Posted by Fiona Powell | Dec 29th, 2006

So you want to start your own business?

So you have a business idea… you know it’s brilliant… Or you yearn to be your own boss… but where do you start? What’s your motivation?The motives behind wanting to start your own business are important, while they might be optimistic and well intentioned – the reality can be quite different. You may want to be your own boss yet the impact on your lifestyle and the commitment required from a business...

Posted by Fiona Powell | Dec 22nd, 2006

A vision for your business

Do you have a vision for your business? Or is your business more a fly by the seat of your pants kind of venture? A new year is always a good opportunity to take stock – especially after a well earned holiday – and to ask yourself where is my business heading? That’s why a business vision is vital. Having a vision for your business means you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want your business to...

Posted by Fiona Powell | Dec 15th, 2006

Thinking is good for business

When you’re running a business sometimes it feels as though you’re either going at a million miles an hour… or sleeping. When you’re caught up on the treadmill of emails, invoices, meetings, GST… (the list is endless!), sometimes the elements vital to the ongoing success of your business fall by the wayside. One of those, I believe, is time out for yourself and some space to think…. To just think and...

Posted by Fiona Powell | Dec 8th, 2006

No woman is an island

Many successful businesswomen I profiled in the early days of Her Business mentioned a group of people who advised them in some way. These women realised and acknowledged to themselves that they didn’t necessarily have all the answers, or all the skills and knowledge and contacts to take their business to the next level. They weren’t afraid, or too proud, to approach people who were experts in their field and...

Posted by Fiona Powell | Dec 1st, 2006

Never Never Never Never give up

Never never never never give up (Winston Churchill) One of the questions I’m asked the most when I speak to a women’s business networking group is – what kept you going? Even when you felt like quitting? I’m sure any woman in business will identify with that question. What keeps you going when you’ve worked until two in the morning to finish a proposal, when you pay your staff but can’t afford to pay...

Posted by Fiona Powell | Nov 30th, 2006

Marketing on a shoestring

Promoting your business on a tight budget requires smart thinking and planning. Smart marketing doesn’t have to mean resorting to gimmicks but making the most of the resources you have; and in the start-up phase that’s usually time and energy. I enjoyed the challenge of spreading the word about Her Business in different and innovative ways with absolutely no budget. Here are some of the more successful...

Posted by Fiona Powell | Nov 23rd, 2006

Making a difference through good business

In the early days of dreaming up Her Business I read one of Anita Roddick’s books on her business philosophy – and one particular comment struck a chord with me; that we can’t rely on governments or churches to change the world – but business can; through social responsibility and good business practice.That made me excited about being in business – not only could my business be used as a tool to create my...