Linda Turner, ex-IT business owner in the UK, now runs a multitude of websites including Limousin Information, Dordogne Information and Normandy Information. After finding that gardening in France had only so much to offer, she started her websites and is going from strength to strength.
Can you briefly describe yourself, some background and your business?
I have been living permanently in France for the past five and a half years, having sold my UK IT business and retired early to enjoy a quieter lifestyle. But I missed the buzz and stimulation of running my own business and together with a little boredom, decided to work again part time. The stimulation to start my own business again is mentioned below, and the difficulty to locate English speaking tradespeople gave me the business idea. My business is internet based and gives English speaking traders the opportunity to showcase their own businesses, to English speakers. Therefore when you look at my websites you are almost certain to find the trade that you are looking for.
What promoted you to start a business here in France? Did any skills or qualifications gained elsewhere help?
I was looking for a painter and found it really difficult to locate any, especially those speaking English which meant trying to contact the expat community, so it made sense to me to start a business helping to promote English speaking companies within France. I started the business locally, and due to its success I have now developed many areas within France.
The skills and qualifications I gained whilst working in the UK were invaluable in helping me set up my business here in France. I ran my own IT business in the UK for five years, and this gave me the background knowledge and experience to develop a similar operation here.
Do you think as a woman it is harder or easier to be in business?
Feel that it is the same whatever sex you are. If you have a product or business that is of benefit to your customers, then you will not be treated any differently. My brief is to promote other businesses by using the internet in the most positive way. If I can help build their business up, then they are only too grateful for my input.
Are you able to work you business around your family life?
Yes being internet based means I can work around family life without any problems.
Were your business plans part of your move to France or something you became interested in afterwards?
Became interested after my move to France as there is more to life than just gardening and I was becoming bored! Having gained IT and marketing skills in the UK it made sense to utilise these here in France, and develop a business around them. This has worked exceptionally well.
Do you find the various French agencies, such as your local CCI, helpful and willing to assist?
Have not used their services, or others, so I cannot comment.
Are men that you have to deal with in your business life understanding or treating you differently?
I have found that men and women both treat me courteously and with respect. No gender problems here!
What is your own personal view of social media such as Facebook and twitter? Good for business?
Definitely good for business, and it is really rewarding to promote not only my business but that of my customers. This is one of the most powerful marketing tools that you can ever use, so it would be irresponsible to ignore it.
Do you have any thing to say to other women who want to start a business?
Get on with it – research as much as you can in the fields you want to work in; give it your very best shot and always remain positive.
At the moment the state of the UK economy has made it really difficult for this business. It is survival of the fittest!