Self Starter

Here we are folks! We're at the end season 2. While this series has been shorter that the first season, we've been able to get some great guests sharing their stories when it comes to all things self employment.In this final episode I throw out a few quick comments looking back over the past few months and thoughts on the future, including season 3 of Self Starter.While we wait for the future of Self Starter, please continue to share the previous episodes around to anyone who might need some guidance, assurance or even a gentle kick up the you-know-what. I've been incredibly proud of the impact that Self Starter has had on myself personally, as well as the many of you who have messaged me along the way to share your feedback.I hope that this continues to be a valuable resource in the years to come.Please keep in touch with me via the contact page or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Between our band LORD, The Andy Social Podcast as well as other various projects that come and go, I will certainly continue to have a lot to share.Thanks for continuing to support of the podcast and I wish you all the best on your Self Starting journey to create your own desirable lifestyle.Andy Dowling

Monica Strut could be seen as a first aid specialist when it comes to musician social medial and digital marketing. Responding to the call of bands who are in crisis and needing consulting and support, Monica is providing her expertise to help musicians succeed in the often murky waters of the music industry and online marketing.Starting out on your own is tough, especially when you’re branding yourself as the product/service. Monica made the decision to put her name and personal reputation on the line rather than utilising a business name. No doubt a daunting decision but it has brought Monica many advantages including a relatable, trust worthy resource for people who are on the hunt for help and it also building her own profile as a subject matter expert within the industry.As a musician herself, Monica has seen the mistakes made first hand and has watched as peers have given up on their music pursuits. Monica is using these real life experiences to create tangible resources and tools for others. She’s also using these experiences as a personal and professional compass to ensure that her goals to impact and help others are always in sight/focus.In our chat, Monica talks about how she has been taking a measured approach when it comes to building her business, managing it all on the side of a day job, how she got started with consulting and how her decisions to invest heavily in herself, such as using business coaches, have impacted her success to date. It’s a daunting journey but as Monica shows, you don’t have to do it on your own.Follow Monica Strut via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube |Location – Melbourne, Victoria1. Be coachable - Monica took a large and critical step in her own development by investing in a business coach. Leaning on others who have had their own success, Monica has been able to get guidance and possibly more importantly be held accountable to her own goals and actions. Monica admitted that it was an expense that needed to be considered but she can confidently say that it's been worth it in allowing her to grow, get better and achieve her business goals.2. Too busy to get stuff done - Monica spoke about how she, like many of us, falls into the procrastination trap and finds herself doing a lot of “busywork”. In other words, keeping busy with tasks that serve little purpose to the bigger goals. Friends, don’t worry about the 20 dot point to-do list, start your days off with 3 to 4 main action items. You will get far more meaningful work done. As coined in the book “The ONE Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, “What’s the ONE Thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” - Keep it simple, and tackle those critical tasks first!3. Creating advocates - By using her name as the branding of her business, Monica certainly puts a degree of vulnerability out into the public domain. The benefit is that she can build deep trust and loyalty from her audience as it’s easier to connect and relate to Monica as a person as well as her mission. This creates a natural advocate who is quick to talk positively and, when it arises, defend unnecessary criticism that Monica may receive. Corporations spend huge sums of money in their marketing in the hope of creating brand advocates, Monica is creating this herself by being herself.4. What’s your mission/story? - We know that a story behind a business is important and Monica’s background as a musician and her experiences watching people give up on their dreams has created a foundation to her cause and mission. When people can see “why” you are doing something and those origins, it’s easier for people to connect, relate and most importantly support.

Mishka Bobrov of Bondi Heat is new to the world of self employment and small business. Having bounced around from job to job, he found himself in an unexpected moment where his father tried some home made olive oil made by Mishka and saw an opportunity. He encouraged Mishka to pursue and create a business around something that he saw was marketable.Luckily for Mishka, this was the moment to escape from the past several years of working in security and lead him on a path to start something that would truly spark a passion for him.We spoke only a few weeks into launch of the company and of course things were looking bright and optimistic. Like any business however there will be ups and downs, but Mishka has a close and solid network of friends and family who believe in him and are as hands on with support and the running of the business.In a market these days saturated in hot sauces, Mishka is looking to use the momentum of the market to create a point of difference with Bondi Heat where chilli infused olive oil is the staple and flavour is the focus.Follow Bondi Heat via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Location – Sydney, New South Wales1. A Premium quality product deserves premium quality content - Don't take any short cuts. If you think that your product is high quality then you should make sure that it is presented in a way that deservedly highlights it. Mishka has made no sacrifices with the visuals surrounding Bondi Heat and has brought a skilled friend on board to help with the marketing and presentation of his products. Remember that it's not you that needs convincing, it's everyone else. Spend a little more money and time to make sure that what you are selling looks the very best it can be. It will be worth it.2. Who are we trying to sell this product to? - Mishka's product is all about Bondi. He's grown up there, his community and family are there and of course the business shares the name. It's only natural that he is targeting those who are either in the area or identify with Bondi lifestyle. Remember that you don't need to win everyone single person over. Think about that stereotypical person who would love what you are selling. Maybe they are very similar to you. Once you have worked that out, target target target.3. Work with others who are skilled - Mishka built the company to be a community. This is not just about him but about everyone who works with him and is a part of it. Friends and Family are important, so for Mishka it's a natural move to utilise the skills from the people who mean the most to him. He will never need to do this on his own. As much as we would like to think that we can do it all, it's best to be real about our limitations and not hesitating in bringing in good and skilled people who can fill the gaps, support you and help you to succeed.4. Make the most of every moment - Mishka fought an aggressive form of Bone Cancer when he was a teenager. When he was all clear in 2010, he took on an attitude to make the most of life. A lot of us are fortunate to not have these same types of challenges, but life can change dramatically at any moment. What are you going to do right now to get after what you want? Don't sit back and wait. Every moment counts. Make the most of it!

Frustrated working for others, Paul was looking for a change. It didn't come without trial and error though, working a wide range of jobs, trying to work out what he wanted to do. No matter what he did, his mind kept gravitating back to starting his own business. When it came to investing his efforts in a possible trade, working for someone else, Paul made the decision rather to invest in himself and what he is passionate about. Drumming and metal.Leaning on his years of experience as a metal drummer playing in a number of bands, Paul has used his knowledge of drumming as well as his existing networks to create a grass roots business that caters directly for the demographic he comes from. This gives him a genuine and organic approach where people can instantly trust his business, understanding that this is something that is important to Paul and he has the knowledge and experience to back it up.It's only been a few months in but Paul has hit the ground running. Creating an overarching brand of Ibbotson Drums and focusing on his first product, Fishsticks, he's been able to reach the interest of a wide range of accomplished drummers who have jumped on board as endorsees of the brand. He's created apparel and is actively pushing his business out across his existing networks which is starting to naturally grow though word of mouth and recommendations.Paul's ideas are without limit and with a parent brand created, he will start to introduce new products and services as time rolls on. He's here for the long term and he's made sure that it's set up to allow plenty of room to grow, in any direction.What did you learn from this episode? Here's some of my key takeaways;1. Be confident in who you are - Wear your passions and your identify on your sleeve. Not everyone has to like what you like and you're not catering for the masses. There's enough business to go around. If you're genuine in what you do and have a real passion for your craft then it will be a magnet for not only people who share your interests but you may find people outside of your circles showing curiosity in what you are doing. Paul's domain is the metal drummer, but he's already found people outside of the metal genre showing interest in his products.2. Parent company gives you options - Paul created Ibbotson drums as a parent company to allow him to create as many different products/brands as he desires. He's started with Fishsticks and is his main focus, however as he said in the chat "the sky's the limit". You don't need to do everything all at once, but it's good to think ahead and create foundations so that you have flexibility in the long term.3. Taking a page from a different book - Paul has created merchandise that accompanies his branding which I think gives him room to create 'lifestyle branding' where people want to wear the logo and be a part of the imagery and ethics of what his business is all about. Paul shared that he has come from a skater background where a lot of his approaches when it comes to apparel have come from and been inspired by that industry. His branding isn't around skating culture but he's been able to fuse ideas and claw out inspiration from another market and apply it to his own.4. Endorsements - Can you create an advocate? If you have people who are passionate about your product, consider an endorsement where you take care of selected advocates (or these days often referred to as influencers) in exchange for discounted or free products/services. It's an agreement that goes both ways so be selective in the people you choose and make sure that value is being provided in both ways. Paul has a growing list of endorsees with their own public profile who swear by his product and spread the word for him. He even has a section on his website where prospective endorsees can complete a form and read up about what to expect if they wish to enquire about an endorsement so that expectations are set from the outset.Follow Ibbotson Drums via Main Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeLocation – Sydney, New South Wales

Ben Kornouchovs has been a part of the local Adelaide music scene for years. As a musician himself, Korno has seen both the needs of the performer and the punter when it comes to live music. His time working in music lead him to launching his own business, "Korno's concert service" which has been up and running since 2014.Specialising in artist support for touring and local bands, Korno and his team offer transport, chaperoning, stage and road management as well as merchandise services. Korno's jack of all trades approach ensures that artists are appropriately taken care of, ensuring that the 1 percenters are considered and performers are left to focus solely on their job which is to perform.Korno's involvement in the local scene often sees him as the go to guy for local metal festivals such as Heavy SA and The New Dead where he has an opportunity to not only work with Adelaide musicians but also interstate and international touring acts. A great opportunity to provide his services, network and carve out new opportunities.Korno has taken a measured path when it comes to his business where he has launched it as a side hustle outside of his normal job. Communication, negotiation and balance has ensured that he is able to meet the needs of his full time employer as well as hit the personal goals he has with his own business. As Korno's Concert Service grows, he will continue to assess the viability around taking on a more full time investment in what he does.It's not just the musicians that continue to get better and better, it's the support network behind the scenes who are findings ways to add value and create services that support the music we all love. It's an exciting time for opportunity and you don't necessarily have to be on stage.To learn more about Korno's Concert Service, check out selfstarter.com.au and find Korno on Facebook. For now, please enjoy this great chat with Ben Kornouchovos and Korno's Concert Service.What did you get out of this episode? Here's what I learnt;1. Keep it simple – It’s not rocket science, folks. It's the small things that count. Working in music is similar to any other industry where often the smallest of things make all of the difference, especially when they are overlooked. Ben ensures that communication is a big focus when it comes to his work and is not reluctant to handle the menial tasks. Ben knows he has a duty of care and wants to do all he can to make sure the artist has the best experience possible. It's not always glamorous, but the small things can give you a tangible point of difference that makes what you do memorable.2. Balancing it out - Ben has taken a conservative approach with his business where he still retains his full time job working at a winery. He negotiates with his employer, gives notice and does all he can to maintain a balance between his full time employment and his own business. The balance he has created is satisfying and he's in no rush to quit his job. When it comes to starting a business, remember that you don't have to drop everything in order to make it happen. There are plenty of ways to execute on an idea or a passion that you have whilst still maintaining an existing job. There's no rule book!3. Learn everything - Ben's domain is in hard rock and metal music, however over the years he has found himself working for artists from a wide range of genres. Learning from different styles of music and their scenes has given Ben exposure to different ways of approaching similar situations or problems when it comes to live music and artist support. It's like sharing best practices. You may not be completely interested in a particular industry or niche group, but there are often parallels where you can pick up skills, ideas and insights that you can apply to what you do.Follow Korno's Concert Services via FacebookLocation – Adelaide, South Australia

