Women's Biz Magazine
KAREN P WEAVER UNDERSTANDING YOUR GENIUS ZONE AND HOW TO STAY IN IT! FEATURING The Curious Case Of Intellectual Property Rights I Went From 10k Readers Per Month To 10k Per Day The Syllabus For Life Introducing After Story: The Handbag Brand Revolutionising Sustainability And Functionality
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SEPTEMBER 2023
WHY NOT GROW YOUR BRAND G L O B A L LY Women's Biz Magazine is a quarterly digital publication, available to a global audience of 12M Pressreader subscribers, ISSUU and womensbizmagazine.com. The magazine features articles from business leaders, innovators, thought-trail blazers, and change agents and is translated into 18 different languages. Our mission is to empower women to rise above their circumstance through a collection of inspirational articles that dare them to dream big and act bigger.
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September 2023
Editors Letter
Welcome
Message
September 2023 - Editor's Letter | Women Building eCommerce As we turned our winter heater off in my beautiful, beachside sandstone house, I thought, “Wow, is it spring already?” Whilst hibernation is food for the soul to reset after an Aussie winter, this does indicate how fast time is flying! But flying it is, and how much have we achieved already. I hope that everyone is raring to go, as we head into a season that is symbolised by fire, fierceness, and re-birthed determination. After launching Women’s Biz Magazine late last year, we have gone from strength to strength. We now have a readership of over 12 million, and not only offer this publication digitally, but have also placed our incredible publication, front and centre at Women’s Biz Shopping, for printable copies. I mean, how incredible is this? I know, you’re quietly agreeing with me, and I am thankful for your ongoing love and support. In March 2023, we launched our first Special Edition for International Women’s Day celebrating, ‘Women to Watch’. My team at Women’s Biz Global were shocked, as was I, as we saw over 200 nominations flood in, particularly as we could
only choose 23! So, I thought in typical Annie Gibbins style, “Right, we need to launch a second Special Edition! And here we are. After hosting Women’s Biz Global Online Summit in May 2023, exposing a range of female global experts who have achieved success in ecommerce through a series of presentations, it made sense to make this magazine all about that exact topic. For any female entrepreneur looking to dominate in their niche, digital ‘anything’ is necessary. We are all living and relying on a digital universe to function, be it professionally, personally or both. Through this worldwide attended event, Women’s Biz Global Online Summit
heard from global experts, who have achieved success in ecommerce. This remarkable collective of women also shared their key insights and secrets on how they built their virtual empire. Whether you're just starting out, or you're looking to take your business to the next level, Women’s Biz Magazine will offer you valuable insights that you can apply to your own business. Through this enterprise, I have mentored countless women from around the world, helping them achieve their goals and reach their full potential, by calling out limiting beliefs, clarifying purpose, and developing strong business practices for them to follow. This, is truly just the beginning for us all.
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Women's Biz Magazine
WOMEN'S BIZ GLOBAL EDITORIAL TEAM
ANNIE GIBBINS
ALLY HENSLEY
FOUNDER, CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Annie Gibbins is a multi award winning Business leader, Founder and CEO of Women’s Biz Global. Annie is also a Board Director, Philanthropist, Key Note Speaker, Podcast and Summit Host and #1 Best Selling Author. Annie's many professional accolades gained over 30 years across Health, Education, Corporate, NFP and Charity sectors drive her to inspire and empower women across the globe to achieve unlimited success in business and life. Amazingly Annie has achieved her success whilst raising my family of five including 2 sets of twins born 26 months. 4 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
Ally Hensley is a writer, speaker, and global ambassador in women's health and happiness. Ally has written for leading publications on mental health, infertility, body positivity, and has become a regular media interviewee, and speaker on topics linked to health, well-being and creating content that matters. Ally is inspired by conscious start-up's and has become an international go-to on how to maximise impact with big ideas, and heart. Inspired by women with a backstory, Currently, Ally is writing her debut memoir, after completing a Diploma with The London School of Journalism.
KEZ WICKHAM ST GEORGE STRUCTURAL EDITOR Kez is an international award winning best selling author, with a movie created f rom her recent novel Scribe. Kez is also a international speaker with many years of experience in the motivational creative arts and theatre. She is driven to inspire others by creating global anthology’s sharing her vast experience by running workshops in the art of creative writing and Journaling. Her passion for uplifting women has bought her many skills to the global notice board.
September 2023
CONTENTS
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Cover | Understanding Your Genius Zone And How To Stay In It! By Karen P Weaver
30
Building Purpose: Making It Muscle Memory For Your Business By Annie Gibbins
32
It’s Not About The Probables, It’s About The People By Deb Drummond
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How To Discover My Inner Success Through Life-Experience By Elona Lopari
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17
Inside A Small Business: Q&A With Judy Cheung-Wood
39
20
International Book Review With Kez Wickham St George
12 13 15
22 24 26 29
How To Build A Stronger Online Brand Presence By Annie Gibbins How To Get The Best Out Of Your Ecommerce Opportunity By Louise Malone The Stevie® Awards For Women In Business: A Pathway To Industry Recognition And Global Visibility By Amanda Del Signore The Syllabus For Life By Nikki Green
41 42 44 46
I Went From 10k Readers Per Month, To 10k Per Day By Maricieto Solis Key Strategies To Balancing Work And Family Life By Annie Gibbins The Curious Case Of Intellectual Property Rights And E-Commerce By Pooja Bhatia Juggling An Online Business With Motherhood By Louise Malone My Empowering Journey Through Hiking: Where Fitness, Adventure, And Self-Discovery Turned Into My Business By Shannae Correia Introducing After Story: The Handbag Brand Revolutionising Sustainability And Functionality By Sue Ryburn Taking A Stand: Navigating Controversy - The Case Of Former Premier Gladys Berejiklian By Annie Gibbins Cashflow Is The Oxygen To Your Business By Katie Nelson Why Do Women Worry So Much About What Others Think? By Annie Gibbins
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR GENIUS ZONE AND
HOW TO STAY IN IT! Karen P Weaver
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September 2023
Where there is a will there is always a way.
WHEN TIME AND CIRCUMSTANCE ALIGN, MAGIC HAPPENS.
K
aren P Weaver is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and author and is also the founder of Serenity Press, MMH Press, KMD Books, and Duchess Serenity Press. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, multi-genre author of over 40 books, Forbes influencer, a three-times TEDx speaker, and a proud mum of six. She’s also an advanced Law of Attraction practitioner, who teaches people how to attract anything they want into their lives and writes about her success principles as K P Weaver. Her annual retreats, hosted in an Irish castle, are sought-after events, with featured famous guests and speakers. Karen is passionate about sharing her extensive knowledge and vibrant energy with others. She has a 'no excuse' policy: if she can do it, anyone can! Her vision for Serenity Press is to create beautiful books that live in the hearts of authors and their readers. KMD Books is there to share thought leadership, self-help, and highlevel collaborations with the world. MMH Press is where she finds aspiring authors and poets, and helps them shine. In 2022, she set up Duchess Serenity Press alongside Sarah,
Duchess of York, to build out her series of children's books in ‘The Kindness Collection’, and also set up a ‘YA’ collection that gives a voice to the issues teenagers face today. The Southport origin series has been picked up by production company CJZ, and is set to be made into a drama series, which will be filmed in Tasmania. Karen has received a number of awards, including the 2020 WA Ausmumpreneur of the Year, the 2020 Women Will Change the World winner, the 2021 Think Network International Woman of Empowerment award winner, the 2022 Stevies Best Female Entrepreneur, and the 2023 Momentum Visionary Leader of the Year. She believes in the power of mums in business, leading the way for the next generation to live to their highest potential, andis on a mission to share the power of stories with the world. As a thought-leader and successful business woman, we wanted to delve into Karen’s motivations, insights, and how eCommerce is not only a tool, but a mindset to better improve our future success. In this eyeopening Q&A, Karen shares how the genius zone is a goal we should and can, all aspire to discover.
As a businesswoman, creator, wife, and mother to six children, how do you balance it all? Well to be honest, sometimes I don’t, but I do show up and persevere with the best of intentions. I prioritise what needs to be focused on at any one time, and I know what I need to do so that I can do it efficiently. Intuition and aligned timing are also gifts I possess, and I believe there is no better time than the right time to do something. I also love my life, my children and the adventure I am on, because of the power of story!
Define what it means to be successful? Success for me is when I have the most amount of joy in my heart and when I feel in total flow. It is at these points that I am living at my highest vibrations and there are no limits to what I can achieve in those times. I am the best version of myself in these times and so I give the best of myself to others. I like to think it is in these times that I sprinkle the most magic in the world and as a result, everyone benefits. I have become precious with my energy because of this!
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What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in business? To stay in my genius zone as much as possible and delegate the rest to others, who are experts in those areas.
How has eCommerce assisted your business growth and success? It has allowed us to sell directly to our readers, which helps keep our costs down and author profits up, we work on this every day.
