As small business owners we know that there are two main group key players that contribute to our business’ success: our team (including suppliers) and our customers. But there’s also a third party that’s equally important: you.
If you missed Part 1 on our small business lessons, see what our resident experts had to say about having a team alongside you and taking care of your customers here: Part 1: Small business lessons
Ultimately, everything comes down to you. So what do you need to keep in mind as you steer the ship?
Watch out for pitfalls
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[blockquote text=”“People will always rip off a good idea. They will never be as good or successful as you but it will still happen so make sure you take the necessary steps when it does and don’t let them get away with it.;
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– Emma Blomfield, Nest Designs
Emma is an interior stylist specialising in online decorating across Australia. She is passionate about making stylish interiors affordable and accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or their location, at www.nestdesigns.com.au
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[blockquote text=”“As people commence business they tend to accept any task and any type of client in hope of profits or helping business development. Some tasks and clients are just not a good fit, as they will often seek a type of service or attention, which you simply cannot meet. The result is a trickle down effect, which can have a negative effect on other clientele as well as diminishing personal business satisfaction.;
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– Janna Fikh, Fletcher Tax Accountants
Janna started Fletcher Tax Accountants in 2009 and continues to be a highly sought after chartered accountant specialising in all things tax. In fact, she is Good Business Consulting’s accountant! http://fletchertaxaccountants.com.au/
Success starts with you
[blockquote text=”“Simple: Be passionate about what you do.;
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– Steve Rohan-Jones, O2C
O2C has been working with organisations since 2003 to improve workplace performance by building skills in leadership, communication and resilience. They are about relationships, experiences and outcomes by building effective and collaborative partnerships. www.o2c.com.au
[blockquote text=”“Success or failure come down to one main factor: you. You cannot blame the economy, the competition, the suppliers and the employees, nor use external circumstances as an excuse for failure. Concentrate on what’s within your control and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. The good news is that it’s all in your hands. You’re the one who can make it happen.;
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– Andrew Laurie, ActionCOACH Sydney
Andrew is the managing director of ACTIONCoach Sydney and uses his experience in running successful small businesses and multi-million dollar corporations to help others run their businesses through guidance, support and accountability. www.actioncoachsydneycity.com.au
You are the biggest asset to your business
[blockquote text=”“By far the biggest lesson and the lesson that I still struggle with at times is to value your own time and see value in your talent. It is so easy to spend extra time and your creative energy on doing favours, but when it comes down to it, your time and IP is money, and it should be valued just as much as a physical product or billable service, if not more.;
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– Naomi Findlay, Founder of Silk Home Staging and Styling
Naomi started her successful home staging business, SILK Home Staging & Styling, three years ago and is now also the founder of the International Institute of Home Staging (IIHS), which offers the only range of interactive online Australian home staging and property styling courses. http://www.instituteofhomestaging.com.au
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Do you agree that running your own small business ultimately comes down to you?
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