Aaron Edwards is the owner of Bitter Phew. A Craft Beer Bar located in Darlinghust Sydney. Beer enthusiasts from far and wide have congregated to the 1920's New York-warehouse inspired venue, where 12 taps constantly rotate and showcase some of the finest local and international boutique beers.It could be argued that craft beer and bars are a dime a dozen these days. It's definitely not a bad thing, but when looking at potential business ideas, many people often get trapped in the 'originality' of a business, rather than how you can make an existing service/experience better than the rest. Bitter Phew shows that you don't have to reinvent the wheel, but instead just make it unique and exciting for the potential customer.Aaron is no stranger to event management and establishing venues. The man behind Doris & Beryl's Cocktail Bar in Newtown and Creek & Cella in Leichhardt, he's cut his teeth in the hospitality world, learning the ins and outs of what makes a great venue and ensures that people continue to come back.With Bitter Phew in full swing and having a roaring success, Aaron has set his eyes on his latest venture "Phew", a wine and cocktail bar which is an extension to the Bitter Phew branding. In our chat, Aaron talks about having to step backwards in order to move forward, explains that he needs to always go back to basics when commencing a new business/venture.Bitter Phew's success has come from a conscious organic approach where word of mouth and exclusivity has encouraged enthusiasm and loyalty amongst his visitors. Mainstream marketing does not fit with the branding and as such, the focused, grass roots approach has done the business big favours.Aaron also talks about financial disciplines he applies to his ventures, his background in the self employment world and collaboration ideas where business to business opportunities can help mutual growth.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. How long can you work for free? - Preparation is key. It's not just about the financials but also the psychological ground work needed before you dive into a business. Aaron has made a rule that when commencing a business that he does not pay himself for the first 3 months. This involves a lot of preparation but sets up expectations and increases the likelihood of success where money can be reinvested back into the business in those early months. This ensures that it is set up for the long term. The temptation to pay yourself as the dollars start rolling in will be high but preparing yourself and getting clear on your goals before you dive in will set you up for success.2. Financially disciplined - We all need to take our financial education more seriously. For many of us growing up, we were often not taught about how to be financially smart. Aaron shares how he sets up his own accounts so that he has clarity and discipline when it comes to the management of this money. Accounts allocated to Emergencies, savings/personal goals and a everyday transactions ensures that you can stay on track and steer clear of reckless decisions.3. Exclusivity - The nature of your business will determine the appropriate approach, however an element of exclusivity to your business or product can attract a demand and tribal loyalty that will have your customers passionately supporting you. In Aaron's case, he rejected the mainstream marketing option and took on a word of mouth approach for those 'in the know'. He made sure that the people who did come in had that personal touch and felt like they were part of something special.4. Win/win collaboration - Collaboration possibilities are endless however they should never begin with profit in mind. Focus initially on covering costs rather than chasing dollars. Aaron shared his idea of cost price beers to the local barber so they can tell their customers where the beers came from and ultimately drive traffic back to the bar. Bitter Phew wins, barber shop wins (they get cheap beer and improve their customer experience) and the customer of course wins. Everyone's a winner!Follow Bitter Phew via Main Website, Facebook, Untappd and InstagramLocation – 1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Buying a home, especially your first one, can be a real daunting task. In fact, most advice you receive often comes from friends and family who only have their own experiences which are laced with anxiety and negativity. This can create a real daunting prospect for those who want to take the step toward owning a property and result in many never getting started.Enter Mathew Heywood. Mathew has been cutting his teeth in the real estate game for the past several years, starting off as a junk mail dropper and gradually working his way up to helping an increasing number of people purchase their own home. Mat has a real drive for helping others and a focus on self improvement. This has lead him to make the decision to create a side hustle, where he could use his growing skill set and expertise to serve and help those who are looking for accessible and easily digestible information when it comes to buying property in Victoria.The result of this is the launch of Buying Property Victoria. Mat is taking a concentrated effort on creating free resources and services via a website that's as friction-less as possible. This is to meet the needs, educate and reassure prospective purchasers of any concerns that they may have when it comes to property.Mat has been slowly building this business on the side and creating a wealth of content to set himself up for longer term success. This is not a business that is being created for immediate/short term game. Rather, Mat's in it for the long term to build trust, loyalty and ultimately leverage to expand and grow into a profit generating business in the years to come. Mat is all about giving and has made the decision to ensure that value is given first before any plans of monetisation are considered. Mat wants to build trust and a reputation as a go to person when it comes to purchasing property. Just like property investment, Mat is investing in his business, being patient and playing the long game.While it's still early days, Mat's enthusiasm already has him setting his sights for the future expansion of the business. In the years to come, Mat is hoping to expand into the other states and territories to service and provide support to people all across the country. Each part of the country has their own laws, policies and incentives for potential buyers, so while Mat does have grand plans, he is going to taking a steady approach to collect, digest, educate and broaden his network before taking those next big steps.To learn more about Buying Property Victoria, head of to https://buyingpropertyvictoria.com.au and check out the show notes below.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Junk mail drop - Being able to get outside and get some exercise done is always a real positive, but doing the dreaded junk mail drop also helped Mat see the real estate game from the ground up. It's like the mail room equivalent of starting out in your corporate career. Mat progressed from junk mail to door knocking (equally as painful) and was able to use these un-glamorous experiences to get a better understanding of customers, their behaviours and preferences as well as the wider real estate field.2. Identifying a pain point/problem - Almost all of us have to deal with real estate in one way or another in our lives. Whether it be buying property, leasing or selling, everyone seems to have a story and in a lot of cases, a bad one. There are so many common pain points when it comes to property and Mat was able to spend time identifying a lot of them, especially when it came to purchasing so that he focus in on delivering solutions to common problems. For this field, pain points are low hanging fruit however with a little bit of brainstorming, every industry, product and service has a level of dissatisfaction/pain that you can put focus on. If you can make people's lives easier, then you're on your way!3. Trust is important - Trust can be a hard thing when it comes to high cost purchases. Money is still a taboo subject in a lot of families (especially older generations) and to be able to trust people with often the biggest purchase of your life is quite stressful. Mat is trying to break to stereotypes around real estate and the buying process by playing the long game to build real trust and loyalty. Mat's doing this by proving continuous free content, giving transparency and no commitments or catches to use any of his services. He wants to have a reputation of trust and his focus is to give, give and give more with nothing in return. Mat knows that through trust building, he will be able to build and grow in the long term.4. We're live! - Matt spoke about testing out Facebook live for the first time with his inner circle of friends and family to talk about his business and field questions. A lot of social media apps come with a live video function and this can be a great way to engage with your customers to field questions, talk about deals/new products or even speak about a general topic that could info/help other people. It's definitely a daunting thing to be in front of the camera in a real time environment, but it can be highly effective when building trust and loyalty with your audience.Follow Buying Property Victoria via Main Website, Facebook, YouTube and InstagramLocation – Victoria

Jennifer Marshall of Social Hair Co is someone who knows what it takes to build loyalty and success in an often competitive industry. Relocating from Sydney down to the gong with her husband, Jennifer started working out of her home to initially service family and friends. It wasn't long before an opportunity opened up to buy into a space in the heart of Wollongong, where Jennifer could take her business to the next level.It hasn't been smooth sailing along the way. After her husband's employment status changed, Jennifer needed to up the ante and create more income than ever before to sustain not only the business but also their livelihoods. Luckily though Jennifer was already an active person within the hair dressing community and after receiving advice and doing her own research online, Jennifer was able to find a Business Coach/Mentor who could maximise the businesses opportunities and find the success which Jen and Social Hair Co deserved.Now, business coaches are often viewed with a sense of scepticism. There are many people out there claiming to have expertise but often don't deliver anything apart from a hefty bill. Jennifer certainly experienced some of this as she did her own research and reached out a number of different people advertising their services, however through grit and determination was able to eventually find the right person to suit her needs. Jennifer says that while it does cost money, it's an important investment that is worth it and at the time, was completely necessary.These days, Jennifer still uses business coaches and has moved onto a new person who is more inline with the current state of the business, as the goals and objectives are constantly changing. Jennifer has now built a solid reputation in the area by delivering a high level of customer service through conversation, direct customer touch points, multi-media marketing and putting her own personality into what she does.To learn more about Social Hair Co. visit their Facebook book and also check out the show notes below.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Give video a shot! - We all have mini film making tools in our pockets, so let's use them. Smart phones these days are getting better and better when it comes to capturing video. There are also countless numbers of low cost and even free editing tools. Don't worry about being perfect or making it 'world class', get filming, capture YOU and your message and work to improve as you go. Jen has plans to invest more in this area and improve the quality of their video content but has not let that slow her down in producing content with what skills they already have. Just get started!2. Wear your mistakes - Jen shared a story about a email mailing list debacle that had her apologising to her clientele/community. Many people will curl up in a ball and be reluctant to continue to communicate, however Jen took it in her stride and injected some humour into her mistake. The silver lining is that people enjoyed the light-hearted approach that she took and it could be argued that it brought her and her customers closer together by showing an honest side to Jen and her personality. Don't be afraid to admit fault. None of us are perfect and if you can wear your mistakes and do it with a bit of fun and sincerity then people will be far more forgiving and appreciate you more.3. Business Mentors - There are a lot of charlatans out there! Be wary. Unfortunately there appears to be more negative noise out there than positive when it comes to coaches and mentors, however Jennifer shows that there are some great ones out there who can make a significant difference to what you do. Like anything in life, you don't get something for nothing so ensure that you are budgeting appropriately so you can seriously consider bringing in some expertise to consult and coach you when you need it. It's an expense but with the right research and the right goals, it's an expense that could ultimately be a large investment for you and what you're doing.4. The community - We've seen this before, however tapping into communities within your industry is a fantastic way to share best practices, air concerns, seek reassurance and advice to ensure that you're on the right path. Always be careful of the echo chamber as some industries can be quite insular, however having a constant link to communities of people doing similar work to you is a great way to keep connected and ensure that you have appropriate support when needed.5. The follow up SMS - We hate to admit it, but many of us will shy away from talking on the phone these days. Preferences around instant messaging, social media and text means that many of us feel anxious when talking on the phone. While there might be some larger social problems with these changes in human behaviour, Jennifer is ensuring that her methods of communication are relevant to people's preferences. Jen has an SMS follow up service rather than phone call, to tap back into existing clients. The conversion results and feedback from clients so far is showing that this method works. Having awareness of customer behaviour or even individual customer preference can have play a massive part in driving retention.Follow Social Hair Co via Facebook and InstagramLocation – 43/59-61 Kembla St, Wollongong NSW 2500Thanks to Volky (Facebook | Instagram) for recommending Jen for the podcast.

