How busy entrepreneurs can stay healthy

Entrepreneurs are busy people who have so many things going on in their day-to-day schedules. More often, they devote a lot of time and effort into their business that they tend to push health into the background unintentionally.

Every business person may have a different lifestyle and stress management method, but many of them share a common ground – they absorb a lot of pressure from various directions. Because of their enthusiasm and passion for work, they end up doing more than they can manage, sitting in meetings or on their desk all day working on ideas or challenges, skipping meals or distorting their eating routine, and losing sleep along the way. All these may result in poor health conditions.

But with people depending on them, such as their families, staff, and clients, business owners cannot afford to be sick. A sudden change in lifestyle may be drastic. However, they can take small steps and simple actions that can lead to a healthier way of life.

1.) Exercise your body

When you’re in front of your computer for most of the day, or even if you’re on a plane or travelling for business, you can still do some exercises wherever you are. You can stretch your muscles, take short walks, or change your position every hour or so. The internet is a rich resource of simple exercises that you can do at home or in your office. Choose exercises that you find suitable for you and follow them. Once you inject this in your daily routine, allot some time to hit the gym or jog in the morning.

2.) Take a break – short ones and a vacation

Don’t forget to take short breaks from work every day. Have one in the morning and another in the afternoon, not counting your lunch time. If you spend too much time cooped inside your office or workstation, allow some time to open and look out the window or go outside for some air. It does not only do good to your respiratory system, but it can also clear your mind and help you focus.

And every year, reward yourself with a vacation, where you can recharge and rejuvenate. It’s good to take some time away from work once in a while. The change of environment can do some wonders, especially if you spend it with people you love.

3.) Eat right and on schedule

You’re in a rush, so you skipped breakfast and went straight to work. There are plenty of documents to review, meetings to attend, and decisions to make. Before you know it, you missed your lunch. Or, you ate dinner very late at night. To be effective at work, you have to nourish your body. Eat the right kind of food and have a balanced diet. Also, keep a regular schedule for your meals.

4.) Sleep right

Too much excitement or worry can often cause sleepless nights. With a lack of rest or sleep, it can affect one’s body adversely. Effective time management will allow you to allocate six to eight hours for sleep each day, keeping you alert and energetic for the rest of the day. When your body clamours that it’s too tired, take a nap or simply take some rest.

5.) Interact with friends and loved ones

Have a friendly chat with your teammates at work, go out with friends after office, join organisations like EO Melbourne, or spend time with people who make you happy. Studies and researches were conducted indicating that social interaction has positive effects on one’s health. Surround yourself with people who can enhance your creativity, positivity and energy so that you can channel these back to your life and your business.

6.) Do something you enjoy

Go to a spa, get a massage, join a marathon, play your favourite sport, play with your kids, read a book, listen to music, cook a meal, take a swim, or learn a new hobby. Do an activity that will not only boost your energy but will also bring joy to yourself. When you enjoy what you do, you will be keen to make it part of your regular habit, and you look forward to doing it more often.

As the year comes to a close and a new year is about to begin, it is best to review your lifestyle and plan how to steer it towards healthier living. Put wellness as an important part of your life and entrepreneurial journey. Most of all, do it with people you love to motivate you to keep going.

Holiday feasts for your dining table (and your business)

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to do some grocery shopping in preparation for the parties, luncheons and get-togethers. As you plan your menu for the lunches and dinners, consider how the usual holiday fare can also bring you insights and tips for your entrepreneurial journey.

The Australian Christmas feast is a combination of local culture and influences from the UK and the US. But what makes Christmas in this side of the globe different is that it coincides with the summer season. Check some of the common dishes that take centre stage on the dining table at this time of the year.

Cold ham and cold turkey

Going cold turkey, not the idiomatic expression, is a practice in Australia during Christmas. Because of the summer weather, people often forego the traditional hot roast menu and opt for cold ham and turkey and some cold meats.

Serving ham and turkey has been a long-lying tradition in many civilisations back, symbolising harvest and fertility. Folklores indicate that during the olden days, people had to catch the animals for a banquet. It has evolved over the years and become part of the modern Christmas custom. Similarly, you have to run after your targets. It takes a lot of hard work, but the rewards can be satisfying.

Prawns, seafood and salads

In Australia, prawns and seafood are part of the holiday feast. Plump shrimps will whet your appetite and add a festive feel to the meal. Sometimes, you will also find crayfish, lobster, oysters and crabs during this special occasion.

For your business, gather your biggest catch amidst the turbulent waves. Allow fresh ideas to flow so that you can haul a bountiful yield for your enterprise. There are wonderful surprises beneath the challenges. If you get creative enough, you can turn problems into opportunities.

Christmas damper 

The damper is an Australian bread that has an interesting background. Labourers and farm workers who travel long distances are believed to have developed the damper, which they cook in the coals of a campfire. Now, it becomes part of the festive meal. Usually, it comes in the shape of a star or wreath and often served with honey, syrup, jam or butter.

It is a type of food that traces its origins in an environment of survival. There may be difficulties ahead, but you can pack heaps of patience and determination on your entrepreneurial journey to make your business last. And when it things gets harder, find yourself a "camp" that can shelter you, such as friends, peers, or business groups like EO Melbourne.

White Christmas

Don’t you love to have a slice of sweet White Christmas as a holiday treat? It’s a mixture of dried fruits, cereals, desiccated coconut, milk powder, and icing sugar bound together by hydrogenated coconut oil, such as Copha. The colours of the different ingredients create a rainbow of delight in this white bar.

Like the raisins, dried fruits and cereals, count the small blessings in your business and be grateful to how they contribute to bigger successes.

Gingerbread 

Gingerbread cookies are among the constant Christmas features in Australia. Gingerbread houses, which often come in kits, are decorated in colourful candies. Families love to create these cookies in various Christmas shapes and decorate their tables with it.

The family is important in your business. Your family’s support is crucial as you run your venture as they have to understand the demands of your role. Make sure that you allocate quality time with your family. With regards to the work environment, it works for some business cultures to keep the family spirit within their team. Determine if this is something that is also applicable to your business.

Christmas pudding

What makes pudding a great Christmas fodder is its longevity. The ingredients include raisins, ginger, brandy or rum. The Christmas pudding can last for months or more because of the high alcohol content incorporated in the food.

In handling your business, you also need to have an ingredient that can sustain your operations and make it last for years. Whether it is your corporate culture, team composition, management style or operating system, you need to identify the factors that help preserve the efficiency of your venture in delivering goods and services to your customers.

Pavlova

The meringue dessert Pavlova was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. This egg-based dessert has a crisp shell while its centre has a soft marshmallow-like texture.

Eating a pavlova is like enjoying two things in one: crunchy and chewy. It is every business owner’s wish that his venture has good internal and external environs. Endeavour to establish a formidable image that can be trusted by your external stakeholders and a strong structure that can keep your internal stakeholders together.

Mince pie

Another British legacy is the mince pie, which is prepared originally with meat inside. Over the years, the ingredients have changed, but remnants of the old tradition still linger to this day. It is part of the custom to make a wish on the first mince pie during the holiday season. It used to have a religious connotation, and it signified good luck and happiness.

You also need to have a regular dose of your proverbial “mince pie” by remaining hopeful amidst adversities. Nourish yourself with positivity and persistence throughout your entrepreneurial quest.

Mangoes, cherries and other fruits

Fresh fruits are always refreshing to eat. Since Christmas in Australia falls during the summer, families include fruits, especially mangoes and cherries, in their holiday meals.

Fruits remind us that there are instances when the best approach is going back to the basics. Simplicity is often the right way forward. Streamline and eliminate whatever is unnecessary in your business and focus on what’s most important.

As you feast on these holiday treats, enhance the strengths of your venture and work on your weaknesses so that you keep getting better for years ahead.

Best cities for business travel

Progress is taking place simultaneously in various parts of the world, and more and more places are growing at an accelerated rate. With all the modernisation and development in cities, many of them become great destinations for business travel. Business trips demand a lot of needs. Whether you travel for meetings, conferences, events, exploration, professional development, networking, company visits, attending EO activities, or incentives, it is important to pick the right place for such important transactions.

They say, go where the business will take you, but if you have a choice when it comes to business travel, there are factors to consider when selecting a place. These are availability and frequency of flights, complete amenities like venues, accommodations, emergency facilities, and restaurants, communication and connectivity, cost, and safety and convenience of travellers.

Travel experts, publications, media, research groups and business entities have come up with lists of places to go for business trips. They have their respective criteria and reasons for picking their destination choices. We find that there are cities that always make it to such lists, so we’ll narrow down and share with you a few names, representing the various regions around the globe.

Sydney, Australia

Starting in Australia, Sydney is among the top destination choices of business travellers and corporate events groups. The city has a modern convention centre, iconic structures, vast flavours and rich cultural vibe. For those who plan to extend their stay, Sydney is the gateway to many Australian adventures, including national parks and nature trails.

Singapore

In Asia, Singapore always comes up in the list of business travel destinations. It’s a hub, so there’s plenty of flights to and from this modern city. Progress and development never seem to stop in this tiny country. There are world-class hotels and amenities, a mix of cultures, and it’s easy to get around. English is also widely spoken here, which makes it easier for travellers to transact their business.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China

China is gaining more and more popularity for business travellers. Hong Kong always make it to the lists, especially that many companies have their regional offices in this city. Hong Kong has it all, with its spectacular views and delectable cuisines. It is also a shopper’s haven, ranging from luxurious brands to great buys. Shenzhen is a pleasant addition, although it is not much of a surprise because of its proximity to Hong Kong. It’s a cheaper alternative to Hong Kong, and the city is innovating, drawing businesses to its fold.