Technology: Friend or foe? I couldn’t do what I am doing now, when my mother was my age! It is definitely my friend, but I do learn what interests me and keeps me progressional, delegating the rest to experts, so we can keep standards high and keep everything moving forward.
What are some of the challenges of operating in the eCommerce space? Everything is wonderful when it works isn’t it? But when it doesn’t, it can cause huge problems and a lot of embarrassment and delays. Not everything is instantly within our direct control all of the time, and it takes time to rectify or stabilise. And that is not always within our control.
How does eCommerce complement and support your business? It means that we can reach a wider and more aligned audience and stay connected. 8 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
What is the future of women in business? Inspired leadership, and more women showing up and showing what is possible. Women are so much more intuitive than men, both consciously and unconsciously. Wefind efficient solutions and are more inclusive, because modern day women in business believe in the unspoken sisterhood, beingwe raise each other up and there is no such thing as competition, in fact collaboration is a huge way forward. This type of leadership lights me up!
What is something few know about you, and would be excited to learn? I don’t think many people know that I was an author before I was a publisher. My first three books were fictional novels that have become increasingly popular over time. They are filled with spiritual wisdom, and I wrote them after I had an epiphany. Each of them has won an award and the most interesting of all, is that English was not a subject I was strong at. But, when I discovered the power of storytelling, I was hooked! I wrote my first book when I was 33. I have now written over 40 books and the series I am proud of is called the ‘Life Magic Mastery Series’, which consists of seven books and is available in print, eBook and audible.
September 2023
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September 2023
You’re a woman who is always conceptualising a new idea – do you have any new projects launching soon? I love being innovative. Setting intentions and actioning inspired thoughts is one of my superpowers. I love it, it lights me up and I have no fear around the journey at all. I know that every brave step I have is a gift of inspiration to someone who stumbles across my path. And yes, I have many seeds planted and you will have to watch to see which one comes to fruition first.
You operate in the international space – how do you achieve this successfully? It wasn’t intentional, I suppose coming from Ireland and setting up home on the other side of the globe in Australia comes with international reach energetically. I show up with an open heart and connect with people authentically, and that is what means the world to me. I love joining others on their journey, sometimes it is for a lifetime, sometimes a chapter. The hardest time is when someone learns life lessons through our connection, because until the lesson is learned and processed, they may think that our interaction is negative, but I hope that when they connect the steps backwards, they will realise that I was a positive influence. I also prioritise joy,love life and am blessed that it loves me back. I think people pick up on that energy and are attracted to it. I believe people see me as a dream weaver and are refreshed by my fearless life-loving energy! There are so many amazing people in the world, and I love meeting them all and adding value when I can.
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Women's Biz Magazine
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE PROBABLES,
IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE By Deb Drummond
A
s an internationally renowned Ultrapreneur, Network Marketing Professional, Private Coach, and Motivational Speaker, I am a champion of women in business. With my diverse skill set as a #1 author, podcaster, and mastermind leader, I have made a significant impact in the fields of health and wellness anti-aging, direct sales, and author empowerment. As an authority in my field, I love to share my expertise in health and wellness anti-aging, having helped over 30,000 individuals achieve incredible health results. My passion for transforming lives in this field is truly remarkable. Moreover, I have been recognised as the #1 acquisition leader in Direct Sales companies, for an impressive five years in a row, across 10 countries. And here is why. How you act online and offline needs to match. Prior to managing your business online, people will want to know that who you are in-person, matches your messaging. Be clear about what you want, and I am a true believer that knowing your avatar is essential. I am my avatar, and although we are not everyone – that’s okay too.
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When I discovered my people, my entire business fell into place. It’s not about probability, it’s about the people. I hang-out where my people hang-out. If my people are on Facebook, that’s where I am headed, fast. If only 1% of my people are on TikTok, then I am going there last. Do a deep dive and discover your elements such as tone, language and relatable language. One of my favourites is to replace the term ‘follow-up’ with ‘profit calling’ to close sales! Between 86%-87% of people stop going to the same person after the third call. Perhaps, an interaction leads to a purchase, and the third call is all about digging into self-esteem, because there is a fear that “am I bothering them?” Money doesn’t start until the fifth call, until they know you and then, they can take up to twelve calls. When you get to understand sales, when you meet someone, be it short or long term, there is mutual respect because you understand the pipeline process. If you go the distance with a sales process, your clients know that you’ll go the distance with them in a sales cycle.
Being prepared for business is understanding your stakes. If you’re heading into a highstakes meeting, we need to be ultra prepared. I do the work behind the scenes, and I rarely say “no”, and lean to the “yes”, because I need to examine the strength of a successful opportunity. We need to be proactive in business, as we would be in health. If you’re preventative in your health, be preventative in your wealth. Earn as you learn and brand yourself whilst you’re learning your business, because waiting between an idea and releasing, is holding back the potential of your brand, which is a constant process. I will leave you with this. When I was pregnant with my daughter, my husband slept, but I couldn’t. I used every dime I had to buy a late-night shopping product, which was a motivational speaker package. It changed my life, because I knew that this was my calling. And when I didn’t have the money prior to my success, I ate rice to get good advice. Meaning, I would exchange my services with others to receive their knowledge, because I was craving an entrepreneurial life. Then, I just knew “ I had made it!”
September 2023
BUILDING PURPOSE:
MAKING IT MUSCLE MEMORY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
By Annie Gibbins
What impact do you want to make in the world? What drives you and your team? Firstly, define your purpose with conviction, and let it guide every decision and action.
HEY THERE, ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS LEADERS! TODAY, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS: BUILDING PURPOSE. AND NOT JUST ANY PURPOSE, IT'S ABOUT MAKING IT SO INGRAINED IN YOUR COMPANY'S DNA THAT IT BECOMES SECOND NATURE, AKIN TO MUSCLE MEMORY. SO, LET'S DIVE RIGHT IN AND EXPLORE HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE THIS.
team of your purpose during meetings, brainstorming sessions, and even casual conversations. Keep the purpose front and centre, so it seeps into every aspect of your business.
Define your purpose with laser focus:
Empower your team to act with purpose:
Just like a laser beam, your purpose should be clear and focused. Take the time to dig deep and uncover the true essence of your business.
Building purpose isn't a oneperson show. Empower your team to take ownership of the purpose and act upon it. Encourage them to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table, fostering a culture of purpose-driven innovation and collaboration. When everyone feels connected to the purpose, it becomes a collective force that drives your business forward.
Communicate with passion: Purpose without passion is like a car without fuel—it won't take you far. As a leader, it's crucial to communicate your purpose with genuine enthusiasm. Inspire your team by sharing your vision, explaining why it matters, and how it aligns with their own values. Passion is contagious, and it will ignite the fire within your organisation.
Infuse purpose into your daily routines: Just like a morning coffee or a team huddle, purpose needs to be integrated into your daily routines. Make it a habit to remind yourself and your
Celebrate purposedriven milestones: Celebrating milestones not only boosts morale, but also reinforces the importance of your purpose. When your team achieves a goal that aligns with the purpose, acknowledge their efforts and celebrate the impact they've made. This positive reinforcement strengthens the connection between purpose and success, making it an integral part of your business' muscle memory.
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Embed purpose into your processes and systems: Purpose should permeate every nook and cranny of your business. Integrate it into your processes, systems, and workflows. When developing new products, ask yourself how they align with your purpose. When making strategic decisions, consider how they contribute to your purpose. By weaving purpose into the fabric of your business, it becomes an inseparable part of your operations.
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Continuously learn and adapt: Building purpose as muscle memory requires continuous learning and adaptation. Stay open to feedback from your team, customers and stakeholders. Embrace new ideas and opportunities that align with your purpose. Just as muscles grow stronger through exercise, your purpose becomes more refined and resilient, as you adapt and evolve. Remember, building purpose across your business is a
journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, and let it transform your organisation from the inside out. When purpose becomes muscle memory, it propels your business forward, drives meaningful impact and creates a legacy worth celebrating. So, let's roll up our sleeves entrepreneurs, and build a purpose that becomes as natural as breathing. Together, we can create businesses that make a difference and leave a lasting imprint on the world.
September 2023
HOW TO DISCOVER
MY INNER SUCCESS THROUGH LIFEEXPERIENCE By Elona Lopari
I didn’t know until my late 30’s. I was brought up in the American dream after leaving Albania. It was the happy-ever-after scenario. I got my degree and climbed the corporate ladder. I am passionate about learning, and I was happy in the corporate retail industry, but then it all changed, and their values didn’t align with mine.
