Location: Hallam, Victoria
Commencement Date: September 2010
Salary: $42k
Hours: M-F 8.30 – 5.00 with occasional weekends during peak periods

Our client is a highly successful and growing organisation involved in an Australian wide party plan operation as well as direct online sales.

We are looking for someone who has a good business sense about the party plan environment, is extremely motivated, compassionate and an excellent communicator. The applicant will also need to excel at multi-tasking as the role will involve both party plan management as well as the online sales element.

The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Management of party plan team members as well as sales, commissions and hostess incentives
• Documentation of sales and profit and loss on a monthly basis
• Management of daily downloads and importing into custom built management system
• Ensuring production and dispatch dates are met
• Coordination of couriers and shipments
• Electronic processing of credit cards
• Handling customer service enquiries
• Identifying sales trends
• Marketing and maintaining accuracy of online listings
• General bookkeeping

The successful applicant should possess the following skills and qualities:

• Experience in party plan and management of teams – minimum 5 years experience
• Experience in managing EBay store – with a good understanding of key words, categories, listings and feedback ratings is highly regarded
• Solid customer service background is highly regarded
• Successful sales history
• Strong verbal communication skills
• The ability to use initiative to manage and prioritise workload
• The ability to motivate and support team members
• Advanced administration and computer skills
• Knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of QuickBooks/MYOB preferred

Previous exposure to the Party Plan industry is a requirement.

If you would like to be part of this progressive organisation, email Michelle at michelle@bauhiniasolutions.com.

Name of Business: The Spotty Napkin
Type of Business: Children’s Birthday Party Supplies – Online Retailer
Website: www.thespottynapkin.com
Email: admin@thespottynapkin.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thespottynapkin
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thespottynapkin

Nicole: Tell us more about your business.
Liz: The Spotty Napkin takes you back to beautiful basics to create gorgeous themed children’s birthday parties that your friends will envy. Take a designer invitation and mix and match with decorations, cake bling and loot bags, along with loot and games to get the desired look. We stock everything you need to ensure that your little prince or princess will have a party to be remembered. We can also help out with supplies for baby showers with a chic range of invitations and thank you cards designed by Paper Eskimo. Need to send a birthday card, we’ve got those too including a range exclusively designed for us by Sweet Sentiments.

Nicole: What inspired you to become a business owner?
Liz: Prior to having my youngest son (13 years ago) I worked as an Administration/Finance Manager, when along came my third child and I no longer wanted to chase the corporate dream with its stress and long hours. I started a bookkeeping business that worked in with my toddler going to crèche several days a week. Then came divorce and suddenly I was a sole parent who wanted to buy out her husband from the family home, something that was very difficult to do then especially being female and self employed. Never say never to me though, I was determined to succeed and I did, securing finance for property settlement.

Several years later I met a lovely man from Gippsland and decided to sell up and move there – best thing I ever did. Bookkeeping was inconsistent, busy at BAS time but slower for the rest of the quarter so I searched for something that would complement the business and bring in additional cash flow. I purchased a Resumes for Results franchise and within twelve months wound down the bookkeeping business to concentrate solely on RFR. Two years later I purchased additional territories in Melbourne Central and Tasmania and today have a team of five consultants working for me. This year saw me taking a step back from seeing clients and now I manage the team and concentrate on business development.

Late last year I purchased The Spotty Napkin as I knew I was planning on stepping back but also knew I would need a new challenge to keep me fired up.

Nicole: What makes your business unique?
Liz: Customer Service and yes I know everyone says that but we really do deliver the highest levels of customer service. Delivery is within 24 hours of funds clearing, emails are answered promptly and we keep the customer informed at every step of the sales and delivery process. This has resulted in fantastic feedback from our Raving Fans and lots of word of mouth referrals.

Nicole: What challenges have you faced within your business?
Liz: When I purchased the business it had a ‘sitebuilder’ with Netregistry that drove me nuts. There were things I wanted to do to the site but was restricted – such as the little Facebook and Twitter logos, newsletter signups to name just a few. After two weeks I decided that even though I had just taken over and spent a considerable amount of money I would need to upgrade to a better site to be able to take the business to the next level. My partner nearly had a heart attack but he trusts my judgement and supported my decision totally.

