Lou Corteen’s journey into the world of food manufacturing began with a simple compliment. “A friend raved about my green tomato chutney and told me I should sell it. I thought, ‘Yeah, OK, that’s what I’m going to do,” Lou recalls with a laugh. From that spark, Urban Forager was born, starting as a small venture at local farmers markets. Lou’s...
A false sense of urgency, manipulative tactics or any kind of aggression should be red flags when someone is trying to sell you something. Learn more about high pressure sales tactics and how you can avoid issues within your small business. Some sales training can involve not taking “no” for an answer, overcoming all objections or creating a sense...
Reaching out to the SBDC for advice was the key to helping Elizabeth Lang from Diversity Focus make the right decisions during her business journey. Diversity Focus is a research, consultancy and training business that was established in 2017, inspired by the vision to create a more equitable and inclusive world. Founder Elizabeth Lang said that...
Buying an established business can represent a huge challenge – and a huge opportunity. Dr Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito bought a long-standing health business eight years ago and has discovered there is always more to learn. While many business stories begin as an idea that sparks a start-up, small business success stories can take other forms too. In...
Business benchmarking is the process of comparing your business’s performance, processes, or products against your competitors or industry standards. Whether you have a new or firmly established small business, here’s why benchmarking is worth introducing if it’s not already part of your business management practices. You’ve probably heard the...
Owning a small business is like having a child that doesn’t sleep, according to Tamara Cook, owner of events management agency, Known Associates Events. “Of course, it’s extremely joyful but it’s also all-consuming and always in the back of your mind,” said Tamara. Freedom of running own business Tamara founded Known Associates in 2007. The...
Market research is essential for anyone looking to go into business, according to East Victoria Park business owner Shellie Attwood. “Don't just open something without looking around in the neighbourhood to see what is already there,” she advised. Shellie is the owner of Greenbunch, a florist, café and plant store along the popular hospitality...
Being authentic and true to oneself has been Michelle Rimmer’s mantra since the launch of her business, Hills Massage, 20 years ago. Reflecting on her business journey, Michelle said she would tell the younger version of herself that consistency is the key to success. “You have to be consistent in the quality of your or product, your communication...
Ensuring every aspect of their operation is as energy efficient as possible is the commitment of an award winning South West linen and laundry business. Baythe Linen and Laundry in Vasse, on the outskirts of the City of Busselton, is setting benchmarks for sustainability and environmental responsibility by continually seeking out and investing in...
Pricing your products and services can be challenging at the best of times – and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. The good news is that with careful planning, research and the right pricing strategy in place, you could feel more confident with your pricing decisions. One of the SBDC’s experienced business advisers, Steve McLaren, has seen...
Are you a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by social media? Me too! I got a degree in communications well before anybody had smartphones or Facebook friends, and the word “content” was mostly used to describe somebody who was pretty happy with their life. I’ve learned everything I know about digital marketing on-the-job over the course of...
Focusing on how to make use of surplus product has created a win-win situation for gourmet soup business, the Suppa Club. Founder David Kane set out to provide a product for those who craved pure, whole-foods, with the comfort of home-style cooking without the hassle, which gave rise to the Suppa Club. Focus on producing a ‘no-waste’ product David...
