APRIL IS - Parkinson's Australia Awareness Month - advocates for the Parkinson's community, promotes best practice models of service delivery, works to increase awareness of Parkinson's and provides information and education on Parkinson's symptoms, diagnosis, causes and treatments.
Are you seeking some 'Words of Wisdom from Successful Small Business Superheroes' to inspire your business journey? Get your copy here
Enjoy reading this issue of basically business
Sharon
BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Content marketing is the process of creating and distributing valuable pieces of content for the purposes of growing an audience. This information may be of an educational or entertainment value. Over time, your website will rank higher in search engines, you’ll build a better reputation with readers, you’ll retain traffic for longer periods of time, and you’ll even see higher conversion rates and sales.
Rather than reaching out to new people and trying to sell them on a product or service, content marketing means attracting them with content that provides value in some way.
Content marketing is a cost-effective and long-term reliable marketing strategy that you should be using in your business.
ENTREPRENEUR REVIEW
Assisting business owners successfully organise and manage their business is the primary role for a Online Business Manager / Virtual Assistant. They know what it takes to run a business and can take some of the pressure off so that it looks like you do it all!
But VA's and OBM's don't always only focus on admin tasks, some like Belinda, incorporate other skills like Events management.
How did the business originate?After moving locations and securing a position that I was unhappy in (I had just left my dream job of 13 years), I started to research ‘work from home’ jobs and came across the term Virtual Assistant. I literally got butterflies in my belly as it was such a lightbulb moment. I thought “Oh my God, I can SO do that”. After a few months of researching the industry and stalking various VA Facebook groups for advice, I set up my business, resigned from my job and well, here I am.
How long have you been in this business? 9 months so I’m still a newbie learning the ropes and loving every minute.
What do you love about your business? The flexibility to work around my family, the capacity to work from anywhere and having a choice in who I work with and what I do is just awesome. I also get great satisfaction from knowing I am helping other business owners to stay organised, achieve their goals and grow their businesses.
Is there anything you dislike? Although I love my own company, sometimes working alone at home can be isolating. When I feel a need to be social I either chat with fellow VAs online or I head out to a local café. I am yet to work from my local co-working space but this is on the agenda very soon.
Favourite food:Mmmm too many favourites to pick from so let’s just say a good old roast followed by salted caramel ice cream.
Favourite colour: Aqua
Favourite drink:Can’t function without my one coffee a day.
Favourite movie: The Hangover (don’t judge me!)
Favourite time of the day:Sunrise but it’s a shame I don’t get to see many due to my love for the snooze button.
Favourite item in your office:My Scentsy wax burner.
Favourite app on your phone/tablet/computer:Canva
What book are you reading right now?The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
Which 3 people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Why?Richard Branson – who wouldn’t want to hang out with a man who is planning to take people to space?
Carl Barron – because it’d make a pretty funny dinner party.
Channing Tatum – just so I can stare at him from across the table.
Name 3 things on your bucket list: Skiing in Whistler, Glamping at El Questro in the Kimberly, Canyoning in New Zealand
What do you like to do for yourself?Long walks along the beach listening to my favourite podcasts.
Who do you seek advice from? My network of VAs who are always willing to jump in and answer any questions I have. The Australian VA industry is so supportive of one another, which is great to see.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business? Do your research and never be afraid to ask for advice, particularly from those who have walked the path before you. Have a vision and a plan but don’t overthink things. Start small and grow big later but just start.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of working with a OBM/VA? Communication and guidance are critical to a successful partnership – make sure you clearly articulate to your VA what you are trying to achieve, how you want things done and in what time frame. VAs are amazing but we’re not mind readers, so if you don’t tell us, we don’t know. Also, don’t be afraid to use more than one VA. Each has their own skillset, so tap into the pool of expertise that is out there and you’re business will thrive.
What is your tip for a work/life balance? Never underestimate the power of outsourcing, whether its outsourcing those smaller tasks in your business that take up so much of your time, or getting a cleaner in once a week it will give you some much needed freedom back in your day. Use that time to do the things you enjoy doing, even if it’s just doing absolutely nothing for a while.
Apple / Android: Apple
Beach / Bush: I love the beach but the bush will always have a piece of my heart.
APP REVIEW
Canva is a design program that works even when you are not a designer.
It actually makes design amazingly simple.
With templates for all social and marketing applications, it has the ability to add your businesses specific design attributes. It's available on your phone, tablet and computer so you can jump back into your design anytime, anywhere and upload using your preferred option.
This FREE app is available on both the App Store and Google Play.
ON THE BLOG
Testimonials from your customers are an important business tool as it gives potential customers/clients insight on your offered services. Any positive comment received can and should be considered for use as a testimonial for your website or social media.
You may even use it with any promotional material that you send out to prospects/clients.
Clarity is another buzz word in business. Some business owners gain clarity early in their business journey and others find it evolves over time.
However, once obtained your decision making is simpler you understand where you are placed in the market. The message you present is directed to your ideal client and your ideal client can identify with you.
Additionally, your processes and procedures are streamlined without the fluffing around that many business owners face. This also means that you are able to set your pricing in way that reflects your value and the profitability of your business.
If you require assistance with finding clarity, we are here to help.
EVENTS WORTH NOTING THIS MONTH INCLUDE:
There is NO April Fishbowl event due to Anzac Day.
Keep an eye on the Facebook Group to stay up to date.
If you have an event that you would like shared, please let me know the details.
