Jules Brooke spent ten years in advertising sales (press) before moving into the graphic design industry. There she was a founding partner in a successful design company before going on to hold senior management positions in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) and in London. She continued in advertising industry positions, particularly design management, until she set up Handle Communications, a PR agency, in mid-2003. Adaptation and flexibility have been constants.
What kind of environment did you grow up in?
I grew up in a ‘Brady Bunch’ family with my three brothers. My Dad was a doctor in the British Army til I was 12 so we travelled a lot and lived overseas. We moved to Australia when I was eleven and we quickly learned to love our new home. My Dad worked very long hours and my Mum ran his surgery for him (and before that she was a physiotherapist).
What kept you going when times were tough financially?
When I was living at home with my parents (up to the age of 17) we pulled our belt in and lived off baked beans, sausages and mince! After I left home, as a student life was pretty frugal but fun and now I have kids and my own businesses, if times get tough we stop buying brand name products and I learned to never go window shopping!
What ‘normal’ jobs have you done?
Advertising sales rep for newspapers, Account Manager and Account Director for advertising, marketing and design companies.
Were you ever tempted to get a ‘real job’?
Not since I had my children! When I started my first business and was child-free (‘92) I did work for other companies again for about 5 years but ended up realising I was better self-employed.
Do you see your life as a balance between ‘life’ and ‘work’, or are they well blended?
They are one and the same
How do you balance ‘life’ with ‘work’ from a time point of view? What routines do you have?
I work from what was our shed, in the garden. My hubby (who is the best!) stays home to look after the kids so we are both home most days. We have 3.5 year old twins and an 8 year old so he does much of the school run stuff. We take turns in getting up early to look after the kids while the other has a little lie in. I work roughly from 9.30-4/5ish depending on the day and the amount of work I need to get through. I do stop to spend time with the kids in small bursts all day and I definitely eat dinner with them and help get them to bed.
What do you see as the essentials for a happy existence?
Health, a sense of humour, a great working environment, a supportive partner (or friend), an ability to ‘switch off’ when needed. I personally also like a challenge but perhaps that’s just me?!
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?
Where do I start?! We have had a few ups and downs along the way as we built up Handle Communications from a tiny business working from a small room off my kitchen to an office with 5 staff. Then the GFC hit and many our clients (mostly Mumpreneurs and other small businesses) all pulled in their reins financially and things got very tough for us. Then we decided we would start a DIY website for small businesses that couldn’t afford to pay an agency. We launched Handle Your Own PR earlier this year and we have had loads of positive feedback so we ended up with a positive out of a negative! Earlier this year we decided to work from home, ‘remotely’ and what could have been a real challenge on every level has turned out to be a fantastic move! We get to have the best of both worlds with family and work melding seamlessly. I also have another business where we have created products for the parenting and greeting card markets and that has been even more challenging. The process of coming up with an idea, working to get it made and finally manufacturing it and getting it into the stores has taken years in almost every case. Finally, I am trying to turn some of my TV show ideas into reality and that has also had lots of ups and downs. But you know what, I think that in the end you learn so much every time so you have to learn to embrace all the challenges that come your way.
How many hours do you work in a typical working day and do you work weekends?
I typically work from about 9-3ish during the week, and almost no work on Fridays if I can help it. I rarely work on weekends. I am always available on the phone though so am often ‘working’ when I’m not in the office. The hours could be longer than that but it doesn’t feel like it! My work is truly a pleasure and a delight.
Can you describe a typical day?
There are no typical days in my life any more! They all change dependent on the kids, meetings I might have and whatever project is on the boil at that time. My wonderful husband takes care of the kids during the week while I work so I am pretty much a free agent for most of the day which allows me to be more spontaneous that I would otherwise have been.
What qualities do you respect and value in people you work with? Why are these qualities important to you?
I like to work with intelligent, smart people with a great sense of humour, an informal attitude and a sense of naughtiness! I find that a stimulating environment to work in and we all bounce off each other and learn more in the process. I currently work with two contractors – one in the office with me 3 days a week and the other working from home with a new bub.
What do you do in your spare time?
Read and play with the kids. I’m partial to the odd night out too!
Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?
Gosh, there are just so many! I barely know where to start. I have a great group of friends who also run their own businesses and are entrepreneurs (but none of them are parents) that I am very inspired by, other women running businesses and especially, other Mums running businesses. I see a theme running through this – people who are entrepreneurial and are running their own businesses are all an inspiration. And I meet more every day.
Name your three favourite websites – the ones you visit regularly?
www.theage.com.au, www.skouttradefair.com, www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz (what can I say?!)
Do you Twitter?
Yes – a little bit. I have two – @julesbrooke and @handlecomms
Do you blog?
Not really. I have done a few posts for Marketing Magazine’s website that’s all. I intend to start one along with the handleyourownpr.com revamp.
If you were able to invite any three people to dinner, who would they be and why?
Anne McKevitt – she is a total inspiration and looks like she’s probably a fun chick. Simone Heydon – my business partner and one of my favourite people to hang out with and my friend Sue Fennessy who is also an inspiration.
Do you have a favourite saying? If so, what is it?
‘Opportunities happen when you let go’ and ‘oh my giddy aunt’!
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I’d like to be Mrs Incredible who could stretch into any shape
What is the biggest challenge in being self employed?
Keeping motivated and staying in touch with the business world (networking dos are a blessing!).
What community organizations are you involved in? Why is that important?
I do the PR for my local yearly festival and have done a few other small charity jobs. I also mentor a neighbour who has a parenting business and other women who are out there setting up businesses. I believe that if we all support each other and show the love then it comes back to you. It has certainly worked for me.
Leah Gibbs is the Founder and Business Manager of Lifestyle Careers.
Lifestyle Careers is an online recruitment job board. Our niche and specific focus is the advertising of flexible employment and work at home positions. It is designed for professionals wanting to balance their work and personal life.