Orlando and Miami, Florida, USA

Although New York and California are popular among travellers, whether it’s for business or leisure, Florida is also gaining ground because of its weather and location. Miami, for one, is favoured because of its beaches. It has thousands of hotel rooms that could accommodate large delegations. Orlando, on the other hand, is regarded as one of the US cities that are best equipped to host business events and provide efficient business travel experiences.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is the biggest Canadian city, which is home to various offices and financial services. Travellers who come here primarily for business can also enjoy some shopping time. Other than that, there are plenty of attractions activities in Toronto, including taking a ferry ride at Lake Ontario.

London, UK

The British capital is also one of the leading financial centres in the world, which is why businesspeople from all over the world would find their way to London. Many top multinationals have offices here, which makes it even more attractive for businesses to hold their meetings and transactions in London. An additional factor is its colourful history and culture.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you plan to conduct some business travel in South America, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is gaining attention because of its growing economy. More than that, its beaches, energy, culture and tourist spots, such as the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, have been attracting travellers from different parts of the world.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico’s Aztec civilisation and fascinating past have drawn travellers to its capital, Mexico City. Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, consumer products and financial services are industries that are thriving in this city. Business travellers can enjoy more of Mexico after their business meetings because of the many attractions and activities that could interest them.

Although business travel is done primarily to enhance your venture and professional capacity, places that have a local charm can also lure corporates and entrepreneurs to their borders. Business people can also learn an insight or two from these populous cities on the dynamics of culture and market behaviour as they blend in with the locals. As a bonus, they get to take a bit of a break and enjoy the sights and experience the vibe of the places they visit.

Disruptive innovation 101 for business owners

The term “disruption” or “disruptive innovation” is something you would hear at times in the business world. The adventurous are attracted to it, while the cautious may try to avoid it. There are those who created disruptive innovation without them foreseeing that their idea, product or service would create a disruption to the status quo. But what is disruptive innovation?

American scholar Clayton Christensen came up with the theory and coined the name “disruptive innovation”. Now, it is used widely in the business sphere, especially with fast movements in markets and new ideas that break conventions and set trends.

What is “disruptive innovation”?

Disruptive innovation has the following attributes, particularly in its early stages: simpler products and services that may not seem desirable solutions as to the existing ones, smaller target markets, and lower gross margins. In other words, it provides simplicity, accessibility and convenience to more people, especially those belonging to the lower end of the market.

It is an innovation in business wherein it creates a new market and value that unsettles the established industry players, which is considered as the mainstream. According to Christensen, “It transforms a product that historically was so expensive and complicated that only a few people with a lot of money and a lot of skill had access to it. A disruptive innovation makes it so much more affordable and accessible that a much larger population have access to it.”

To create a disruptive innovation is a huge risk. But it may have big rewards if it becomes a success.

What it’s not

Disruptive innovation does not refer only to a breakthrough that makes good products a lot better. Rather, it refers more to the business model wherein the technology disturbs the market. It is different from sustaining innovation, which improves a product but does not affect the existing market.

It does not refer to a particular fixed point because disruption is a process. Products and services evolve, as well as business models and markets. The attributes cited above are some of the factors to consider one as a disruptive innovation.

Examples of Disruptive Innovation

• Wikipedia. Gone are the days when you have to buy sets of hard-bound encyclopaedias at a high cost, wherein their information could become obsolete over time. Now, information is at the tip of your fingers, and they are available for free. Plus, they are updated and verified constantly.

• Smartphones and tablets. From mainframes to minicomputers to personal computers, computing hardware has become smaller and smaller, making it more portable and accessible to lower-end markets. Similarly, from telegraph to telephones, communication has become faster and more available to a larger populace. Smartphones and tablets have merged computing, documentation and communication into one. Now, its applications are changing the game in the world of communication, business, education and entertainment.

• Airbnb. Hotels and inns used to be the main source of accommodation before. When it comes to selecting places to stay, quality seemed to be proportional to cost, providing limited options to those who prefer comfort and budget. Airbnb changed that as it allows private individuals to rent out their homes, apartments or rooms at affordable prices, creating a dent on the hospitality industry.

• Netflix. Movie streaming, instead of collecting or renting piles of film discs, is now becoming a household norm. Netflix is changing the landscape of the home entertainment scene. From video tapes to DVDs, more and more people subscribe to Netflix or streaming apps and watch a wide array of movies on their smartphones, tablets, computers, and even on televisions, at a very low price.

• Skype. Communicating across countries used to be expensive and difficult. Skype transformed that and paved the way to chatting, calling and video calling, at no or very low cost. It also allows file sharing to its users.

• Amazon. Shopping has become more convenient without you leaving the comforts of your home. Amazon started with books and grew to various items. Now, it offers almost anything from A to Z. It also opened the market to individual sellers and emerging brands, allowing more producers to bring their goods to consumers while providing more choices for customers.

• Virgin. When it comes to air travel, Virgin has redefined it as not just a mode of transport but an experience in itself. Virgin keeps on changing the business landscape of the airline industry, even extending itself to entertainment, providing a revolutionary customer experience that continues to improve and develop.

A few years from now, we’ll never know how we’ll do things and what the trend would be. Businesses continue to come up with new ideas and methods that change people’s lives. More importantly, because of disruptive innovation, it allows small players to enter the game and change the rules. In the end, consumers end up as winners as they get more choices that are good value for their money.

Forming and keeping the right team for your business

Having the best team for your company is one of the major factors of success that enables you to achieve your business goals. On the other hand, the opposite of this, such as getting the wrong people on your team, has always been cited as one of the biggest challenges and disappointments of business owners. In short, the right set of people plays an important role in bringing your venture to its peak.

The first step is to select the people who will fit in your team, depending on your needs and preferences. However, you can only determine such over a period when you will see the dynamics of the members among each other and to the whole group. Once you have a good set of staff, you need to find ways to nurture them and retain them in your team.

Finding the right fit

The selection process should be able to capture the background of the candidate, including his or her attitude, work ethics and values. You have to ascertain how his personality and skills will be able to complement your company and blend with your current staff members.

Culture and Attitude

Before you start the recruitment, define first your corporate culture and match the attitude you are looking for in an applicant that would fit your work environment. What are the qualities and values of a team member that you want to have in your organisation? It is best to have several face-to-face sessions with your applicants during recruitment so that you can observe how they react and behave and how that will blend in your work culture.

Organisation needs and Skills

How an employee fits your corporate culture matters most. But it is also important that they have the right skills set for their roles in the organisation. If they don’t have the expertise you need, they can at least learn fast and hone the skills needed for the job. Identify those skills in the job description so that you can filter the applicants according to your requirements.

Benefits and Expectations

When you have identified the qualifications you prefer in a candidate, come up with a competitive remuneration package that will attract such a candidate. Know their expectations while you also lay down what you require and can offer for the job.

Nurturing those who fit

Getting the right people on your team is just the first hurdle. The more challenging part is retaining them in your business. Changes occur that may affect their length of stay or tenure. There are internal and external factors that can disrupt the status quo and shake the team you have formed. Business owners come up with initiatives to strengthen its human resources.

Employee Engagement

One way to sustain the interest of your people in your business, you have to engage them and create open communication lines. It also includes providing activities that can help channel their various talents and interests that can benefit them and your organisation.

Recognition

Recognising the contribution of your team members will boost their morale. You can bestow the recognition formally or informally, as long as you let them know that you appreciate their efforts. Come up with a reward system to motivate them to keep giving their best.

Growth and Development

It is but natural for staff members to look for growth in any given environment. Enhance their skills and allow them to experience and learn new things within your organisation. Provide workshops and training and learning activities that could improve their personality and enable them to attain a holistic development.

Most of all, it is good to establish good relationships with your team. The achievements of your business are not due to one person alone. Even if you have a star player in your team, it is the support of every member of the group that can help you make a score and achieve your goals.

Common mistakes entrepreneurs commit at startup

Many people believe that for them to learn the ropes of running a business they have to make several mistakes. Moreover, there are those who subscribe to the idea that they have to commit the mistakes themselves. It is true that experience can make you remember the lessons more as compared to simply reading them from books. However, although one can learn from such situations, a mistake can be avoided by leveraging on the experience of others who have done it before. Such is the beauty of EO.

Some of them started young, not having enough time to fully prepare themselves for what lies ahead on the entrepreneurial path. Others consider themselves as accidental entrepreneurs, discovering a profitable venture by indulging themselves to their passions. It was inevitable to experience slipups, oversights and missteps in their journey. But one doesn’t have to go through all of those blunders to learn and do the correct thing moving forward. EO Melbourne members share the mistakes they did in the past that become valuable lessons for them and others.

Common mistakes were related to people, finances, decision-making and strategy. Most of these errors were committed during the early stage of the business. It may not be a guarantee that you will not have any lapses along the way, but you can lessen the pain if you only heed to the warnings and lessons of those who have done it in the past.

People

• Hiring the wrong people – Business owners tend to hire staff based on skills than culture fit. It may cause problems in the long run. No matter how skilled a person is if that member does not have the values and work ethics appropriate to your business, then that can lead to conflicts. Related to this mistake is hiring the wrong people too fast and firing them too slowly.

• Putting too much trust on the wrong people – Partnerships break apart, embezzlement happens, and executions fail because too much trust is placed on the wrong people. Listening to people who have never run a business is listening to opinion than facts. While trust is important in a business, one must always have a safety net in place to lessen the negative impact of a relationship gone sour.

• Not surrounding oneself with a team of experts – Engaging with people who are better than you can help you with your development as a business leader. There are communities, such as EO Melbourne, where you get to learn from experts and apply their lessons to your experience.

• Over committing to clients – During the initial years of the business, there is the trap of saying yes to everything, in the hope of getting as many sales as possible. There is a tendency to over-promise to clients and customers, even when there are not enough resources to deliver them efficiently. It can upset customers, which can cause more harm than good.

