10 tips for building a successful business

Now that my Beauty Kitchen is open (softly, softly) I am in the middle of reviewing what I have learnt and achieved in my first year of getting back in the biz saddle. In doing so I found these notes I had written over 10 years ago. They still stand true even tho market dynamics have changed so much. It also made me think that when you are in a solo biz it is very easy to get lost in the washing machine instead of hanging on the line with a breeze blowing and the sun shining! 

a Recipe for Success

1. Clear Vision

Simple and motivating. Well communicated. Never assume anything.

2. Business Model & Strategy

Fundamental to develop the 'perfect & profitable' company and operating structure.

3. Core attributes and Competitive advantage

A business must know what it is good at &

 protect its space in the market.

What differentiates it, is it sustainable?

4. Management & Communication.

A strong boss leads & builds a strong team (internal &/or external) 

and together they make it happen.

Build and use uniform and agreed methodology, processes and reporting systems.

Have the right people doing the right job – incentivise team.

Ensure the team think and act like business people.

5. Resources

Good set-up and management of time, cash, people.

Eg Centralise critical departments at source ie finance but

outsource non core activities to provide agility / simplicity / expertise

It is not always about resources …focus and prioritisation is fundamental to getting the right job done on time and on budget.

6. Innovation

Whether it be products, services, technology.

Continually develop the businesses innovation capability.

Be first to market and ensure it can be funded continually.

7. Market Knowledge

Know your stuff so you can easily make decisions.

Competitors. Sales History. Players. Customer/Channel/Market needs. Market Segments. Consumer needs. Drivers.

Have mechanism/system for continual update and sharing info.

8. Reference Sites / Credibility (+ now, Social Media)

Build upon successes (yours or others) to create a strong brand image.

Knowledge, customer wins, awards, PR, referrals.

Give better service than your competitors.

Guarantee your products unconditionally.

9. Strong sales and market potential

A market exists for you to generate revenue objectives

and has room to expand without sacrificing profit.

10. Sustainable Growth

Core proposition has good profit profile and

margin structure from day one.

Business has access to goods and services with minimal stock holding.

My year in review....

I sit here, red wine glass in hand, kids asleep, 87 year old step uncle dozing on the lounge whilst listening to Carmen and no hubby 'cause i just sent him off to his best mates NYE party in the eastern suburbs; we were all suppose to go but the dreadful lurgy bug has had the better of us all week. Darn.

It's hard to believe that we have been home now for a over a year since our 18 month barging adventure down the canels of France. Karl is starting school in a month, Ciara is growing long legs and I, despite trying (not very hard!) are terribly busy still have not launched my biz.

It does not matter tho as I feel in total control, know where I am going and most of the time love what I am doing (the part where I don't surrounds emotions over 'stuck with the kids' so let's skip that bit...I'll grow out of it).  I have created an amazing circle of friends and support thru biz (love you ladies - you know who you are) & via pre-school (esp Ciara's Montessori)

In the last 12 months there have been quite few highlights....

1. - set goals (meet Julia Bickerstaff, re-connect with Suzi Dafnis and that guy - who ah yes Peter Switzer) - obviously I achieved the first 2, let's forget the last one...boys don't live online like us.
2. - written a biz plan and started executing with a iron fist. (ie don't deviate from time constraints of working tuesday and wednesday)
3. - got the house & sitters in order
4. - had fun with the kids, watched them grow, been there for them - not felt guilty
5. - started the Table of Fabulousness and thru it met the MOST amazing women. oh how i LOVE this....it's been my highlight.
6. - built a vege garden (well hubby did) and got a hen (organic dippy eggs for kids) and as of Xmas native fish (so they don't eat the frogs eggs / tadpoles)
7. - grown a little team with my interns and realised that it is people and a team who together create a biz that i LOVE best, so may have to re-look at biz plan. hmmm, task 1 for 2012  review iron fist theory.
8. - launched a beautiful cookbook for Rowie Dillion Indulge - Gluten Free gets a make-over
9. - not put on weight (just a bit of flab) - not half as fit as i was cycling everyday in France.
10. - assisted many talented women to help realise their biz dreams - you know who you are! x
11. - exercised my mind via getting back some biz skills and learning how to operate in the world online.
12. - created a Collaborative PR data base and in doing so set up a pretty awesome online CRM/CMS system in the cloud with Drop Box, Google Apps, Project blogs etc.
13. - organised a pre-school fundraising team to raise $8000+
14. - been to swim lesson twice a week (ALL YEAR) so Karl can now over arm and Ciara can survive if she fell in water.
15. - ooh and met Martha (how could I forget!)

