Despite the Typhoon 8 warning, we powered through the session on Zoom, diving into two topics: digital marketing with Carmen Chan and personal resilience with Lena Wong. It was interactive, motivating and packed with practical advice for moms like me who aspire to start their own businesses.
Carmen started by reminding us that we don’t need to have all the skills or the perfect background to succeed. She reassured us that these can be learned along the journey and that our products or services have value if we can connect with the right audience.
One of the first steps, she explained, is setting clear, SMART objectives to follow through. As entrepreneurs, we make all the decisions ourselves, so having a focused goal simplifies everything. Carmen also emphasised knowing our target audience inside and out. It’s not just about what we want to create but about solving problems or fulfilling needs for them. The more specific we get about our audience, the clearer our products and messaging will be.
What stood out most for me was her breakdown of the customer journey in the digital age. Today’s buyers often research a brand online e.g. Instagram, Facebook, websites before making a purchase which is why our digital presence must align with what our customers are looking for at every stage, from awareness to advocacy. Carmen also emphasised that customer retention and advocacy are the most valuable parts of the journey. Keeping customers loyal and turning them into brand ambassadors is where long-term success happens.
A recurring theme was the importance of owning our digital assets, especially a website. Social media is great, but a website establishes credibility and tells our story. She also pointed out that while advertising might not bring immediate results, it’s a crucial part of building long-term brand awareness and customer relationships. Earned media including collaborations with other businesses are also invaluable for growing a business without spending a fortune.
Before the end of the first part, we also had an interactive breakout session where the speaker challenged us to think practically about launching a candle brand. The discussion focused on identifying the right audience, choosing effective sales channels, and integrating online and offline strategies to create a cohesive marketing plan. It was a valuable exercise that highlighted the importance of prioritising efforts and aligning them with business goals.
In the second half, Lena Wong brought the focus to resilience. As the founder of Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs, she’s no stranger to juggling business and family life. She reminded us that challenges are inevitable, but practice, discipline, and adaptability can help us navigate them. She also stressed the importance of asking for help without guilt—while moms are often expected to juggle everything, we shouldn’t have to do it all alone.
Her advice about pivoting resonated deeply. Whether it’s adapting to market shifts after Covid or managing personal changes, flexibility is key. She also talked about how entrepreneurial skills—vision, discipline, and resilience translate seamlessly to motherhood. It’s all about balancing ambition, passion, and well-being while staying connected to loved ones.
This session left me feeling motivated and equipped with tools to tackle my entrepreneurial journey. From digital strategies to personal growth, it was a perfect blend of the practical and the inspiring. Can’t wait for the next session!
By Gigi Cheng
2024-2025 Moms4Moms Fellowship Program Fellow
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