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Forward

With a plan in place you always know where you are heading.

AUGUST IS - Tradies National Health Month - focuses on educating and engaging tradies on the importance of full body health and safety, with handy tips and hints tailored to the needs of a tradie. Find out more at http://www.tradieshealth.com.au/

Hope you enjoy this issue of basically business

Sharon

BUSINESS INSIGHTS Innovation is crucial to the continuing success of any business.

It is necessary to help you to adapt and grow in the marketplace. Being innovative does not only mean inventing. It can mean changing your business model and adapting to changes in your environment to deliver better products or services. Innovation is simply coming up with new ways of doing things.

There are a number of benefits to innovation in your business including:

having more efficient and effective work processes
saving time and money
innovation can be a profit centre- it can help drive sales and results
business agility
increased customer satisfaction
compliance with legislation and possible tax benefits
encourages and supports diversity
may lead to competitive advantage.

Be flexible and open to new ideas and take the time to invest in research and development.

ENTREPRENEUR REVIEW - What does it take to be a celebrant, this month we find out from Ruth Matos as she shares some things about herself and her business.

Business name - Ruth Matos Civil Celebrant

Website Ruth Matos Celebrant

How did the business originate? I wanted to do something totally different and out of my comfort zone.

How long have you been in this business? I have been licenced for one year.

What do you love about your business? What I absolutely love in my celebrancy work is that it is the polar opposite from everything I have ever done. My 9 to 5 job for the last 28 years has been in the building industry, surrounded by men in a very sterile 'blokey' environment. I love meeting new people. I like that I am able to help them, no matter what type of ceremony they are looking for. I love the satisfaction in reading beautiful reviews. I love being my own boss and setting my own time frames.

Is there anything you dislike? I hate the stress of still having to juggle full time employment and my own business. I know where I want my priorities to lie, however I also have to realise which one is paying the bills at the moment.

Favourite food: Wow - too hard to choose.... I love all food equally (except brussel sprouts)

Favourite colour: At the moment - Mulberry

Favourite drink: Don't judge me!! I love a good mojito

Favourite movie: "An Affair to Remember" (get out those tissues)

Favourite time of the day: Sunset

Favourite item in your office: My dymo labeller

Favourite app on your phone/tablet/computer: It's a really tough call at the moment between Facebook, Word Swag and Canva

What book are you reading right now? Return to the Little Coffee Shop of Kabul by Debbie Rodriguez

Which 3 people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Why? My dad - he passed away when I was very young and I would have loved to have known him as a person. I would love to know if I was like him. 2) Hugh Jackman - because I think he is he just a great bloke. 3) Pablo Picasso - I would love to get into his mind and get an insight into his lifestyle.

Name 3 things on your bucket list: 1) Lose weight and get fit 2) Cruise through the Panama Canal 3) Visit Christ the Redeemer in Brazil

What do you like to do for yourself? I am lucky that it is a necessity to be well groomed at all times. This means I have to succumb to the torturous tasks of having pedicures, manicures and facials on a regular basis! I also have to make sure that I am wearing suitable clothes, and I can't be seen wearing the same outfits all the time, so that means constantly changing the wardrobe...... yes, shopping! Its a hard life.

Who do you seek advice from? Anyone who wants to give it. Every person who has had experience in running their own business has a minefield of information to give you. Listen and take in what's relevant. I have another celebrant on the Northern NSW coast who is my mentor. She has a very different approach to her work than I do - she is quite reserved and very traditional , but her business knowledge in the industry is invaluable. I am very lucky and grateful that she always has time for me.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business? Research your market. Listen to your associates. Make friends with your competition. And don't expect to make any money straight away. Make sure you love what you do, so that when you don't make any money, it doesn't taste as bitter.

What is your tip for a work/life balance? What? There is supposed to be a balance ?? I haven't found it yet, but I am still so excited about my business growing that I haven't worried about it either.

Apple / Android: Apple

Beach / Bush: Beach

APP REVIEW - Keeping receipts tucked away in your glove box or screwed up in your wallet makes a mess and quite easily they become lost or unrecognisable. There are now a number of receipt apps available on the market that quickly and easily sync to your online accounting programs - that benefit you, your bookkeeper and your accountant.

These apps allow you to take a photo of the receipt and usually record specific details such as amount and a description. Once uploaded you can then dispose of your paper receipt.

SMALL BIZ TIP - An email signature doesn't just have to be your name and your business. Creating an email signature is a further opportunity to promote who you are and what you do/offer. There are a number of websites that will help you create a detailed email signature that can include your business logo as well as links to all your social media profiles and your website.

Adding a banner with your latest offer (with any link) should also be included. Your email footer can also include a disclaimer.

Finally, if you use your smartphone to view and respond to emails, remember to copy these same details to your phones' (and tablets') email signature to prevent the "Sent from my iphone" response on your emails.

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EVENTS WORTH NOTING THIS MONTH INCLUDE:

the Fishbowl - this month our evening event sees Darnelle O'Brien from KISS Marketing Agency telling us about all things marketing - info and tickets are here

TED - www.ted.com/ - has a large number of talks covering a massive range of topics - just by listening to a TED talk a day you will broaden your knowledge.