Small Business Tips and Advice

Small Business Tips And Advice

Hey, I'm Vee. Just your everyday wife, mum, and online business owner from sunny Queensland, Australia. Running this business on my own is a bit different from my past ventures. In the past, my husband and I teamed up for various businesses, both online and offline, in New Zealand and Australia. Been at it for over 20 years now.

My journey in the world of small business and online entrepreneurship

My journey into the world of small business and online entrepreneurship is a bit like a rollercoaster ride – full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.

It all started back in my school days when my friend and I got creative, crafting knotted bracelets and Velcro wallets to sell. We were quite the mini-entrepreneurs, even if our market was mostly our classmates.

Fast forward to my twenties in New Zealand, a time when the internet was just beginning to take off. I was working a regular office job, but I had a boss whose wife was making waves with her online gift basket business. The idea of making money online was intriguing, especially in a time when email was still a novelty.

Inspired by my boss's wife's success, I dipped my toes into the online world, starting with a few advertising websites aimed at local trades. It was like venturing into uncharted territory, but with each step, I gained more confidence.

Before I knew it, I was running various e-commerce stores, selling everything from kids' clothing to DVDs and jewellery. My husband and I even bought a video store, dreaming of the day when we could offer online movie rentals (cue Netflix's eventual rise to dominance).

Our journey took us from New Zealand to Australia, where I continued to explore different business ventures, from eBay stores to a furniture upholstery business (despite knowing next to nothing about upholstery!).

But amidst the hustle and bustle of running businesses, I found myself longing for something more – a balance between work and family life. So, after a brief pause to focus on being a mum and working odd jobs, I set out on a new quest to find a business that aligned with my passions and lifestyle goals.

After some soul-searching and a bit of luck, I stumbled upon the perfect fit – a business that allowed me to work from home, set my own hours, and still be present for my family. And you know what? I'm still running that business today, finding joy in the everyday challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

Starting and launching a small business online.

Starting your own online business is simpler than you might think. Seriously, if you've got an idea, you're already on your way. Think about it – when you stroll down the supermarket aisle, how many brands of bread do you see? Loads, right? And they're all competing, yet they're all still there, every day. That's because there's demand for bread, just like there's demand for your idea. Sure, the market might seem saturated, but that just means there's room for you to carve out your own slice. What makes your product or service special? What sets it apart? If you're passionate about it, you won't have any trouble spreading the word. Imagine you're a customer who just bought your product – how awesome was it? Better than expected, right? Spread that enthusiasm!

Managing finances and budgeting effectively

Managing your money early on can be a bit tough, especially if the sales aren't rolling in yet. If your business is brand new and you haven't got any repeat customers, you might need to keep it part-time alongside another job until it gets off the ground. It's like nurturing a baby – you've got to guide it through those first wobbly steps until it can run on its own. And once it's up and running, you can start reaping the rewards. But be careful with borrowing money – if your business isn't making enough to cover repayments, you'll be in a tight spot. It's better to stick with what you've got than to risk getting into debt.

I've always tried to run my businesses with cash rather than credit. If the money's there, great – I can pay myself and invest in advertising and restocking. But sometimes sales are slow, and I might have to tighten my belt for a bit. That's just part of the game. When things are going well, that's the time to treat yourself and invest in long-term growth.

Building and maintaining a strong online presence

Building and maintaining a strong online presence is crucial in today's digital world. When I bought my current business, the previous owner deleted all the social media pages just before I took over. Total nightmare! It was like starting from scratch. But those first few weeks without social media showed me just how important it is. People were calling and emailing, worried that the business had closed down. Lesson learned – social media isn't just icing on the cake, it's a must-have. Your accounts need to be active and engaging, even if you're not posting every day. People want to see the person behind the business, not just a faceless brand.

Navigating challenges and setbacks in the entrepreneurial journey

Navigating challenges and setbacks is all part of the gig. Believe me, I've been there. Maybe you've made a bad buying decision, or your latest advertising campaign didn't pay off. It happens. The important thing is to stay calm and think things through. Panicking won't solve anything. Take a step back, look at the problem from a different angle, and figure out your next move. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. It's all about resilience.

Fostering customer relationships and delivering exceptional service

Customer relationships and service are key in my businesses. I treat my customers the way I'd want to be treated. Since I'm a one-person operation, I handle all the emails, social media messages, and phone calls myself. I want my customers to know that they're getting my full attention. And I'm not afraid to show them that I'm a real person with a family and a life outside of work. It's all about being honest and transparent.

I always aim to ship orders within 24 hours. I know how it feels to wait anxiously for a package to arrive, so I do my best to get orders out quickly. And if there's ever a delay, I'm upfront with my customers and keep them informed every step of the way. After all, their trust is what keeps my business going.

🎯 Ready to Crush Your Business Goals? 🎯

Grab my free Goal Setting Workbook for Small Businesses and start turning your dreams into reality.

Get clear, stay focused, and watch your business thrive!

Click here to download your workbook now! 🚀

Navigating The Exciting World Of Online Entrepreneurship Together

Together, we'll navigate the exciting—and sometimes daunting—world of online entrepreneurship, because hey, we're in this together!

Until next time, keep dreaming big, embracing the chaos, and making magic happen!

Here's to helping you on your Talent To Wealth Journey!

Vee ✨

DOWNLOAD FREE GOAL SETTING WORKBOOK