Bringing your product to market; Taking your business forwards.

It always amazes me the number of incredible businesses and industry sectors that our Athena members come from, so I decided to 'spotlight' a different one each month. It's always better to hear things from the "horse's" (member's), mouth!

Spotlight Cara Bell

A bit about me

My name is Cara Bell, I am a Retail Consultant, and I am the founder of my boutique retail consultancy BIDILI Retail. My mission is to serve product-based businesses to scale and grow. I am a retail expert with over 20 years’ experience as a buyer in homewares for major retailers including Garden Trading, Waitrose, Paperchase and Disney. I have sourced and developed product ranges from all over the world. Now I help up and coming creative makers, brands and product entrepreneurs who want to up their retail game or even make the jump to wholesale. Using my experience, I work with small businesses who don’t have big budgets to build their product ranges and increase their bottom-line sales and profit. They may be looking for the confidence to take the next step or even be wanting to be stocked in a major UK retailer, I can help with that. I get my clients focused on their business development, growing their sales, and driving profit with winning strategies and practical tips. I am totally passionate about the retail world and of course shopping! Nothing beats bringing new products to market and making a success of selling them!?

How did you hear about Athena?

I was looking for a local network. It was important to me that I focused on business in my local area as I started out on my business journey. It was actually just the power of google that I found Athena. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a woman only network but I soon realised that Athena was a network that could help me grow my business.

What were your reasons for joining an all female networking group?

I wanted to connect with local likeminded professionals who I could learn from. I was looking for a group I could call on for support as I started my business but also hoped I would be able to offer some support in return. I was looking to make real connections, making the transition to working for myself from the corporate world I knew I would need a new support network. I soon realised an all female group was where I felt really comfortable and could see myself as I was so warmly welcomed in my first meeting.?

What difference has being part of the Athena network meant to you and to your business?

I have really benefited from the friendly and informative support in the group. It has been a place I could come to ask questions and know I can find someone with experience who could help. I was aware of the power of networking but I have really seen it in action through the referrals I have received. Not only have I secured new clients through the Athena network I have felt empowered reach beyond my comfort zone to grow my business myself

Can you name one thing that has been most useful as a member?

Momentum! With the monthly meetings and also the opportunity to attend other online Athena meetings I have been able to build structure and actions into my monthly plans. I have been really motivated by the platform Athena has given me to regularly meet new people.?

What else would you like to get out of the group?

I am looking forward to having the chance to meet face to face in person. I have benefited from and love the virtual zoom meetings as they are so convenient. For the new friends I have made I am looking forward to meeting in person to get to know them better.

If you had one bit of advice for someone thinking of joining a networking group what would it be?

Don’t think about it just do it. All of the women in the Athena network have businesses they are passionate about and want to grow. Results from networking can take time but the Athena network is here to help grow and support its members in business. These business women get things done and offer amazing services that your business could benefit from as well as be your new clients. I do believe making an impact locally is a litmus test for the success of any business. I am looking forward to having the chance to meet face to face in person.I have benefited from and love the virtual zoom meetings as they are so convenient. For the new friends I have made I am looking forward to meeting in person to get to know them better. Hard to choose just one as I love a quote. I will go for “carpe diem” mainly because I started my business in lockdown. I know I am not alone in that covid made me reassess my work life balance and my focus. I decided it was now or never to make a change. I am so glad I did and encourage others to make the leap too. The honest feedback, suggestions and business opportunities Athena offers your business will be a fantastic platform for growth in the long term.

Your quote of the day?

Hard to choose just one as I love a quote. I will go for,

“carpe diem”?

mainly because I started my business in lockdown. I know I am not alone in that covid made me reassess my work life balance and my focus. I decided it was now or never to make a change. I am so glad I did and encourage others to make the leap too.?

Connect with Cara

Connect with Caroline?to find out more about the Athena Network West Berks