Nicole: How did you overcome those challenges?
Liz: Firstly I started to ask questions of web designers on several forums that I am a member of, progressing to obtaining quotes. Once I had decided to go with Bauhinia Solutions it was just a matter of working together, speaking via Skype and email to get the process under way. I am now the fortunate owner of a gorgeous new site that is better than I could have hoped for. This improvement has been reflected in sales and lots of comments from people visiting the site.

Nicole: What successes would you like to celebrate?
Liz: The launch of our beautiful new website and blog created by the talented team at Bauhinias Solutions.

Nicole: We’re glad you love your new site.  So tell me, what business resource have you found invaluable?
Liz: Bauhinia Solutions of course! No seriously Nicole and her team have been a blessing for me they have provided assistance on product sourcing, website copywriting, website design and development, along with some general virtual assistance.

Nicole: What is your favourite technology you use within your business?
Liz: The internet to drive our website and blog. Also Virtual Assistants and how easy they can make life for a busy business owner. I outsource a large portion of my business, something that was difficult to undertake at first as I am a control freak, whereas now I don’t hesitate. If it’s something I can’t do, don’t like doing or don’t have the time to do I just pick up the phone or send an email and outsource it to someone else.

Nicole: What words of advice would you offer to others starting a business?
Liz: Be passionate about what you are doing as often the financial rewards are a long time coming. Have a clear business plan and cashflow forecast to maximise the steps you take especially in regards to advertising and marketing. Support from family and friends is also important as you may need a sounding board to bounce ideas off. Join online forums to get additional support and ideas.

If you’re looking for beautiful partyware, I highly recommend you popping over to Liz’s site, www.thespottynapkin.com because truly, her products are gorgeous.

Dealing with graphic designers can be a complicated process if you are not prepared for what needs to be done.  Here are five tips to aid your graphic design process, which will ensure the interaction between your organisation and your designer remains smooth and trouble free.

1. Know What You Want

Creating something without having any idea of what you want or how you want it to be set out can prolong the task as well as add extra costs to your marketing material budget.  It is wise to have done some basic research on the topic prior to contacting your designer.

2. Be Clear With Your Communication

Once you have established what your requirements are, it is essential that you are clear with your instructions.  Know what you want and pass on your ideas and thoughts with clarity.

3. Be Clear On Your Budget

Know what your budget for your logo or brochure may be and compare that to the charge of the designer.  The invoice, like any other bill, is not up for negotiation and will need to be paid promptly especially in terms of any deposit which may need to be paid upfront.

4. Be Organised

Be organised from your point of view.  Have your examples, images and pictures ready to supply to the designer.  Know your colours, your likes and dislikes and present them to your designer early in the piece so as not to hold up any of the design aspects.

5. Notify Your Designer of Your Time frame

Let the designer know what your expected time frame for the work to be done is and confirm how long they think the task may take.  Once you are aware of your designer’s needs then the job will proceed without you having to continuously question the completion date of the task.

For more information on how Bauhinia Services can assist your business with your graphic design, contact us for further information.  Ask us about a package for multiple services, such as logo design, letterhead, with compliment slip and a business card or static and flash banners.

About Michelle: Michelle’s career spans 20 years in various administrative and marketing roles.  She has owned and sold a successful online store, written articles for a number of online magazines and now focuses her energies on writing – proofreading and editing, ghost and copy writing and blog management.

You can read more about Michelle on her profile page.

On Friday, while talking with my business coach, Andrew, I had an aha moment.  Over the weekend I had another aha moment and this morning, it happened again.

Firstly, Andrew reminded me that my time is important and that when client’s keep me waiting for 20 minutes or more for a meeting, they’re not respecting my time.  Next, I realised that what I thought was ‘networking’ isn’t actually correct and I’m now re-evaluating my thinking.  And finally, upon waking this morning, I knew I wanted to make an impact but wasn’t sure how to do it until the 29 Gift Giving Challenge popped up on my Facebook personal page.

The challenge isn’t new to me, I’ve actually completed the challenge for the last two years but this year I’m going to record my giving – not for recognition or for fame, more for my own personal journey.  Giving feels good and when you consciously give, you become more aware of living in the now, not the future or the past.

You can hear more about the founder of the movement, Cami Walker’s journey on this YouTube video:-

So why am I tell you this? Because my first day of giving is a give away!  I‘m going to give away a F.R.E.E profile image on a Facebook Business Page.

I’m not going to put any conditions around this.  At 3:00pm (my time) I will pick a number between 1 and the number of likers on my business page, and whoever is that liker, based on counting, will be the person to receive my gift.

