We’ve all been there where a lightbulb moment crafts up a brilliant idea that springs into life.
It’s a moment of realisation where we think – “Hey, I could make a business out of that!” And whilst you might want to jump at the opportunity to get started, having a rational plan and outline is the best way to start a business.
It might be hard to imagine, but every successful business owner or entrepreneur started somewhere. Taking your idea and transforming it into a thriving business mightn’t happen overnight, but it can happen.
We’ve helped several successful businesses start-up in recent years through our services for the New Business Assistance with NEIS program, and today we’re chatting with our NEIS Coordinator, Wendy Winzar to outline some tips and tricks to take your business idea from seed to sprout.
Turning an idea into reality
When crafting a business idea, Wendy suggests taking a hobby or interest and developing it with the goal of starting a viable business.
“Clients come to me with an idea which is often a hobby or interest they have.
“Recently, we had a young woman who was a single mum with an interest in writing resumes and cover letters. We also had a teacher with a passion for culinary delights come through the program.
“One thing that our successful students have in common is a real passion for their idea or product,” Wendy said.
Once clients commence a business course through the program, they are encouraged to plan and trial their idea at markets and to family and friends.
“This is imperative so that clients can test their product or service and gain valuable feedback from potential future customers. It’s a really good way to improve or update their service or product and to also assess how it is being sold, made or delivered.
“Their next step is focusing on making an income from their idea or product,” Wendy said
Business planning and progression
As part of this program, all participants complete accredited small business training and will work to develop a business plan that sets out the way they will be operating.
“Researching their idea, assessing what their competitors are doing and planning on how they can improve or surpass that really helps our clients deliver their business in a creative and new way,” Wendy shared.
Additionally, a staple of the New Business Assistance with NEIS program is having previous participants present their newly successful business to up-and-comers.
“We invite business owners who have completed the program to discuss their start-up experience and what they got out of the training and mentoring.
“The existing students always enjoy listening to first-hand experiences from other people, who, just like them, have been through the ups and downs of starting a business,” Wendy said.
“It gives them the motivation that they can do it too."
Taking the leap
Money matters – especially when you’re responsible for your own income.
Students are equipped with business training, financial tables and marketing plans as they acquire their own business acumen. This helps to ensure that all program graduates are equipped with real-world skills that will continue to help with their business venture.
“We’re here to help ensure our clients’ new businesses are following a benchmark and making a profit.
“We’re really just here to ensure they’re staying on track,” said Wendy.
Further information
PeoplePlus has helped countless new businesses commence under the New Business Assistance with NEIS program which has been strongly supported by the Australian Government.
If you’re a budding entrepreneur looking to start a business, contact our NEIS Coordinator Wendy Winzar today:
Phone: (03) 5333 6104 | Mobile: 0419 583 839
Email: wendy.winzar@peopleplusaustralia.com.au
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1800 773 338
