Officeworks: Writing
Tasked to create a variety of content for the Officeworks blog, helping to support and inspire micro and small businesses across the areas of style, productivity, organisation, creativity and planning. (This blog has since expired - samples of any of these articles are available on request).
mixing work and play
What’s it like to spend 24/7 alongside the person you love most? Does it sound like a dream, or like a lot of – well – work? We spoke to three Australian couples who double as business partners, and asked them to share their secrets to a successful relationship – in and out of the workplace.
are you sitting down?
We now average more time sitting than sleeping... and by the time you finish reading this, you'll be on your feet.
how to create a business dress code policy
Creating a dress code policy is a simple but effective way of demonstrating what you expect from your team in order to achieve success. Find out what your business needs to create and execute an effective plan.
tips for setting up the ideal workspace
Are you still working with a laptop perched on your knees? As your business grows, so do your requirements for an effective workspace. At the heart of that is your desk. Whether you are in a small space, shared area or working from home, there are tweaks and tips you can implement to perfect your desk set up. The ideal fit will support you to deliver your best work.
chasing the light
Why light and bright are more than just design choices when it comes to your home office - and how your productivity and health can benefit just by tweaking your light.
the rules of music in the workplace
Does music in the workplace help or hinder productivity? Music is an integral and powerful tool that you should be leveraging for your business. Want to create the perfect atmosphere in your café, store or practice? Want team members who are engaged, more positive, have increased levels of concentration and feel inspired? The answer is at your fingertips: add tunes. We explain what you need to consider to ensure a harmonious outcome.
10 powerful ways your business can celebrate earth hour
Earth Hour started as a grassroots Australian initiative and is now the largest mass participation environmental event worldwide. 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of Earth Hour. Find out how your business can get involved.
LEAVING YOUR DAY JOB: THE THINGS YOU MISS
There are few more liberating (and slightly terrifying) feelings than when you leave big business behind to head out on your own. Give it a while though, and you’ll be surprised that some of the processes you once loathed will become the things you realise had a place. Here's how to set up new processes to replace them, while still enjoying the benefits of working for yourself.
you know where you're headed, but does your team?
As a small business owner, it's natural that you'll be the most committed person to realising your vision. However, your team is a powerful force you can harness to work towards your goal with you. To enable that to happen, they need to be clear what your vision is.
powerful & unique ways your small business can attract and retain talent
The reasons why you want to attract the best talent to your business are obvious. The 'how' may be a bit more challenging – especially when you don’t have the ability to compete financially. However, one of the great things about small business is the ability to be creative and flexible. Without shareholders, infrastructure and entrenched processes to rigidly abide by, you can come up with fresh and effective options to both attract new talent and keep them delivering happily. Here’s how.
should you sign that? legal advice to protect your small business
Paul Gordon, senior associate of NDA Law, answers six commonly asked legal questions from small business owners and advises when to trust your instincts and when to get professional advice.
The value of being flexible
A 2015 survey by Citrix found that 77 per cent of small business workers list a flexible working arrangement as important when looking for a new role. So being willing to carve out a situation that works for everyone could lead to both attracting new team members and retaining excellent ones.
What I wish I'd known: 5 small business owners share their stories
Hindsight is a powerful thing, and so is learning from others. So what can your business learn from the success and mistakes of others? These five successful Australian business owners reveal what they wish they'd known when they were first starting out on their small business journey.
Is it time to move beyond the home office?
Some of the most legendary success stories began in small home offices or garages. The Silicon Valley garage where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple has now been named as a historic site. But just like their eventual move to an office, the time may come when you need to upgrade your workspace too. So how do you know when that moment has truly arrived, and what should you consider when it does?
Creating moments that matter
When it comes to connecting with customers, small business has a big opportunity.
Is it (really) time to grow your team?
A common mistake in small businesses is over-staffing – but when you want to grow and need a hand, hiring seems like the natural solution. Here are five common challenges when it comes to staffing plus flexible, scalable options to help you manage your business in the best way possible.
Celebrating size: four reasons why it’s OK to stay small
A small fish in a big pond doesn’t sound like something to aspire to. But a small fish can swim freely and has a great deal of control in an uncrowded environment.Most self-employed small business owners start out because they love what they do – and there’s no shame in wanting to continue that. Bottom line: it’s fine to stay small and embrace your company for what it is without focusing on getting bigger.
Breaking down disruption: what it means for your business
Innovation typically makes things better. It streamlines a process or production, creates new opportunities to lower price, and improves the end product or experience. But disruption allows you to potentially grow bigger because it’s changing the current state of play completely and creating an all-new customer opportunity.If it sounds exciting and inspiring, that’s because it is. Business has seen significant change in recent times, with confident new players in the market, different ways for customers to pay, and fresh technology to drive initiatives.
How you can become a disruptor in business
Inspired by the success stories of companies like Airbnb, Netflix and Uber? If you’re full of ideas and keen to change the status quo, then disruptive innovation is the theory you need to embrace.
The master and the apprentice
A true mentor can be relied upon to help you grow and develop in business. And if you’re lucky enough, they may even become a friend.
How to handle customer feedback
Your customers can be your best advocates and their happiness is one of the markers of success. Here are the top do's and don’ts when it comes to managing customer feedback.
The work-life balance myth: how you really can be happier
I was describing my morning to a friend when it hit me. “I wake up at 5am to shower and dress, make breakfasts and lunches, clean the house, check emails, and shake sleepy children awake so I can get out the door by 7am to drop them at childcare. Then I start the two-hour, traffic jam-filled commute and hopefully get to the office by 9am...” He looked at me incredulously and said, “That sounds like my worst nightmare.” I blinked: “Mine too.”