Whether you’ve been running a small business for years, or you’re thinking about starting your first, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why it’s helpful to hear from fellow entrepreneurs who have gone through the process and are reaping the benefits of a successful track record. We asked twelve thriving Australian small business owners for the one piece of advice that helped them navigate their way toward success. Here’s what they had to say:
“Embrace the biggest asset of small business — be malleable — and quickly! If customers are repeatedly coming in requesting a product, try to get it. We know we can’t dictate the market so we’ll react to it ASAP.” — Ashley Tell, Global Vintage Collective in Richmond
“Stay true to your core qualities and always innovate.” — Christina Tantsis, Sisko Chocolate in Hawthorn
“Do something that you love to do because doing it for yourself can be more challenging, but also more rewarding.” — Dan Chrystal, Stand Up Cafe in Melbourne
“Find your niche, figure out your market and hit it! It’s so hard to get off the ground when you try to do too much too quickly.” — Jesse Gollan, Get Naked Espresso Bar in Bendigo
“Know your figures. Know your past figures, your current figures and your future figures. By knowing your cash flow and financial projections you will be able to create your plan for growth and expansion. Also, don’t take it personally — it’s just business!” — Lauren Andioniou, Those Girls Beverage Co. in Melbourne
“Invest time at the start in learning how to track your financials regularly. Even if you’ve never done it before and choose not to do the books in the long run, learning to keep an eye on your income and outgoings will enable you to react quickly if something changes. It will save you stress and time in the long run, and potentially a lot of money too.” — Pippa James, Tivoli Road Bakery in South Yarra
“Be really, really nice to people. Being a master of your trade is all well and good but no one’s going to talk about what a great product you offer if you don’t back it up with great service. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing there is. Give your customers reasons to talk.” — Tim Watson, Good Dog Behaviour & Training in Melbourne
“We believe that small business owners need to have passion for what they are doing. If passion exists, it will allow them to truly enjoy what they do, which will in turn enable them to be the best that they can be. In addition, we live by the motto ‘less is more’ and it is our belief that small businesses should focus on what they do very well rather than trying to be everything to everybody.” — Peter Mastro, Saluministi in North Melbourne
“Do what you do for the love of it, not for the money — financial success will eventually come as a result!” — Jed Soto, St. Burgs in Maribyrnong
“Be confident in your business model, product and people. Then it’s just a matter of sticking to your guns and knowing that it won’t happen overnight.” — Jackie & Darren Silverman, Black Velvet Coffee in Melbourne
“People might call you at 6 a.m. or they might call you at 10 p.m. because they’ve got an issue. Be motivated and get up and go to work when the work’s there.” — Andy McKinnar, Pipes Plumbing in Melbourne
“Start small and test and iterate what you’re doing as much as possible rather than trying to do everything at the same time. It’s easier to make mistakes and learn from what you do while making the most of being small and flexible.” — Matt Thomson, mattt in Melbourne