George Fisher of George's Tech Repairs in Darwin began his business at home by fixing his family and friends mobile devices. With practice, George found that his skills could extend further than his inner circle where he could start servicing his wider community.Having a steady and reliable full time job for the past several years, George gradually made adjustments and negotiated with his employer to move to a part time capacity, as he began to invest more and more into his own business. With his family having many years of experience running their own businesses, George had the support and guidance to ensure that he took a gradual steps before diving in becoming completely self employed.In the early days of the business, George found himself making house calls and setting up stalls at markets to help the local area address any issues with their mobile phones and tablets. As things built, George set up his own location where customer's can now come to him, in addition to also continuing to have presence at markets and doing the odd call out.Technology for many of us can be a real nightmare and the fact that we rely on it so much means that George is providing a valuable service to others. Working in the technology field, George has challenges of his own when it comes to continuously up-skilling himself with the latest devices and methods of repair. He is constantly staying in contact with online tech communities and learning to ensure that he can stay relevant and in constant need for his customers.Customer service is a big part of George's success to date. Whether it be after-hours questions, call outs or other above and beyond help, George knows that he needs to take care of each person who chooses to come to him over a competitor in the area. With this approach, George has built loyalty, repeat business and growth. It's all good news.As George sets his eyes on the continuous uncertain future of technology, he is not staying married to his original concept of the business. George is constantly keeping up to date with not only changes in the technology world but also customer behaviour and what they will require in the future. Creating a successful business is the focus and George knows that the ways to do that will always continue to change.To check out George's Tech Repairs in Darwin, check out the links in the show notes.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Is it time to negotiate? - George had been employed for quite a number of years and as he built his repair business, he began to transition away from the stability of his traditional job. Rather than jump ship straight away, George was able to negotiate with his employer to go to a part time capacity. That way he was still contributing, earning a steady income but also opening up his time to be able to focus on and build his own business. If you're still working for someone else and have plans to start your own business, think about how you can think outside the box and negotiate with your employer. Taking the sacrifice of full time income in exchange for more time to work on your craft could be worth far more than any short term cut of pay you take.2. Offer services for free - A great way to build your own skills and reputation in the market place is by offering freebies or significant discounts to people. As you are looking to create a name for yourself, build trust and reputation, you are going to have to find ways to incentivise others to use your product/service over others. Naturally you have to be mindful of your financial situation and prepare accordingly, however if you are factoring specific amounts of time and resources to do this in advance it will be manageable and return a lot of benefits.3. Learn from others mistakes - George spoke about reading the bad reviews from local businesses who might be competing in the same space. This is a great strategy to identify what your point of difference is, in comparison to your competitors. Criticism is valuable where it can provide insight into where the gaps in the market are. Often most pain points stem from basic customer service skills, which of course are easy wins. Through the frustration of other customers, you will be able to see how you can potentially "wow" your own when you connect with them.4. Stay flexible - George has a great outlook on his business and the industry. He stays up to date with the market and pays attention to not only what the technology giants are doing but also how the customer's behaviour changes. A sure way to have your business burn out is to stay fixed on your original concept and not evolve as the market changes. In George's example, the future might bring an unwillingness of customer's to have their phones fixed due to rising costs. George is keeping a close eye on this and is always keeping back up plans in place, just in case things change too dramatically to keep the business sustainable.Follow George's Tech Repairs via FacebookLocation – 36/12 Charlton Court Woolner, Northern Territory 0820

It didn't go to plan! Tenelle Bond from The Establishment Bar in Dubbo (for those international listeners, approximately 400km north west of Sydney) certainly has an interesting story to tell. Starting a bar was always the plan and having a background in hospitality and retail, it appeared to be a goal that Tenelle was about to proceed toward and conquer....then along came Joan.Inspired by her late Grandmother, Joan is a vintage van that won the heart of Tenelle and launched a successful business called AuRevoir. A traveling hospitality events van that has complimented a countless number of weddings, engagements, community gatherings and much more, forming a fond memory to all of those who have utilised Joan's services.As the business grew and Joan's reputation continued to travel around the area, Tenelle started to reflect and look back on her initial idea of starting her own bar. A concept that was always meant to come first but had to be placed on hold when Joan had come along and brought unexpected business success.When I reached out to Tenelle over a year ago, it was to talk about AuRevoir - The vintage van business that seemed to be doing great things with an amazing story and persona attached to it. At the time Tenelle was not available to chat and had made mention of another project that was being worked on and in the midst of being launched. Little did I know that it would be The Establishment Bar. In fact, I didn't completely understand the story until we started speaking in this very episode.While AuRevoir is still being run by Tenelle and her family, there are plans to find Joan and the business a new home. Tenelle's passion to run and now launch her own bar has meant that more time needs to be placed on The Establishment rather than AuRevoir. Luckily for Joan, all the hard work is done and shortly she will be able to embark on the next chapter of her life.This was an incredibly fun chat where Tenelle's story certainly surprised me along the way. While it didn't all go according to plan, it has certainly worked out better than Tenelle would have ever expected.To check out The Establishment Bar in Dubbo and their 1930's Speakeasy vibe (right near the Dubbo goal mind you!), check out the links in the show notes. You can also say hello to Joan and Au Re Vior in the show notes also.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Personifying the product and creating an origin story - It all seems so natural and genuine when it comes to the story of Joan. I never got to meet Tenelle's grandmother but when you learn of Joan the van's story, you almost get a feeling of what kind of person her grandmother was. While I know that Tenelle's story comes from the heart, from a business perspective, the personification and origin story that can be be created around a business is genius when it comes to tugging at the heart strings and connecting with the general public. If you can make whatever you are doing relatable to others then you're half way there. As a result of the great story behind Joan, I now genuinely hope that she finds a great new home and continues to bring joy to others. Who would have thought, right?!2. Reviews/feedback = currency - The secrets and value are in those comments. Having customer's make the effort to express themselves both positively and otherwise uncovers many tips and answers to making your business succeed. Someone once told me that every complaint is a gift. You can extend this approach to any form of communication you receive from a customer. Take it seriously, thank them and interrogate it objectively to see how you can do better. The feedback can be priceless.3. There's always tomorrow. No matter how hard it gets. Don't give up. - Living in North Western New South Wales, Tenelle used the current drought as an example of the hardships that many people have to go through. While the example is extreme when it comes to the every day self employed person, it teaches all of us that no matter how hard it gets, there is always tomorrow. We need to keep pushing through the tough times, be selfless to others and do all we can to keep our head up and not give up. Whether it be in business or in our general lives, it's an important message that we should all be preaching and practising.4. There's enough to go around - Times are changing! With the connectivity of the internet, more knowledge and information, the old "dog eat dog" environment is drifting away to be nothing but a distant memory. We don't have to stress as much about competition or holding onto knowledge. Many people are understanding that there is more than enough opportunities to go around and everyone has the opportunity to find their own place in the self employment world. Even I have started practising this when it comes to podcasting by launching a 'how to start a podcast' series on YouTube. Search for my name and have a squiz!Follow The Establishment Bar via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Follow AuRevoir Vintage Van via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Location – Suite 2, Level , 88 Macquarie Street Dubbo, New South Wales 2830

Some of your may know Chris as the guitarist in Melbourne band Vanishing Point, however Chris has a unique story to tell which finds him running his own business, Speed Metal Scrap, collecting and selling scrap metal around the suburbs of Melbourne.Working for an Automobile manufacturer for a couple of decades, Chris found himself in a rapidly changing industry and saw the writing on the world when it came to his own career in that field. Accepting an exit package from his employer and with two newborn twins, Chris took the plunge to start a new chapter and launch his own business.Diving into that first year out of the comforts of traditional employment, Chris had appropriately prepared himself and his family to ensure that expectations were reasonable while he built a reputation and group of clientelle. While money was not a steady stream like it had been in the past, the new world of self employment and the flexibility that has come with it has helped Chris find a work/life balance that meets the needs and desires of him and his family.Chris' approach to his business might be unorthodox for some. His business has doesn't have a website or a social media page, but instead exists via classifieds and his tight inner network of people that work in his field who support each other with opportunities and work via word of mouth and reputation. Just like being a musician performing on stage, Chris knows he is only as good as the last customer he has dealt with. His reputation is built on being in service to other people and he's proud to do it with a high standard.Chris is always looking ahead to ensure he stays on his toes with his business, however he doesn't hesitate to enjoy every moment along the way. Each day brings opportunity and the freedom to continue to carve out his own part in the world for his family.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Answer the Phone! - It's the simple stuff that counts and often we find ourselves in a state of self-sabotage by being lazy, avoiding uncomfortable moments or allowing introverted tendencies to overwhelm. Chris has put a rule in place that he always answers the phone. He's seen others make the mistake by being complacent and by following this simple rule, he ensures that he does not miss out on any opportunity. Think about how you can set rules in place to ensure that you never miss out. If it's not phone, maybe it's email and instant messages!2. Reputation/word of mouth - It's a common theme with the Self Starer guests and it's worthy of highlighting again. You are a reflection of your business, and your personal reputation directly equates to not only return business but also recommendations to others. Chris doesn't invest a lot in marketing as he built a network of people who through word of mouth bring him new opportunities. Cheap and organic! Don't get me wrong, marketing is always important however if you invest in customers who come to you in the early stages with a great service, they will reward you with more business in the long term both directly and indirectly.3. Be realistic, invest and profit later - Delayed gratification. As the dollars roll in, spend wisely. It's important to invest in what you are doing so you can ensure that not only the business grows, but is sustainable. As long as your basic lifestyle needs are met, try to put as much back into it as possible.4. Touch base, say hello. - Just because you don't hear from someone doesn't mean they are not interested. Life gets in the way and people get busy. Sometimes a friendly follow up call, email, message can do wonders and jog the memory of someone who was genuinely interested in doing business with you. Just like answering the phone, Chris has ensured that this simple rule of follow up and reconnecting is followed and it is proving to have great results. Some people may have concerns that it could come across as being desperate however it's all in the delivery. Remind people that you exist and that you are ready to serve them when they are ready.Learn more about Speed Metal Scrap by contacting Chris via FacebookLocation – South Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne

Here's a very quick wrap up episode for Season 1. A quick reflection over the past 12 months since launch and plans moving into 2019.This is also a good opportunity to show some gratitude and thank those who have had a significant positive influence on the podcast. Without these people, Self Starter wouldn't have achieved what is has to date.My wife, Jessica - Check out her own business (Pre-loved Designer clothes, jewellery, and stationary goods) - Jessicapizzin.comAdrian Griffin - Web Development - AbepeTim Yatras - Editing/Production - Equinoxe StudiosAll of the guests to date - Kelly Goltz, Stevino Vinetti, Johny Vynes, Paul Traynor, Karin Neate, K-m, Michelle Milward, Amy, Carley and Tess, Pia Winberg, Craig Bloxsome, Ellen Thornthwaite, Syd Green, Sandra Pires, Jariss Shead, Arron Kidston, James and Jonno, Ronnie Lowe, Trevor Williams, Peter Langstaff, Andrew Coldwell, Rebecca Want de Rowe, Albert Skipper, Trina Collins, Russell Crosdale, Brad Wesson and Megan Sproats.Dave Gertler and Anna Riddel - Australian Podcast AwardsRebecca Fist (South Coast Register), Jessica Clifford (ABC Radio), Brendan Crabb (Illawarra Mercury), Chance, Barry & Frenchy from Shoalhaven CBF, and Myles Burt (Barrier Daily Truth).My Cockatiel, Larry Birb (now a regular contributor to the podcast outro)The biggest thanks of course is to you for reading, listening and supporting. This podcast has been a real labour of love and a real development opportunity for me. Having your support and encouragement along the way has certainly kept me inspired to continue to build Self Starter. Thank you, thank you!Season 2 will kick off in June 2019. Until then, keep sharing these great stories with anyone you may know who needs a spark of inspiration on their own self employment journey. If you have any guest suggestions for season 2, shoot me a message or leave a comment.

Megan Sproats launched Cocoon Floatation 5 years ago, renting a local house out for business, purchasing some second hand tanks and slowly building connections with the small number of clients who were curious enough to try out this what at the time was an usual form of therapy.A float tank, also known as a sensory deprivation tank, holds 10 inches of water and up to 350 kilograms of Epsom salts. Due to the high concentrate of salt, you instantly float which gives the feeling of weightlessness. There are a large number of physical and mental benefits of using a float tank, plus it is a really awesome experience.Over the years, Megan has gradually built her business and shared her personality and passion with as many people as possible. In the last two years, the business has now been running out of a central site in the heart of Wollongong which has added increased visibility and allowed the business to hit that next level of professionalism.Megan shared that first moment where she decided to pursue a life a purpose and create her own business, the growing pains along the way, the transition their current site and also where Megan plans to take the business into the future.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Small wins can mean success - Megan reflected on that first day opening the new location in Wollongong where she was able to walk 10 minutes to work for the first time ever. While it might be a small thing for others, for Megan this was a real moment that confirmed the hard work which she had put in was paying off. Always search for those small wins along the way. There are many things we often glaze over which are actually the reasons why we take the path of self employment. Celebrate all wins and use them to define your own unique version of success.2. Share the progress. Good for your audience, good for you - During the time when the new location was being built, Megan took her clients and wider community on a journey through the building of the new site. I personally remember following Megan and her circle of friends working day in day out to make a dream become a reality. When people can follow your journey, the can also celebrate your success with you. This can obviously help cultivate loyalty to you and your business but it is always good to bring others along for the ride to give you the boost you deserve.3. Be liberated to blend your personality with your business - Megan is fantastic at social media and is able to blend her business operation with her own day to day life, passions and her unique story. For those who work for an employer, we can be hesitant to share or display our true passions and personality in fear that it might clash with the public image of the employer. This is one of the rewarding aspects of becoming self employed and creating something of your own. You are able to introduce yourself personally to your clients and wider audience with an unashamed and celebrated approach.4. Business to business opportunities - Megan's business is all about servicing the end customer however in recent times there has been an awareness of other businesses referring their clients to Cocoon for therapy treatment. The possibilities of creating additional lines of business in a B to B environment are plentiful. Referral program? Corporate benefit program? A point of difference for an employer looking to add value to their staff in the line of health and well being? The cogs are turning!5. Feeling clouded in your own self employment journey? Maybe a float will help! - It's all about taking a step back to re-calibrate, gather your thoughts, work through your worries or dream about those next big goals. Whether it be a walk through a peaceful area, some form of meditation or even a float tank, we all need that momentary break to mitigate those feelings of being overwhelmed. You are your most important asset, so take care of you!Follow Cocoon Floatation via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |Learn more - What is floating? Why float?New to floating? Check out this cool PDF guide that Megan has put together. This is how you do it!Location – 70 Kembla st (Cnr Market and Kembla st), Wollongong NSW 2500

Bump In Burger is located in Woodvale in the northern suburbs of Perth in Western Australia. Owner Brad Wesson who many know as one of the names behind Soundworks Direct Touring, teamed up with professional chef wiz Christopher Swayne to launch their own burger suburban haven.For those who don't know, Brad's own journey in the self employment world has seen him running the music touring company Soundworks Touring for over a decade. More recently merging with David Haley of Direct Touring to form Soundworks Direct Touring, Brad has built a global network of contacts, talent and insights that have continued to build his own knowledge and skill sets. These years slogging it out all over the world has now positioned him to be able to 'take that plunge' and launch his own burger joint, even though Brad has had no experience himself in hospitality since being a kitchen hand in his teens.Since the launch of Bump in Burger in February 2018, the team has seen dramatic success in their local area and through Brad's wider network has attracted attention globally with international musicians stopping in for a meal when coming through Perth on tour. Their real impact however has been through their efforts in contributing to their local area, ensuring that the suburb of Woodvale feels that Bump in Burger is their own. It's a collective project that has formed a passionate loyalty with many regulars coming in each week to grab their favourite specials before they sell out, which happens often.This is a great chat where we talk about the build up to launch, pushing it all over the line (with some encouragement from Brad's wife), how they have managed to achieve what they have in 2018 and their efforts to package up and strengthen the business as quickly as possible.There's lots to come for Brad and the Bump in Burger business rolling into 2019, so if you're ever in Perth be sure to head north and grab a bite.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. What's Your Back Up Plan? - Bump In Burger came from Brad wondering if his Touring business ever went away, what would his back up plan be. Not all of us may be thinking of a second business to create to protect the first, however sometimes a solid fall back is a great way to take the pressure off and provide you with options and flexibility. Even better if your back up plan becomes just as successful!2. Pull Your Finger Out - Brad's wife said it best, "Let's get moving. There is not enough urgency". This has been a common theme with Self Starter. Sometimes being stuck in the concept and idea leaves you missing your window of opportunity due to waiting for the perfect set of circumstances to get started. Brad knew that it was getting to the point where he just needed to open the doors and work the rest out as they went. In this case, Brad's wife, having the outside perspective, was the one to smack some sense into him!3. Make the community feel like it's theirs - Brad is nailing it when it comes to advocacy. He said that his aim for Bump in Burger was to make it feel like the community owned it. As a result he has seen faithful supporters jumping in online when any unfair criticism is displayed. Large corporations pay huge dollars to create campaigns that breed this level of advocacy. Brad seen the same results from his grass roots, community entrenched approach and his reputation in how he conducts business. Bump In Burger is something that the local area can truly be proud of.4. Become a People Person - I understand that we might not all be social butterflies, but we should always be open to create new relationships and nurture existing ones. This can have obvious business advantages but it also has a great impact on your own self development. This point has a lot packed into it, but Brad's approach of 'everyone is a potential friend of business partner' is a fantastic way to approach life in general.5. Don't play with amateurs. Recruit Pros. - Brad is a firm believer of investing in himself and others. The old saying of 'you get what you pay for' rings true. Paying a premium for professionals such as an accountant, book keeper, staff, contractors, consultants etc will see your return on investment a lot quicker and lift the bar on your own expectations, operation and vision. Surround yourself with excellence and don't hesitate to pay for it.6. Package it and put a bow on it - One of the first things that Brad did was look to package up his business and scrutinise all facets of operation. Normally this happens when you're looking to sell up, but Brad's approach was to do this early so that he could identify any bias, bad habits and get a professional independent assessment on everything he is doing. This is a great way to remove the emotion, have a healthy detatchment and identify not only the areas of strength but the areas of opportunity.Follow Bump in Burger via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Location – Shop 4, Woodvale Boulevard Shopping Center, 931 Whitfords Ave, Woodvale WA 6026