I
didn’t know what I was going to do when I left, but having witnessed my husband’s entrepreneurial journey, I started Executive Coaching for female leaders. I still felt like I was in the corporate environment, but I felt like a child needing to explore the world and looking further afield. That’s when I discovered my gift for business. Leadership is very attractive in my mind, and I positioned myself in the business place helping people discover their 7-figure salaries. Success for me externally was incredible, but I needed to discover my inner success through life-experience. Life is its own school, so I needed to bring ‘life school’ into my work and do more good in the world, but at the same time,
drive my own purpose-built company. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty – like any leap in life outside of our comfort zones. I started to expose myself to different mentors and connect to like-minded people. Then I hired a “personal mentor”. We have to be surrounded by support, even as solo entrepreneurs and therefore, I understood how to leverage off collaboration. I started to see my business grow and eventually, the side hustle paid off. I got my “feet wet” and started to see the traction of how to invest time and energy into a new type of network and presence. When I felt I had good footing, stability and income, I donated all my time to my business.
My capability and self-worth journey was a huge aspect in believing in my brand. Loneliness in business was very jarring and something I needed to learn quickly by shifting my mindset. I needed to redefine ‘who I was’ to figure out what my values were. I had to recalibrate my priorities, and the life I was trying to create. Every day I wanted to quit my business in my first year, because the challenge was huge, and I am not ashamed to say that. Most people think the same – because building a business can be terrifying. However, leaning into that fear actually made me understand neuroscience, which altered my confidence and former practices.
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Women's Biz Magazine I believe it’s all about creating an intention and un-doing unhelpful habits. Faith, growing in my spirituality and believing that if an idea was calling me, I needed to walk towards it. Then, I saw the results. Following ovid, I was no longer exposed to belly-to-belly networking, so discovering new ways online and through social media was key. Trust happens so naturally in ‘real life’ with
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another human being, but when I understood the power of social media, I immediately saw how content was attracting a new audience. Through paid advertisements, I overcame a massive learning curve and began to understand organic growth. I hired people who were good at those things, and I modelled my own success by observing their skills. Marketing campaigns were at the core of my business for selling services and products,
and I collaborated with my team to ensure consistency by investing ‘smart’ ways. I live my personal and business life the same; spreading myself evenly across family time, personal time, relationship time, and professional time. I am the CEO of my life.
September 2023
INSIDE A SMALL BUSINESS: Q&A WITH JUDY CHEUNG-WOOD What was the inspiration behind you ultimately launching your own business? I owe a lot to my grandfather. He was a chemist and serial entrepreneur who ran marketing agencies, made wooden toys (so ahead of his time!) and manufactured natural skincare products. I believe I inherited his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for traditional, nutritional medicine and the creation of skincare products that work. My grandfather was incredibly wise and knowledgeable. As a young girl, I was always fascinated by his creations and was constantly learning from him. Upon having my own acne challenges, I was determined to find a solution, in the way he would have done – by caring for the whole body. In 2005, I came across a medical hypothesis on the use of high dose Vitamin B5 for acne, which showed promising results. I didn’t believe in supplements then, but was desperate for something else other than the same old acne creams and washes that didn’t work.
I then embarked on intensive research and started experimenting on myself with a combination of high potency Vitamin B5 and other acne fighting nutrients, such as Vitamin B3, that are supported by the best scientific evidence. After two months, my skin completely cleared up and even started to glow. I was amazed at the results and decided that I need to bring this real acne solution to other acne sufferers!
Soon after, SkinB5 was created and launched, supported by Austrade and seed capital from a prominent doctor from Tasmania. The rest is history. Why did you choose the skincare sector for your enterprise? As a child, I always suffered from mysterious skin issues. When I became a young teen, acne
emerged, and my skin continued to break-out regularly well into my twenties. I blamed it on the oily skin genes that I inherited from my father. I was a shy teenager and having acne didn’t help with my confidence, as I was very selfconscious. When others looked at me, I avoided eye contact, particularly when my skin was breaking out.
Throughout university and the early years of employment, I continued to get pimples. Even as a student with limited resources, I would spend money on expensive Dermalogica and Clinique creams thinking, ‘Surely these expensive ones would work better than the cheap supermarket products?’ And when they inevitably didn’t, I moved onto the next cream. Each time the experience ate away at my self-esteem. So when my own concoction with high potency Vitamin B5 cleared my acne, I decided to bring it to the world!
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Women's Biz Magazine So, I choose the skincare sector out of necessity, but I am also driven to help other acne sufferers to restore healthy skin and confidence, because I know what it’s like to suffer from acne.
How does your brand stand apart in such a competitive market? When my own combination of high potency Vitamin B5 and other acne fighting nutrients, such as Vitamin B3, worked to clear my face and body completely, a light bulb moment went off. I realised the whole acne industry is approaching treatment the wrong way! All of the sudden it made sense why a holistic inside-out approach works, because our skin is the largest organ in our body.
Conventional acne treatments typically lead to side- effects because they are fighting with the body, rather than working with its own healing and restorative abilities. Even today, many influencer hyped acne products are still obsessed with targeting the symptoms with more creams and washes, rather than addressing the root causes. Many supplements that claim to clear up the skin are nothing more than a zinc or probiotic supplement that do not simultaneously address many interrelated causes of acne, which is a complex skin condition. To treat acne effectively with 18 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
lasting benefits, it has to be holistic and multi-faceted, otherwise any benefits are short lived. The SkinB5 way reflects my strong belief in working with our body to overcome health issues, including acne. SkinB5 works because it supports the body at a cellular level through leveraging the restorative and healing powers of multiple synergistic nutrients, at clinically significant amounts to simultaneously address the main causes of acne. These include regulating skin oil, supporting healthy hormones, strengthening immunity and promoting healing. In addition to our patented nutraceutical supplements, our range also includes topical skincare products, with Vitamin B5 and natural extracts, to help restore and protect the skin barrier, because a healthy skin barrier can resist acne breakouts - that is the innate ability of our skin!
SkinB5 being a global brand - how did you strategise your marketing to achieve this? Having lived in many countries including Asia and the United States before I started SkinB5, I have always been keenly aware of the much bigger markets beyond Australia - and I have seen people literally from all walks of life suffering from acne. Acne is a skin condition that affects the majority of the world’s population in the same way. So my go-to-market strategy has always been globally minded. So when I learnt about Austrade (Australian Trade Commission), I presented to them that I was launching a nutraceuticalled acne treatment, and they immediately invited me to join their natural health delegation. From there, launched SkinB5 at Cosmoprof
Hong Kong. We immediately signed up distributors from the Philippines and Singapore from our first trade show! Back in Australia, we didn’t have enough money to launch into the retail channel, so we launched skinb5.com (not .com.au) a global eCommerce website, where we deployed low cost online tactics to be seen by acne sufferers, including posting on acne forums, which are mostly US based, and search engine optimisation, which reached people across the globe. I had doubts but was amazed when orders started coming through our website, not only from Australia, but also from the United States, Europe and Asia! This validates my suspicions that there are lots of desperate acne sufferers out there, like myself, who are willing to try something new, even unknown brands, in the quest to find a product that works.
What is the biggest lesson you've learnt on your business journey you'd share with other aspiring founders? My biggest lesson is pioneering something completely new that requires a paradigm shift takes a long time - it is only now, after a decade since I came up with the patented technology, that the mainstream customers are starting to understand more intuitively that the SkinB5 Way, which is a wellness approach to effectively manage acne and related skin conditions, is a sustainable way to manage problematic skin for long term results. When you are working on something innovative, you need 10x the ability to believe in your own vision, persist and not take ‘no' for an answer.
September 2023 What I also learnt from my father’s high-risk approach to business is that this kind of short-sighted approach likely leads to losing everything, and he did. Not only did he lose money, but he lost our family businesses, properties, and most significantly, his gambles cost him his own family. Because of this, I have always taken a calculated risk approach in my SkinB5 journey, creating a completely new way to treat acne, when I didn’t have a skincare industry background, is very risky.I am risking money, my time and future. So I plan things out methodically to ensure I walk this fine line between taking risks in order to innovate and being too fearful, which leads to inaction.
Being absolutely passionate about what I do, because SkinB5 helps transform the lives of acne sufferers, is the magic ingredient that makes everything happen and keeps me and my team on track.
I have to credit my grandfather for instilling in me from a very young age to always take the long view, and my grandmother who was always departing her streetwise wisdom
to me to not fall into ‘get rich quick’ traps. How do you see Skin B5 growing and developing in the next few years? SkinB5 has started a rapidly growing phase where our products have just launched into Priceline Pharmacy in Australia, and overseas our reputation as the holistic acne treatment that actually works, has seen sales increase. In the next few years, SkinB5 will continue to grow into a leading dermatologist-backed acne treatment, not just in Australia, but internationally including South East Asia and the USA.
Use the Science of Behavior Change to Transform Your Life Creating Wellbeing: Confidence, Capacity, Courage
Kintsugi Your Life: Wellbeing Workshops for Women Whose Long-term Marriages Have Ended….
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INTERNATIONAL
BOOK REVIEW WITH KEZ WICKHAM ST GEORGE
"WE ARE ALL UNIQUE WALKING STORIES JUST WAITING TO BE TOLD." Kez is a highly gifted writer, a best-selling award-winning author, and a global writer’s consultant. She is passionate about championing people from diverse backgrounds to tell their stories and write with passion. As a leader in her profession, she has spoken nationally and globally, sharing her wisdom and knowledge about the process of writing, editing and
producing all forms of written communication. Kez contributes to a number of regular magazines, sharing her insights. She has also coordinated and compiled a number of anthologies. Across her Western Australian community she is known for her work empowering people to write, heal with art therapy, and give back via
WE WOULD LOVE REVIEW TIP-OFFS! DO YOU HAVE A BOOK FOR KEZ TO REVIEW? kezwickhamstgeorge.com 20 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
her volunteer work. Kez has co- produced and co-hosted a weekly international show, highlighting the work of authors and artists across the world. She has since gone on to produce a short film from the prologue of her trilogy Scribe, shown across theatres in Australia. Kez is consistent, dedicated along with her incredible creative energies and refreshing idealism.
September 2023
Book Review by
Kez Wickham St George
METAL MERMAID Author: Kez Wickham St George Metal Mermaid by Kez Wickham St George is a beautifully written memoir that takes readers on a spiritual and physical adventure. Tara and her husband Russ set off on a journey to explore Western Australia, but unexpected events quickly change their plans. Tara's journey of self-discovery takes her on a new path, one that challenges her both physically and emotionally. She meets fellow travellers and experiences the joys of the caravanning world, making her way from Australia's upper coast to New Zealand's northern island. In this thought-provoking book, Wickham St George skilfully weaves a tale of courage, resilience, and determination that is both inspiring and captivating. The author's descriptive writing style transports readers to the various locations Tara visits, allowing them to feel the change of seasons and experience the heat and cold of the land. The side characters in the book are equally intriguing, with rich backstories and tales of their own. Metal Mermaid is an immersive memoir that provides readers with clear insight into the caravanning world and introduces them to various cultures. Wickham St George's straightforward writing style makes the book an easy and engaging read. The book is infused with culture and worldly sights, and readers will feel like they are part of Tara's journey. Metal Mermaid is an outstanding book that i highly recommend to readers looking for inspirational that showcases the beauty of life's Journey. The authors ability to tell such a captivating story that takes its readers on a spiritual journey is nothing short of Impressive. Metal Mermaid is an outstanding book that I highly recommend to readers looking for an inspirational book that showcases the beauty of life's journey. The author's ability to tell a captivating story that takes readers on a spiritual adventure is nothing short of impressive. WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 21
Women's Biz Magazine
HOW TO BUILD A
STRONGER ONLINE BRAND PRESENCE By Annie Gibbins
B
uilding a strong online brand presence is essential for businesses and individuals alike. In today's digital age, it is not enough to simply have a website, or social media profile. Your online brand presence needs to be strategic and engaging to stand out from the competition. Here are some of my tips on how to build a stronger online brand presence.
Develop a clear brand message Your brand message is the foundation of your online brand presence. It should be clear, concise, and consistent across all of your digital platforms. Your brand message should answer the following questions: Who are you? What do you do? Why should people care? Develop a brand message that is unique and memorable.
Create a professional website A professional website is also essential for building a strong online brand presence. Your website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and 22 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
optimised for search engines. It should also be mobile-friendly, as more and more people are accessing the internet from their smartphones. Your website should include a clear call to action, such as signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase.
Use social media strategically Social media is a powerful tool for building your online brand presence. However, it is important to use it strategically. Choose the social media platforms that are most relevant to your target audience and focus your efforts there. Create engaging content that reflects your brand message and use hashtags to increase visibility. Engage with your followers by responding to their comments and messages.
Build relationships with influencers Influencers can be a powerful way to increase your brand's visibility online. Identify influencers in your industry who have a strong following and engage with them. Share
their content, comment on their posts, and build a relationship with them. When the time is right, consider reaching out to them to collaborate on a project or campaign.
Monitor your online reputation Your online reputation is important for building a strong online brand presence. Monitor what people are saying about you online and respond to any negative feedback in a professional and respectful manner. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on sites, like Yelp or Google My Business.
Create valuable content Creating valuable content is an effective way to build your online brand presence. Create content that is relevant to your audience and reflects your brand message. This could include blog posts, videos, infographics, or social media posts. Share your content across all of your digital platforms and encourage others to share it as well.
September 2023
Optimise for search engines Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for building a strong online brand presence. Make sure your website is optimised for search engines, by including relevant keywords in your content, using meta tags and descriptions, and ensure your website is mobilefriendly. Consider hiring an SEO specialist to help you optimise your website.
Leverage email marketing Email marketing is a powerful way to build your online brand presence. Use it to communicate with your subscribers and keep them updated on new products,services, promotions, or other news related to your brand. You can also use a professional email marketing service to create visually appealing emails and track your results.
Be authentic Authenticity is key to building a strong online brand presence. Be true to your brand message and values, and avoid trying to be something you're not. Show your personality and let your audience get to know you. This will help you build a loyal following and increase engagement.
Measure your results Finally, it is important to
measure your results to see what is working and what is not. Use analytics tools to track your website traffic, social media engagement, and other metrics. Use this information to adjust your strategy and improve your online brand presence over time. Put simply, building a strong online brand presence takes time and effort. Develop a clear brand message, create a professional website, and use social media strategically.
About Annie Gibbins Founder and CEO Women’s Biz Global I champion women in business who are ready to be wildly successful, by unapologetically playing a bigger game. I’m a huge heart warrior and all about living life to the full and leaving a lasting legacy. If you are ready to clearly define your vision, accelerate your growth and amplify your global brand value, Women’s Biz Global is for you! Our Coaching, Media and Publishing services provide a one stop shop for women to create and elevate a world class brand. Women’s Biz Global enhances the success blueprint of unstoppable women around the world, and helps women become financially independent and free, to make empowered choices that matter - in business and life. If you are a woman in business, ready to show up, speak up and step up into your power, then we welcome you to access our game changing services by visiting our website here: https://womensbizglobal.com
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 23
Women's Biz Magazine
HOW TO GET
THE BEST OUT OF YOUR ECOMMERCE OPPORTUNITY By Louise Malone
If you love something and want to share your passions, then read on
T
hey say the streets are paved in gold, so if you have a passion to share with the world, then do your homework first. There might be a lot of opportunities out there, but there are many traps as well. E-commerce platforms, like Shopify or Square, are really appealing platforms for selling your goods. They have done all the hard work for you and have prepared themes that can suit your style of sales products.
Baby steps first But first, take baby steps before jumping a mile. My advice to you is hold back and consider the market that you are so passionate about. Is it saturated with like-minded businesses? That’s still okay, but you must have something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Try to think about what it is that you and your customers need and want. Is there something you can do to be a little bit different and better? It’s difficult to rise to the top, while other e-commerce businesses have enormous marketing budgets. 24 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
Slow down My choice has been to take it slow and keep my full time job, while indulging in my passion. I create plant-based skincare, candles and textiles. I have been learning the full spectrum of managing an e-commerce website and it has been an incredible learning journey. I love to read and learn every day. But most importantly, I love seeing smiles on the faces of my happy customers. My life in commerce has given me a degree of empathy and respect for the feelings of my customers. Being fair and transparent is such an important consideration in commerce. It should not be about the deep pockets of Big Business.
Due Diligence What is due diligence? It’s something we should all do before investing time and money into a business. What legal considerations should you think about before getting an unpleasant surprise? Consider getting advice from a small
business advisory, or look into indemnity insurance. Better to be safe than sorry. Legal woes are not a place any of us want to face.
Plan it - peace of mind Planning is also a great way to keep your mind free from worry. By writing it down, I feel as though I am starting a process to help myself progress. It’s such a great feeling to complete a task. My ‘To Do’ list seems to be never ending! But I can also look back and see the achievements that I have ticked off when they’re finished. Even if you can’t see too far ahead, it will get better and clearer as time goes by. So definitely, plan and write it down.
Be patient with yourself Please be patient with yourself. Time is a continuum that we travel on. Tomorrow will be a little bit better if you do your homework and plan. There’s no point beating yourself up with little setbacks as these are merely learnings that we can use to improve ourselves.
September 2023 My passions have been coming to life while working hard on Busy Bee Blossom. I opened Busy Bee Blossom in 2016 and have learned so much over the years. There’s still so much to do and learn! Slow and steady wins the race.
Biography Louise Malone is the founder of Busy Bee Blossom, a plant-based skincare and candle business,she established in 2016. After the devastating loss of her son to mental health in 2013, Louise
turned to her lifelong passion for health and beauty to create a brand that not only indulges the senses, but also promotes selfcare and mental wellness. Combining her commerce expertise with her love for natural ingredients, Louise has developed a range of skincare, body care, and candle products that are simple yet effective. Busy Bee Blossom's products are made with pure, ethically sourced ingredients that are gentle on both your body and the world.
