Take the leap

Guest post – Sharni Foulkes – Business Advisor KBCCI

Kalgoorlie-Boulder really is the best place to start and launch a new business and 2020 has never been a better time.

Your probably thinking to yourself, who in their right mind is this lunatic with a statement like that, and why now, in what seems to be an economic down turn.

Well, My name is Sharni Foulkes, I am the Business Advisor at the KBCCI. I work with a variety of businesses across different Industry’s on a daily basis. And let me tell you, now has never been a better time to step out of that comfort zone and give that idea you’ve been housing for some time a good old fashioned go.

Sharni, left, pictured with Tia Jefferies from the KBCCI

With the average age of 33, an average household income of $115k and an almost 50/50 ratio of males to females the times are changing. Millennials are taking over and that is okay. For the small business industry, this means the barefoot investor budgets, strong side hustles and the ambition to succeed. And hard work prevails, but the statistics and support that have come across my desk throughout 2019 have been nothing short of amazing.  

  • 514 face-to-face client meetings
  • 20 group sessions/workshops across 9 different topics
  • 21 digital meetings
  • 502 client action plans
  • 494 returning clients
  • 241 new clients

And with the appointment of a further two new business advisory contracts at the start of the financial year through (ASBAS) Australian Small Business Advisory Service for digital solutions and (NEIS) New Enterprise Incentive Scheme we have been able to expand on the services and topics that we can provide. ASBAS allows us to provide an outcome based service in the digital world, whether it be setting up a facebook/Instagram account or walking through the ATO’s reporting app, we are aiming to better connect our small business clients online and empower them with the confidence and understanding to utilise technology for better productivity. And NEIS has allowed us to work with an unemployed clientele, assisting them to achieve their certificate 3 in micro (home based) business, while still keeping their payments, and building their business over an intensive 12 months of mentorship. Not only is this a free service, I actually do care about you and want you to be sustainable and successful! 

Along with the services that we provide, we also maintain close relationships with stake holders and where possible get them out to Kalgoorlie to engage with the businesses in a face-to-face setting through either a networking events or workshop. 2019 provided the following services and achievements for our clients to better their business opportunities:

  • Small Business Showcase Event
  • State Government Procurement policy presentation for Aboriginal Business (attendee)
  • AUS Industries visit and meetings with 10+ clients (outcomes for over 80%)
  • Facebook workshops presented by Facebook
  • Small Business Development Corporation visit and meetings with stakeholders
  • Female Founders Grant consultation (Only regional consultation for WA)
  • Australian Tax Office educational workshops
  • Australian Securities and Investment Workshops
  • Cyber security workshop as a hosting partner through NAB

As well as attending many meetings, collaborations, events and information sessions to ensure we are equipped to the highest standard to assist and pass on knowledge for our clients.  

I am one person and in Kalgoorlie-Boulder there are many other support services offering business advisory. So now knowing what you now know, wouldn’t you agree – there is no better time than 2020 to start, grow, expand or launch your business. If you are intrigued, give us a call and come in to see me, we can asses where your at and work out the right direction for you. It’s free, thanks to some amazing government funding.

When Sharni isn’t supporting the start-up business community of the Goldfields region, or facilitating numerous business workshops, she is dynamic participant of the local business community through her membership with Goldfields Women Building Business, Rotary and of course her membership of W.A.C.K.E.D. (that’s all about networking right??). In her downtime she can be spotted on Fashions on the Field catwalks around the state, outfit on point.

You can find Sharni on Facebook here, or located within the KBCCI office.

Like what you see? Click around and discover how partnering with us can give your business a competitive advantage by aligning strategy with people & culture, or, give us a like on Facebook for regular updates on industry trends, blog posts & photo’s of me having coffee at my regular haunts and / or my dog & cat disrupting my work day

It’s time for HR to move beyond policies, practices and processes, HR’s value proposition to business is to ensure HR professionals and their practices’ produce positive outcomes for key stakeholders, employees, line managers, customers and investors.

THE PEOPLE & CULTURE OFFICE IS A KALGOORLIE BASED HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) CONSULTING COMPANY THAT SPECIALISES IN DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS WITH SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES. WE CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO GAIN A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH EMPLOYEE INITIATIVES. 

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT TO DISCUSS WHAT SOLUTIONS WE CAN PUT IN PLACE TO DRIVE ACHIEVEMENT OF YOUR STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL GOALS.

AT THE PEOPLE & CULTURE OFFICE YOU ONLY PAY FOR THE WORK WE UNDERTAKE FOR YOU;  NO ANNUAL OR MONTHLY FEES; NO CONTRACTS; JUST QUALITY, LOCAL, SERVICE.