Finances

• Taking a huge financial risk or being overcome by fear – One of the missteps entrepreneurs make at the early stage of the business is going aggressive with expenditures. The opposite, which is scrimping on necessary things that will allow the operations to go smoothly, can also be dangerous. Sometimes they put too much capital on products that are untested. On the other hand, they tighten their belt that they end up offering low-quality products or services.

• Not knowing the numbers – A business owner can hire an accountant or someone expert on the finances, but it is still an advantage to understand the cash flow and know the financial books. Having no knowledge of such can be a flaw to your business.

Decision-making and Strategy

• Having no expertise – Another faux pas is establishing a venture where the owner has no expertise, or they expand their business to areas where it is poles apart from their core business. At least familiarise yourself on the ins and outs of the industry to have a big picture of the environment you are entering.

• Deciding things late – Several business owners regret not starting sooner. Time is of the essence and holding off important decisions may affect your business. Others do not fully commit to their business 100% until a problem arises. Some suffer an analysis-paralysis syndrome because they overthink concepts instead of executing them.

• Lack of preparation – Certain businesses start without any vision, mission or business plan. Entrepreneurs can save a great deal of time, money and effort if they do market research, trial and testing and pre-marketing initiatives at the early stage of their venture. Similarly, a growth strategy must be in place, which includes honing one’s skills and those of the team members. It also includes not fixing the proper documents, such as agreements, contracts, and licenses.

Online games that promote entrepreneurship

Not many may understand the state of most business owners unless they experience the entrepreneurial journey themselves. But with the onset of technology, people of different ages and from all walks of life can have a glimpse of the challenges of the business world through online games. Not only are they fun to play, but they also promote certain skills needed in running a venture.

One, these games enhance the brain to come up with strategies to get to the next level or reach the goal set in the game. Two, playing such games allows one to develop discipline, patience and perseverance, even in a virtual setting. Three, they enable players to make smart decisions, particularly when it comes to taking risks, spending and investing. Lastly, they teach you how to overcome challenges like competition, bankruptcy, recession and disruption in the market and the industry.

Such games are great, especially for newbie business owners. They are also good educational tools for young ones, as well as a refreshing experience for those who have been on the journey for some time. The good thing about modern games nowadays is that they are mobile and downloadable from app stores, so you can enjoy playing them wherever you go. You can choose from a wide selection that is available online, including different types of industries you want to enter, such as food, real estate, shipping, hospitality, retail, and a lot more. Below are a few examples of games you can play that will hone your entrepreneurial skills.

1.) Monopoly GO!

Based on the popular board game, Monopoly GO allows players to buy properties and rent them to their opponents. The goal is to have the most money in the end, so you have to invest your money wisely to avoid bankruptcy.

2.) RollerCoaster Tycoon

Build your dream theme park with various rides and attractions to choose from. Manage your park well, delight your customers with your various offerings, and keep the revenue coming.

3.) Business Tycoon

What’s good with this game is that you can start from a small business, such as a bookstore, and make your way to the top as a business tycoon. Establish several ventures, make them profitable, and earn millions along the way.

4.) Virtual Businessman Luxury Life

Before you can even enjoy the life of a billionaire, you have to build a startup company, set up an office, invest money, and trade and compete in the international market. Through this game, players can learn investment methods to earn a profit that they can splurge on luxuries.

5.) Virtonomics

This business simulation game is like your workshop to entrepreneurship. In this virtual economy, you can establish a fully functional enterprise that you can grow and manage.

6.) Capitalism

Invest your money in the stock market, earn profits from bonds you buy, and grow your finances through real estate. All these you can do in this online world of Capitalism. Watch out for recessions and attacks from the competitors or you might lose your investments and earnings.

7.) Business Inc.

This simulation game is almost realistic where you can hire employees, handle projects, take risks to meet your goals, and build your business empire. You have a business to run, an office to manage, and a reputation to uphold in this virtual world.

8.) Game Dev Story

How does it feel playing a game where you own a game company? Assign and change the profession of your staff, develop a game and bring your business to success. However, there are other important things that entail running a venture like this. Licensing and contracts are part of the whole process, which you can learn by playing this app.

9.) Retail Boss

Keep an inventory of your goods, market your store, watch out for costs and price changes, hire staff, and let your shop grow into a global megastore. It takes a good strategy in choosing the right location and people for your team.

10.) Big Business Deluxe

The city is growing and so must your business. Do everything you can to avoid the red bottom line while you scale your venture for bigger opportunities. It includes expanding your territory, handling challenges, and keeping yourself ahead of the game.

These are other apps you might want to check out, such as Pewdiepie’s Tuber Simulator, Taps to Riches, Landlord Real Estate, Cash Inc., Trade Island, Money Tree City, Biztopia, Café Management, Adventure Capitalist, Startup CEO Entrepreneur, and Emoji Craft. There are millions of games you can choose in online stores that you can play on your computer or mobile phone. Apart from business-related games and apps, there are other simple games you can play that can take your mind off work, relieve you from stress, and release all your frustrations. Bring the game on!

Holiday gift ideas for clients

The holiday breeze is just around the corner. Christmas reunions, year-end parties, decorating and gift-giving will once again fill our calendars. As a business owner, this is the perfect time to show appreciation to people who have helped us throughout the year. It is the season to renew ties and strengthen bonds.

A good gesture to thank, greet or appreciate someone, especially a client, is through giving them with something that will remind them of the friendship or relationship they have with you. But with so many people to thank who have varying interests, gift-giving can be a tedious task. To simplify, here are some steps you can take before you choose the right item to give to those on your list.

1.) Create a list

First, list down the people you want to give gifts this year. Categorise them into groups, such as staff, suppliers, clients or VIP customers. They can also be your prospects, friends in the business, or peers from your business organisation, like EO Melbourne. It’s easy to check if you missed someone on the list when you arrange the names in groups.

2.) Set a budget

To avoid overspending, set a budget for the different groups or categories. You will have an idea of how much you need to set aside for gifts if you have a list and a budget. It will also help you choose the right items to give when you have a price range in mind.

3.) Know their needs and wants

Some people are fed up receiving socks or generic gifts. You have to put a lot of thought on the things that interest them or items that they would find useful. Let your gift express your sincerity to the person, especially if it’s a client. Don’t make it too commercial as it might lessen the value of giving.

Now, once you have done those things, it’s time to do your shopping. Here are items that you can consider as gifts to your clients or business friends that could make their holiday season a meaningful and memorable one.

Office items

Most people spend a lot of time at work. Thus, it is always smart to bestow people with presents that they can use in their office. Some of these objects can be:

• personalised pen set

• terrarium for office plants

• coffee table book

• notebook

• Kindle

• coffee-making set

• miniature zen garden

• noise cancelling headphones

• square card reader

• portable scanner

Home pieces

Business people also want to have restful moments at home. They want their abodes to have a comfy and clean ambience. Gift suggestions for the home are:

• tea set

• gift basket

• bluetooth speaker

• portable vacuum cleaner

• sleep tracker

• air purifier

• lamp

• smoker grill

• eye mask

• electrically heated foot warmer

Travel stuff or for those on the go

Travelling is one of the favourite activities of busy people, whether it’s for business or pleasure. If your clients are always on the go or they love to travel, these items will suit their taste:

• wireless phone charger

• handy camera

• tripod

• laptop bag

• backpack or suitcase

• sunglasses

• universal travel adapter

• travel pillow

• power wallet

• compact wide-angle lens for smartphones

Wellness elements

People nowadays are putting a more conscious effort in taking care of their body. Your clients do not need to be active in sports or any fitness-related activities for them to receive the following gifts:

• hydro flask

• incense kit

• activity tracker

• spa treatment

• balance ball

• essential oils

• yoga mat

• ergonomic pillow

• essential crystals

• scented candles

Objects for their hobbies

Your client may be sporty, a collector, or outdoor lover. There are plenty of gift ideas depending on his or her interest. These are just a few examples of objects related to some hobbies that may delight your business friends:

• personalised golf balls

• luxury watch

• portable cooler for fishing and camping

• garden set

• toolkit

• business book

• online classes

• beer brewing kit

• apron with embroidered messages

• baseball cap

When you give these presents, don’t forget to have a handwritten note attached to it. As they say, it’s the thought that counts, so make your message warm the hearts of your recipients so that they remember you through your gift. Making them smile is the greatest affirmation that they appreciate your deed. So, enjoy shopping and have a happy holiday season!

5 ways entrepreneurs relieve their stress

Business owners choose the entrepreneurial route because it affords them the freedom to create and chart their path. However, the flipside is the responsibility that goes with the role. Hiring people meant being accountable to his staff’s livelihood. As a business leader, he has to steer his team towards bigger things. As the person behind his business, he has to deliver his brand’s promise to clients and customers.

With goals to achieve, targets to meet and tasks to accomplish, entrepreneurs often find themselves in a pressure cooker where stress comes from different directions. Stress, if not managed carefully, may affect one’s well-being. It may result in body pains, illnesses, anxiety, depression, or physical, emotional or mental ailment.

Some EO Melbourne members have revealed how they relieve the stress that comes with the role and what preoccupies them outside of work that motivates them to keep going.

1.) Time with family and friends

The family is the primary reason that motivates business owners to push themselves forward. They find fulfilment in providing for their families and partners and keeping them happy. For entrepreneurs who have little kids, they prefer to be present during the formative years of their children. Spending quality time with their families and loved ones is a priority for most business owners.

Busy entrepreneurs also de-stress by socialising and going out with friends. Often, it would be through enjoying great food or having a few drinks. They would often surround themselves with like-minded individuals, such as their peers in EO Melbourne, where they share and listen to experiences of other entrepreneurs whom they trust and respect. Such stories inspire them to make a mark and boldly go.

