Business Coaching
If you would like to set up your own business, but
you're not sure what's involved, or even if your idea
will float, you can get some help.
A Business Coach or Consultant can work through the
business idea with you and help you in the initial phases.
They can provide expertise in the financial aspects,
registering your business, whether you need to register
for GST, filing your tax returns. They can also provide
experience and advice on marketing your business in
the most successful way.
You may also need some legal advice. Do you need a
license, do you need to be registered with the Government?
What's involved in employing someone?
Some business coach will focus more on the motivation
and support side of coaching, helping keep you motivated
and focussed on your business ideas. Others will have
the legal and financial expertise. Before you choose
a Business Coach, make sure you understand their qualifications
and experience and ensure they are relevant to you.
Useful Resources
As well as individual coaches, there are networks available
to provide support and coaching to small business owners.
The examples I have found focus on women in business.
The Women's Network Australia is a membership-based
organisation that 'empowers and encourages women to
reach their full potential in business.' It has been
established for over 18 years as a business women's
network, and aims to educate, guide and support women
in their pursuit of business success.
They offer a range of membership activities, plus educational
services including workshops, seminars and consulting
services.
The aims of this organisation are to:
- "Provide a strong network of business and personal
contacts and to encourage trade and information sharing
between Members.
- Provide access to professional and personal development
information in a unique and supportive business environment.
- Inspire and encourage women to develop professional
strategies and skills for success in business.
- Provide a pooling facility for like-minded individuals
to share information, ideas and knowledge and bring
about positive change.
- Provide a forum for the recognition of women's achievements
and encourage others to emulate these role models.
- Lift the level of awareness, acceptance and visibility
of women and the talents and resources they have to
offer the economy. "
The Australian Businesswomen's Network
(www.abn.org.au)
The Australian Buinesswomen's network "provides
business education for women across Australia and facilitates
opportunities for them to network, learn and be inspired
by role models and by each other."
Amongst other things, they offer a Mentoring Service
to help you grow your business. A mentor is described
as someone who has done this before and whom you can
learn from, as opposed to a coach who learns with you.
The Mentor program helps you create a business plan,
improve your business skills and get guidance and support
from a mentor. The ABN's "MentorNet program"
supports women business-owners to grow their business
through business education, networking and mentoring.
The Small Business Counselling Service
(www.sbms.org.au)
The Small Business Counselling Service offers inexpensives
mentoring and advice from experienced volunteers.
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