My aim is to give every day throughout my life. If you’d like to follow my giving challenge, I’ll be sharing my journey on my profile.

Have a great day!

A copywriter is responsible for writing promotional and marketing text for organisations such as print advertisements, website content, brochures and press releases.  A copywriter who has a full understanding of your requirements and your business is a valuable asset to have, as it is no secret that great copy will aid your selling potential.

There are many benefits to hiring a copywriter to write on your behalf, five of which are listed below.

1.  A Copywriter Can Save You Time

Writing copy to appeal to your customers can be a time consuming and complicated process.  A copywriter can come to your aid by saving you hours upon hours of frustration by writing the compelling and persuasive text that you require.

2.  Use A Copywriter As and When You Need To

A reliable freelance copywriter is an affordable approach in terms of getting the work done and meeting the tight budget restrictions of a small business.  Hiring on an ad hoc basis is the perfect way to utilise a ghost writer’s service.  Whether you are seeking a proofreading or editing task, a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) rewrite or a full copy requirement, a copywriter is a cost effective way to meet those deadlines and boost your sales.

3.  A Copywriter Will Create Consistent Copy

As purchasers we are bombarded with marketing copy and text wherever we go.  The key to reach your intended audience is to maintain consistency throughout all of your marketing mediums in order to assist with the ease in which your customers recognise and become familiar with your brand.

4.  Professional Copywriting Can Boost Your Brand

Bad copy will do nothing for your reputation let alone increase your sales or readership levels.  An experienced copywriter will understand the need to keep it simple in order to keep the reader’s interest and allowing them to be taken on a journey to the desired course of action you are seeking.

5.    A Copywriter Will Maximise Your Website Investment

Designing and creating a website is a costly investment.  However failing to have clear and concise text on your site will drive your readers and your target audience away in droves.  Don’t overlook the cost of a copywriter who will assist you in delivering the persuasive message that will convert your visitors into customers.

For more information on how Bauhinia Services can assist your business with their copywriting services, contact us for further information.  Get yourself noticed with great copy.

About Michelle: Michelle’s career spans 20 years in various administrative and marketing roles.  She has owned and sold a successful online store, written articles for a number of online magazines and now focuses her energies on writing – proofreading and editing, ghost and copy writing and blog management.

You can read more about Michelle on her profile page.

We have provided a range of services her businesses. We’ve created an online store, blog, Facebook business page custom tab and teaser store for The Spotty Napkin; Facebook business page custom tab and teaser store for Preloved Kidswear and are currently working on a website for her husband’s business, Joheli Designs. We really appreciate Liz’s business, feedback and referrals.

I have utilised Bauhinia Solutions to create a new website for The Spotty Napkin and found their work to be of a very high standard, resulting in lots of positive comments regarding my new look. Nicole in particular is a pleasure to deal with and very patient with my barrage of questions that flowed throughout the process. Nothing was ever too much trouble and I didn’t feel like a complete idiot with my lack of technical knowledge. The process was smooth, within budget and time frames.

We were so impressed with the results that we have commissioned the team to construct another site for one of our other businesses. Nicole has previously created a Facebook Welcome Page for me and undertaken some administrative type work as well.

I regularly refer people to Nicole and Bauhinia Solutions as it is not often that you find a business with ethics and work standards this high.

- Liz Foulds, Entrepreneur

As many small business owners know or will eventually come to realise, there is one word that features prominently in their vocabulary – and that word is “outsourcing”.  Unless you feel the need to be tied down to your business 24/7, outsourcing at least part of your workload is essential to allow your business to thrive.

Seeking virtual assistance in the form of a contractor, secretary or Virtual Assistant (VA) is certainly not a new thing to do however it is only recently that small or micro business have started to see the benefit that comes with this decision.

Some functions that a Virtual Assistant can take on are as follows:

•    General Typing

Thanks to email, scanners and Dictaphone machines, typing can be done from anywhere in the world and then emailed directly to your inbox.

•    Social Media

With the value of marketing via social media coming to the forefront, many businesses are understanding the importance of outsourcing such a function as this to keep clients up to date with their day to day activities.

•    Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is a popular service to outsource particularly if you have no knowledge of basic accounts or bookkeeping services.

•    Blogging

Regular blog posts enables a company to raise their profile when it comes to search engine status.  Due to the time consuming element of blogging, the value of virtual assistance in this area is well worth the cost.

