What motivated you to start your own business?:The right opportunity happened to come along at the right time for me to start a franchise photography business, and then later to buy a craft (handmade greeting cards and home decor accessories) business.
What research or preparation did you do before opening your business?
Because I needed part of the start-up costs to be financed, I had to apply for finance from the bank, and they required a full business plan to be submitted - all the research necessary to compile a comprehensive business plan was pretty much everything I needed to know too.
What kind of challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Many! Seriously though, in my opinion and experience, marketing is probably one of the biggest challenges new/small business owners face. You can have the best product or service in the world, but it ain't gonna sell itself! Once you get your marketing right, and keep at it, glass ceilings get broken through left, right and center. In overcoming the marketing challenge, a great start was the marketing research aspect of the business plan, and then lots of trial and error to find the perfect formula.
What do you feel has contributed to your business success?
1) Being passionate about what I do. 2) Believing in my product/service, and of course believing in myself. 3) Having the drive, determination and motivation to overcome all obstacles in order to succeed. 4) Other successful business people who let me pick their brains ;) 5) Ongoing research, for example, keeping up with trends and new developments in my industry. 6) A positive attitude.
What business strategies have worked well for you and helped your business to become successful?
All of the above, but particularly number 5. I've found that keeping up with or ahead of trends and new developments in my industry help to keep me a step ahead of my competition. It's not enough just to know about them though, they have to be thoroughly researched and tested before being implemented, so that you get it right first time and knock the socks off your customers. Then, have top class customer service to back it all up with.
What advice would you share to women just starting out in business for the first time?
Research and prepare thoroughly before you get started - you can never be too prepared! Once you are 200% certain that your concept works for you, and that you can make your concept work, make the move, but don't run before you can walk - make sure you have all your bases covered at all times, especially financially. And lastly, love what you do!
Please include a short sentence or two about your business.
After starting and running my own businesses over the last six years, I've now moved online with www.craftbusinesshome.com where I offer free information, advice and guidance about starting and being successful at a home business with crafts. Visit my Business