2.) Travelling to other places

Going for a holiday is the most liked activity of entrepreneurs that could help take their minds away from work and recharge themselves. Most of them travel with their families, which makes the experience even more satisfying. Others love the outdoors, and they would often set aside time for a short getaway to go camping, fishing or visiting their farm.

3.) Physical activities

Sweating it out is also a good way to free the body and mind from the pressures that come with the role of being a business owner. Because of their busy schedules, the only way for most entrepreneurs to de-stress is to hit the gym or do some exercise. There are a few that spend their mornings or weekends running or cycling. Taking up a sport is also one of the things other entrepreneurs do to refuel. Some are involved in snowboarding, skiing, swimming, surfing, motorsports or golf. But for those who are not very sporty, they find delight watching their favourite team or cheering for their kids playing.

4.) Honing the mind

Meditation is one of the activities that a lot of business owners have been doing to clear their minds. Some entrepreneurs take themselves off the grid, keep themselves away from their gadgets and TV, spend a quiet moment reflecting, or rest their bodies and minds through enough sleep. They have their respective ways of doing meditation, and you can do one that you feel is most effective on you. Many business owners quench their thirst for learning as they indulge themselves in things that can improve themselves. It’s often by reading books or listening to podcasts to learn new things.

5.) Refilling the senses

Getting a hobby is another way for entrepreneurs to free themselves from stress and enrich their holistic development. There are business owners who are into arts as they listen to music, watch movies or attend performances. There are business owners who find enjoyment through cooking or simply having a glass of wine. Several business owners feel more relaxed when they do some gardening, make improvements at home, or play with their pets, while others love to collect items or acquire new skills. You can also find some entrepreneurs who are involved in charitable works and non-profit projects.

In the end, many of them admit that they get the most enjoyment from their work. It’s because business owners love what they are doing. Reaching their goals and receiving appreciation from their customers, clients, peers and staff are the great rewards that entrepreneurs reap from the hard work and dedication to their craft. Seeing their loved ones, team members and clientele happy is the best stress-reliever there is for every entrepreneur.

The language of entrepreneurship for Costa Vasili

EthnoLink’s founder and CEO Costa Vasili is a son of migrant parents. His father, who was born in Cyprus, moved to Australia at 13 years of age. It is where he met Costa's mother, who is also of Cypriot descent, and where Costa was born. To ensure that Costa had the best chance of success in Australia, his parents spoke to him and his brother mostly in English rather than in Greek. While this decision had a positive impact on Costa's English language skills, it impacted Costa's ability to speak Greek.

For example, Costa had great relations with his grandparents, who spoke almost exclusively in Greek, but he struggled to have in-depth conversations with them because of the language barrier. With that pain point in mind and with an opportunity to be introduced to the language services industry during his university years, Costa went off and started his translation company at the age of 20 years old, while still in university.

His company provides professional document translation services by certified translators to new migrants and travellers who want to apply for a visa, university admission or car rental services. They also serve Australian businesses and government agencies in translating legal contracts, manuals and marketing materials.

It was a blind leap of faith for Costa as he had no previous experience in owning and running a business. Although he had a few years of working in a corporate setting, he found that in shifting to the entrepreneurial space, there was no playbook or roadmap to becoming a business owner. He had no traditional business mentor when he was starting out, relying mostly on self-belief to get him going.

Costa found inspiration from his parents and the people he met in EO Melbourne. “From the EO community, I look up to so many people who are doing incredibly well. Because I can speak to them at a peer-to-peer level, I've been able to develop an appreciation for what they do. I have seen how remarkable these people in the EO community are, based on what they're doing with their lives and their businesses,” he said. Through those years, Costa has learned a few things that have helped him improve himself and his business.

4 business values of EthnoLink

According to Costa, “We have four values at EthnoLink. They are: better every day; real relationships; openness and honesty; and customer service excellence. The last one will always be part of our values. Even as our business and values may change over the years, that one will always be there because, without our customers, we don't have a business.”

He was able to develop a team that is values-driven, who have bought into the vision of helping to break down language barriers for individuals and businesses. As such, they are focused on their customers, ensuring that they are acting in the best interests of the people they serve.

3 things to note in translation and business

Understanding the meaning, having clarity, and giving attention to detail are three things that are essential in translating documents and in running a business. Costa explained, “First and foremost, we have to understand the meaning of the source text so that we can translate accurately into the target language. We apply this in the business context when we try to understand what our customers need to solve their problems. Secondly, clarity. One of the biggest reasons why translation projects fail is because the source text is not clear, which leads to ambiguity. In the business space, you need to be 100% clear in your communication with your team to ensure that they are acting on your advice or direction. The other part is attention to detail. In translation, it is a core skill because sometimes the slight nuance of a question or statement, if not translated accurately, can alter the entire meaning. In business, it is also a core skill because it can ensure excellence in the service you provide.”

2 qualities of an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs can develop a myriad of qualities that can help them in successfully bringing their business towards its goal. However, Costa underscores two important ones. He cited perseverance for the non-technical quality, and then sales and marketing for the technical one.

“Entrepreneurs need to have the quality of perseverance. You cannot give up in business. If you don't build the mindset of perseverance before you start a business and while you're starting an early-stage business, then it's destined to fail. On a more actionable skill that business owners or entrepreneurs can build up, I would say marketing and sales because they are key at the start of most businesses. You need to focus on driving sales at the start, and that begins with having a strong understanding of what your customers want and need and help them understand that the solution you're providing is the right one for them. You also have to know where your customers are hanging out so that you can market to them,” he remarked.

1 major takeaway in his entrepreneurial journey

“Your life and the business journey are a matter of micro-choices or decisions,” declared Costa. He learned this from his philosophy class in university, which has become a pivotal moment in his life. The facilitator gave a difficult and uncomfortable scenario, to which Costa responded. As he was probed deeper, he ended up saying, 'I have no choice.' The facilitator corrected him and told him that he always has a choice.

“I realised very clearly how powerful I am as an individual because, in every moment in my life, I have a choice. Whatever the case, make the decision, own the decision, own the outcome, and own the consequence. I believe why I got into the business is because it gave me the strongest ability to make my own choices in my life,” he added.

Part of those choices is for him to take action and accountability, which he learned from the EO Accelerator Program. Surely, Costa has adopted the language of entrepreneurship. As he continues to learn, he shares this insight for others to pick up. “In my opinion, the number one thing that stops small businesses from growing quicker is their choice not to take action and not to execute. We all have strategies and ideas, but the difference between businesses that grow fast and those that grow slow is the ability to execute and put things into place. Within 12 months of entering the accelerator program, we doubled our revenue. For me, it shows that taking action has a huge impact on the success of your business,” he stated.

Know more about Costa Vasili through his LinkedIn profile. Read more on EthnoLink at https://www.ethnolink.com.au/.

10 items you may find on an entrepreneur’s desk

There are studies conducted that one’s workspace or office desk reflect the personality of the person behind the desk. Entrepreneurs have different styles of running their businesses, and they may have varying methods on how to dress up their work tables. It may sometimes depend on the layout, design and culture of your office, but you can inject a few things that will leave your mark on your territory.

Some may adopt a minimalist design, while others would prefer to fill their offices with items that can stimulate their thoughts and creativity. Nonetheless, no matter what kind of personality you have and despite your preferences on the upkeep your workstation, you will see the following items on the desk of some business owners. You might also find a few of them useful or handy to have on your table.

1.) Computer

In this day and age where technology allows things to happen at a snap of your fingers, a computer is a necessity at work, regardless of the industry you belong. Entrepreneurs need computers to get into the various systems within their businesses. They have to use it to read emails, send out messages, check files, create presentations, review financial records, and browse the web.

2.) Phone

Whether it’s a landline or a smartphone, customers look for a number that they can contact for various reasons. Having a phone on your desk means you are accessible to your team, partners, clients and suppliers. With many smartphone apps, it also becomes the extension of your computer and your office, especially when you are always on the go.

3.) Pen

Even when most people record things on their computer, tablet or smartphone, a pen will never go out of style. It is important when jotting down notes or signing vital documents. Having one on hand is useful when you suddenly want to put your thoughts on ink. Others incorporate it as a decorative piece on their desk.

4.) Notepad/Paper

Nowadays, many companies are going paperless. But you’ll still need paper to scribble and put your thoughts into something tangible. Maybe you want to leave a note to your team or put a reminder on your desk for yourself or label your files. Nonetheless, having a notepad or notebook where you can write down important things always come handy.

5.) Calendar/Planner

The best way to stay organised is to have a checklist of things to be done for the day or week. You also have to keep tabs of things that will be happening that is crucial to your company’s operations. A calendar or planner is where you put important updates and reminders to help you plan and execute.

6.) Clock

Time is of the essence. While your computer or your phone may have a built-in clock, there is a charm of having a table clock placed on your desk. When things get too busy, it will help you keep track of time and remind you of the next thing to do, including taking a break or having a breather from all the flurry of things.

7.) Mug

Sitting and working in your workstation all day can often be tiring. You need to hydrate yourself with a glass of water or a cup of coffee. Having one nearby reminds you to refresh yourself throughout the day.

8.) Books

As you nourish your body, you also have to nourish your mind. Books that can give you new insights and ideas are helpful in providing more knowledge to improve and develop yourself and your business.

9.) Memorabilia/Photos

Others say that the fewer things you have on your desk, the more productive you become. However, the more you personalise your work area, the more empowered you feel. Given that, it is always nice to have something that can inspire you and make you smile. It can be a photo of a loved one, a trophy of your last achievement, or a picture of your ideal place.

10.) Plants

Plants produce oxygen that you need so you can breathe and relax. They have a soothing effect to the environs, and it can help relieve you of the stress you may feel at work.

Entrepreneurs spend several hours a day on their workstation. It is helpful that your desk and whatever are on it correspond to your work style. Make your working space comfortable enough so that you spend your day happy, motivated and productive.

Using hashtags on social media for your business

The use of hashtags (words preceded by the pound # sign) is now a commonplace practice in various social media platforms. It was first popularised on Twitter until it is widely used in other social networks as well. How do you take advantage of hashtags to market your business?

Hashtags are presently included in marketing strategies to promote products, services, brands or events due to its rising popularity. Because they narrow down topics for discussion, hashtags make it easier for users to search and sift through words and subject matter. It also increases engagement and visibility for your brand.

To know the right hashtags to use, you can check the trends and topics relevant to your business by verifying analytics and reports from RiteTag, Sprout Social, Trendsmap, or other sites that curate information on hashtags. You can also see the insights from your Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Page accounts to see the demographics of your visitors and the data of your reach.

Popular hashtags for entrepreneurs

A quick look at RiteTag on hashtags related to small business reveal the words that you can use so that your venture can be seen now. These are #business, #marketing, #socialmedia, #entrepreneur, #startup, #work, #seo, #leadership, #success, #media, #facebook, #sales, and #digitalmarketing. But for online users to find you over time, you can use hashtags like #smallbusiness, #tips, #smallbiz, #smallbusinessowners, #sme, #owners, #website, #productivity, #smallbusinesses, #businesses, #ceo, #ideas, #reasons, #today, #infographic, #budget, and #smb.

Finding niche hashtags

If you want to be specific to your niche industry or market, whether it’s food, technology, beauty, travel or real estate, you can use hashtags that are popular in that segment. You can refer to the hashtags that influencers in your industry use so you can get an idea of trendy hashtags people use and follow. Another good tool is Hashtagify.me, which shows related hashtags and top influencers in a particular topic.

You can also use your business name or brand as a hashtag. Others base their hashtag on their tagline, or they create one to generate discussion among their followers and customers.

Other tips in using hashtags

While it is helpful to use hashtags, there is also danger when you overdo it. Limit the use of hashtags, especially on Twitter. On Instagram, the maximum allowable number is 30 hashtags per post. Different social networks have different cultures and behaviours, so you should not copy-paste your post across all platforms. Customise them according to what’s trending in that social media site.

Apart from hashtags related to business and entrepreneurship and anything relevant to your industry, you can also include hashtags popular for a particular day of the week, such as #traveltuesday or #foodiefriday. If there are special occasions, create a hashtag for that as well.

Again, a hashtag is all about trends. There may be a new one the next day. So, keep your eyes and ears open. Do your research on the latest discussions online. Be active on social media. Know the interests of your customers and target market. That way, you can reach out to them and communicate with them better.

Jacob Spencer keeps it clean, lean and simple

In life, we often accumulate things that we need, want or like. Over time, these items are no longer necessary for us, yet we still keep them and allow them to occupy space and collect dust. Jacob Spencer’s business, Mobile Skips, comes in handy for those who do some spring cleaning, DIY jobs or moving residences or offices to take out the non-essentials and keep spaces neat and orderly. 

Mobile Skips is a business that Jacob acquired from the original owners two years ago. Although he spent most of his career in the food and hospitality industry, he found that the rubbish business is simple to understand and manage. He still has his fingers dipped in the food space because of his involvement in the non-profit social enterprise, called Streat. However, he is more focused now on Mobile Skips, bringing to the venture all his learnings from his previous experiences.

His business is helpful in discarding garbage, which is a growing concern for many areas around the world. Even in various aspects of our lives, we need to sift our thoughts and emotions to rid ourselves of excess baggage. In the business journey, decluttering the turmoils and focusing on substantial things are helpful in running an enterprise. Here are some actions you can take to get you to do some entrepreneurial clean-up so that you can fix your eyes on the essentials of business.

1.) Decide to give it a go

The primary impediment to doing some spring cleaning is the failure to make a decision. It is often stalled and pushed at the back of our mind until more items arrive that make the task seem unattainable. In the entrepreneurial journey, decision-making and risk-taking happen almost at every turn.

“You've got to have a go. Fail small and fail lots of times small, and try things new the first time because you will learn by doing that. You've got to fail at even the tiniest thing and keep going until you get success. When you succeed at that one new thing, it'll build some confidence and some belief. An old mentor of mine said to me once, 'You'll never regret doing something. You'll regret not doing something.' So, even if you do it and it doesn't work, you'll learn something from it,” Jacob imparted.

2.) Put a system in place

So as not to be overwhelmed by all the chaos and topsy-turvy things, put a system on how to organise your things, where you separate those you need to retain from those that you have to throw away. The same way when you manage a business, having a structure and systems keep things manageable.

“We've built a brand new booking and operating IT system, which means that we can run everything remotely. We've embraced technology to allow us to automate a lot of the processes in our business, which has been great and has helped us enormously,” he said. That includes making the process easier for their customers. Jacob cited the need to understand the needs of their customers and walk in their shoes for them to build a good product or service and provide solutions to their problems. They have also enforced a system for their franchisees to connect and communicate better through a network.

3.) Discipline yourself

The key to overcoming the tedious task of spring cleaning is having the discipline to tidy up things regularly. For Jacob, “One of the biggest learnings has been the discipline to do a little bit every day on improvements. Sometimes, the big goals seem insurmountable.”

Challenges like cash flow and time management can be a burden. But Jacob found that having restraint and control in managing cash and time can help ease the load. “What you need to do is to put in discipline practices that allow you to solve problems, move forward, and get stuff done in the shortest time possible to the best quality, so then you can go and enjoy the rest of the day or the week with your family or your friends and have some balance,” he quipped.

4.) Learn and enjoy

Make decluttering a fun and learning experience. With all the challenges and hard work in running a business, the entrepreneurial role can be a lonely place that can give you sleepless nights. “It takes up most of my thinking. As a business owner, you never stop thinking about your business. You never stop dreaming about it, waking up in the middle of the night. It's important to me that it's enjoyable and doesn't take up all my time,” he said.

Jacob needed people who could understand his circumstances and give objective insights. He found a remarkable group through EO Melbourne, where he gets to meet other entrepreneurs. “It's great to see that there are so many other business owners that have similar challenges but also have been so successful. When I started to scratch underneath the surface of EO, it looked like it's a place that could solve that problem for me.”

5.) Eliminate the rubbish

The hardest part of cleaning up is letting go of things. We hold on to items we no longer use or want because we have a sense of ownership over them. Similarly, in business, there are things we need to let go to keep things simple and lean.

“Things we want to throw out are unnecessary egotistical costs. You grow and add more things, having bigger offices and more meeting rooms. We don't need them. We're challenging ourselves to throw that stuff out and reduce where we don't need,” he remarked.

Now, it’s time for you to take a look at your enterprise and see where you need to simplify things to keep your business neat and orderly at all times.

Know more about Jacob Spencer through his LinkedIn profile. Read about Mobile Skips at https://mobileskips.com.au/.

10 Misconceptions on entrepreneurship and business owners

The entrepreneurial road is full of surprises, and you will never grasp the full extent of it unless you take it yourself. People have entertained different notions of entrepreneurship. Some of them may be close enough to the truth while others are far from reality. Nonetheless, it is best to know straight from business owners themselves about the bigger picture that the entrepreneurial journey entails.

If you read through the previous posts, you will find that most of the misconceptions on entrepreneurship and business owners are not always true. EO members who shared their stories cleared the air and narrated what happens behind the scenes. Depicting the various facets of running a business, good and bad, will help aspiring entrepreneurs who want to embark on this journey see the entrepreneurial world from different angles.

1.) Business owners make loads of money

One of the main problems entrepreneurs constantly face is cash flow. It is not only because they put in their money to start and run a business but mainly due to the huge responsibility that comes with it. The real challenge is making sure that they provide for the people who work for them. More often, entrepreneurs are the last to get paid or end up not getting paid because they have to prioritise their staff and other things to keep the business going.

2.) The entrepreneurial life is glamorous

Others associate entrepreneurship with luxury and extravagance. Newsflash: it’s not a red carpet walk at all times. In truth, many business owners describe it as a path filled with peaks and troughs. It’s a rough challenging journey. However, because they love what they do and are passionate about it, the rewards for them are priceless. They find fulfilment in creating something, achieving goals and seeing their business impact people’s lives.

3.) Entrepreneurship is easy

Contrary to what others believe, running a business is a tough thing to do. Otherwise, the majority would be on it if it were too easy to do. Business owners have to make difficult decisions at every stage of the business, from startup to scaling it. Certain businesses fold up and don’t make it to the five-year mark. Entrepreneurs have to contend constantly with internal issues as well as external factors that can adversely affect the business.

4.) Success comes overnight

While a lot of people think that success in entrepreneurship comes quick, it takes many years to plant the right seeds to bear the fruits of one’s labours. There are those that grow faster than the others, but it doesn’t mean that it happened with a flick of a finger. There are also several dynamics that come into play before an idea becomes a reality.

5.) Entrepreneurs are lucky

Entrepreneurs succeed not out of pure luck. They may get some help here and there, especially with a good team around them, but most of it is because of their boldness to take risks and determination to keep going despite the odds. They have the drive and the passion for their chosen path that makes them persevere despite the heartbreaks, frustrations and disappointments.

6.) Entrepreneurs have no boss

True enough, an entrepreneur is his own boss, but it doesn’t mean he is not accountable to anyone. He is answerable to the numerous customers and clients that his business serves. Many business owners rarely switch off. When they are not doing work, they still think of their business most of the time. When the going gets tough and the tough gets going, they cannot easily walk away from it all.