Crosdales BBQ is the ultimate side hustle. When people have plans to start their own business, some of us look to the future and envision a day when we will be able to do it full time and nothing else. Owner Russell Crosdale however has a different approach on it all.Having been swooned by the flavours and culture of BBQ cooking while living and working as a cook in North America, Russell wanted to bring his experiences back home and continue to enjoy cooking this food which he had developed a real love of.With a traditional job that was already providing what he needed, Russell launched Crosdales BBQ as a weekend passion business that has grown in demand through the reputation carved out of quality American Authentic BBQ food. So much so that at the time of having our chat, Crosdales BBQ was booked out every weekend for the next 4 months.When asked whether there would be plans to extend to a full time gig, Russell was quick to acknowledge that his main focus is to nurture the passion and not compromise it. The current balance between a Monday to Friday job with his weekend meat fests tick all of the boxes and keeps life exciting.Of course, nothing is ever ruled out but why rush to expand if you absolutely love the way things are?You could sit back and relax on your weekends or you could get out there and immerse yourself in what you love and make some extra money from it. Crosdales BBQ is a pretty legitimate side hustle!What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Join an association or industry group – Starting your own business can be seen as a lonely road but it really doesn't have to be. By joining an association or group of like minded individuals in your same line of business, it can help you grow by sharing best practices, getting insights and staying up to date with the latest changes. Best of all it can provide you with inspiration and reassurance when times get tough.2. The story counts – One of the things that really grabbed me about Crosdales BBQ is Russell's story which he shares on his website and through his marketing. When you learn about the journey, the purpose and the 'why' behind Russell's love for American BBQ, you can't help but feel more connected personally to the brand and want to support it. These days this is marketing 101 but your story is still underused when promoting your business. Make sure you let everyone know the origin story, your passions and why you are doing what you are doing. It's a fantastic way to build that loyalty and support.3. Gets hands on and talk about it – Russell offers food delivery to events, but he always puts preference on being there to serve and talk to everyone about the food. They get hands on and in front of people with their food to ensure that they can cultivate an appreciation of how the food is cooked, that origin story and be there to answer any questions or take advantage of new opportunities. The ultimate business card!4. Turning a frown into a smile – Russell has had years of customer service experience and explains that the dissatisfied customers are just as important if not more important then their satisfied ones. When a negative review or comment is left somewhere, Russell ensures that he is reaching out to understand the criticism and also take advantage of the opportunity to turn an unhappy customer into an advocate.Follow Crosdales BBQ via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Location – Glossodia, Hawkesbury NSW 2756

Anchors Aweigh Art Studio is a full functioning artist studio located in the heart of Wollongong. Run by owner Trina Collins, the business not only caters as a space for artists to experiment and learn but also facilitates a number of workshops and provides art services such as screen printing, digital design, murals and more. Anchors Aweigh also has it's own art supplies shop set up to ensure that the artists in the area are fully equipped to create their work.Trina has a long history as a critically acclaimed artist working under the name Poncho Army and was working at one point as an artist in residence for the Wollongong City Council before deciding to branch out and create her own business. Working in a number of traditional jobs in the past, Trina wanted to ensure that she could continue to earn a living as an artist and not have to go back to a job that may have been unfulfilling.Several years on, the art studio has grown at it's own pace and has captured a loyal following through word of mouth and from Trina's passion for art. The incremental and organic approach of building the business feeds into the grass roots, authentic artist lifestyle that compliments the whole purpose of Anchors Aweigh Art Studio.It's been a slow burn, but it's a sustainable slow burn. This has meant that Trina gets to do what she loves everyday and best of all make a living from it.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Finding opportunity in your environment – When realising that her residence with the Wollongong City Art Gallery was coming to a close, Trina needed to think quickly about what she was going to do next. Whilst still in residency and having the opportunity to utilise a free studio space, Trina began running workshops to teach others about art which set her up to transition out of that space and move into doing her own thing.Keeping Trina's story in mind, are you working or living in a temporary space at the moment? While it might not be perfect for what you want to do long term, how can you maximise the location that you have now that can set you up for bigger and better things down the track? A temporary office, workshops, storage, creative space and more. Focus on what you can control rather than what you cannot.2. Creating income from a personal need/problem – Trina needed to purchase art supplies for her workshop and at the time the materials needed were not readily available in the area. Trina was able to set up some wholesale deals with suppliers to address her own problem of obtaining the stock but also made the decision to sell these supplies to her local area as a retailer. This decision has brought in an additional revenue stream and value add to her business.3. Word of mouth can cut through the noise – Advertising and marketing can be a dirty business. We are bombarded with hard sells on a daily basis at such a volume that we often pay little attention to them. Word of mouth as many of us know is an effective way of gaining trust through recommendation and grabbing the attention of your target audience by cutting through the noise. This is always a hard thing to kick start but as Trina said in our chat, she surrounds herself with extroverts who go out there and talk about her business in a positive light which builds trust and loyalty.4. Start small, patience is key – One of the best things about Trina's story is the incremental progress and growth that was made by reinvesting her earnings back into the business. Trina didn't take out any loans and has been playing the long game to keep the overheads low and ensure that she is working within her own lane. While this might not be ideal for everyone depending on their business, there are a lot of us out there who can happily start off small and use time to our advantage by gradually building our business dollar by dollar.Follow Anchors Aweigh Art Studio via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Learn more about Poncho Army via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Location – 104b Church Street, Wollongong, NSW 2500

Coffee, donuts and a mini ramp.Skips Skateboard Shop caters for people all ages and is giving back to the community in a multitude of ways. While the name may attract the obvious crowd who are keen to fuel their passion for skateboarding, the shop also serves as a cafe. You will often find the older generation sitting back drinking a coffee watching younger people working on their boards across the room, which has helped bridge the generational gap and build respect across all ages.Albert Skipper aka 'Skip' sums it up beautifully with "The community is my family". Having a long history in the Eaglehawk and Bendigo areas, Skip has been giving back for years with a heavy background in music teaching. In more recent years however he was reintroduced to an old love of skateboarding.Skip saw an opportunity to blend his reacquainted love with his passion to contribute to his wider family.Since opening in January 2018, Skips Skateboard Shop has become a central hub for people of all ages. Not only covering coffee and skateboarding, the shop is a social space which gives many people a place to go, creating a sense of community.Most recently, Skip has expanded his services to work with a barber who is also utilising the space to bring the community more value. A one stop shop of service to others.Skip believes in the power of positivity and after living through his own darker moments in years gone by, he uses his experiences to help others. His shop is an extension of his personality and a demonstration of how much he cares for those around him.There are big plans in the future for Skip and the business. He's never short of an idea as you will hear in this episode. As long as Skip continues to provide value to the community then no doubt the community will ensure the continued success of Skips Skateboard Shop.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Contributing to the community – This is a common theme throughout the Self Starter podcast series. Skip has totally embraced the community and identified that not only does the area need a shop like this but with everything now up and running, he is seeing his efforts attract people from all walks of life who are seeing value in what he is doing. When you get the buy in from the wider community, you can almost guarantee your business having longevity.2. Power of positivity – It's sounds a little religious in the way it's expressed but the concept is true. Listening to Skip's story of working with the community through music and now his shop, you can see that this isn't just about teaching others the practical skill of those interests. A lot of Skip's work is mindset and getting people to think more positively. His efforts have built deep connections and support from many people in the area who he has directly or indirectly impacted. Want some extra stuff to check out? Have a look at this and this.3. Providing the power of skating – We can all stereotype. Stereotypes come from our environment, what we've been exposed to, and what we *think* we know (which is often not the reality). Skip through his own experiences and his story has made considerable efforts in breaking through the stereotypes of what skateboarding is and the types of people that partake in it. When others can see the positive attributes of what you are passionate about, the judgement of others begins to wash away.4. Trial run everything – What an exciting time to be in business. Albert's shop has been up and running for several months and as he said in the episode, it's too just early to tell what is really working. The data isn't there yet to spot seasonal trends and where the peaks and troughs are and how to adjust through each period. For now though, he is just throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks and what doesn't.This can be such a liberating time for a new business and more people should embrace these earlier stages in a positive way. Opening hours, product trials, social media interaction, community involved projects, collaborations with other business owners are just a few of many things that Skip is experimenting with during the infancy stage of the shop. A great time to have a stack of ideas!Follow Skip's Skateboard Shop via Main Website | Facebook | Instagram |Location – 8 Sailors Gully Rd, Eaglehawk VIC 3556

As Rebecca Want de Rowe says, this was an accidental business. In fact starting a business was the last thing that Rebecca felt comfortable in doing. Having felt the first hand experiences of family business failures as a child, there was a real reluctance to lean toward a world which had previously brought a lot of pain and stress.Nonetheless life threw a number of surprises at Rebecca which found her long standing reputation as a respected property manager, unexpectedly turning into a magnet for clients wanting to work with her and her only. Now it was just a matter of turning this attraction into a long term relationship.Enter Want de Rowe Real Estate. A boutique property management agency that looks after small property portfolios focusing on customer service and care. With now being 4 and a half years in, business is going great. In fact, all of Rebecca's clients are 100% word of mouth originating from her reputation of years working in the community.I sat down with Rebecca to hear more of her story. Her love of property since she was a child, managing a number of changes professionally and personally as well as how Want de Rowe Real Estate accidentally became a business.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. A Business Plan makes all the difference – We've touched on this previously in episode 5 with Berry Mountain Cycles, however Rebecca cannot emphasise the importance of a business plan. Having clarity of what you are doing is critical to ensure you are protecting your venture as well as you and your loved ones. Rebecca learnt this the hard way growing up having identified that a lack of business plan hurt her family businesses.2. Their failures aren't your failures – Despite having some tough memories of hardship due to failed family businesses, Rebecca has been able to push through these deep seeded feelings. I think we all know friends and family members that use their own bad experiences to inform us of how to approach our own goals. It's always good to learn from others however its important to remember that other people's failures are not your failures.3. Your character is your asset – So simple yet so hard for many. Rebecca's approach to her clients and people in the community over the years gave her a reputation of reliability, care and professionalism. Sure, Rebecca would no doubt be knowledgeable and skilled in what she does however its her character that is her true asset. Be sure to always work on yourself personally. Learn of your personality strengths and weaknesses and harness them for good. You will be amazed at how much this makes or breaks opportunities.4. Set your standards and learn to say no – There is nothing wrong with saying yes to everything depending on the type of business however the power of saying no is highly underrated. Sometimes we get stuck in the weeds of a cheap product, a high maintenance customer or simply dealing with a situation that is below the standards that we set. There is nothing wrong with saying no to a customer or opportunity if they do not meet your requirements or standards. It's also a case that that prospective customer may actually get a better service/outcome else. Remember though, it's how you say no that counts.Follow Want De Row Real Estate via Main Website | Facebook |Location – Darwin, Northern Territory.