Elevate your Social Media in 2019

The People & Culture Office | Scribe & Social
Sonia, Chief Storyteller, Scribe and Social

About 5 years ago I stumbled across Sonia Bavistock (and Amalfi aka the cutest dog in the world) on Facebook through her fashion styling page Sonia Styling and then later Scribe and Social, her social media management business. Since launching The People & Culture Office just shy of 12 months ago, Scribe and Social has helped me make sense of my social media content creation, and, through Sonia’s newsletters, Instagram and practical tips I have been able to put together a social media plan that is reflective of not just what I want my business to be & say, but (I think) my personality as well. But what has really drawn me to Scribe and Social is a shared philosophy of wanting to share our knowledge solely because we want to see people & business do well & then to celebrate your successes with you. So please, let me introduce you to Sonia from Scribe & Social, my guest blogger this week.

Have you noticed it?

There is a huge push towards authenticity online these days. 

Yes, social media is a highlight reel – an edited version of life – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be authentic. 

If you want to see real cut-through and real engagement, you mustn’t be afraid to share. Telling our stories is how we connect as people and it is what can set you apart as a business. 

Of course, the picture can be pretty, but the words must be honest.

And so, whether you’re wanting to improve your engagement or simply try some new things, here are five ways you can use social media as a business to connect with your audience.

The People & Culture Office | Scribe & Social

1. Show up

What makes your business unique? You. Let your followers see and get to know the person behind the account. Include photos of yourself (and your team) in your feed. Or if that’s not appropriate, show up in Instagram Stories. Start small and share little snippets, consistently. It’s the best way to create a community online.

2. Invite interaction

Make your followers feel valued by inviting them to interact with you. Ask them questions. Ask their opinion. Ask their advice. What do they like? What do they prefer? What would they like to see next? End each caption with an invitation or a call to action. Remember, the post is just the start of the conversation.

3. Use videos

Video content is easy to consume and conveys your message with clarity. It’s also a great way for people to get to know the personality of your business. Get comfortable with being on video and get confident with simple video editing apps. In this day and age, all you need is your phone to get started with video. And the very best place to start? On Instagram Stories.

4. Engage more, post less

Posting isn’t the only way to be discovered. Engage with other accounts – reply to comments, have a chat in DMs, comment on other people’s posts. Add value to conversations all over social media. If you show up with purpose and authenticity, you will be noticed. As for posting, do it to add value, not out of obligation.

5. Get personal

In this automated day and age, are there any touchpoints you can personalise? Some ways to do this include using their name in email marketing. Sending them a voucher on their birthday. Speaking to them on the phone. Including a handwritten thank you note with an order. Using their name in social media interactions (comments). Sending them a voice or video reply via DM.

So, forget about the numbers! Instead, focus on delivering valuable, useful content. Build relationships with your followers. Serve them well. And see the positive impact this has on your business online.

Sonia Bavistock bio:

Sonia Bavistock is a fashion and lifestyle blogger (Sonia Styling). For the past 6 years, she has taught herself everything digital and social media and built a community of nearly 35,000 engaged and loyal readers and followers. She has also worked on national campaigns with well-known brands such as Schwarzkopf, Katies, Australia Post and Bupa – to name a few.

In 2017, Sonia took everything she’s learned online and offline to launch Scribe and Social and help other business owners with their social media and copywriting.

Scribe and Social is all about online presence with substance and style.

 Sonia from Scribe & Social, guest blogger on The People & Culture Office
Sonia Bavistock

It’s time for HR to move beyond policies, practices and processes. The People & Culture Office can partner with you to gain a competitive advantage through people & culture initiatives Contact Us to arrange an appointment to discus what solutions we can put in place to drive achievement of your strategic goals.

Like what you see? Click around and discover how partnering with us can give your business a competitive advantage by aligning strategy with people & culture, or, give us a like on Facebook for regular updates on industry trends, blog posts & photo’s of me having coffee at my regular haunts and / or my dog & cat disrupting my work day

Simone Pickering | The People & Culture Office

BASED IN KALGOORLIE, THE PEOPLE & CULTURE OFFICE IS AN INDEPENDENT HR CONSULTANT WHO CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO OFFER A ONE STOP HR SOLUTION, WE ONLY CHARGE YOU FOR THE WORK WE PERFORM; NO CONTRACTS, NO ANNUAL OR MONTHLY FEES, JUST QUALITY SERVICE. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE