With Australia Day this week it’s an opportunity to not only reflect on Australia as a nation, but recognise each person who in their own way has worked hard and contributed vital assistance, be it if they were affected themselves or they have helped following the floods.
So New Year hit and you set yourself some New Year’s resolutions. One being to ditch your day job and chase the dream of working on what you love and running your own business. But where do you start?
As we look back on the past year, I’m sure the only positive thing a lot of business people feel they can take from 2010 is that they got through it. But the quiet successes that some Aussie businesses have achieved this year are both something to celebrate, and something to take inspiration from for 2011.
Putting aside all the hype, is the iPad a useful business device? I’m seeing more and more business folks using their iPads in airport lounges – it’s the must have corporate accessory and I suspect on many Christmas wish-lists.
Based on the results from the latest MYOB Business Monitor, things aren’t too rosy for many Aussie businesses.
It seems businesses woke up after the federal election with a real headache – satisfaction has plummeted, and now nearly half (48%) of business owners are dissatisfied with the Federal Government’s support for business.
I get that “Mum and Dad homeowner” are an important segment and a huge proportion of society, but why don’t hear commentators discussing the impact on “Mum and Dad business owners”?
Yesterday I heard about a Christmas celebration for sole traders – Jolly Solo in NSW. What a brilliant idea! It actually got me thinking and, sobering as it might be, reminded me that for some, running a business can be lonely.
I’m in the midst of planning for 2011 and I know many of you will also be updating your business plans for the new year. So I thought I’d share a few insights that may help – in the form of a bit of a do’s and don’ts list. This isn’t a ‘how to’ list, it’s some key points that I wanted to highlight to get you thinking.
If you’re a business owner or manager, your business’ credibility relies hugely on your personal reputation, so it’s vital to make it an important focus in running your business.