I have been working on my luk beautifood kitchen | Cooking for Beauty blog as by all accounts my lippy won't be ready for a few more months so i thought it best to share a few of my secrets on what I believe makes for a beautiful woman...and guess what it is FOOD.  My plan was to start the NY with a Fresh Start....a new years resolution for you but I am not sure, we'll see how I go getting the first recipes up as i am still figuring out how to customise the columns x page in Wordpress. At least i have worked out how to plugin a forum, page printer and event manager....not to mention the Mailchimp subscribe form via HTML! When I do get the first luk newsletter out you will see my goals for 2012 there! At least i don't stress over these things ...easy does her.

So, I guess I sign off with a very big thank you for your support, (there have been 8500 page view this year), your comments, your inspiration and your patience.

I live by my mantra ..'live what you love' and that is what i am doing right now, hope you are too.

Bonne Annee for 2012. Take care. See you on the flip side.

Cindy x

kids & I at Timbertown...our first road trip!

Some of the Fabulous ladies...

cooking for the Table of Fabulousness has been such a pleasure

I have the BEST hubby in the world...just look at that smile
 (PS. 3rd in this years Syd to Hobart)

TOP 10. wrap-up of the week

I loved my week.... but it just reinforces how determined you need to be to be a master of your own destiny and make it happen. So what did happen?

1. Intern Fruition! I have had over 25 application for my position i posted last week, the quality of the application is beyond belief. Smart, happy, keen, talented mostly ladies willing to gain experience to move forward. My first is starting on Tuesday, a second on wednesday, with several more in the pipeline if required. An instant team - woohoo, people to talk to, create with, share dreams with.... be motivated by and 'teach'. People really do make the world go round.....when you work at home by yourself it is a team & support environment you miss most, that's why you have to build one...but not loose your flexibility, and space. They working tues / wed when i do.

2. Breakfast Outing: I went to The American Club on tuesday to hear Naomi from Red Balloons speak,......huge effort, got into the city at 7.30am (don't forget i have a 3&4 year old and hubby who is out the door at 7am) . Liana who is on the Table of Fabulousness had organised the event (does the clubs mktg 2 days a week) and had spoken about it being a great place to join - to work form (full office facilities), meet like minded, have meetings. What a fabulous spot with views over the Botanical Gardens and down the harbour....for <$1000 pa and benefits thrown in such as gym membership it would make a great PT office. It's conservative but very smart, well equipped and professional. But I don't think my new little team & I can move it.....bummer!

Whilst there I met Yolander Vega (CEO) from the Australia Woman's Chamber of Commerce  and Industry. She has organised a VIP survey for woman in business...please take 10mins of your time to do if you are in business. www.awcci.org.au

3. Out & About: - met my long term friend Jane over a lunch (Spice Temple - delicious) who inspired and introduced me to the world of beauty, she has been living & working in American for the last 5 + years, it was so good to talk business, babies and beauty. I miss you so much...please come back.

4. Open Shed launch - Lisa Fox, another Table of Fab lady launched her biz Open Shed helping to bring the collaborative consumption movement to Australia. A dissatisfied lawyer turned entrepreneur has everything you need to make it work. Vision (great idea), determination, enthusiasm...  go see www.openshed.com.au   and list your items that are sitting around your house and could be used. It was a fab night atop a city building (borrowed) with great cocktails (donated - Alexx www.luxurytastings.com) and savvy social App rating stuff by Melanie of  Boom Vox from Customers Underground.  Very inspiring.

5. Christmas Party Invite: arrived in my IN-BOX so that we solopreneurs - early stage & start up can frock up and party in the city together at a tres special event with like minded & partners.  OMG ...i won't be at home celebrating by-my-self anymore. MORE LATER on this fab idea.

6. Table of Fabulousness - the little idea that sprouted out of need to meet like-minded is creating it's own wonderful energy.... i don't have time to manage what it is turning into but we are getting so much benefit something will happen! It is my FabTAb ladies that make me feel so good because they are there to provide feedback, create shortcuts, intro you to other great ladies and events and keep you buzzing on business.  There is now a Newcastle Table and Melbourne Table, the First Sydney Table has been closed (first 20 mix n'match),  the 'Second Sydney Table' will happen early next year. For info....go the our temporary online home

7. CMS (contact management system) - I know, this has been going on for what seems like ages now, but I am sooooo determined to organise and set up a streamlined system so information (contacts, files, conversations, pics, correspondence inc emails IN & OUT, subscriber mail outs from all devices & mediums) is at my (& my new little teams) fingertips no matter where we are.

I am overwhelmed by the number of people i am meeting (& will in the future seeing i have cut the middle men out of my supply chain), the email flow, facebook & twitter comments, messaging, subscribers etc so trying to stay on top of content, connection, opportunities is paramount ...I want to work SMARTER not LONGER.  Finally I have my 'shared' calendar and emails & tasks & files & most conversations & meetings & phone calls etc tied back to each e-contact card with all linkages (www, FB, twitter, what they do, where i met, categorisation etc for that person) instantly accessible....  And i can search, group and all these contacts (classified into subscribers, contacts, vendors opportunities, friends, PR etc) any which way I like, send group emails with personalised fields and in general, feel very organised. I have to say my Task list is looking very organised (not because i have done everything but because i know what i have to do!!)

