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Forward

SEPTEMBER IS - Social September Month - encourages all of us to press pause in September - disconnect from our digital lives and reconnect with each other, and ourselves. The aim is to create spaces for face-to-face social connection, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Hope you enjoy this issue of basically business

Sharon

Adapting processes and thinking in relation to sustainability not only helps the environment it makes business sense.

Determine early if your business is required to comply with reporting - mandatory or otherwise.

Being active in lowering your carbon footprint, reducing your level of wastage and becoming more sustainable can result in energy savings, spending less on inputs and creating a positive impression in the minds of your customers.

You need to consider the impact your business may have on the environment. Once you have identified areas you can then implement strategies that will minimise or mitigate your environmental impact.

Just by making some simple changes you can make a difference. Consider including the use of energy efficient office equipment and business vehicles, choose environmentally friendly resources, use recycling for office materials such as paper, inks and electrical equipment, use recycling for oils and other resources to avoid pollution and develop waste management systems. Always reuse where possible.

If your business will affect the wider community consider how you can engage them in minimising your business’ impact.

Once you have identified and implemented best practice guidelines you will need to monitor your results.

ENTREPRENEUR REVIEW - Stacey Polyblank, is our local business review for September.

Business name - Holistic Health Foods

Website Holistic Health Foods

How did the business originate? I started the business because I disliked travelling out of town to find my health foods, especially with two young children. So I looked into beginning the online store from home as I was finding myself shopping online and thought there'd be others like me out there.

How long have you been in this business? About 8 months

What do you love about your business? I love helping my customers learn about different products and how to use them. I also enjoy meeting my local customers when dropping off their orders and chatting with them about how I can help to meet their health food needs.

Is there anything you dislike? Not that I've come across yet.

Favourite food: Seafood! Prawns especially.

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite drink: Kombucha

Favourite movie: Pitch Perfect

Favourite time of the day: Probably after lunch when my youngest son is asleep. I can sit and relax or get some work done before picking my eldest up from school.

Favourite item in your office: My computer

Favourite app on your phone/tablet/computer: Facebook or Instagram. They are probably the only 2 I really use.

What book are you reading right now? 40 days of purpose by Rick Warren.

Which 3 people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Why? probably just my husband and kids because I like to keep things low key and love spending time with my family.

Name 3 things on your bucket list: I'd like to go to Japan, learn how to surf and get a thermomix.

What do you like to do for yourself? I do like to attend a circus aerials class but for the moment I like to take time out catching up with friends over coffee or dinner.

Who do you seek advice from? My husband who is also a small business owner.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business? Do your research. Make sure you know what the relevant government departments require you to do in your business. It will save you any problems in the future if you start out right.

What is your tip for a work/life balance? At this stage I'm not overloaded with work but I try my best to work around my family and other commitments. Due to my business being online I can work on the run if need be and pack orders around what ever may be happening in my day.

Apple / Android: Apple

Beach / Bush: Definitely beach

Contact Stacey for your online health food requirements.

APP REVIEW - Since Social Media management has entered my list of services (and before if I am totally honest) I found myself getting lost in tasks that may be necessary to my business but can be time consuming or time wasting.

I have now started using a Pomodoro timer. These little gems set a countdown timer of 25 minutes with a 5 minute break. They can be set to block notifications etc on your phone, to stop, or at least minimise distractions.

Since I started using this little gem I am measuring my time a lot better and ensuring that I am getting up and move away from the computer on a regular basis.

Give it a try and see how your productivity improves!

SMALL BIZ TIP - Having a visual brand is something that all small businesses should set up and follow. It works for big business so why not you!

Once you have your logo, font and colours decided on - use them, often. On stationary, email signatures, social media as well as your website. It takes the hard work out of creating any of your projects and reflects consistency of your brand.

Remember to water mark any photos so that credit is given when its due.

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EVENTS WORTH NOTING THIS MONTH INCLUDE:

the Fishbowl - will be hosting its next FREE Networking event at Helensburgh Tradies on 17 September commencing at 9am. Tickets available here

MBL Consultancy are holding a Pitch with Pride event - find out more here