At Busy Bee Blossom, Louise believes that taking care of yourself should be an enjoyable and indulgent experience. Her products are designed to nourish the mind and body, providing a moment of peace and tranquillity amidst the business of daily life. With her commitment to promoting self-care and mental wellness, Louise's brand goes beyond just skincare and candles - it's a reminder to prioritise your wellbeing and embrace the simple pleasures in life.
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 25
Women's Biz Magazine
THE STEVIE® AWARDS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS:
A PATHWAY TO INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AND GLOBAL VISIBILITY By Amanda Del Signore The Stevie Awards for Women in Business The Stevie Awards are the world's premier business awards. They were created in 2002 to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organisations and working professionals worldwide. Now with eight different awards programs globally, the Stevie Awards honors the millions of business executives and workers worldwide, who quietly accomplish innovative and extraordinary things in the workplace every day.
U
nleash the power of awards to boost your brand's credibility and visibility! Entering the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business is a cost-effective way to thank and honour your valued employees, and to build or burnish your brand. The prestige of winning an award from an established organisation is a long-standing testament to your success. If you don't already, most digital media gurus will advise you to consider integrating award applications into your marketing
26 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
strategy. If you aspire to garner well-deserved recognition in your industry and position yourself as the go-to authority, or if you simply seek a competitive edge to stand out among your peers, participating in awards is an excellent marketing and networking strategy. Small organisations have just as much chance to win a Stevie, as big companies do. Every year, household-name companies are joined in the winners' circle, by small and medium-sized organisations that are still building their brands.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, now in its 20th year, honors the achievements of working women in all stages of their careers. All female entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organisations they run, worldwide, are eligible to be nominated. With over 100 categories that highlight achievements in many facets of the workplace, you can submit a nomination(s) that showcase your unique business, work accomplishments, and values.
September 2023 Categories encompass every aspect of work life, from management and entrepreneurship, to marketing and public relations, to product development, such as: •
Best Female Entrepreneur
•
Female Executive of the Year
•
Mentor or Coach of the Year
•
New Product & Service (Developed for/by Women)
•
Women Helping Women
•
Employee of the Year
•
Woman-Owned or -Run Company of the Year
•
Social Media Categories
•
Achievement in Equal Pay
•
Achievement in Thought Leadership
•
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Stevie® Award trophy, the prize that is conferred in the Women in Business Awards and all other Stevie Award programs, is one of the world’s most coveted prizes. Many of the world’s largest and most famous companies and executives have won Stevie Awards. Past Stevie-winning organisations include Cisco, Bank of America, SAP, Verizon, Ford, and Susan G. Komen. Past notable winners include Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business; Kitty ChaneyReed Chief Leadership, Culture & Inclusion Officer at IBM; and Shruti Samant, Digital Marketing Lead at Procter and Gamble.
Why Professionals and Organisations Choose to Enter Competitions Below are some of the many
benefits you can expect from entering the Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
Industry Recognition and Visibility When you win a Stevie Award, all winners have the opportunity to attend an awards gala, with thousands of women executives from winning organisations around the world. At the ceremony, you and your colleagues get to accept your award on stage and present an acceptance speech, which will be recorded by our professional videography and photography services. These assets can then be integrated into your marketing materials. Awards presentations are also broadcast live online and subsequently published on the Stevie Awards YoutTube channel and website.
Marketing Tools and Materials All Stevie winners get a range of free tools to promote the award, including winner logos and press release templates. These professionally designed
assets are perfect for adding to your social media platforms, email signature, business directories, and physical or digital storefronts. Your win(s) will be also promoted across our website and media. The Stevie Awards gets more than 70,000 visitors to our site every month, has more than 60,000 weekly email newsletter subscribers, and has thousands of social media followers on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Insights from Industry Experts Stevie Award judges include many of the world's most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business educators. Each of our award programs harnesses the insights and talents of more than 200 judges every year. All Stevie Awards entrants have access to all of the judges’comments about their nominations — invaluable feedback about your personal or corporate story and how you tell it.
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 27
Women's Biz Magazine
Take a moment to look back at your If you’re an advertising agency, accomplishments marketing consultancy, or media and see how far production company, your work will be reviewed and honored you've come. by potential clients, not just Uncover the your competitors, and there are many categories for marketing The advantages of engaging hidden value of this campaigns, websites and blogs, in this process go beyond the smartphone, and tablet apps, rewarding process! potential accolades. Crafting and Exposure to Potential Customers
publications, video productions, live events, and other media creative for or by women.
In Short By applying for the Stevie Awards, you open doors to a wide range of opportunities. The Stevie Awards platform allows you to share your or your organisation's accomplishments, strategies, and insights with a global audience, amplifying your reach and influence. 28 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
For women business owners, leaders, and executives, this opportunity also allows you to recognise specific teams, departments, employees, or initiatives within your organisation, helping to boost morale and build confidence across teams.
preparing award submissions offer substantial benefits in themselves. Delving into your accomplishments, journey and current standing, provides a unique opportunity to gain a profound appreciation for your achievements. In the fast-paced world of business, we seldom take the time to reflect on our progress, making the act of applying for awards even more rewarding in its ability to offer such introspection.
We hope your organisation will submit entries to the 2023 edition of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, now open and accepting nominations. Request your entry kit now to access all the information you’ll need to prepare and submit entries including tips to enter, the full list of categories, and the program calendar.
September 2023
THE SYLLABUS
FOR LIFE By Nikki Green
As a renowned Life & Business Resiliency Expert, with an impressive track record of over 20 years in the international business industry, I know how to overcome life and business challenges. As a four-time published author, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to my work, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve success.
I
’d worked in Silicon Valley for 20 years before I leapt into an entrepreneurial life. Essentially, I helped build the internet and what kind of an accolade is that? Of course, there were a lot of learning curves, but eCommerce was my niche. For instance, I worked for PayPal and as a result, understand the intricacies of eCommerce and how a store doesn’t only exist, but also needs to retain a consistent global audience.
platforms balances my brand. Ultimately, it’s all about making an impact, so if your campaigns aren’t hitting the mark, alter your content. I am incredibly tech savvy and understand the importance of making an impact, so despite what step you are on in eCommerce, learn more about the tools available, but don’t rush so fast that your business cannot react and deliver. Seamless purchasing is an objective that all sellers want to achieve.
In part, our personality is our business, regardless of products, but what we ultimately want to do is nurture our clients and ensure they come back year after year. Often, people remain loyal because you price correctly, do what you’ll say you do with a customer service experience, and keep your subscribers subscribing. As a podcast host, I entertain my audience because I don’t want to be a hard sell, so delivering across events and social media
The Syllabus for Life is defined by asking, “what are your life and career goals?” So, although my business has long term goals, I also have very short term goals;
how many events am I in? How do I promote them? What does my 30day plan look like? Another hot tip is to invest in merchandising, and to affiliate links and event promotions, so you have a flow of cash that doesn’t require a ton of effort, this is a fantastic win-win situation. Collaboration and partnership is something I am really intentional about growing – sometimes, people feel competition with people within their own niche, however, they are typically your best partners. The future frontier is adapting fast – and the convergence of technology is going to enhance our brands tenfold. I just know, a year from now we are going to be in a different place; personally, professionally and globally. WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 29
Women's Biz Magazine
I WENT FROM
10K READERS PER MONTH, TO 10K PER DAY By Maricieto Solis AS THE CEO AND FOUNDER OF BLENDTW, A LEADING DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY, SPECIALISING IN CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGY, I DEPEND HIGHLY ON A FIERCE DIGITAL PRESENCE TO MAXIMISE AND MONETISE EXCEPTIONAL CONTENT. MY AGENCY HAS HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH RENOWNED CLIENTS SUCH AS MANSCAPED, COINBASE, AMAZON AND IFUNDWOMEN. NOW, MY EXPERTISE HELPS BUSINESSES CREATE AN ORGANIC FAN BASE, BOOST SALES, AND GENERATE NEW STREAMS OF INCOME, THROUGH EFFECTIVE CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGIES. 30 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
I
worked for CNN’s Today Show in the States, where my career fully fledged. Working in New York as a TV Producer for ten years was nothing short of incredible. But then, my mental health took a toll, so I decided to quit my job and launch my first blog, eager to dive into my passion for storytelling. I went on to become an expert in SEO, and was mentored by production and publishing giants. Now, I reach over 500+ readers across digital platforms, and leverage content to generate revenue, helping people obtain 7-figure salaries, based on everything I know. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving the quality and quantity of website traffic to a website or a web page from search engines. The key is to drive traffic to your website, but Google needs to be your best friend, so producing highquality content is key to success in eCommerce. Approximately, 90% of my clients sit in the digital space, but rarely do
they understand how to make millions of dollars through having an effective blog. Here are my top five mustdos when creating a digital presence: Choose a niche: Identify potential industries you’d be interested in pursuing. Create an SEO strategy for at least six months: Do your research on the topics that inspire you and form a robust strategy. It's integral to perform in-depth research to find keywords that your blog can rank against. Create a strategy to outrank and differentiate against your competitors. Pick your domain: Do your research and investigate current websites aligned with your niche including articles, backlinks, and analysis. Your domain needs to be an extension of your brand, which means it needs to be credible. Remember, keep it simple. You want people to remember your website, so a catchy name is key!
