When my children were little, like so many new Mums, I wanted an income but I didn’t want to work full time. Actually I still don’t and so again I am changing my life after holding many full times roles. But, before this, I became a Teacher Aide after completing a Cert 111 in Education so I could work school hours – before I found out I was totally hopeless with other people’s children. So I started my own business, a women’s network which was designed to connect women and give them wings to fly in their chosen field. I loved this and would still be there except …. I hadn’t done my homework on delegating, sharing the load and ultimately – a business plan. And I became so busy I was once again in the position of working more than full time including working while manning kiosks, sitting in grandstands and in motel rooms due to sporting commitments – which I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
I didn’t visualize the future, so I didn’t plan for it so it became so busy, and finally I realised …if I wasn’t around physically, the business could not operate. What I had begun for freedom had become all consuming – great –fabulous – but not what I had planned. So, this time – I did a business plan.
I went online, found the Government Plan and it really – to me – was exactly what I was after. It is very involved, very probing, and very in depth and placing a lot of importance on the future of the business. What I found was that if I hadn’t already thought of something – it was on the plan and I could address it. It has helped to clarify what I am doing, where I am going, what I want from the business, and how I am going to get there. It also means all my info is in one document for reference – bank details, ABN, and all the important stuff.
This is the link and I will share as it is Government so should be safe:….
As it says on the site ‘A good business plan can help you secure finance, define the direction of your business and create strategies to achieve your goals.”
Your Accountant, Solicitor, Attorney etc probably has a special one he prefers you to complete and that’s fine, I am not suggesting this over theirs, but so many women want to start a business and forget this important step.
Revisit it monthly you might need to update it – as you work in the business it is not quite as you envisaged – and so changes are required – this is not bad – you are evolving and reality is often different and that’s ok.
If you have no accounting software yet – you might want to try Xero. I tried it on the recommendation of a good friend, and also my fabulous Accountant and I love it. Last time I did accounting it was 3 inch books on another system and it really was a nightmare and so time consuming – this is a breeze. I even have the company ringing regularly to see how I am going – weird and wonderful – see Customer Service 101.
If you haven’t already got a website, get yourself a wonderful Website Creator who is on your team and wants you to be successful too – someone that goes the extra mile to ensure your goals are met. This is crucial as it’s the face of your business and needs to reflect your business.
Social Media is the way forward so like it or not you have to learn about it. Sign up and enjoy it – if you don’t like Twitter, you might like Pinterest; if you hate FaceBook you might prefer Instagram. I have always said you need to spend at least a ½ an hour each day on social media – put a post or photo up about your business, like a few other posts, read one good blog – womenshq will do…… and it is then a natural progression to enjoying it I promise.
Lastly, get a good Virus Protection so you are not stressing all the time – mine is Webroot and costs about $100 a year but everyone has a different opinion on this, so shop around or ask for advice from someone who knows.
So good luck if you are just starting out – remember the lower your overheads are – the more you can dine out. Enjoy x
