Illuminate Your Business!

So ah, how on earth at we at the end of Feb! Where has the year gone already! It’s absolutely flying by and I find myself itching and a little frustrated I can’t get more done in my day. I have so many exciting projects underway and in the pipeline that I am needing to pause time for a minute so I can get on top of it all. Who else set a plan in January that the schedule has totally blown out already? 

I’m running The Happy Money Journey (start-up fun financial education biz) as well as Clover Solutions (well-est mortgage brokering biz). My to do list just keeps growing and growing as I pivot and adapt to opportunities and the times. I’ve come to realise over the years how being adaptable and thinking creatively are the most important aspects of running a small business. If you stay stagnant, you’ll get overtaken. If you don’t move with the times you’ll get left behind. Successful small business owners reinvent themselves often. They step back with fresh eyes and look at their business internally as well as put on the shoes of an outsider to get a holistic view of their business.  

Running a small business can be both exhilarating and challenging. As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities, leaving little time for strategic thinking. However, taking the time to analyse competition, identify potential disruptions, and stay updated on global trends is crucial for long-term success. I want to explore the importance of research, strategic planning, building a support team, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and cultivating self-belief in your journey as a small business owner. 

Research 

One of the keys to surviving in the ever-changing business landscape is thorough research to stay ahead of disruptions. Consider the example of taxi drivers in Australia in 2011 who failed to anticipate the disruptive force of ride-sharing platforms like Uber. Uber had taken off like wildfire in 2010 across America. By not keeping up with global trends and competition, their once-valuable licenses became worthless overnight. Learn from such examples and ensure you understand the market and technological advancements that could impact your business. 

Adapt 

To thrive in a competitive market, it’s essential to develop a well-defined strategy. Identify your unique value proposition, target audience, and differentiation factors. Embrace innovation and be prepared to adapt your business model as necessary. For instance, in the mortgage broking industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way credit decisions are made. Acknowledge potential disruptions and explore how you can leverage emerging technologies to stay ahead. 

Team 

Running a business single-handedly can be overwhelming (and totally exhausting). Surround yourself with a team that complements your skills and fills in the gaps. Find people who compliment your vibe, laugh at the same jokes, who speak from the heart and live similar values. Delegate tasks that you may not have time for or that hinder your ability to focus on strategic initiatives. In particular, it’s important to address the additional responsibilities that come from being a mother and find a support system that helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Balance 

Success in business goes hand in hand with personal well-being. Taking time for self-care, including activities like meditation, exercise, and spending time in nature, can help reduce stress and enhance creativity. Remember, creativity is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, and a constantly hustling mindset can stifle innovation. Make sure you nurture your personal relationships and create space for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Vision 

In the face of doubt and skepticism from others, unwavering self-belief is your greatest asset! Know it and believe it! Your friends, family, and society may not always understand your entrepreneurial journey, but having a clear vision and unshakable confidence in your abilities will propel you forward. Embrace your unique qualities, even if they don’t conform to the norm. Your ability to see opportunities where others may not is a valuable trait. 

Being a successful small business owner requires a combination of strategic thinking, adaptability, a supportive team, a balanced lifestyle, and unwavering self-belief. By conducting thorough research, designing a sound strategy, building a support system, prioritizing well-being, and nurturing your vision, you can navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship. Remember, while the path may be tough at times, maintaining optimism will help you enjoy the journey and ultimately lead to success. 

A reminder to all entrepreneurs, to pause and enjoy the journey.