Business Blogs

Sow seeds each and every day

So often I see people buried in delivering their work without a thought to marketing. Or, conversely in a mad flurry of panic trying to find customers, and this is usually after a period of being buried in their work. Funny that. I’ve long called this ‘binge marketing’ and it’s the opposite of sowing seeds.So focused are they on the job at hand they lose sight of the importance of simply sowing seeds every day. Taking small actions that build in value over time and help ensure a steady flow of work. This is marketing at its simplest and arguably at its finest. Sowing a seed translates to different things for different people. Here are a few examples:

Evaluating your brand in 2020

Entering a new decade is an excellent time to take stock of your brand. In fact, every month, every year, it’s important for businesses to focus on creating a meaningful, lasting impact in consumers’ minds. How can you ensure it’s your business that potential clients think to contact, instead of your competitor’s?

Put gender on your agenda this International Women’s Day

I am particularly excited about the International Women’s Day 2020 theme this year – each for equal, as I’ve always been frustrated by the bystander effect when it comes to equality; that is the notion that demanding change is a job for someone else. This theme says we each have a role to play, and we all should pledge that gender discrimination stops with each one of us.

Building your social capital

Now is the perfect time to start building your social capital. We now have numerous ways to measure business finances, thanks to technology, but measuring your social capital is also critical. Explore new ways to measure and build up your social capital, and ensure that you invest your time and efforts effectively.Social capital can be broadly defined as strengthening your organisation by focusing on the development of personal and professional networks.

Investing in your people

Why upskilling your employees makes good business senseInvesting in your people is one of the most powerful tools a small business owner has to stay on top of the game. The good news is that Sutherland Shire business owners don’t have to look far for inspiration, as a range of reputable institutions offering a host of recognised courses is right on their doorstep. From TAFE to University or Community College offerings, there are many options for making your workforce smarter and your business more profitable.

How to work from anywhere

Depending on the nature of your work, one of the options increasingly seized upon today is to develop a business that moves with you. With the right business model and design, many entrepreneurs have the freedom to be totally nomadic – travelling the world working in different cities each week. In reality though, not all of us can or wants to adopt the full-on life of a nomad. Little things like face-to-face customers, children, schools, partners and family can kind of get in the way. That said, many individuals do enjoy the flexibility to work away from their home, office, shop or workshop, even for short periods. . . so let’s look at how to go about doing just that.

Getting your business ready for the Christmas period and beyond

Tips on getting your business ready for the Christmas period and beyondThe Christmas holiday period can mean different things to business owners. For some who rely on summer holiday trade, it can be a boom time where reliable staff are crucial. For others, it is the time when most clients take a break, in turn placing pressure on cashflow.Take advantage of the different opportunities this time of year offers and put in place strategies to make it successful and stress free. Now is the right time to start developing plans for your business over Christmas

Work for yourself not by yourself

While some entrepreneurs may love total isolation and the hermit life, many more prefer a mix of time alone and time around others. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to connect and I reckon that a regular reminder that we're part of a bigger universe really keeps isolation and loneliness in check. Some nice solid chunks of connection offer a top-up of warmth and comfort, which we can bring back to our own space.