My Best Mistake
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Maintaining our sustainable status
5:37PM | Friday, 17 May 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Sustainability is a motivating force for many start-ups. But as Polli founders Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose found out, growing an environmentally-sound business can pose some challenges.
Scrambling for funds for my social enterprise
5:49PM | Friday, 10 May 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Social enterprises are an increasingly popular option for entrepreneurs keen to make a difference. However, as Thankyou Water founder Daniel Flynn discovered, even the most important social projects need capital to get started.
How my delayed start-up made me a better entrepreneur
5:59PM | Friday, 3 May 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Some entrepreneurs say they knew from an early age they were destined to start their own business. But for RecruitLoop co-founder Paul Slezak, the revelation came after 15 years in the corporate world.
Why value beats volume when it comes to cashflow
4:01PM | Friday, 26 April 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Cider has given the Barton brothers a profitable fizz. However, the Chilli Marketing founders had to learn some sour lessons about the value of cashflow first.
Why you can’t afford to sit on your start-up idea
4:25PM | Friday, 19 April 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Alec Lynch pondered his design crowdsourcing idea for a year, in which time a rival started and secured $3 million in funding. Lynch explains how he learned that start-ups have a need for speed.
Why slower is better when stocking your start-up
4:44PM | Friday, 12 April 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Many entrepreneurs fear they’ll run out of stock. However, as Anything Baby founder Sharon Fong discovered, overstocking can be just as costly.
‘We were laughed out of the room’: How SumoSalad took on fast food and won
4:21PM | Friday, 5 April 2013 | Michelle Hammond
SumoSalad has shaken up the market by bringing healthy options to Australian food courts. However, as co-founders Luke Baylis and James Miller discovered, reshaping an established industry can be a challenge.
Why I always expect the unexpected in my start-up
3:22PM | Friday, 22 March 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Ambition and determination are important to have in business. But as Living Environs founder Sam Keats discovered, the will to succeed counts for little if you don’t have enough capital.
Coming up short in China
3:41PM | Friday, 15 March 2013 | Michelle Hammond
Over the past decades, China has become the manufacturing hub of the world. However, as jewellery designer Amber Sceats discovered, sometimes Chinese suppliers aren’t the best option.
Learning to say no to the wrong customers
3:17PM | Friday, 8 March 2013 | Michelle HammondWhen you’re building a business, it can be tempting to sell to anyone who is willing to buy. But as Vend founder Vaughan Rowsell discovered, not all customers are right for your business. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Trading traffic for a better conversion rate
3:07PM | Friday, 1 March 2013 | Michelle HammondFred Schebesta had a clear vision when he launched Finder.com.au. However, when growing traffic failed to convert into increased sales, he had to refine his business plan. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Overcoming costs to create an all-American food concept
2:43PM | Friday, 22 February 2013 | Michelle HammondPJ’s Steaks owner PJ Chang scoured the globe for the perfect location for his all-American restaurant. Along the way, start-up costs and compliance issues proved to be a real challenge. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Cracking the Australian market as a newcomer
1:45PM | Friday, 18 January 2013 | Michelle HammondStan Gordon built the Franchised Food Company after migrating from South Africa. Along the way, he learnt a valuable lesson about the Australian market. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
How a robbery forced me to become a better communicator
1:54PM | Friday, 11 January 2013 | Michelle HammondA robbery is a tough hurdle for any business to overcome. However, for Screenwise founder Denise Roberts, the experience taught her a vital lesson about communication. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Combining business with brotherly love
12:34PM | Friday, 14 December 2012 | Michelle HammondThere are advantages to starting a business with family members. However, as the Barge brothers discovered, clearly defined roles are critical, even when your business partners are also your brothers. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
How an impromptu journey to Morocco saved my business
12:42PM | Friday, 7 December 2012 | Michelle HammondOne of the challenges of being an importer is quality control over your overseas suppliers. As Market Basket Co. founder Lindy McLeod discovered, personal contact is important for building trust. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
How outsourcing got me on the path to growth
11:14PM | Friday, 30 November 2012 | Michelle HammondSome businesses use their headcount as a measure of success. But as Pod Puraceuticals founder Alison Vickery discovered, a business can also grow by outsourcing work to specialist contractors. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Knocking down business walls in China
11:26PM | Friday, 23 November 2012 | Michelle HammondAfter Rod Shepperd came up with the EcoSwitch, he tried finding a manufacturer for it. However, he soon discovered doing business in China can pose some unforeseen challenges. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
How a tight budget led to sparkling success
11:28PM | Friday, 16 November 2012 | Michelle HammondBuilding a global jewellery label may seem glamorous. However, as Marissa Gouras of Georgini discovered, maintaining momentum is difficult without enough finance. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Why frilly knickers look different to men and women
11:56PM | Friday, 9 November 2012 | Michelle HammondIn many ways, launching a second business is easier than starting your first one. However, as Chanel Costabir discovered, there is a risk that your two businesses might be too similar. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