7.) A successful business is smooth sailing

The entrepreneurial journey has been compared to a floating swan or riding a bike. Others think that once it starts running, everything will be effortless. But as the business progresses, more and more challenges surface and new problems arise. Sacrifices have to be made along the way, may it be in their business or personal life. Underneath the graceful picture of a swan on a lake is the relentless paddling of its feet to keep it afloat.

8.) Entrepreneurs have all the answers

Business owners also commit several mistakes and have to struggle with various concerns. They often hit a blank wall. That is why most of them cite the need for building a strong team and surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals. They acknowledge the importance of continuous learning, which many of them find in EO. Being part of EO Melbourne enabled them to gain new insights from the experiences of other entrepreneurs through the forum and learning events.

9.) Entrepreneurs are self-oriented

Entrepreneurs start a business because they have experienced or seen a pain point. They have recognised a problem in society that needs a solution. Others would think that business owners are always after profit, which is not always the case. They stay long on the journey because they find purpose in what they do. They often worry about money because they are responsible for their staff and the families that depend on these people.

10.) The entrepreneurial journey is all awesome and fun

Although the journey is fun for many entrepreneurs, it’s more of a roller coaster ride that is full of ups and downs. It can be a dizzying ride, with quick movements and sudden disruptions in the industry. There are smiles, laughter and adrenaline rush, as well as sweat, blood and tears that are poured into the business.

Knowing the stories of other entrepreneurs give us a deeper perspective on what is in store in the entrepreneurial journey. It’s not all bed of roses. Yet, it affords you the opportunity to be creative and chart your own path. If it is something that you believe is right for you, equip yourself with passion, patience, persistence and perseverance to overcome all challenges that may come ahead of you. When doubt sets in, it is better to hear it straight from entrepreneurs who have already taken the journey and learn from their experiences.

Ashley Woodcock’s message signs for entrepreneurs

RPM Hire owner and director Ashley Woodcock began his entrepreneurial journey while he was still at university, starting with only three signs for hire. He had low expectations for the business. Never has he imagined that he would grow his venture into a successful enterprise and enjoy the experience along the way.

Supplying variable message signs (VMS) is the core of Ashley’s business. For over seven years, he has expanded his company by doing other product lines and services and now has over 400 signs and other products for hire. It’s a niche industry, but Ashley found huge significance in what he is doing, serving not only their clients but the general public as well. “If we’re giving the public a warning, it allows them to change their habits, take a different route, or use another mode of transport for that day. During road closures, our signs are dotted along a detour route to help them navigate around the closures,” he explained.

Now, Ashely is sharing some message signs for upcoming entrepreneurs to help them navigate through the business journey, which may be full of potholes, mounds and twists and turns.

1.) "The best time is now"                    

Ashley was in university doing an entrepreneur class when someone came to him and said, “If you want to start a business, the best time to do it is now, when you don't have a mortgage and family pressures.” Starting a business requires one to put in a lot of time and often not take a lot of money out as initial profits are put back to finance the growth. While it is advisable to start the journey young, it doesn’t mean that it is not suitable for those who are beyond their youth. Regardless of age, it is always better to start sooner into the journey rather than to stall time until it’s too late.

2.) "Work smarter and harder"

He quoted a common saying that states, “work smarter, not harder”. Although Ashley somewhat agrees with it, he believes that it is better to be both working smart and working hard. With such a combination and with many opportunities available, he finds it as a winning recipe for success.

3.) "Stick to your values"

His values of honesty, operating with integrity and a level of openness, and putting their customers first meant that Ashley runs his business with good intentions. He pointed out, “We don't hide the fact that we're there to make money, but we're going to do it the right way and not rip people off or take advantage of them if they're in a desperate situation. I guess it starts with being a good person, leading right from the top and providing the best possible service.”

4.) "Be your customer’s partner"

“We look to partner with our customers as opposed to working for them. If we can take some of the heavy liftings off their shoulders, then we will do it. We've built ourselves as experts in the area. It goes right to even the small tasks. We are doing the hard work, understanding their pain points and making it easy for them,” he professed.

His business ethics of providing quality service to their clients and giving them value for their money have helped him to prosper in the industry. Ashley goes the extra mile, sometimes taking calls in the wee hours of the morning and answering them with a smile. To be the biggest or the cheapest business on their playing field is not his goal. For him, it is to be the best partner for his clients.

5.) "Find a solution to every challenge"

Getting and retaining good staff members and maintaining a positive cash flow are some of the major challenges for his business. RPM Hire is service-driven and needs high capital investment, so Ashley has to make sure that he has the best resources to deliver good service to their customers.

“Challenges are opportunities, opportunities to build a solution that highlights our values and strengthens relationships, and often lead to opening up further opportunities in the future,” he quipped. According to Ashley, you can come up with a solution if you are not afraid to think outside the square and do not regard the status quo as the best way to do things. He also stressed the need to match your business model with your strategy. He learned to resolve issues by sticking to his values, staying firm and moving past the negatives.

6.) "Enjoy the journey"

Despite the detours and road closures, what kept Ashley still on the track after all these years is that he enjoys whatever he is doing. There were a lot of long nights and after-hours phone calls, but he found all these exciting and gratifying. He added, “The highs have been watching the business grow and develop and turn into something so much bigger than myself. Watching the staff grow and take on the values of the business, and our customers giving great feedback about that as well, I find it fulfilling. So, yes, it's been a wonderful journey.”

7.) "Continue to grow"

What he enjoyed most in his being an entrepreneur is the journey of growth. With more than seven years on the journey, he still finds a lot of things to absorb and learn, which has brought him beyond the startup stage. “If you're willing to keep on learning and developing and pushing through, then that five-year mark is exciting, as it was for me,” he said.

Part of his continued growth is joining EO Melbourne in November last year. “I've enjoyed the experience. The events have been amazing, especially with the quality speakers and presenters. The forum experience is awesome because of its encouraging and motivating environment. There’s a diverse range of people, all with similar goals and parallel challenges in business, even though our businesses are very different.”

Moving forward, he wants to continue with that growth, focusing on his personal development and staff development. He wants to provide them with opportunities to grow and have a rewarding career. For his business, he plans to open up interstate later this year, with hopes to transition towards a national footprint five years from now. Because he knows his clients well, he is familiar with their pain points and the systems and processes that they need. “It's going to be a challenge for sure, but an exciting one,” the passionate entrepreneur said.

Know more about Ashley Woodcock through his LinkedIn profile. Read more on RPM Hire at http://www.rpmhire.com.au.

The entrepreneurial house plan

In constructing a house, the first thing that is needed is a blueprint that will outline the plan for the edifice. If you want to put a structure in place, you need to have clear-cut boundaries, floor areas, and the layout of your living space. It’s the same way when building a business. There has to be a plan and an organisational structure that will help support your venture and make it stand firmly.

As a business owner, you are the architect, engineer and chief carpenter of your enterprise. You have to design your business proficiently so that it can withstand the harsh conditions and constant movements of the economic landscape.

A simple house starts with a few important rooms that are necessary for living. If you’re going to construct your business, your entrepreneurial house, there are rooms you have to bear in mind as you put together your blueprint.

1.) Living Room: put your guest first

Your business exists because of your customers. Like a living room that makes every visitor feel welcome to your home, treat every client as your guest and provide the best product or service for them. Your product or service should be able to answer a need or solve a problem for them to make it relevant in society.

2.) Kitchen: whip a menu for success

We cook our food and prepare our meals in the kitchen. Whatever you do in your business, work out every ingredient that will make your venture a sure success. You have to stock up, whether they are materials needed for your business or qualities that will help you endure the challenges of the industry.

3.) Dining: nourish yourself with continuous learning

Equipping yourself and your people with new skills and additional knowledge will be beneficial to your venture. Your business is composed of people, and for them to grow, you also have to develop your team, including yourself. Do training sessions, attend seminars, or join groups like EO Melbourne where there’s a rich repository of insights and ideas through learning events.

4.) Bathroom: keep your business spick-and-span

Maintaining the cleanliness in your company is not limited to the physical environs. Apart from keeping your workspace orderly, you also have to be agile in cleaning up your mess – the mistakes that you or your people may commit. Have constant evaluation, reporting, huddles, monitoring and planning to beautify your business by taking out the impurities and working on your weaknesses and liabilities.

5.) Bedroom: give yourself time to relax and enjoy

The business world can be hectic. Allow some time and space for you and your staff to have some fun, whether it’s through teambuilding activities, incentives or simple lunches or dinners together. Go out and celebrate when you have victories. Give your mind and your environment a breather to avoid feeling burnout.

6.) Garage: protect which drives your business forward

The main operation of your business is the engine that keeps your venture going. You have to maintain it in good condition, just like safekeeping your vehicles in a garage. Put the proper systems and processes in place for a smooth ride in your day-to-day activities.

7.) Attic: store your records properly

As much as you have a physical area to store all the important records and items related to your business, also have a database for the soft copies. Similarly, put everything on record in every transaction of your business.

8.) Study/Work area: put your mind in your business

Not all houses have a work area or study or library. But modern homes allocate a nook or space where adults can do their work or for children to study or do their assignments. In your business, set aside time and space for brainstorming and evaluation. You can also get consultants or mentors to give you an extra eye and brain as you come up with ideas on how to improve your business.

Once your house is up and ready for occupancy, always check each room to ensure that it stays neat and tidy. Have regular maintenance of your electrical system, plumbing, security and various parts of the structure. Never allow pests to destroy your homes.

In business, stay on top of every department and aspect of your venture. Keep a clear and open communication with your team so that you can address concerns right away. As a business owner, you are the house manager, so you have to keep it always in tip-top shape. That way, household members, which are your staff members, enjoy living in your entrepreneurial home, while making it welcoming for guests to enter and linger.

