Hello? Is this my insurance company? Is anyone there?
Today we welcome Bella Katz, founder of Behar Katz – Marketing & Communications, to the Small Business Owner blog. Unfortunately Bella’s home was recently burgled and her experience reminded her how not to deal with clients. Naomi
One of the beauties of being a small business owner and a massive advantage we have over our larger competitors, is [...]
Maybe the problem with business is you
Today we welcome back Malcolm Owens to Small Business Owner. Following some recent experiences and observations Malcolm is keen to share his insights with you and get your thoughts. Welcome back Malcolm.
Please do not complain to me about a tight market, poor sales, dwindling store traffic and reducing profits when the biggest problem in your [...]
No Longer a Fan
My confidence in local manufacturing, retail and enterprise is shattered.
Last month I made a conscious decision to:
Buy an Australian-made product, not an import.
Pay for high quality, instead of going el cheapo.
Deal with a sole trader, rather than a corporation.
What a FOOL!
Fan Dancer
I needed a ceiling fan for my small, airless bedroom. I’m a light [...]
Missing Persons
Are we bereft of spirit?
Many of us have observed (or at least experienced) the course of economic rationalism.
From my experiences and observations, I’ve formed the schizophrenic view that:
Government is inefficient and ineffective.
AND
Capitalism is ruthless and lethal.
I’m now hearing that a mix of these forces may be the new way forward.
And from two interactions [...]
Why did they stop using our business?
Today the Small Business Owner blog is joined by Nina Sunday. Nina is Managing Director of Brainpower Training, a people development company with a range of programs in communication, emotional intelligence, knowledge capture, productivity and leadership. Today Nina shares her insights into analysing the reasons why clients stop using a business. Welcome Nina! Naomi [...]
Bank You Very Much!
And now, a GOOD news banking story!
Given our last two banking discussions (Impersonal Banking and Out There) I didn’t expect good fiscal news any time soon.
Happily, I was wrong.
Enter Bankwest. (I recommend you do.)
A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum
My dad asked me to help him transfer some business from one [...]
Fair’s fare?
Today we welcome back Sonia Cuff, owner of a Computer Troubleshooters franchise based in sunny Queensland. Sonia is passionate about helping small business owners around the world with the right technology advice and support. Today Sonia shares an experience with customer credits. Maybe you have some insights to share. Naomi
In March of this year I [...]
Locked-in Syndrome
Wikipedia says Locked-in Syndrome is a condition in which a patient:
Is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body except for the eyes.*
This reminds me of modern utility contracts.
Today’s suppliers are frantic to lock us down, box us in and wall us off [...]
Is Time Money?
Here’s an old chestnut I hope we can crack:
Can you charge clients for travelling time?
I’ve had bags of trouble with this issue.
My hairdresser has an elegant answer. I’d like to see if you’ve a better one.
Fly Buys
When I started freelancing, I had a weekly two-day gig at a client’s site.
I figured driving to this was [...]
Happy Ending
Winners are grinners!
[Click here for Part 1 of this gripping saga.]
On Sunday, my new-car quest finally met success.
And yielded more interesting lessons to boot (nyuk nyuk).
Here, then, is a jovial bookend to last week’s dismal missive.
Cold Call
I was pondering whether roller blading could work for me when the phone rang.
It was [...]
