Startup Advice from Small Business Owners
Starting a business can be daunting. You have an idea, a passion or a hobby, but you can see it being so much more. But how do you get the idea out of your head and into the world. And once you do, what awaits you? In a matter of minutes our mind can flood us with questions, to-do lists and doubts. ‘Where should I start?’, ‘How do I get customers?’, ‘What if no one buys?’ On and on it goes. One of the comforting and empowering things about doing business today is the wealth of information out there, and the legacy of many that have gone before us with wisdom to share.
Personally, I love chatting with my clients and other small business owners, especially women, and sharing our experiences.
Here are what 10 women in small business answered when asked….
“What advice would you give others wanting to start a business?”
“Play it like a game. There will be boogie monsters ahead. There will be levels and lessons to learn. You will have problems to solve. But approach it like Mario Kart. Approach it from a space of play. You get to re-spawn after every loss, don't worry! Then, remember the good you are giving and doing for others. This will fuel your lower moments (expect those too!). Finally, get a coach. Do a course. Find a mentor or teacher you gel with at every stage of your business. This is important, as the wrong teacher at the wrong time and stage of your business can also set you backwards. The lessons at your first 50k are different at 100k, and different again at 450k, and so on. If you are a mum in business, decide whether you want to grow your business super fast, or slow and steady. I chose the slow and steady approach because I chose to dedicate half my life to raising my kids (who are now in their teens). I am so glad I made that choice, as in my life context, it's what worked best. Choose wisely.”
Veronica Stewart from The Guided Creative & Sydney Voice Studio @drveronicastewart on Instagram
“Do your research, talk to your competitors, really knuckle out your business plan. What is your purpose both for the business and personally? Is there a market for your product/service? Do you have the finances, energy, time and motivation? Make sure you have a good accountant, a lawyer and insurances in place. Check out if there is any funding or training opportunities with Service NSW for example. Always have a plan B/exit plan!”
Nila Oyama from Dido’s Place www.didosplace.com.au
“Do not wear too many hats for too long. What I mean is, don't try and do it all on your own. I understand that when we commence our businesses we are trying to do it as cheaply as possible. Whilst this works for a short period of time, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have people in your corner, in your village, who are experts at what they do and handle the parts of your business you don't need to be spending time on. Your business's finances is a prime example of this. Finances can literally make or break your venture, so it's important to build a team of people around you who can help you from the get go. Whether that be a bookkeeper and an accountant (some accountants do both, such as Bond Financial), a lawyer, a marketing specialist. You need to lean heavily on your accountant in the early days to discuss when is the right time to start spending money on other areas of your business. E.g. marketing.”
Sarah Pyke from Bond Financial www.bondfinancial.com.au
“Absolutely get support, join a business group or peer network. Know that in the beginning it will be a bit messy as you learn the ropes, and you'll probably work more hours than you planned, but it is worth it in the long run.”
Jane Hutchens from Jane Hutchens janehutchens.co/
“I would say go for it, however I think it is VERY important to be clear on your 'WHY' so that during the tough times you can draw strength from this, remaining passionate and determined. I think I went into this venture as a bit of a 'dreamer' - I probably still am! (I'd say most of my family and friends thought I was crazy) and they were probably right! However, despite the difficulties it has been a wonderful experience, gaining things from it that I never expected and some beautiful friendships, experiences and connections.”
Bec Dingle from Boho Lane Collective www.boholanecollective.com.au
“Have family support. Be prepared to work 7 days a week on your business model. Check with council for all requirements if going into a shop front area. Do what you believe and not what others want of you. Make sure your staff are given exceptional training and coaching.”
Lisa Collinson from Blue Bells Beauty www.bluebellsbeautysalon.com
“Have key people you can bounce ideas off. Be consistent. Don’t underestimate the power of social media and word of mouth. Be proactive in finding work, don’t wait for them to find you, you find them and tell them why they should pick you! Learn what your strengths are- you need to believe in yourself first.”
Eva Zust from Joyful Sounds @joyfulsounds.au on Facebook and Instagram
“Do it your way, have your own unique style and do it well. It's important to constantly learn, but for your own self growth. Don't be hard on yourself or compare yourself to others.”
Amanda McIntyre from Amanda Maree Makeup www.amandamareemakeup.com.au
“Go for it! Think about and follow your passions and network. Research your industry, ‘How can you stand out?’ Leaving a 9-5 sometimes feels like a 24/7 because all the big wonderful ideas flow through your mind but remember to take a break. Have another income stream. Dream big and chip away at it each day. Be open to being a lifelong learner.”
Rannee Katsonis from Receptive Konnection www.receptivekonnection.com.au/
“Don’t try to go it alone. There is a lot of support out there for business owners in many different forms so don't be afraid to ask for help. Develop a network of like minded supporters around you and take opportunities to learn new skills. And be kind to yourself. Being a business owner is hard work!”
Angela Gauci from Aster HR https://asterhr.com.au/
I hope reading this has helped you glean something that strikes your own heart and spurs you on your own small business journey. It is different for each of us, yet there’s beauty in the common experience we share. So if anything I’d encourage you to get alongside fellow small business minded people and to commit yourself to learning and persevering in your ideas - the world would be lucky to get to know your solutions! If you’re thinking about starting a small business, check out my other blogs in ‘Helpful Info’ on some great first steps to take, and if you’re ready to take the plunge and want to lead with your best foot forward, get in touch to learn more about my Business Startup Brand Package.