Alex Louey’s lessons on entrepreneurship through smartphone apps

With millions of apps available online that are increasing each year, an average smartphone user has a wide array of options on which ones to use that correspond to his needs. For Appscore co-founder and Managing Director Alex Louey, whose company has been developing apps, websites, cloud solutions, Internet of Things (IoT), and other technology-based products, it’s more than just building a software. Its mission is to create great customer experiences for their clients and make their lives easier every day.

“We started off as a mobile app company. But now, we've progressed from being very focused on apps to focusing on making our customers’ lives easier and better for them to do things,” Alex quipped. “It means that we don’t look into a particular technology. Rather, we look at the problem to be solved and the appropriate technology to do it. We look at the entire life cycle. We look at the customer experience and the problem that they're facing. Then, we build the software and look at what we can do to help clients engage customers and get the customers to use their business software,” he added.

Although Appscore is a technology company, Alex admitted to not having any IT background. He built his career on project management, working in various banks. It was not until he and his mate, Nick Bell, one of the co-founders of AppsCore, decided to start a business that he got into this industry. His parents, who were Chinese immigrants that ran restaurants, had advised him to get an education, work for somebody, and not get into the restaurant business. “It’s true. I'm not in the restaurant business, but I am working for myself,” he countered.

With the challenges that come with owning and running a business, Alex shares his insights and some entrepreneurial lessons derived from smartphone apps.

1.) Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp: Communication is key

“I use this a lot because it's a way that I communicate and talk to a lot of people. The idea is when you start a business you've got to talk to a lot of people. Even with existing clients, you've got to go out, talk to them, take them out to lunches, find out their future objectives. And it's all about communication. It's all about building relationships,” Alex explained.

He emphasised that the key is having the right networks and the right relationships. By engaging various stakeholders in the business, it allows him to understand the values that are important to their customers and staff. “As the company grows, I continue to learn how to communicate with a broad range of people. You need to speak to them in their language. Different people process communication in different ways. Some are very visual, while others are very auditory. As I’ve learned recently, some challenges that I’ve had was not about others being difficult, but it’s the way I communicate with them. They don’t understand because they don’t process information the way I do. So, I’ve had to change the way I communicate to get my message across.”

In communicating with different kinds of people, Alex underscored the need to be genuine about it to show care. He receives and exhibits care through his engagement with EO Melbourne, where he found value in talking to people who share similar experiences with him and can empathise with his concerns.

2.) Angry Birds: An exercise on frustration

Alex believes that there is no entrepreneur or business person, whether successful or unsuccessful, that can say their journey has been smooth sailing, without problems or stressful situations. But he learns to deal with those circumstances and move forward with the lessons. “When you start a business, you're going to be frustrated and have setbacks. There are going to be hurdles that you can't initially work out. But if you persist with it, even how hard they come, you'll eventually find a way through. Out of all the five stages of Angry Bird, I think I got up to stage three, and I spent about three hours playing on the plane,” he laughingly shared.

3.) YouTube: Continuous learning

“YouTube is quite entertaining and also very educational. TED talks are one of my favourites. Sometimes it tells me stuff that I already know, but it reinforces the things that I need to focus on or the skills I have to learn. As an entrepreneur, you can't stop learning. I don't think there is anybody who is good at everything. You'll always learn because there is no playbook to be an entrepreneur. For every step you take and every way you advance, you create new ground,” imparted Alex.

To learn continuously, they send their key executives on training courses to learn about the newest and greatest stuff. Since Alex didn’t have any sales background, he had to learn that skill by reading books and talking to other people. He also found various learning opportunities from EO Melbourne.

4.) Instagram: Know the trends and tell your story

According to Alex, “It is important to look at how other people are doing things. Instagram is great at that. I follow people on a whole range of topics, whether business or personal. If you're interested in a particular topic, you can see how other people are doing it. It’s the same with business. There are always people that do worse than you, and those that do better than you. As an entrepreneur, always look at what other people are doing better than you and learn it.”

He stated, “Businesses, especially in the technology field, need to be on the lookout for new trends. With technology, you can easily be superseded the next year, even if you are the best last year. When processes change, customer expectations also change.” He also stressed the importance of marketing and being able to tell your stories to your customers. Culture and corporate values also play a major part in attracting people to the business.

5.) ANZ Bank app: Tight control over money

“Cash flow is king” is a line commonly heard from business people that Alex echoed. He expounded, “You are responsible not only for the company’s success but also for everyone that relies on you for their livelihood. It's important to keep an eye on what your business is doing financially. It is good to spend money to grow, but you have to make sure that you get a return on the money before you start to splurge, thinking you can hire fifty people if there's no sales pipeline to refill.”

For the next two years, Alex aims to double the size of the company, create more services, and grow the consulting space and resource sector. He wants to continue to push at the forefront of the various technologies that are coming out in the market while strengthening their core business of building software for their customers.

To Alex, the entrepreneurial journey has highs and lows. But what he found helpful is having a good team around him that can help him refocus when he’s down. “I don't think an entire company can rely solely on a single person to drive it forward. The important thing is you have a good team to make up for your shortfalls. If you have a good team, and you are honest with your team and transparent with your leadership team, you can make anything happen,” he conveyed.

Know more about Alex Louey through his LinkedIn profile. More on AppsCore at https://www.appscore.com.au.

How to choose the right charity for your business

Partnering with charities is commonplace in the business sphere. Although it is not a requirement, it is something that many enterprises have adopted in their culture. Whether it is a personal pursuit of the business owner or a corporate decision, several companies involve themselves with charitable works for various reasons. Not many businesses may have the capacity to help a non-profit, but several of them have been contemplating of doing so when given the right resources and opportunity.

If it has been in your mind but doesn’t know where to start, there are a few tips you may take into account before you commit to a particular cause. For one, you have to assess first your capacity to engage your business with a charitable organisation. Whatever purpose or intent you have for doing it, helping a non-profit is not limited to philanthropy. While you can donate money, you can also make an in-kind contribution, volunteer your or your people’s time and skills, or help spread the word and promote the programs of the charity.

You may opt to support one organisation or more, but selecting the right ones can be a tedious process. With thousands of charities available out there that are in need of help, narrowing down your choice will take a bit of time and contemplation. These are a few actions that can help you in choosing the right charity for your business.

1.) Match the charity’s cause with your business values

The first thing about supporting a charity is to find the congruence of its mission and cause with your business values. If your business serves the health sector, then maybe you can categorise the charities that are doing health work. If your product addresses women’s needs or you work with farmer groups, you might prefer a non-profit that assists these sectors. Know where the heart of your business lies and select a similar environment where you can extend your passion for your business. You will find it more fulfilling when you see your business widens the community you serve by aligning your corporate vision and mission with the charity’s cause.

2.) Create a list of your preferences

Once you have filtered the charities based on their causes that match your corporate values, come up with a list of your partialities. Would you prefer a non-profit with a global scope or one that is within your locality? Maybe you want a charity where you and your team can visit and render community work. You might want to give your money to a more known charity or one that has not been on the radar of donors. Put together the things that you are looking for in a charity, pouring your mind and heart into it. That list will guide you in reducing your choices to a few charities that will best suit your business profile.

3.) Research on the background of the charity

If a particular charity complements your values and your list, it’s time to do some digging. Doing research will save you so much time, resources and heartbreaks in the future. You may want to look into the legal status of the charity, as well as the people behind it, such as its board of directors and staff. The first thing you want to know is the legitimacy of the organisation. That includes the individuals who run it. It is important for your partnership to have mutual trust and respect. Thus, choose one that you can trust the most. It is also important to know the beneficiaries and the method of their program delivery. That way, you have an idea of how your contribution, whether it is money, goods, time or reputation, can impact their lives. Also take into consideration the systems and processes of the organisation, particularly on monitoring and reporting of their programs.

4.) Consult with your team

It is also helpful to seek the opinion of your employees and staff members so that they can also participate in this undertaking, especially if there are volunteer activities involved. Projects like this can also enhance the capabilities of your people, providing them with a sense of purpose that can heighten their relationship with your company. Having employee buy-in will motivate and inspire them more rather than them looking at it as an added task. They need to have that sense of fulfilment in devoting their time and effort to the charity you’re supporting so that they have a personal stake on it, not just out of corporate obligation. On the flipside, if they are not willing to do it, it will only result in grudges and complaints among them.

5.) Check the pulse of your stakeholders

If you believe in a particular mission, it is always advantageous to involve your other stakeholders to the cause. Given that, it is better if your clients and customers can also relate to the works of the charity of your choice. Whether or not you will use cause-related marketing as a method to increase your giving, feedback from your stakeholders is helpful in your decision-making process as to which charity or charities you want to support. It also matters to them that the brands and companies they patronise give back to communities. If the cause is something close to their heart, they can relate more to the brand of your business.

You can also hear the stories of other business owners, such as members of EO Melbourne, on their experiences in partnering with charities and non-profit organisations.

When you have sifted your list of charities and chosen the ones you want to be your partner, try first a short-term arrangement and then see how the partnership will unfold. If you feel good about the result of your involvement, then you can decide to take it further to a long-term commitment or consider alternative options.

As you see your contribution bear fruit as you help improve the lives of others, the fulfilment is immeasurable, which extends to your team and stakeholders. It all comes full circle, your business benefit from a healthy society and communities flourish when you help them improve their well-being.

Jason Scher’s energy boosters for entrepreneurs

Speaking from experience, VÖOST co-Founder and Orange & Green Director Jason Scher affirmed that there are many difficulties that business owners encounter along the entrepreneurial journey. “Every single day, you're going to be challenged with something that will make you think, ‘I'm not good enough. It is not working.’ Then, you start to have those thoughts of quitting,” he said. It takes a lot of effort, time, resources and inspiration to start a business and see it through.