Kluwell Publications develops a range of reading products to encourage positive reading attitudes and help parents and teachers track the progress of students with milestones along the way.Created by former school teachers and principals, Stan Kluzek and Andrew Coldwell in 1998, the name Kluwell Publications is combination of both Stan and Andrew's surnames which unified them to a concept that was many years in the making.Since launch of the business, Kluwell Publications has seen consistent success with not only impressive national sales but launching fulfilment operations in New Zealand and the UK. Despite the growth, the business continues to operate from their location in Bendigo where it had originally started. Stan has since retired and Andrew has a new business partner who is helping to ensure that the business continues to grow and prosper.I caught up with Andrew Coldwell to talk about how they first created these reading aids for students and how the idea sat with them for quite a number of years before the right set of circumstances presented themselves and they could take that step to turn the idea into a business. We spoke about the 'learn as you go' approach that they had to take on, some of the earlier challenges of navigating their way through a new world removed from their teaching backgrounds as well as their growth overseas and how fulfilment deals have helped that expansion.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Patience. Great ideas sometimes take time. – The reading aids were an idea that Stan and Andrew had in the 80s but it wasn't until the mid-90s that the idea went from their own small creation to a wide spread commercial product. The guys kept busy throughout the years however never let the idea go. Through patience and continuously talking about it, it was only a matter of time when the right set of circumstances opened up to seize the opportunity to commercialise the product.2. Go Pre-Loved to get started – Andrew went to Cash Converters to get this his bits of office equipment to help get the business started. While Cash Converters might not be your immediate go to these days, think about that second hand market for office equipment and technology, especially through online market hubs. An unwanted present, a hardly used item or a factory second option could give you an affordable jump start when getting your business up and running.3. The power of local help – Andrew and Stan used local printers in Bendigo to help get their orders out across the country. They could have outsourced this to a cheaper option overseas straight away, however by having a local arrangement they were closer to action where they could communicate easier, build rapport and intervene/assist if there was ever a problem. Who do you know in the area that runs their own business might go above and beyond for you?4. Fulfilment Options – Going abroad can be a daunting process however the fulfilment option for Andrew took a lot of the hassle and stress out of having to physically do the leg work in a completely new market. Sure, you might be getting a smaller margin from your sales but with saved time and resources, it might balance out or tip in your favour long term if the volume is considerable. If you're dealing with print material or a product that can be produced elsewhere, maybe a fulfilment deal could assist you with taping into a new territory?Follow Kluwell Publications via Main Website | Facebook |Location – PO Box 55, Strathdale, Victoria 3550, Australia

The Illawarra has been a hub for musicians and creatives of all kinds. In more recent years however a number of closures of live music spaces have stiffened those wishing to perform and express themselves creatively.This gap opened up a need for a new venue that could not only provide another spot for musicians but for artists of all types.With the recent gentrification shift of Port Kembla, previously neglected pieces of property have been snapped up to create new opportunities and take advantage of the property boost in the area. One of these was a long closed and neglected service station.With the downsizing of venues and the boost of new property opportunities you could say that the planets had aligned.Servo Food Truck Bar is the collaboration of 12 dedicated individuals in the Illawarra’s creative space. Together they were able to bring their unique skills to the table and make a safe social and performance space for people of all ages and all identities.I caught up with part owner Peter Langstaff, a long standing identity in local music as a singer/songwriter and known for his time as a radio host at Vox FM Illawarra. Peter and I spoke about the birth of the idea, the steps that progressed from an initial observation to a concept put into action, some early challenges at launch and the successes they have had to date.Servo Food Truck Bar is another demonstration of what the people of the Illawarra are capable of. The area has nurtured many great artists and will no doubt continue to do so.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Know what your customers want, because you are one. – Being live music lovers, Peter and the other owners already knew what they wanted in a live venue from their own personal experiences. They trusted their instincts and expectations to build the concept which they believe the wider community will also enjoy. Remember that we are all customers and often we are creating a business because we feel passionately about what we are selling, so remember to place yourself in the customer's shoes and to think about what you would want and what would excite you as a customer. Sounds simple, but you'll be amazed at how many people lose that perspective.2. One person's trash is another person's treasure – Think about that rundown building or land that's being left unused. Is your idea what a property owner is looking for? Of course there are many assessments you will have to make before taking on a lease and there are always risks involved (you should always ask yourself the question - why is no one else using this space), however there could simply be many overlooked opportunities that are within easy grasp which could include a very reasonable agreement between you and the owner.3. Lean on your expertise. Contribute in your own way. – Peters experience came into play at launch of the Servo Food Truck Bar. His gig and administration experience ensured that the standard was set when everything was in full operation. Don't get clouded in the areas that you have no expertise or capacity in. You can't be great at or be available for everything. Focus on your strengths and outsource/bring in others who can help in the areas that you may not be able to contribute to at your expected standard.4. Can't do it alone? Collaborate with others! – While this might be an extreme example, Peter is one of 12 partners who are involved with the Servo Food Truck Bar. By sharing the concept, the goal and dream becomes more attainable rather than it being just a ‘wouldn’t that be nice’ thought that progresses no further. Could you bring in another like minded or multiple like minded people to lend unique skills and effort to build on and accelerate a business idea that you’re passionate about.Follow Servo Food Truck Bar via Facebook | Twitter |Location – 6-8 Wentworth St, Port Kembla NSW 2505

Remember when you day dreamed as a kid? Fantasising about your future and what you wanted to do with your life? For Trevor Williams, these dreams began as a 16 year old sketching out his ideal gym and through a number of twists and turns over the years, Trevor never let go of what he wanted. Incrementally he built his skills, experience and reputation to a point where he was able to launch Estr Gym, his very own gym in Broken Hill about 4 and a half years ago.Like most of us, the path we take is never a straight or easy one. Trevor used his time between jobs and downtime from working in the mines to gradually work on building a community through personal training. He also worked for others in the fitness industry to gain experience and knowledge so that when he was ready to embark on his own, he had the tools and experience to do so.As a personal trainer, Trevor was able to use his face to face relationships with his clients to build commitments and buy in for the launch of his gym. He has also used his experience as a personal trainer to continue to provide individual support to others not only in Broken Hill but to people in other locations through social media.Fitness requires mindset and there are many parallels in business where your mental approach dictates your actions and returns. While the gym might scare you (it does for me!), Trevor's story of working and creating his own business in an industry he loves is inspiration for anyone who is carving out their own unique path.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Using every spare moment - Trevor had quite a hard slog working in the mines with several days on at the mining site, which was hours of travel away, and then several days at home. Trevor needed the income from the mining job but he used that downtime at home to build and grow his personal training business and community with every available moment he had.2. Subscriptions and pre-orders - A great way to get some upfront funding for your venture or next phase of business is to offer a subscription or pre-order service. Trevor used a subscription model for both gym and personal training attendees to get upfront commitment for multiple sessions. These upfront payments not only helped secure much needed funds but also ensured that there was clientele stability in the future months of operation.3. Content over Promo - For years it was thought that you had to simply do the hard sell before delivering people value. Trevor has learnt that content is king. By providing as much upfront content and value, he can build trust first, attract prospective customers and then later up-sell them with a training course or series of sessions.4. It's the energy that you put in - Trevor used a great analogy of power lifting. The results and success are determined by the energy you put in, whether that be physically, mentally or both. Remember, the more you put in, the more you get back.Follow Estr Gym via Main Website | Facebook |Location - 349 Beryl Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880Follow Trevor Williams - Facebook | Instagram

Ronnie Lowe is the Founder and Managing Director of Viridian IT, based in Bendigo with additional offices in Swan Hill and Seymour in regional Victoria. The business started out in 2007 under the name 'Callout Computers' which was a bit of an after hours business that Ronnie had created when he was working as a Computer Technician at Harvey Norman. While he was working his traditional job, Ronnie had found that many of the customers calling in to seek help with their computers didn't want to actually bring their computers into the store to be looked at.As the service didn't exist at the time, Ronnie found an opportunity to create something on the side and address a problem that customer's were having. Years on and changing the name to Viridian IT in 2012, the team provides hardware and software support for clients throughout regional Victoria and also for clients as far away as Queensland. The progress of connectivity and technology has seen the demand for their services increase. As a result Viridan expanded and is currently based in 3 locations with multiple staff working on rotating rosters to provide varying types of support to clients, and in some cases 24 hours/7 days a week support.Ronnie and I spoke about the early days of working at Harvey Norman. His day to day approach and how he had not really planned originally for the business to grow as it did. We talk about the opportunities that businesses now have with the evolution of connectivity with some real life examples of his clients finding success online.There's a bunch of great titbits of information for anyone out there who needs to take that step into the digital age. It's not as daunting as you may think.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Identifying a problem to provide a solution - Many businesses are experiencing friction as they evolve into the digital age. It can be an overwhelming experience. Ronnie saw that there were many people having these problems and found that he could provide them with a solution. What problems are you observing from other people and business owners experiences that you could possibly help with?2. One step at a time - As Ronnie says 'I can only play the game with the cards in front of me'. Ronnie focuses on the tasks at hand and takes everything day by day. While there might be some long term hopes of where he would like the business to go, Ronnie's progression has been a natural one that has come from his incremental daily decisions. Working in the IT world with the rapid progress of technology also means that Ronnie needs to be flexible and always attentive to change as well as new opportunities.3. Run your business from your phone - While it might not always be practical depending on the business you operate, the rise of technology and ease of access allows many of us to manage our businesses from the convenience of our smart phone. Apps, cloud based software and instant connectivity with our customers allows us to conduct business regardless of our location.4. Breaking the stigma of location - Years gone by businesses would only be looking within their own geographical area for service providers and partners. Ronnie has customers up to a couple of thousand kilometres away and is consistently challenging the stigma's around location by demonstrating the possibilities of remote service providing as well as unique value adds. It's an ongoing challenge for Ronnie and his team, but he has seen some success along the way. If you're in a regional location, how do you find and attract clients who live on the other side of the country or on the other side of the world? How do you compete with those who might be more local to your prospective client than you are.Follow Viridian IT via Main Website | Facebook | Linkedin |Location 1 - Level 1, 25 Killians Walk Bendigo VIC 3550Location 2 - Suite 12, 22 Emily St Seymour VIC 3660Location 3 - Swan Hill VIC 3585Phone: 1300 063 327

We have to start somewhere! The Self Starter podcast kicks off with a brief introductory episode which runs through a bit of context and story behind what Self Starter is as well as what to expect over the coming months.To begin with, we will be focusing on one episode per fortnight with additional content being created and shared in between.I’d love to hear from you as Self Starter grows as this is about you as much as myself. We’re all learning from each other and trying to create our own desirable lifestyle (I’m going to say that A LOT).Before I wrap this entry up, please have a quick read below which is the extract taken from the ‘About’ page of this website. I’m sure this will continue to be refined as Self Starter grows, but this is where we begin.Looking froward to you all coming along for the journey!