 I still have a LOT of work to do ...work out how to run team projects online, mail merge with documents in the cloud but it will be good enough for when my little team starts next week because we will be on the same page going in the same direction and not wasting time. Oh i do love this ..oh-so-affordable & accessible technology.

BTW - i am using Google Apps (business gmail & calendar, Solve360 other integrated Add-ons)

contact snap shot from Solve 360 

8. Collaborative PR Data Base - Again, I am overwhelmed by the support this 'online' world of business connections provides. I have numerous amazing lists of media contacts provided by collaborators - it will start taking shape (in the CMS system!!) next week with the arrival of first intern. This list is beyond anything i ever had at Luken & May ...and we were pretty good at PR/guerilla marketing!!!

9. Family Fun - we have been busy at home too making halloween pumpkins, planting tomatoes, snow peas and lettuce and falling out of trees!!

10. I have written too much already. Have a great weekend and apologies for breaking every rule in the blogging hand book with this post...but it is better than nothing!!!

Cx
ps - AND i finally got an iPad. Not that i have turned it on yet. Came via an online contact Lisa Messenger (custom publishers) who had a brand new (in box) one for sale for $500 v's $949 (3G 64gb)

back on deck

10 days away and the online world changes - doesn't really concern me besides the time I will waste re-learning how to make the most of it. Can already see that FB will be a very low priority this week, I have far more exciting things to do.....

1. Launch the beautiful cookbook INDULGE by Rowie Dillion where Gluten Free Food gets a Make-Over!!! www.rowiescakes.com.au It is sure to be a success, the recipes and photography are stunning. Not to mention the company she will keep in the HarperCollins stable...Donna Hay, Bill Granger!  Go girl. Feeling very honoured.

2. Keep working on my luk beautifood kitchen blog now that I have wrapped my head around how to use the Word Press Corona Template by Kreise. Whilst away and 'on the road' i doodled my way around copious pages of my notebook, can't wait to apply my thoughts, ideas and some content...and start working on design & copy for the 'Daily Juice' newsletter.  My 'kitchen' logo got designed too so i was quick to whip that one up last night. Very nice thanks Morganna. x

3. Most importantly - get over another packaging hurdle, we can't print exactly where we want the design to go on the stick so i am feeling very stymied. Glad i don't have an official launch date...I would be sacked by now. Sometimes it is nice to have an absolute deadline so that it HAS TO BE DONE NO MATTER WHAT. 

4. Ready myself for our next Table of Fabulousness - October 11th. Hmm, what to cook, discussion is easy - I just need to facilitate or rather time keep so everyones gets a share! Also need to sort out other tables as i have lots of 'newy's' that want to attend here in Sydney. 

5. CEO Round Table Dinner with Sara Lucas of Enrich me , Melanie Kansil of Customer Underground and Stephanie Vilner of Party for a Cause .  I feel very grown up already - it is years since i have had a 'proper' business dinner (not counting our Tab of Fab lunches!) Really looking forward to meeting a couple of go-getting, biz savvy ladies. 

6. Prepare the detailed brief for Implementing Solve 360 CRM system into my hubby's business - that is  the easy bit, i fear teaching 5 'boaty' men to use it systematically as one weak link and the boat will sink. Well not quite but CRM systems are all about you guessed it ....using the system. 

7. Send out 12 little packages with a luk 'sample' lippy to my every 10th liker of luk beautifood FB page. 

In case you are wondering how i will tackle this IN the school holidays, the little ones are going to Nan Nans tomorrow for 2 nights of sleep over. The couple hr return drive will be bliss! WooHoo!

Launch - The home boardroom lunch

After some very positive feedback to the idea of a 'home boardroom lunch' where home based startup & early stage biz owners can meet 'informally' in a private dining experience to connect with smart & savvy like-minded ....we are GOOD-TO-GO!  3 spots still open.


Date: 16th August
Time: 11.30 for 12.30 sit down, finish by 2.00pm (to cater for kid collection)
Place: address details will be emailed once profile form is returned to me.
Guests: Shortlisted so far from interest shown. Best in first dressed. There is room for 10.
1. Caroline Jewell (from Melbourne) Startup biz - food product CANCELLED (hubby away!!)
2. Kirralee Baker - early stage biz (www.myplayhouseadventures.com) confirmed profile rec.
3. Alexx Swainton Stuart: Confirmed early stage biz: (Luxury Tastings - http://luxurytastings.com) profile rec.
4. Melinda Hills - Early stage biz: online learning & training consultant confirmed
5. Diana Corlette - Startup - biz proposition confirmed
6. Liana (confirmed)  - early stage startup (http://www.facebook.com/LSQUAREDINK)
7. Sonja Firth- (confirmed) - early stage biz (Verve business support - www.vervehr.com.au ) profile rec
8. Lesley Lees: Biz startup. Commercial / Industrial Waste On-line Trading Confirmed profile rec
9. open
10. Me confirmed!