“Anyone that hasn't started a business or managed a business entirely has a different perception. It's like the swan analogy where it all looks graceful above the surface, but under the water, the legs are paddling furiously. Some of my friends see our products in different supermarkets and outlets, and they think it must mean everything's going well. But there's a lot of hard work, a lot of long hours, and a lot of stressful moments that people don't see,” described Jason.

To stay consistently on track, he has shared several insights which can be vitamins or energy boosters for entrepreneurs that can help them last longer on the journey.

Inspiring stories and positive feedback

To begin with, Jason got the idea for his business when he was standing in a pharmacy in Germany. “I noticed that the Germans had a full range and dedicated category of effervescent tablets, tablets that dissolve when you put into water, as opposed to the traditional tablets in Australia where you have to swallow them. And I don't like swallowing tablets. I realised that in Australia, there's a huge gap in the market for this type of format for all your vitamin and mineral needs,” Jason narrated. That incident and realisation gave birth to VÖOST.

Starting with five products sold in only 200 shops, it has grown to more than 40 product lines in around 2,500 stores in Australia’s leading pharmacies and supermarkets and now internationally. “Today, we're in South Africa, Hong Kong, China and the UK. The business has been growing steadily over the last five years,” according to Jason. As the business has expanded, he has encountered random instances wherein people, including total strangers, recommend the VÖOST products to him, not knowing that VÖOST is his business.

“It's nice when you see consumers enjoy the VÖOST range. It’s the same when people take time to write to us to tell us how good they find VÖOST and thank us for that. For them to take time out of their busy day and share that appreciation, it is inspiring. It makes me want to do more,” Jason confessed.

Persistence, passion, and other qualities

These qualities of an entrepreneur are like multi-vitamins that provide a healthy dose of energy to business owners and people around them. When thoughts of giving up are on the horizon, Jason’s recommendation is this, “You need to persevere. You must persist and go past those thoughts because it's worth it.”

It’s filled with various ingredients, such as honesty, creativity, discipline, which make the journey not only enjoyable but also fulfilling. “We take our business seriously. We're very professional, and we care. But you need to have a passion. You must love what you do. If you don't love what you do and not passionate about it, you'll never be able to have the success that you might dream of. For me, it's about having fun. It's about enjoying the journey,” he remarked.

People to bounce ideas off

“The challenge is that you sometimes feel a little bit isolated when it comes to not having other people to bounce ideas off. I think that's where EO Melbourne has become an amazing forum because it allows you to have that confidential platform to have those discussions that are relevant to you,” Jason said.

“EO Melbourne reminded me that there are many others that have had financial pressures, staffing pressures, customer and supplier issues, etc. Discussing ways to handle those pressures and situations become incredibly valuable. That feeling of isolation can quickly diminish purely from this forum platform, and it’s a bonus when you can learn from your peers’ experiences regarding the pressures they face,” he added.

Exercise and meditation

To release the tension and stress of running a business, Jason keeps his body and mind healthy and fit. “I feel that the more I exercise, the more energy I have. The times when I feel a little bit anxious and stressed or worried, I would always try and put half an hour aside and go for a run. Exercise, I feel like it's quite therapeutic. Mindfulness is also very important. I started meditating two-and-a-half years ago. It helped me not only recharge mentally but also feel a more centred, a little bit more focused. So, between physical exercise and meditation, it keeps me switched on and ready for what the day brings,” he professed.

A sense of purpose

The main thing that gives Jason energy is the knowledge that he has made a difference to countless of lives that have benefitted from VÖOST. “It's not about money. It's not about turnover. It's not about profit. It's not about the number of employees or the building. If you're inspired only by such superficial measures, then you're not going to have a strong foundation. There needs to be a little bit more substance to it. It's the knowledge that you've helped somebody or could help somebody new. That's quite powerful,” he imparted.

As he continues with his entrepreneurial journey, he hopes to grow his business and keep helping people by allowing them to feel better every day. He also wants to establish his businesses more firmly where he can have more time with his wife and kids. For Jason, “I want to explore the world with them. In five or six years’ time, I want to still be inspired, to have that drive to keep VÖOST on pleasing its consumer base.”

Know more about Jason Scher through his LinkedIn profile. Read on VÖOST at http://www.voost.com.au/.

Braving the entrepreneurial roller coaster ride

Theme parks are a child’s paradise. It’s a place where thrill and fun abound. It’s appealing and attractive, but can be quite daunting. The experience of enjoying theme park rides can run parallel to the entrepreneurial journey. Like in the business world, being in an amusement park can fill you with mixed emotions – fear, excitement, wooziness, and satisfaction.

It is interesting that children appear as if they don’t dread the frightening theme park rides. Similarly, young entrepreneurs seem to have less apprehension about entering the business race. Nevertheless, not many may find it enjoyable. Only those who have the sense of adventure will linger and crave for more. True enough, there are joys and anxieties in owning and running a business, which is why it is suitable for those who have the spirit and courage to go through it.

As time goes by, business owners realise that despite the enjoyment that the entrepreneurial amusement park brings, it is more pleasurable when spent with people who share the same passion and interest on such level of exuberance. Imagine a kid who looks forward to visiting a theme park, only to find that his or her companions are not eager to spend a day in such an environment.

In the business setting, it is helpful to find a group like EO Melbourne where like-minded individuals can relate to the challenges you face. But they keep traversing their entrepreneurial journeys because they love what they’re doing. Listening to their stories gives you a dash of confidence to brave the entrepreneurial adventure. You might be curious to know the kind of rides that most entrepreneurs find in the business world. Check out below which ones can connect closely to your experience.

1. Rollercoaster

The most common analogy of business owners to the entrepreneurial journey is the roller coaster ride. It’s filled with tumultuous ups and downs, sideways and loops. Running a business can be a turbulent journey with constant problems, challenges, motivation and wins. There are times when it can be scary and dizzying, but there are also moments when you feel the adrenaline rush like you are on the top of the world. The roller coaster ride is just a reminder that things can get pretty fast and you have to go with the momentum to enjoy it fully.

2. Carousel

If the rollercoaster is too speedy for you, the carousel is slower and less terrifying. Some of us may prefer to stay on the safer side, not wanting to disrupt the status quo. There are movements but not too steep and can be less exciting. There’s the danger of just going around in circles, with little development or improvement in the business.

3. Bump car

The business space is full of competition. It can get crowded, and you may end up bumping into each other. The bump car is a fun ride because you can take it whichever direction you want. However, it is unavoidable that you will end up hitting other businesses or getting yours hit along the way. Not everyone may go in the same direction as yours. In reality, it can become chaotic and messy.

4. Dark ride

No matter how many business books you read, seminars you attend, or podcasts you listen, nothing can totally prepare you for the entrepreneurial journey. You get hints from the basic concepts, stories of other business owners, and market movements, but there is a different kind of learning when you experience it yourself. It’s the same case with ghost trains and horror rides in amusement parks. We know that it can be creepy inside. But once we step into the darkness, it still scares us. We often psyche ourselves not to be afraid of what we’ll find inside, but we still get startled by the movements, sounds and props inside this attraction.

5. Swing ride

Chair-O-Planes and Monkey Swingers are the popular types of swing ride. This motion of this ride can vary as it can speed up or slow down and tilt its top on different angles. It hurls you around as the top rotates on an axis. The business experience can throw you off guard and beyond your comfort zone. But as long as you are attached to your core values and core business, you can never stray too far.

6. Pendulum ride

Based on the concept of a pendulum, this ride pivots back and forth due to force and gravity. Have you ever tried a Pirate Ship ride? It neither goes anywhere nor rotates but it can swing forward and backward. There’s a rhythm. You have to keep moving. When you hit failure, don’t stay there forever because you can sway yourself towards success. The entrepreneurial journey can be frenzied, but you can always set a rhythm for yourself and your business, and find your balance in all these things.

7. 4D Ride

Many theme park goers, especially those who only accompany their kids, would rather go for the 4D rides. It’s like watching a movie in a theatre, but there are water mists, fog, and pokers for additional sensations to the cinematic feel. The seats may move a bit for a semblance of motion. To be on top of your business and the movement in your industry, you have to use all your senses and immerse yourself in the whole experience to fully grasp what’s ahead of you.

8. Mechanical Bull

For those who get overwhelmed with huge rides, the mechanical bull is a safer option. You can ride it just by yourself. It is ideal for those who are visiting amusement parks for the first time and need to shake off their fear. As Subway co-founder Fred Deluca once said, “start small, finish big.” There’s no need to shock your system if you believe the best way for you is to begin your business journey in a slow and steady pace. The original use of mechanical bulls was to train cowboys for rodeos. In the same way, newbie entrepreneurs can gather experience first and then go big.

9. Bungee Trampoline

Some amusement parks have attractions like the bungee trampoline. The difference of this kind of attraction compared to the previous ones mentioned is that this one is not mechanical. Instead, the visitor is doing the activity with the help of a trampoline. To launch your business to greater heights, you need a platform like a trampoline. But it all does is support you because you have to be the one to make the jump and exert effort to force yourself upward.

10. Climbing wall

From afar, the wall may appear easy. But once you take the first step towards the top, you’ll find that it can be strenuous and challenging. You have to stretch your entrepreneurial muscles to reach the next rock so you can pull yourself upward. All it takes is determination, perseverance, agility and commitment to reach your goal. Just keep your head towards the top and not look down to stay on the course. Focus on your goal and be not afraid of failure.

Every park goer has his preference and bias on which theme park ride he will take. Each entrepreneur differs from one another when it comes to vision, goals, strategies, and style of running a business. That is why there are different rides to choose from and different paths to take. There may be variety in the experiences, but the basic components will be there, such as the challenge and the thrill of the ride. Listening to the stories of others on how their entrepreneurial ride went can give you an idea on how you can tackle things on your own when it’s time for you to experience your business adventure.