I’m interrupting your regularly scheduled Self Starter program with a side hustle episode. I’m not sure what I’ll call these types of episodes just yet but I want to give you all some more ideas of how to earn some extra money. Not everyone has the desire to completely immerse themselves in the self employment world or they’re ready but there are plenty of ways to ease in and get a feel of the what the possibilities may be by earning small amounts of money on the side. Who wouldn’t want to earn a little extra money? And it’s even better when it’s something you enjoy.So have you heard of Twitch? Twitch is a live streaming video platform which launched in 2011 as primarily a video gaming platform. Over the years however its been utilised by all sorts of people doing things that they are passionate about such as music, art and other forms of entertainment. I’ve even been made aware of a guy who video streams his turtles, which you’ll hear more about in this episode.Personally for me I don’t know a great deal about Twitch so I thought I would call on the assistance of two friends who are avid users and have made some money from it. James and Jonno, both from Tasmania (that wasn’t planned) both stream their video games and love of pop culture via their channels. I spoke with both of them in this episode about how and why they got started, what makes a successful twitch user, the money they make and what they do with it and their general views of the platform and what they have personally got out of it.Now I’m no gamer and I know many of you may not be either but I really encourage you to keep an open mind and think about how you could potentially utilise a platform like Twitch or video streaming in general to possibly earn a little bit of extra money or even to add to your existing business.James (stay_frosty641) - Twitch | Discord |Jonno (goodoldjb) - Twitch | Discord |What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. The Social Aspect - Both James and Jonno found communities of like-minded people through the video streaming platform. Not only is this great on a personal level to be interacting with people who share similar interests but its also a great networking opportunity which could lead to other opportunities in the future.2. It's not just about the games - We covered the various types of ways you could utilise video streaming so what could you do? Is there something you enjoy doing on a regular basis that you wouldn't mind others to tune in and watch you do? Think about your passions and how video streaming could help you share these passions with others.3. Consistency - We all like consistency in what we do and many successful people have used consistency to deliver value to others. This is no different with Twitch. Both James and Jonno have regular streams throughout the week which brings a perception of reliability and understanding to the audience. I certainly experience the benefits of consistency through my podcast episodes! What are you doing in your business that could be better executed with some more consistency?4. Feedback - Like any good business, consumer feedback is critical to gauge whether you are on the right track or not. Through enthusiastic interaction with their audiences, James and Jonno are able to get feedback from their viewers on what they like and don't like. With that feedback they can make constant improvements to their channel and continue to build their audience.

Arron Kidston and A.K. Gardening & Maintenance is the case study that underpins what Self Starter is all about. Creating the business, 10 October 2017, Arron started small and with very little experience apart from some guidance from his father.Buying second hand equipment and hitting the footpaths to do flyer drops, talking to the local community, Arron has taken a simple and periodic approach to building his business from the ground up.Within months of getting started, Arron has built steady clientele, expanded his services (listening and meeting the local demands) and has been honoured through the local Rotary community group. This early success has built a reputation of reliability and trust in the area which will lead to future return business.Arron’s story is the type of inspiration I had behind creating Self Starter. It’s the perfect example of creating your own desirable lifestyle with the tools you have at your disposal. Starting small, being patient and simple taking on that Self Starter attitude of taking action/giving it a go.If you’re in the Batemans Bay area and need some work down around the yard, Arron is your man!What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Building a network of helpers – Arron has embraced the whole concept of making sure that opportunities are plentiful and available for everybody. He can't be at every place at once so he will pass on particular jobs to other people that do almost the same type of work that he does. Some people might hesitate with passing work onto 'competitors' but when the rolls are reversed, Arron will no doubt be considered when others have too much work to carry out themselves. What a great way to build a strong network who work together rather than against.2. Never say no – Arron has made a point to never say no to any particular job that is offered to him from a customer. It might be a case at times that he physically can't do the job due to expertise (or point number 1), but he will ensure that the customer gets what they need by coordinating another party to carry out the work on their behalf. By saying yes and making sure that the job gets done by whatever means, Arron is building trust and confidence with customers who will make contact again in future.3. Learn as you go –I love Arron's honesty when he said that if he doesn't know how to do a particular job he will get online and learn via Google, YouTube, online tutorials/guides. Arron will go to the local hardware store and buy new tools in the hope to build a new skill that he can provide. The continued trust and reputation he is building helps him take action and give it a go. The more he learns, the more opportunities he creates.4. Face to face approach – When first starting the business, Arron hit the ground with flyers and began a letterbox drop. By getting out and bumping into the locals in the area, Arron was able to build an immediate connection and rapport with others that helped with getting his first few jobs. Many of us get sucked into the online world solely thinking that any older/more traditional methods are of no value. While I wouldn't invest all of your marketing efforts into letterbox drops alone, it is a great added approach to everything else you're doing to ensure that people are discovering your business.Follow A.K. Gardening & Maintenance via FacebookBatemans Bay, NSW

Yarnsy's Cafe in Tarrawanna opened its doors in January 2017. Since launch the cafe has seen considerable success in a booming Illawarra/Wollongong area. Jariss Shead and co-owner Thomas Bailey have gradually evolved the business into a multi-functional space to cater for not only the local coffee and cafe crowd but also local artists and musicians to celebrate and nurture local talent.The popularity of the cafe has helped compliment and arguably added value the area. With the recent opening of a local beer brewer next door, Yarnsy's is working collaboratively not only with them but the other businesses in the area to ensure that not only are they benefiting but the customers also get a value added experience.I sat down with Jariss in the spacious and chilled open court area at the cafe to talk about the concept, where the inspiration and idea came from, his personal inexperience in running a business and what he did to make it all happen.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Find the right people – Jariss had no experience running a cafe let alone a business and he didn't pretend otherwise. Jariss sought out friends who had experience to not only get insight and advice but ultimately build a partnership with his friend Tom who had many years of working/managing in cafes. Together and with advice from other friends running successful businesses in the area, they were both able to follow through on an idea and make it a reality.2. Find confidence in what you are creating – At times Jariss certainly felt the heat of the constant challenges of creating/launching a business. What kept him going through those times was focusing on what he had control over rather than external factors. Jariss is a firm believer of enthusiasm combined with a great product or service can lead to success which helped motivate him through the tougher times.3. It's never personal –Jariss learnt a valuable lesson from a fellow friend and businesses owner that the external challenges are never personal. Bills, licenses, permits, fines, notices and the mountains of paperwork are merely coming from others who are just trying to do their job. Jariss made sure that he didn't get swept up in the emotional aspect of being challenged by various providers and local council and took the approach of just 'getting it done'.4. Excite your customers – In a world of Instagram and instantaneous social media updates, Jariss ensures that their food is served in a way that people will want to take a photo of it. By encouraging and embracing the social media world, especially when it comes to foodies, Jariss is letting the food and his happy customers do the talking by posting online and tagging the cafe.Follow Yarnsy's Cafe via Facebook | Instagram |Tarrawanna (Wollongong) – 2/81 Meadow St, Tarrawanna NSW 2518

Sandra Pires is a Multi platform producer and director of Why Documentaries, based in Wollongong. The name was actually first registered in the year 2000 because Sandra needed to create a business name/ABN to get paid for a job. Since then Why Documentaries has gradually evolved into a reputable, award winning business and has become a driving force in creating content with purpose.The business specialises in video production, DVD duplication, corporate and commercial video services. A large focus on that is around Australian history documentaries and multicultural marketing which is where a lot of Sandra's passionate work comes to the surface. Her background in journalism also gave exposure to the freelancer/contractor lifestyle which helped in the earlier stages of creating the business.Sandra is full of great quotes as well as moments of inspiration, resilience and persistence. The chosen line of work that Why Documentaries takes means that there is always a degree of challenge and friction that a lot of other businesses may not experience. Despite the unique path that the business walks, there are many great insights and takeaways that other Self Starter listeners can find in Sandra's story.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Work Experience - Sandra did several work experience stints around the country with various production houses. While work experience is a great way to hone in on what you want, it also helps identify what you don't want to do. Work experience isn't reserved for those still in school or recently left. Maybe you could do a day a fortnight/month giving your time for free in exchange for some insight and experience in a line of work/industry that interests you? The more you give, the more you get.2. Thick Skin - Failure, rejection, criticism, and feedback. These are things that occur in everyone's self employment journey however in Sandra's line of work they are amplified and happy consistently. While it certainly has its moments and never gets easier, Sandra has developed a thick skin and understands that these moments are essential in fulfilling the needs of her business.3. Don't focus on what you think you are not - Sandra retold a great quote by Michael Nolan "It's not who we are that holds us back it's who we think we are not". Sometimes our fear of not knowing, not having or not understanding becomes a dark cloud that paralyses us from taking action. Sandra has a firm belief that you can do anything and its simply getting started where the break through begins.4. Money can't be the primary motivator - Starting and running your own business is hard. Money can be a motivator but it can't be the only one. Sandra's passion for telling stories that impact the community ensures that her business is aligned in with her own personal beliefs. It gives her fuel to push through the harder moments knowing that there are bigger reasons why she is doing it all.Follow Why Documentaries via Main Website | Facebook | Twitter |Wollongong – 2/324 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500Photo by Illawarra Mercury

Syd Green of MonoNest Studio is a freelance musician and music producer who began recording artists on the South Coast of New South Wales in Sanctuary Point around 10 years ago. Syd's background in music is extensive playing in bands such as Mantissa and Iota in the 90s and these days playing with 19Twenty.This episode is an edited/focused version of a longer chat I had with Syd that's featured on episode 124 of The Andy Social Podcast. In this Self Starter episode, however, you will hear us focusing more on MonoNest and the evolution of his business and the approach he takes with the clients/artists that he works with.Now you might think that a music producer and studio may not draw a lot of parallels in your own self employment journey, however I encourage you to listen with an open mind. The great thing about Self Starter is that it's about sharing best practices across all industries and professions. This encourages innovation and a point of difference in your own pond.If you want to learn more about some of his earlier days as a musician, some great Mantissa stories and a lot more music talk then check out episode 124 of The Andy Social Podcast here.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. People skills - Technical experience is big depending on your service but providing that personal touch can make all the difference between you and your competitors. Syd's focus on forming close personal relationships with the artists ensure that he is getting the most out of them but also creating an end product and experience that's worthy of being talked about with others.2. Use your website as a business card - Syd cites word of mouth as being the main driver for business rather than any form of advertising however Syd's website serves as a portfolio of work and a place for those who are curious to try Syd's services to have a sticky beak and learn about him before reaching out to make contact. If you can start to think about your online presence as a resource and business card/portfolio rather than just a sales portal/hard sell, you will create more of a rich experience and increase conversion for your prospect client.3. Collaborate globally - Syd has been able to take advantage of the digital landscape that we live in by recording with people all over the world. This isn't reserved to just people in the music industry and anyone can create business opportunities or find customers from all over the world. You're not limited to your immediate area anymore! We need to think beyond our local area and work out how we can collaborate and create more opportunities and fulfilling experiences.4. Taking advantage of quieter and colder months - Syd has leveraged off the local holiday homes in the area, especially in non-holiday periods where rent is cheaper (great incentive for his artists!). He has built relationships with certain owners in the area to provide them with steady occupancy from his artists during those times.Check out Syd Green's Main WebsiteMonoNest via Main Website | Facebook | YouTube |Location - Sanctuary Point, New South Wales