September 2023
Pick elements for the website: Choosing the best platform will hugely increase your chances to obtain high traffic. The most popular are Wix, Squarespace, and Wordpress. And remember, the theme you choose for your site will immediately reflect the content you are producing. Please
avoid using theme free sites, and find a theme that reflects your brand. So, creating and publishing content is simpler than you think!
I went from 10k readers per month, to 10k per day
Read Women's Biz Magazine now on PressReader!
Over $100k in Amazon sales in a given month Over $50k through sponsored collaborations $10k-$20k in affiliate marketing revenue per month
Any ideal niche has 3-5 competitors ranked less than 40 in Google, so making sure your expertise is positioned and leveraged in your content is crucial. This in term means that the top 40 ranking, translates to 40% of content on the first page of Google alone. So, what does this look like?
I created a revenue from $6k to $10k, per month
For the most part, people wonder how I can possibly make a fortune from blogging. Well, I am walking evidence that it works, but the secret is focusing on mastering one thing at a time, which for me, was being an SEO expert and linking my blog and brand to this knowledge. If you are serious about marketing and driving organic traffic to your eCommerce stores, I would love to be the person to take you to the next level!
Search Publications
Read full issues of Women's Biz Magazine and thousands of other magazines with the PressReader app.
Download the PessReader app and enjoy!
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 31
Women's Biz Magazine
KEY STRATEGIES TO
BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY LIFE
By Annie Gibbins
B
eing a mum and running a business can be an incredibly challenging task.
Believe me I know, I have navigated three degrees and a career to C-suite, while raising five children, including two sets of twins born 26 months apart! Balancing the demands of running a successful enterprise, while also meeting the needs of your family, can seem like an impossible feat. However, with the right strategies and mindset, mothers can better juggle business and family life, finding success in both areas. Here are some tips that can help you balance the demands of running a business and managing a household:
Prioritise and Plan: Effective time management is critical for success when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. Start by identifying your priorities and develop a clear plan for each day. Make sure you're dedicating time to both your business and your family . It's also important to be realistic about what you can accomplish and to set goals that are achievable, while still pushing you to work towards success.
Outsource when Possible: As a mum, it can be tough 32 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
to let go of some of the household responsibilities. However, outsourcing some tasks can free up your time and help you better focus on your business. Consider hiring a cleaner or babysitter, to help you with some of the domestic responsibilities. This can allow you to dedicate more time to your business, without feeling guilty about neglecting your everyday domestics.
Practice Self-Care: Running a business and raising a family can be stressful, so it's crucial to practise self-care regularly. Make sure you're taking time for yourself each day, even if it's just for a few minutes. This can be as simple as taking a walk, practising yoga, or meditating. Taking care of yourself will help you stay
centred and more productive throughout the day.
Set Boundaries: When you're juggling multiple responsibilities, it can be challenging to disconnect and take a break. However, it's important to set boundaries between your work and home life. This means establishing specific work hours, or designating a separate workspace . Having clear boundaries can help you be more present with your family when you're not working, as well as help you to be more productive when you are.
Use Technology to Your Advantage: Technology has made it easier than ever to balance business
September 2023 and life. Use tools such as online calendars, productivity apps, and video conferencing to stay organised and connected. This can help you stay on top of your business tasks, while still being present for your family.
Build a Support Network: It's essential to have a support network when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. This can include other mothers who are also running businesses,
family members, or even a mentor. Having someone to talk to about the challenges you're facing can be incredibly helpful, and they can offer advice or encouragement when you need it. A great place to start is booking a time with me, so I can best serve you through Women's Biz Global. In conclusion, juggling business and life as a mum is challenging, but it's not impossible. By prioritising and planning, outsourcing when
possible, practising self-care, setting boundaries, using technology to your advantage, and building a support network, you can find success in both areas of your life. Remember,it's okay to ask for help, but most importantly, it's essential to take care of yourself, so that you can be the best mother and business owner possible. With the right strategies and mindset, you can successfully navigate the demands of running a business and managing a household.
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 33
Women's Biz Magazine
THE CURIOUS CASE OF
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND E-COMMERCE
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE OR E-COMMERCE, ARE ONLINE COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS EXCHANGING GOODS OR SERVICES. SOME EXAMPLES OF E-COMMERCE ARE WOMEN’S BIZ, ALI BABA, INOBERRY, AND EBAY. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) IS A CRITICAL ASSET FOR ANY BUSINESS, AS WELL AS E-COMMERCE. IP CAN INCLUDE MANY FORMS, YET, FROM AN E-COMMERCE POINT OF VIEW, THE FOLLOWING ARE ESSENTIAL: • • • • •
TRADEMARKS COPYRIGHTS DESIGNS PATENTS, AND TRADE SECRETS.
34 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
By Pooja Bhatia
Though not very common, in the United States of America, you can also protect the business method as a patent.
2. Increase the valuation of your business, as IP is an asset, it adds up in your balance sheet too.
What is Intellectual Property?
3. Beat the competition
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) defines IP as, “creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs and symbols, names and images used in commerce”. IP helps in the protection of brands, products and ideas from unauthorised use. When IP is protected and granted, it becomes Intellectual Property Rights. The rights are granted by a government body and are limited to the country where these rights are granted.
What use does IP have in e-commerce? Many.. Let me explain. IP is not only an asset for your business, but is also a tool to: 1. Protect your interest
4. Prevent infringement of rights 5. To be traded and licensed. Here are some ways in which you can incorporate IP in your e-commerce business: • Trademarks protect brand names, logos and slogans. • Copyrights protect original works of authorship, such as books, music, and software. • Patents can be used to protect inventions and in some countries, like the United States of America, even business methods. • Trade secrets protect confidential business information, such as customer lists, pricing data, and manufacturing processes.
September 2023
So what can be protected? A great deal of this depends upon the law of the country in which you are trying to protect, some examples are as follows:
country where it is registered. 3. That you are not protecting something that has already been registered.
1. Logos, slogans, taglines, product or service name (s), domain names, hashtags, and smells
A trade secret has value until it is no longer a secret, which means you have to put in effort to protect it. Thus, you will have to use other means to keep it confidential.
2. Search engines and specific tools created
Here are some tips for protecting IP in e-commerce:
3. Software
1. Register your IP: Registering your IP with the appropriate government agency, in the appropriate country, can provide you with a valuable legal right to your IP.
4.Design of the website 5. Content, manuals, flowcharts, databases, books, training modules, etc 6. Music, videos, songs, poetry 7. Photographs and paintings 8. Business methods. A good strategy would be to use a combination of all forms to have a powerful arsenal. Moreover, an asset can only be an asset if it is protected, valid, and if the law is enforced. While protecting any IP, keep in mind: 1. The scope needs to be defined properly 2. The IPR has to be maintained by paying the maintenance fees for each form in every
2. Use strong security measures to prevent unauthorised access to your computer systems and data. 3. Monitor for infringement for unauthorised use of your IP. If you find any infringement, take immediate action to stop it. 4.Educate your team and collaborators on usage and protection. 5. Have protocols for use and governance of IP 6. Use confidentiality
agreements, while discussing trade secrets 7. Have proper documentation in place like policies, manuals, employee, vendor, consultant, partnership, and contractual agreements, to ensure the protection of your assets. 8. Most importantly, have an IP lawyer on your team or in a contractual position, to advise you on different matters. In addition to the above, you must have a list of your assets, proper management of the IPRs, and regular auditing, will help in keeping information up to date. Using an IP management tool is essential as it stores all of this information in one place. Another important point is that you must watch the infringement of your rights, but also ensure that no one else's rights, or other organisations connected to your platform, are being infringed by your brand. You do not want to be linked to an infringement suit. For example, Ali Baba used technology to monitor counterfeit products and developed a framework to ensure no counterfeit product is sold on their platform. SO you can see, it is very essential for the brand building and client retaining part.
