6/11/2016 2 Comments In the beginning...A long time ago I trained in public relations and event management—then I moved to rural South Australia. 30 years ago there wasn’t much call for my skills and I fell into journalism by accident. I’d always loved writing and this became my dream job, one which occupied me for 24 years. When I made the decision to leave my job I had no clue what I would do next, but again things had a way of falling into place. I had run a few small business in the past—an art gallery, gift shop and health food store—had been a successful direct sales consultant, had worked in public relations, marketing and event management and had plenty of ideas. I have always had a passion for small business and the success of those engaged in this not-so-easy career choice. I have found that I have a flair for helping entrepreneurial business owners, especially women, achieve their goals. Stepping out into the unknown without a safety net four years ago was the best decision I ever made! But it hasn't always been easy. Starting your own business is a bit like buying a horse - buying the animal is the easist (and often the cheapest) part, while maintaining it with the right food, exercise and equipment is infinitely harder and more expense in both time and dollars. Even if you choose a consultancy where overheads are supposedly low and you have no stock to purchase or worry about, the steps taken to become successful take a bit of work and investment. I'd been in the workforce as an employee for the whole of my working life, with a couple of forays into small business on the side. I'd been quite a good Tupperware consultant, a competent Avon Lady and dabbled in an art gallery, an esoteric gift shop and a health food store. Only the health food store came anywhere near being what you would call a 'proper' business. My husband and I were still holding down our full time jobs when we had the shop and didn't have the skills or the time to make good and sensible business decisions, so reluctantly closed it and had a fire sale of stock, so we walked away with no commercial debt. Non-success isn't and shouldn't be a deterrant to have another go, because with every set back comes another learning journey and we build stronger foundations than ever. Taking the plunge into business shouldn't be taken lightly, but it's certainly rewarding and endlessly surprising! Would love to hear about your business journey.
2 Comments
Patrick Williams
6/11/2016 08:26:03 pm
Most valuable tool required? a passion for this new venture.
Reply
Nan
6/11/2016 08:39:44 pm
Exactly right Pat - still working on the content, but I'll get there! Only managed to put the website together this arvo, so there's still a lot to do, but a blog post is good start ;)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorSilverpreneur, Nan Berrett - former rural journo turned businesswoman and loving it! ArchivesCategories |