Some of us have developed expertise and specialised skills but remain restricted within the confines of an employer. Ellen Thornthwaite of Feel Good Financial Services was working for a large bank for several years and realised there were many things about the corporate culture that didn't sit well with her. Overtime, Ellen made the decision to leave the banking sector, taking her experience and skills learnt to begin working with a mortgage broker as a contractor, learning what life can be like being self employed.Over this time Ellen learnt a lot about being self employed and picking up knowledge outside of her prior experience in banking. This led to the decision to launch her own business in February 2018 called Feel Good Financial Services. The business provides a number of different support options for the Sydney and South Coast regions ranging from first home purchases, reverse mortgages, asset & equipment finance, defence home ownership assistance scheme loans, business loans and more.Ellen has blended her corporate and finance skills with a passion for providing individuals with personalised care and support to reach their financial goals. Ellen is achieving this by telling her own story, sharing her experiences and highlighting her own passions in the local community. When it comes to finance, it can be an awfully sensitive topic for some and Feel Good Financial Services is taking the right steps early to build trust, personal connections and deep loyalty through local referrals.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Provide Reassurance – Preempt the questions - Removing the first awkward questions which might stop people from making contact as they don't want to go through the possibility of having to ask (what they feel) are obvious/awkward questions that they don't want to ask.2. You might not know, but you can learn – Realising that the budget didn't allow for someone else to create a website, Ellen decided to dive in and learn how to create a simple website from scratch. Using online tutorials and guides along with feedback from her husband and sister, Ellen was able to get a website together and up within 2 days. While those two days were filled with headaches and uncomfortable moments, Ellen saved a lot of money and established more of a confidence and control over what she is creating when it comes to providing additional updates/changes in future. Ellen also knew that by holding off for several months to raise money or find another way of getting a website up, that she could potentially lose a lot of money. Short term pain for long term game rings true.3. Learn from others mistakes – Ellen retells a story of wanting to go to a local restaurant, looking online and seeing the opening times indicating that the restaurant was open only to find on arrival that it was closed. Ellen sent an email to the business to tell them what happened and they responded that they were unable to update the information as their web developer was on holidays and they couldn't get in touch with him. Ellen decided that she would never want to find herself in that position where she is at the mercy of someone else and that gave additional motivation to learn new skills such as creating the website herself.4. Embracing referrals – Ellen hopes to pull back on the amount of time and money invested in attracting new leads in the next 12 months and work primarily off a referral system from existing clients. Ellen has an advantage in Finance where trust becomes a big factor in a persons decision to work with a broker however the upfront hard work needed to establish those first few clients is essential to reaching a level of self supply that works organically rather than a forever 'hard sell' of attracting completely new clients. How can you get your first few customers to help you spread the word and refer them to the business.5. Charity - Part of Ellen's approach is to personalise as much of the business as she can. As Ellen put it 'I am the product that I am trying to sell'. Part of this includes an opportunity to give back to local charities in the area that are close to Ellen's heart. This shows another personal side to Ellen and can be an added incentive for a prospective client who might identify with Ellen's passions.Follow Feel Good Financial Services via Main Website | Facebook |Location - Sanctuary Point, New South Wales

Wollongong City Ghost Tours - Inspiration comes from unusual and unexpected places.When Craig Bloxsome was asked by his children to take them on a local ghost tour in Tasmania, Craig could not have predicted where this fun family outing would take him.Having years under his belt as a Social Worker and at the time as a Program Manager for an aged care facility, Craig wasn't exactly thinking about starting up a ghost tour business. That ghost tour however created a light bulb moment and resurfaced a life long interest in the paranormal.Creating a Facebook page not long after in a hope to reconnect his interests in the supernatural, it wasn't long before the idea of starting his own ghost tours became a reality.Fast forward through a successful stint operating in Tasmania which led to the sale of his ghostly business, Craig has returned back to his home on the South Coast (born and raised) where he launched Wollongong City Ghost Tours. In it's short time in operation, the business has seen a positive response and large uptake by the South Coast community. Being one of the only ghost tours on the South Coast, Craig has ensured that he remains as unique as possible with his locations as well as the interaction elements including paranormal investigative gear, bringing along a medium and also recently launching a mystery bus tour that visits 3 undisclosed locations around the area.Craig's story that led him to operating a ghost tour business is inspirational and shows that by simply just giving it a go and having some self belief, the possibilities are endless.Whether it be pursuing his ideas or entering the darkness of a haunted site, Craig's approach of "You've got to run at it, not run away from it" rings true in every sense.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Create your own news stories – Want to get some local coverage in a newspaper or on radio? Don't just ask but pitch the story! Journalists and those who work in the media are always hunting for stories and content. Make their job as easy as possible by pitching a story, concept, angle, reasons as to why its valuable information for the readers/listeners and even include some high quality photos. Do whatever you can to ensure that the person taking consideration does not have to work too hard for you. Work for them!2. Become a key person in that industry – Craig has ensured that he is in the conversation locally when it comes to paranormal topics and stories. At times he has been approached to comment on other stories and events that might initially be unrelated to him. By being referred to in related conversations, Craig has the advantage of further branding upside for his business with an indirect sales opportunity for more customers. How can you become the 'go to' person in your line of work, interest and/or industry?3. Diversification – There is nothing wrong with putting single focus on one business, but there is also nothing wrong with expanding or creating new lines of work off the back of your initial creation. Craig is starting to use his profile in the paranormal world to seek private client work that is unrelated to the ghost tours. In addition Craig has also discovered the opportunities that come from equipment that he initially bought for the purpose of the ghost tour business, in this case a drone. Craig is ensuring that every idea an opportunity is considered and it's having great results. A good place to start pondering is Blog - Share The Knowledge by Educating Your Customers.4. Embracing the naysayers – Craig has embraced the sceptics who are usually dragged along to ghost tours by having them included in every way possible from holding paranormal equipment to giving them opportunities to work with the on-site Medium. Craig believes that sceptics bring a balance to the tour experience which he welcomes and loves to show not only the believers but the non-believers what the tour experience is all about.Follow Wollongong City Ghost Tours via Facebook |Article - Like being spooked? Try the Helensburgh tunnels ghost tour experienceArticle - Wollongong City Ghost Tours to host the ‘Haunted Mystery Bus Tour’

Phyco Health's founder Pia Winberg is a marine ecologist based in the Shoalhaven and created her business in the hope of the western world, and in particular Australia, finally catching up with the east when it comes to seaweed farming, which is already a 6 billion dollar industry. The health benefits of seaweed in our [...] The post Episode 11 - When Science and Business Collide With Phyco Health appeared first on Self Starter.

The Dog & Monocle in Nowra was formed out of friendship and a passion for belonging. Owners Carley and Tess have known each other since they were kids and while their backgrounds are vastly different (Carley being a Clinical Psychologist and Tess a Chef for almost 2 decades), the two have come together over their [...] The post Episode 10 - Daring To Be Different with The Dog & Monocle Nowra appeared first on Self Starter.

Niche Massage Nowra was created out a need to balance family and self fulfilment. As business owner Amy explains; When her husband was deployed overseas for 7 months through the Defence Force and a new born having recently arrived, Amy had two choices. Either sit by and feel upset about it or use the time [...] The post Episode 9 - Operating In Your Zone With Niche Massage Nowra appeared first on Self Starter.

Sometimes the path to self employment is not out of choice but rather circumstance. Michelle Milward had found herself out of work and overqualified for new employment. Being in a regional area on any normal day, opportunities for traditional employment are quite limited. Combine that with skills exceeding the expectations of the job openings and [...] The post Episode 8 - Seizing Opportunity With Swabbin' The Decks Cleaning Services appeared first on Self Starter.

Livewire Studios Ulladulla has pioneered the space of performance and personal development in the Shoalhaven region by providing a variety of services based around owner K-m's 25 years of professional experience in theatre performance. Not limited to theatre alone, Livewire runs various workshops and services ranging from writing, poetry, puppetry, and improve to public speaking, [...] The post Episode 7 - A Gap in the Market Performance with Livewire Studios Ulladulla appeared first on Self Starter.

Milton local Karin Neate has been running L'escargot Ivre Photography & Graphic Design from home for the past 5 years. The business supplies a number of different services to individuals as well as other local businesses ranging from Photography, Graphic Design, Marketing and much more including her Girl Friday assistant side hustle. Karin has blended [...] The post Episode 6 - Winning the Work/Life Balance at Home with L'escargot Ivre Photography & Graphic Design in Milton appeared first on Self Starter.

When the Berry Bypass officially opened in July 2017, there were a mixture of feelings in the local area. A high volume of traffic was now being diverted around the small and quaint south coast town, which for years had been known as a routine stopping point for visitors wanting to buy a gift, grab [...] The post Episode 5 - Bypassing Fear and Giving it a Go with Berry Mountain Cycles appeared first on Self Starter.

When worlds collide. Grow Hard Garden Centre in Bomaderry on the South Coast of New South Wales is placing an emphasis on combining the traditional business model of selling plants and garden related products with education, technology and...mmmm, beer. Owner Johny Vynes had found himself at a cross road. On his way to inspect a [...] The post Episode 4 - Plants, Apps and Beer with Grow Hard Garden Centre Bomaderry appeared first on Self Starter.

When you only make $60 on your first day in business, you could find yourself wondering whether you made the right decision or not. Luckily for Stevino Vinetti of Italian Guild in Milton, he had a long term vision and his first day of operation out of his mobile coffee van was only the beginning [...] The post Episode 3 - From 60 Dollars of First Day Takings to a Profitable Licensed Restaurant with Italian Guild in Milton appeared first on Self Starter.

Deciding to open a shop can be a daunting process. Especially if you have no idea how the local area will respond to it. Not only do you have the upfront cost of getting the entire business up and running, but the projected returns are a real unknown and could be met with tears if [...] The post Episode 2 - Scaling from a Market Stall to a Two Store Operation with Kiki - The Hippie Shop appeared first on Self Starter.