About Pooja Bhatia I am Pooja Bhatia, a professional, turned entrepreneur working on different platforms, a host, author, and ‘Queen of Platforms'. As the Chief Executive Officer of Inoberry LLC, the motto is to “simplify the lives of entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators''. I am currently building three platforms. Dhvaani is one of the platforms which showcases inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs, experts, and innovators. SAAply is another,where you can find details of grants, schemes, and funding opportunities in one place. Last but not least, is the Investing in Talent platform, supporting you to make your dreams a reality. I have 17 years of experience in managing and commercialising Intellectual Property. I hold an MBA degree in Technology Management, two internationally recognised credentials: Certified Licensing Professional, Registered Technology Transfer Professional, and a registered patent agent with the Indian Patent Office. I have helped innovators and entrepreneurs in effectively protecting and commercialising their IP. Through Inoberry, I am trying to touch every sphere of the innovation ecosystem, including consulting on IP protection and technology transfer.
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 35
Women's Biz Magazine
JUGGLING AN
ONLINE BUSINESS WITH MOTHERHOOD By Louise Malone
U
pon reflecting on my life, I’ve realised that it’s not an easy road for women to juggle business and work life. I have lived in Australia, the lucky country, all my life. I grew up in Sydney’s Western Suburbs. School was close by. Mum struggled financially and I had no idea of the experiences that were ahead of me. Mum migrated from Italy to escape fascism and find a better life. She looked after me well and was very protective. She was naturally guarded, but I loved and appreciated her a great deal. I didn’t appreciate it in my teenage years, but now I do. I love good food, like all Italians and it has been an important cornerstone in my daily life. When I finished high school, I wanted to have my own business. I graduated in 1976, when Labour was in power. Gough Whitlam did something amazing. For the first time in Australian history, free
36 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
education was available to all. I completed the Higher School Certificate and applied for Business courses. Like a lot of my life, things fell into place at the right time. In Australia’s history this has never happened before, so I in credibly lucky to have experienced it as my family didn’t have the money to pay for University fees. Mum couldn’t understand why I wanted to go to University and not get married and have a family. It’s so funny how the next generation sees things so differently, isn’t it?
University of NSW was over the way in Kensington, in the Eastern suburbs. So, it was quite a journey to complete each day, but still manageable. My family didn’t own a car, so
we always used public transport. Mum asked, "Why choose UNSW when you can go to the University of Sydney which is closer?" I retorted “Because University of NSW has a better reputation for business related studies!’ Little did I know that a Commerce degree covered all aspects of business. After Sarbanes-Oxley legislation was enacted in 2002, American companies were still going bankrupt. Someone will always find a way to break the rules! University is the start of a journey of learning on the job.
September 2023
At university I learnt how to study effectively. My favourite high school teacher always reminded us that we were “spoon fed”. I had no idea what she meant by this. It’s nice to look back and think, “Oh, I see now!” Practice writing your answers using past exam papers before the big test. Another lightbulb moment for me! There was a lecturer at University who liked to tease me when I walked into lectures late. I was fair game! Imagine a hall full of young adults, most of whom were men. There were few girls studying Commerce, but I found a couple from my high school to hang out with. I didn’t pass a subject and had to ‘Show Cause’. That meant paying a visit to the Lecturers' Campus Room. Luckily, I paid a visit to the lecturer with a male colleague. It would have been a disaster if I had gone in by myself. My gut told me this was not a safe place to be and I’m so glad my friend came with me that day. The boys that I befriended at University were a lot of fun. It was the seventies after all. Some of the boys lived on the Northern Beaches. Some surfers didn’t welcome visitors from the Western Suburbs, but my Uni friends were welcoming in their own tough way. I loved going to Palm Beach for a swim in the semester break. Palm Beach had an unwelcome sign saying, “Go Home Westies''. Wow, they didn’t own the beach. How could people be so meanhearted? It reminds me of the 2005 Cronulla riots. It was the same kind of disrespect shown for people of other cultures. Laws were broken. People
were hurt and injured. At high school ,I experienced disrespect because of my Italian heritage too. We are a multicultural society and we should remember that people are more often than not fleeing from bad situations and coming to Australia for new opportunities. I graduated in 1981 and found my first job at CSR. It was a great place to start my business life and most of them were welcoming. It was a very male dominated business world. I had no idea of this until I experienced my first job. The head offices in Sydney were grand and I felt very happy to snag this nice job.
I remember on one occasion the Marketing Manager in my branch made an embarrassing comment to me. I had been sitting at my desk all day and this was a chance to stand up and stretch. I declined his offer to sit where he was sitting. He made a comment, suggesting I wasn’t lady-like. In front of a group of my colleagues too. It was hurtful and belittling.
On the plus side, I had trips to North Queensland to audit the Sugar Mills. They were great fun and a wonderful learning experience . In my down time I visited Green Island. I swam amongst coral and colourful parrot fish like I could never have imagined.Once, a skate swam under me, and I felt one with the fish in the ocean. I have gone back to the Great Barrier Reef many times since. The beauty of it is always there, but never so much as on my first visit. My Commerce degree led me down the track of working on many systems. My business life has been a progression of learning and practising new technologies. Have I achieved my goal of having my own business? Over time I have evolved the activities that I have enjoyed into sideline businesses. I have always loved to read books on health, aromatherapy and fitness. I couldn’t envisage what my own business would look like back in the seventies. It took an evolution of time to bring me on the path that I am on now. I worked as a fitness instructor leader in the eighties (like Olivia’s ‘Physical’!) I had my two sons in the nineties. Unfortunately, I lost my first son to depression and anxiety. My second son has also experienced mental health issues. It’s hard to see your loved ones going through such torment and as a mother, it’s particularly hard to watch it all unfold and not have a great deal of control over the outcome. Commerce has been good to me, but it has left gaps in my creative and caring self.
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Women's Biz Magazine
the moment. Push away the bad thoughts. · Find beauty in nature and in good health. Look after yourself and the Earth that we live on. · Love and care for your family first. · Do something that gives back to others, like charity work, especially if you work in big business.
About Louise
When my boys were growing up, I dedicated 100% of my life to raising them. My business life dropped off for some time in this period. When I returned to work, I found it difficult to juggle business and family life. So, I created Busy Bee Blossom in 2016. I wanted to focus on achieving the goal I’d had as a teenager. Although I loved the technical side of commerce, I needed a creative outlet. As a result, I started my Australian owned business. I make natural botanical skincare, body care products and candles. I wanted to create products that were free of nasty chemicals and was passionate about my customers experiencing eco-friendly products. I value sustainability and ethical practices and I strive to minimise our environmental impact. I use recyclable packaging and reduce waste in all aspects of our operations. My happy memories of the Great Barrier Reef remind me to be caring for our world.
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I am committed to providing exceptional customer service. I look back on some of the places I have worked and there are examples where profit came first, at the expense of people. Now businesses are more conscious of their role in our fragile world. Consumers are wary of big business too, so I endeavour to be transparent and ethical. Looking back now on my business and life, I can say it’s hard being a woman. I am lucky. I have grown up in an Italian family where we appreciated what we had. Sacrifice is what mothers are good at doing. Here are the lessons I have learnt: · Trust your gut when creepy situations emerge in your life. · Expect the unexpected. Learn from the experience. · Be strong and try to look on the bright side. · Practice mindfulness – live in
Louise Malone is the founder of Busy Bee Blossom, a plantbased skincare and candle business that she established in 2016. After the devastating loss of her son to mental health in 2013, Louise turned to her lifelong passion for health and beauty to create a brand that not only indulges the senses, but also promotes self-care and mental wellness. Combining her commerce expertise, with her love for natural ingredients, Louise has developed a range of skincare, body care, and candle products that are simple, yet effective. Busy Bee Blossom's products are made with pure, ethically sourced ingredients that are gentle on both your body and the world. At Busy Bee Blossom, Louise believes that taking care of yourself should be an enjoyable and indulgent experience. Her products are designed to nourish the mind and body, providing a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the business of daily life. With her commitment to promoting self-care and mental wellness, Louise's brand goes beyond just skincare and candles - it's a reminder to priorite your wellbeing and embrace the simple pleasures in life.
September 2023
EMPOWERING JOURNEY THROUGH HIKING:
WHERE FITNESS, ADVENTURE, AND SELFDISCOVERY TURNED INTO MY BUSINESS By Shannae Correia
Hi there! I'm Nae, a busy mum with a taste for adventure. I absolutely love exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New South Wales, whether it's conquering hiking trails or embarking on exciting road trips. My wonderful friend Karol-llyn has been by my side for a whopping eighteen years, supporting each other through life's highs and lows, the challenges of parenting, the joys and struggles of our own marriages, and the ongoing quest for a work-life balance.
