So why do some businesses collect the awards and accolades while others struggle?
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In 2018, Local Business Award's Business Person of the Year was Amanda Barr of Dance Sensations and Business of the Year went to Curran Plumbing and Pipe Relining.
Also a major achievement, the Youth Award went to Rebecca Dunne of Little Wonders Early Learning Centre and the New Business award given to Tattoo Saloon & Minaki Ink Cosmetic Tattooing.
This business feature has been sponsored by the following businesses. Click the links to find out more:
- Precedent Productions - Illawarra and South Coast
- Nest Design
- Miss Zoe's School of Dance
- Happy Hearts Academy
- AMB Training Solutions
- Envy Her Boutique
- Gravity Gymnastics
- Christians Premium Meats
- Curran Plumbing
- The Phone Surgery
- The Old South
- Accelerated Training
- Access Law Group
- Achieve Training Services
- Just Lashes
- Shell Cove Dental
- Rollee's Easy Eats
- The Collective Beat
- Jose Jones Restaurant
- Timbermill Cafe
- Intune Mechanical Solutions
- Sareven Bakehouse
- Instro Services
- SunPeople
- South Coast Skin & Laser Clinic
- Self Reflections Psychology
- Translucent Photography
- Warilla Grove
- Ratchet Garage
- The Old South
- Little Wonders
- LP Entertainment
Probably one of the most important things is to believe in your business idea and always remember the 'why'.
Why did you start your own business? Why did you want to market certain products and offer these services?
If you are interested in what you do, this will sustain you when the going gets tough.
A radically different business means you have less competitors but there will be those who copy you so be prepared for this.
If you do have a business that is in a popular industry, then it helps to check out your competitors regularly.
More tips
- Don't compromise on your core values
- Take care of yourself - get enough rest, go on holidays and generally have a healthy work/life balance
- Work hard - the first 12 months will be a learning curve
- Put your customers at the centre of your business - go where they are even if you have to change your business model
- Hire good staff - they can make or break a business
- Remember to network extensively but don't spend all your time on this
- Keep control of your business until you have sold it
- Be innovative - keep things fresh
- Incorporate creativity - there are many ways of improving what you do
- Be organised and keep detailed records
- Analyse risks versus rewards
- Always offer great customer service