I would like all guests to send me a brief profile on yourself and your biz (<1 page) which i will use to facilitate the 'lunch meeting'. I understand if you don't want to share some points but i think it is a great little grounder & if not forwarded to me in total should be shared on the day [Thanks Diana for ideas :)] 


Your Name & contact details inc home address & your linked in address:
Biz: Who are you? What do you do? Who will you be? What stage are you at?
Opportunity: why is there a market for your product? What is the potential?
USP: What makes your product/biz unique?
Income: How will/does it generate sales?
Challenges: what are your key risks and how are/will they be managed?
People: What experience and skills do you bring to this project?


If you can't make this lunch and are interesting in future ones, please let me know via this blog and drop me a brief profile by email. I will look at running one per month, say the second Tuesday of each month. This first one will be FOC - you are my guests, I'll see how it goes from there. 


I really look forward to hearing from you, and please think of anyone else you that maybe interested in what we are doing & is interesting!


Bon Appetite!


Cindy
cindy@lukbeautifood.com
PS - Alexx I will be in contact re cocktails 
PSS - does anyone need a sitter?
PSSS - Melinda, hey, I might take you up on the offer to help prep!!

Streamline & automate your biz (whilst ironing): Multi-tasking at its best!

Any body hate ironing as much as I do? I've worked out how to make it more pleasurable (if there is such a thing) Listen to a podcast on a subject such as 'automating your small business'. Yes you still get interrupted by the little ones and have 50 attempts at listening but hey your pause button is worth a $million.

I have never heard of these guys - Brandon & Matt (US), they run a 40-45min session and once they get over some waffle in the first episode, THEY ARE FANTASTIC.

Here is the link to Automate my Small Business. I have landed you directly on their podcast page. Scroll to the bottom and listen from the start episode #1 til you get the feel for them. They encourage free sharing so ENJOY.

PS
(Ms ironing lady is top of my list for first recruit when luk beautifood is launched; oh how I have missed her since being an @ home 'mum')

sharing information

Great article on why NDA's (non disclosure agreements) are not necessary for startups.

click here for link

Start up biz - 9 essential step. [well written advice article.]

biz startup steps  (click for link)

 Snapshot of the steps to get a little biz started. Resonated with me as what I have done and discussed below is covered. (BTW - found the link via Karen Gunton's...build a little biz FB news)

1. Find Your Why 2. Create A Business That’s Right for You. 3. Get Family Support 4. Build a Family-centric Calendar 5. Make a Schedule You Can Stick To6. Build a Realistic Budget 7. Have a Full Stomach8. Take a Break 9. Set Your Quitting Time

Made it....to my kitchen bench @10.30!

Starting up a biz is harder than I seem to remember and its got nothing to do with the biz itself. It's running the household...now I know why I love the term CHO - Chief Household Officer - well deserved title. I know every mother (or dad) does this but really: before 8.45am we manage to squeeze in: ironing (half basket), washing (1 load), milk in bed (kids) tea for me, book reading (to kids), shower, bed making (3), dress kids (& me), make play & big lunch (enviro friendly & health), sit down breakfast - clean up, teeth cleaning, face washing, hair brushing, pack bags, shoes on, find soft toy.......

Then it is the drop off  to separate places. First solo day for Ciara - tres clingy but OK after an hour - no tears on either part. Made it to my 'kitchen bench' at 10.30. Oh no, NO espresso machine having service after barging canals with us. HELP.

Definitely need practice. Only have 4 hours to work before pickup. BUT - what luxury 4 BIG FAT child free hours for me. Woohoo.

creating 'my kitchen bench' blog design

I have been sitting here tonight working out how to create an inspiring log for my next business so you can share the highs and heartache involved in a startup.  It has taken just a few hours after dinner, sipping wine (an antidote for creativity and relaxation!) as I listen to ABC Classic FM - 92.9. The children and now hubby are sleeping peacefully and I am really quite happy with the results.

The hardest bits were
a)  working out how to add a toolbar with pages.....but I found a very useful 'blogger' who had the answer: see http://www.bloggertipsandtricks.com/2010/02/create-static-blogger-pages-draft.html [copy & paste link if it doesn't go thru]
b) creating a welcome header with the picture & words positioned where I wanted them.......just DIY in a desktop program and upload the pic. The trick was making it the right size so that it positioned itself where i wanted it. Took 4 re-sizings!