spouses who are living in Cyprus, so I can reach out to them closer to the time and get advice. My community of entrepreneurial military spouses is undoubtedly what gave me the confidence to launch my own business and validate my ideas. Being virtually available all the time, they are also there for me as I build my business and tackle different challenges. I am a member of a few different Facebook business groups aimed at military spouses or run by military spouses and aimed at mothers. They are such a valuable tool when you lose your in- person network due to moving. You feel less alone and are able to draw on all their ideas and knowledge, which is essential when you work on your own and move frequently. TOP TIPS FOR MOVING WITH YOUR BUSINESS 1 . Make a list of all the things you need to do, well in advance of actually moving. Put a date by which each job needs to be done − that way you won’t forget anything. 2 . You can’t tell people your new address too many times! I learnt once wasn’t really enough. Add the fact you are moving to your email signature several weeks in advance. Mention it in all your email campaigns and on social media. 3 . If you are a product-based business, don’t worry if your turnaround time increases. I temporarily add a few days to my delivery times to give myself a few days of grace over the move. Again, if you have informed your customers, they won’t mind waiting a day or two longer (usually!). If you are a service-based business, set up an auto-reply to your emails and contact your clients beforehand. 4 . If you are having your house packed by the movers, pack your own office and stock so you know exactly where everything is. Label the boxes properly with details of the contents. 5 . The prospect of moving is worse than actually moving. Stay organised, start in advance and don’t stress too much about it − it will be fine! 16 C A R E E R P U R S U I T 2 0 2 0