•    Customer Service

Maintaining quality customer service is imperative to ensure smooth management of an organisation.  A VA is able to respond quickly to any enquiries giving you time to focus on other less administrative based tasks.

•    Online Store Management

Running an online store single handedly is not easy.  As a business grows, so is the need for assistance in this area.

•    Data Entry

This kind of work allows for the culmination of reports which can be of particular value to a business.

• Personal Assistant Services

Imagine having your own PA on call and only paying for their services as and when required.  A win-win situation for all involved.

•    Managing Email

In this electronic age, we can be bombarded by unnecessary emails.  A VA is able to read and reply to emails on your behalf.

•    Booking Travel

Think travel and it can easily become overly complicated involving itineraries, flights, car hire, accommodation and visas to name a few.

For more information on how Bauhinia Services can assist your business, contact us for further information.  We are more than a virtual assistant or business assistant, we offer a range of administration and secretarial services virtually.

About Michelle: Michelle’s career spans 20 years in various administrative and marketing roles.  She has owned and sold a successful online store, written articles for a number of online magazines and now focuses her energies on writing – proofreading and editing, ghost and copy writing and blog management.

You can read more about Michelle on her profile page.

Project: Write Marketing Material and Design of Double Sided Tri-Fold Brochure

Australian Garment Imports & Quality Assurance was formed in 2009 by Angela McGarry who has a solid background in quality control, factory floor supervising and managing all aspects of local and imported clothing production.

The project scope was to write the marketing material on behalf of our client, and then design a double sided, tri-fold brochure for printing.

Visit their website: www.agiqualityassurances.com.au

It’s no surprise that a large percentage of start-up businesses fail to succeed in the first year and although many businesses may make it to the second or third year mark (approximately 60%), their profit and loss statement will certainly show the scars from the uphill battle they fought just to make it that far.

There are many reasons for this absence of success but one reason which seems to crop up repeatedly is the fact that many individuals expect their businesses to be an instant success.  This unrealistic high expection undoubtedly translates into an unhappy entrepreneur lacking in motivation and drive.  Other factors which can beget failure are the shortage of funds available for the business to survive and/or the nonexistence of a suitable business plan. 

A business coach can assist in many of these areas and provide a focus which is otherwise null and void in a business experiencing these or other issues.  There are many benefits to hiring a business coach, some of which are mentioned below.

Business Support

Running a solo business can be isolating and being able to seek support from an outside avenue, other than from immediate friends and family, can be a much needed, positive experience. 

Strategic Focus 

A business coach can examine your business and assist with the creation of a business plan which will redefine your goals on a continuous basis.

Resolution of Problems

The use of a mentor can help solve business problems such as advertising, networking or promotional issues.  While the advice may seem logical at times, often it is the simplest of things that are overlooked which have the most effect on your business in terms of growth and development.

Initiating Personal Development

An unfortunate fact of life is that we just can’t be good at everything.  A coach can assist you in a self evaluation process in order to improve your business skills creating change in other areas of the business.

Improving Work Life Balance

Working smarter not harder is a common phrase banded around the business world.  However it is an issue which can be resolved through planning and preparation allowing you to grow and develop the business without feeling the pressure to be immersed in the business 99% of the time.  Aim for effectiveness rather than efficiency and you will be amazed at the results.

For more information on how Bauhinia Services can assist your business, contact us for further information.  We love watching businesses grow and succeed.  Our coaching services help you harness your passion, step out of your comfort zone and start a heart-based business.

About Michelle: Michelle’s career spans 20 years in various administrative and marketing roles.  She has owned and sold a successful online store, written articles for a number of online magazines and now focuses her energies on writing – proofreading and editing, ghost and copy writing and blog management.

You can read more about Michelle on her profile page.

I’ve been reading the book, Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Businessby Erik Qualman and it’s fascinating!  The book offers a detailed look at the impact of social media on business to reveal what the future holds and how businesses can best take advantage of it.

This video offers an insight in the statistics of Social Media.

About Nicole: Nicole’s career spans 20 years in various administrative, training and management roles. She founded Bauhinia Solutions due to a gap in the market and based on continued requests from previous clients who had attended her computer courses. She now focuses her energies on business coaching and consulting to ME Inc’s (businesses with 0-5 employees). You can read more about Nicole on her profile page.