sustainable business
The Need for Seed
Daniel Smith, founder of social media marketing consultancy Propaganda House, joins us on the blog today. Daniel discusses the need for investment in a business idea and is keen to hear about your own experiences and thoughts. Welcome Daniel! Naomi
When you look at Successful Big Businesses it’s easy to think that’s how they’ve [...]
What Small Business Can Learn from Borders
Today we welcome Sarah Mitchell, owner of Global Copywriting, to the Small Business Owner blog. Sarah identifies a valuable lesson from the recent Borders experience and shares her thoughts on not losing sight of your core business and what made you successful. Thank you Sarah. Naomi
The news that Borders has gone into voluntary [...]
Turning the Page
You’re SO welcome!
We share many stories on this blog.
It’s so nice when one has a happy ending!
Previously on Small Business Owner …
In June 2009, I described my struggle to avert the Yellow Pages juggernaut.
Seems I wasn’t alone.
We thrilled as Steve@Sensis kindly (and bravely) fielded our questions and illuminated the path to freedom.
Despite [...]
I Say Pareto, You Say Pareto …
Fine in principle. What about practice?
Have you heard of the Pareto Principle (also called the 80-20 rule)?
It says that for many things, 80% of the results come from 20% of the causes.
In business, this means 80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your clients.
I’ve found this principle extremely useful.
But does it work for [...]
What Clients Do You Want?
When I first went solo, my answer to this question was ANYONE!
As I got established, I gained the power to choose.
I’ve since sacked a few clients for wilful misconduct and worrying affiliations.
But it took me 12 years to sit down and describe my preferred client.
I should’ve done it at the start.
Opportunity Knocks
This wasn’t one of [...]
Boxing Clever
What’s NOT to like?!
Having ranted a bit lately, I’m delighted to share a great news story.
One that counters my recent poor service and bad packaging adventures.
Surprise
I ordered some stuff from Officeworks (after my debacle with the budget mob).
When the box arrived, I was elated to read:
You’ll like what’s NOT in this carton
You’ll like what [...]
Holey Batt Man Batman!
Photo by Sidd Jones of Dragon’s Landing.
Yesterday I had an interaction that was so wrong, on so many levels, I had to report it.
I was editing a State Government document at Empire House.
An agent of Federal Government Environment Policy arrived at my gate and pushed against the brick holding it shut.
He was a very [...]
Packing for a Warm Climate
When I ordered a new PC, my software activation code wasn’t emailed to me or included with my machine. Rather, it arrived separately in what must be world’s best practice in packaging.
Simply follow these steps and the (oceans of the) world will beat a path to your door!
1. Print your activation code on a plastic [...]

