If you could start your business again, what would you do differently?

[Warren Cottis]

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Good question, Ginny

I’m happy to answer but you might want to ask it again as a new thread

Agrisilva, post: 176836 wrote:

Hi Warren,
I’ve heard it many times – have a mentor.
But I’m wondering, how do you go about identifying a mentor?

And I’d be interested in your thoughts regarding whether the mentor should be a generalist or a technical specialist/related to your industry? or does a business need both?

I’d welcome any thoughts.
Thanks – and ‘happy Friday’
ginny

[Peter – FS Administrator]

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Hi Ginny,
Great question
That could be a good thread over on the Working Smarter forums section if you’re keen to kick it off over there by starting a new thread.
Thanks!
Peter

[bill0902]

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Just ‘Gone for it’ rather than limit options

I started a business building fish boxes to fit on jet skis.Its a small but growing sport and I was convinced that everyone would enjoy the activity as much as I do.We therefore targeted a limited no.of jet ski dealers thinking we wouldnt be able to keep up production.Wrong, and 2 years later this still creates problems having given exclusivity to only a few dealers,some of whom we knew nothing about. We should have just “gone for it” and got what we could.

[Breevree73]

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Hire a sales person sooner

My sales skills are not great, so it would have made sense to hire someone who could sell early on – instead I have wicked marketing, and then a very tough time converting. Once converted, my clients are completely happy chappies!!

[Robert Gerrish]

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Re: I would have started it earlier

I would have started it earlier. When you finally find a passion it ceases to be work and becomes fun!

That’s so true Jeff. Once you can see what fun you’re having it’s easy to wish you’d set sail somewhat earlier!

Robert

[Robert Gerrish]

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Re: Maintained a detailed customer database

Hi all,

Thanks for diving straight in and getting involved – already some pearls of wisdom being shared and is shaping up to be a great collection of tips

One thing I wish I’d done when originally starting up my writing business was to start and maintain a detailed customer database. I recall writing about this in a newsletter a few years ago…

“Over the years you meet, email and work with hundreds or even thousands of clients, but unless you conscientiously maintain a database, it eventually all becomes a mess of cards, random email addresses and half-remembered names.

A detailed and up-to-date database is a valuable tool for launching new services, starting email newsletters, keeping in touch with prospects and sharing valuable information with an interested audience. Maintaining it is a job that has to be done almost daily.”

Problem is, that I still haven’t done it 10 years later Never too late I suppose?!?

Cheers
Peter

Perhaps the time is NOW…this being er, productivity month around here!!

Robert

[Robert Gerrish]

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Re: Formed a network of experts before jumping in

Great query..

Personally, the one thing i would ideally love to implement (when i learn how to time travel) is to surround myself with the appropriate network of experts before i jump in.. In retrospect, we have accomplished much on our own although there is a blatant gap that if it was filled before the journey commenced, i might not have gone as wayward as i had recently

In the genre of the post, its a positive reflection that i am happy to share because i have seen, heard and come across many prospective business ideas that are AWESOME and the people are FANTASTIC although the skill gaps (not surrounding themselves with right people or having appropriate coach/mentor) left a larger whole in the cash flow at start up than had to exist…

Look forward to reading more.

Cheers
Jason

So true Jason and thankfully for many members of the community, it’s people like you sharing their wisdom that are indeed supplying the knowledge and support so many newbies require.

Love YOUR work!

Robert

[Robert Gerrish]

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Re: Set up customer management systems

Set up more comprehensive systems to keep track of clients, referrals, lead generation, etc. Looking to tackle this over the Christmas break.

That sounds like a great task to achieve over the break. Be sure to pop back and let us know how you went!

Robert

[Jason Ramage]

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Re: Set up customer management systems

The Copy Chick, post: 176825 wrote:

Set up more comprehensive systems to keep track of clients, referrals, lead generation, etc.

Argh, i am loving this topic although thanks heaps for creating MORE WORK FOR ME NOW.. each time i read one, i remember what i have forgotten to do.. LOL

Cheers
Jason

Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: hello@lucasarthur.net.au   P: 61 3 8324 0344    M: 61 412 244 888

[Calcul8or]

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Re: Maintained a detailed customer database

Hi all,

Thanks for diving straight in and getting involved – already some pearls of wisdom being shared and is shaping up to be a great collection of tips

One thing I wish I’d done when originally starting up my writing business was to start and maintain a detailed customer database. I recall writing about this in a newsletter a few years ago…

“Over the years you meet, email and work with hundreds or even thousands of clients, but unless you conscientiously maintain a database, it eventually all becomes a mess of cards, random email addresses and half-remembered names.

A detailed and up-to-date database is a valuable tool for launching new services, starting email newsletters, keeping in touch with prospects and sharing valuable information with an interested audience. Maintaining it is a job that has to be done almost daily.”

Problem is, that I still haven’t done it 10 years later Never too late I suppose?!?

Cheers
Peter

Fantastic idea Peter, and one that I heartily endorse!

Oh, and if anyone needs any assistance with building a desktop or web-based database that records and does exactly what you want it to, then be sure to give me a hoi!

Cheers,
Shail

Programmer. Analyst. Nerd. Calcul8ors.com.au Custom Software & Collaboration

[Peter – FS Administrator]

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Tips and ideas from Facebook

Hi all,

Thanks for the contributions in these opening few days. We also had some great posts come in from our Facebook post – lots of learnings flowing in!

Guy’s wistful contribution of “Pick a better business name” was certainly something pretty fundamental

If you’ve yet to share your response to the question: “If you could start your business again, what would you do differently?” please hit ‘reply’ and dive in.

Cheers,
Peter

[Jodie McLeod]

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Set up systems and processes

I used to go about my working days guided by instinct, attending to whatever I felt needed doing in the moment rather than having set procedures or structuring my work time. While I may have survived okay, I found that when I wrote down some set procedures for regular tasks, and when I structured my work days with micro-goals, I became incredibly more time efficient and could fit a whole lot more into my work time.

I think people in creative industries (in my case – a freelance writer, editor and copywriter) can sometimes feel they work best when things aren’t so structured. But I urge those who believe that to try the opposite! As a business owner, you can’t afford to have your head in the clouds all the time. Save that for the real creative stuff.

Cheers,

Jodie

[Mary Gardam]

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Re: Set up systems and processes

Sounds great Jodie.

[Divert To Mobile]

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Re: Set up customer management systems

Hey guys,

If anyone is interested in a clouded sugar crm installation I can help you out with that.

Steve

[Jason Ramage]

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Re: Set up customer management systems

Divert To Mobile, post: 177616 wrote:

Hey guys,

If anyone is interested in a clouded sugar crm installation I can help you out with that.

Steve

Dont take sugar with my coffee any more mate, although thanks for the offer.. maybe a bourbon down the track

Cheerio
Jason

Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: hello@lucasarthur.net.au   P: 61 3 8324 0344    M: 61 412 244 888

[Author]

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