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or the longest time, I struggled with my weight and felt unhappy with my body. At the age of thirtyfour , I received a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which added an extra layer of challenge to my weight management. But beyond the physical aspects, I also had an unhealthy perception of myself and became desperate for change. Little did I know that the path to my transformation would begin with a love for hiking. Around eight years ago, Karolllyn and I ventured out on our first daring road trip, to somewhere neither of us had ever been. We opted to sleep in the cosy confines of Karolllyn’s trusty mini-van for three whole days. Throw in a mattress and a couple sleeping bags and some snacks, we were ready to go. Who knew that this adventure would ignite a
deep passion for uncovering the hidden gems of NSW. The freedom of the open road and the beauty of the landscapes we encountered along the way, sparked something within us—an insatiable curiosity for exploration and a desire to connect with nature, on a deeper level. Hiking became an opportunity for me to venture outside and
explore the incredible backyard that has been created for us. It was during those hikes, side by side with Karol-llyn, that I began to not only work on my physical health, but also nurture my mental well-being. Hiking offered more than just a way to enhance my physical fitness, it became a powerful tool to nourish my soul and bring clarity to my mind.
WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 39
Women's Biz Magazine It was during a memorable hiking trip in 2020, as we wandered through a breathtaking canyon in the Blue Mountains, an idea struck us: why not share our travel experiences and create a helpful guide for those who are curious about hiking, but haven't taken the plunge yet? We were so excited by the sights and sounds of nature, the rush of conquering challenging trails, and the profound sense of accomplishment that came with reaching the summit of a mountain.
After speaking to some close friends, Karol-llyn saw an ad on Facebook about a blogging course from a very successful travel blogger in America. That’s when Karol-llyn and I decided to bring our vision to life and established our business, affectionately named "2 Mums and a Dirt Track." The beginning of a dream was unfolding right before our eyes and everything was falling into place. We were now in contact with this successful American blogger and we were learning everything she did herself, regarding setting up a blogging website, learning how to write a post, understanding
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affiliate marketing and sponsorships, and gaining an email subscriber base. Over the past year and a half, Karol-llyn and I have embarked on an incredible journey of growth and learning. Starting from scratch, we had no knowledge of blogging and online marketing. But with determination and a thirst for knowledge, we dedicated ourselves to honing our skills in writing, maintaining a userfriendly website, and mastering the art of effective marketing. We even went the extra mile to establish ourselves as experts in the field, earning the trust of search engines like Google, and collaborating with a range of companies, both locally and internationally. Through 2 Mums and a Dirt Track, our mission is to capture our deep love for hiking and provide guidance to fellow mums, as well as anyone else who's keen on embracing the hiking world. We firmly believe that every mum deserves some well-deserved "me" time and the chance to immerse herself in the wonders surrounding us. We're here to show you that hiking is not as intimidating as it may seem, and our firsthand experiences and expertise will help you navigate this exciting world with confidence. Our goal is to empower mums to break free from traditional roles and embrace the wonders of nature. We want to create a supportive community where women can come together, share their experiences, and encourage one another to explore the great outdoors. We want you to uncover the beauty of hiking, improve our physical and mental well-being, and forge connections with like-minded individuals. Together, we can
create a vibrant community of adventurous spirits. In our journey, we want to emphasise that age is never a barrier to pursuing your dreams. Starting this business has taught us that there's no such thing as "it's too late", or "I'm too old", or "I don’t know enough". If you believe in something and have the desire to make it happen, then go for it! We wholeheartedly encourage all women, regardless of their age or circumstances, to follow their passions and turn them into successful ventures. It's never too late to embark on an exciting journey and make a positive impact. With dedication and determination, anything is possible! Through our platform, we aim to debunk the myths and fears surrounding hiking. We strive to break down the barriers and misconceptions regarding hiking, showing women that it is an accessible and enjoyable activity for all. We want to inspire mums to break free from the confines of labels like "mum" and "wife," allowing them to embark on their own exciting adventures. Our blog is more than just hiking advice; it's about connecting with yourself, building resilience, and fostering a deep appreciation and love for the natural world. We encourage women to share their own experiences, exchange knowledge, and support one another. Together, we can conquer mountains, explore new horizons, and uncover the limitless possibilities within us. Join us on this journey and let's make our dreams a reality through the experience of hiking. Who knows where your journey will take you.
September 2023
INTRODUCING AFTER STORY:
THE HANDBAG BRAND REVOLUTIONISING SUSTAINABILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY By Sue Ryburn
WITH AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE ON WWW.AFTERSTORY.CO, RYBURN IS NOW LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH POTENTIAL STOCKISTS, OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RETAILERS TO BECOME PART OF THE SUSTAINABILITY REVOLUTION IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY.
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fter Story, an innovative New Zealandbased brand, is poised to reimagine the fashion landscape by introducing a line of innovative convertible handbags. Designed with the modern, career-focused woman in mind, After Story presents an unprecedented merger of fashion, function, and sustainability. As every woman’s life evolves, her bag should too. This is the philosophy that inspired After Story’s creator, Sue Ryburn, who has personally designed and crafted each of her women’s handbags. From career pursuits to motherhood, these bags adjust to the changing demands of the modern woman's lifestyle. “Women’s lives are stories of continual evolution," says Ryburn. "After Story embodies this journey. Each bag transitions seamlessly from a laptop carrier, to a baby bag, to a travel accessory, and so much more." Committed to leaving a positive impact on the world, After Story also prioritises sustainability in every aspect of the business. The brand ensures that all packaging is either reusable or recyclable, reducing the environmental footprint of each product sold. WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM | 41
Women's Biz Magazine
TAKING A STAND:
NAVIGATING CONTROVERSY
THE CASE OF FORMER PREMIER GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN By Annie Gibbins
LISTEN UP, FOLKS! WE'RE DIVING INTO THE HEATED DEBATE OF TAKING A STAND ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES. AND BOY, DO WE HAVE A CASE FOR YOU TODAY. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT FORMER PREMIER GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN AND THOSE ‘SERIOUS CORRUPTION’ ALLEGATIONS MADE BY THE ICAC. IT'S A HOT TOPIC, AND COMPANIES, LIKE OPTUS AND POLITICIANS FROM THE LIBERAL PARTY, ARE FACING A TOUGH DECISION: SHOULD THEY SPEAK UP OR SAY NOTHING?
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et's get real about this delicate balance. When a prominent public figure gets hit with corruption accusations, businesses find themselves in a tight spot. But fear not, my friends, because I’m here to break it down for you. First up, we've got core values and ethical alignment. It's time to ask yourselves, "Does this issue clash with what we stand for?" If the accusations directly contradict your company's principles, then taking a stand might just be the real deal, a genuine expression of your values. Next, brace yourselves for reputational risk. Accusations of corruption against a highprofile individual can send shockwaves through the
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business world. So, before you make a move, you better assess the potential impact on your reputation and brand image. Taking a public stance might earn you points, but it can also drum up backlash. So, tread carefully, my friends. Now, let's talk about industry and community impact. If those corruption accusations hit close to home, affecting your industry or the communities you serve, it's game time. You've got an opportunity to contribute to the conversation, promote transparency, and fight for integrity within your sector. Use your influence wisely, and you might just make a difference. Ah, legal considerations. You know the drill, stay on the right side of the law. Laws and regulations vary, so before you
drop any statements, make sure they're legal and don't harm others, or interfere with ongoing legal processes. We don't want any legal troubles, do we? But wait, there's more. Taking a stand isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are challenges and risks to face head-on. Buckle up, folks. First, we've got divisiveness and backlash. When you speak up on a contentious issue, like corruption accusations, prepare yourself for a divided crowd. You might face some serious heat from those who disagree with you. It could mean losing customers, facing negative media attention, or even damaging your reputation. So, keep your wits about you.
September 2023
consider the potential risks, and keep your reputation intact.
impact and risks. Transparency, prudence, and ethics should guide their choices.
Last but not least, let's talk about the ethical complexity of corruption accusations. These matters are like tangled webs, full of legal twists and turns. So, before you rush to make any judgments, take a step back. Get all the facts straight and ensure you're not jumping to conclusions that might come back to bite you later.
Remember, thorough research and open dialogue with stakeholders are your secret weapons. Understand their expectations, concerns, and the ever-changing social and ethical landscape.
The reality is that taking a stand on controversial issues, especially corruption accusations against public figures, is like walking a tightrope. It requires careful consideration of your values, the potential impact on your reputation, and the legal and ethical implications. You'll face challenges such as divisiveness and backlash, employee engagement, and the ethical complexity of the situation.
So, my friends, navigating the decision of whether to take a stand on corruption accusations against a public figure is no easy feat. It's a complex puzzle that demands careful evaluation. Balance your values,
In the case of former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, allied stakeholders must do their homework. They too need to weigh up the situation against their values, potential industry
Then we've got employee engagement and loyalty. This is a tricky one , because your employees may have wildly different opinions on the matter. It's crucial to foster an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard, respected, and valued—no matter where they stand on the issue.
But by conducting thorough research, fostering open dialogue, and making informed choices, you can navigate this delicate balance and make a difference while protecting your company's integrity. So, take a deep breath, weigh up the risks, and step forward with purpose and conviction.
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Women's Biz Magazine
CASHFLOW IS THE OXYGEN TO YOUR BUSINESS By Katie Nelson Katie Nelson, Founder and CEO of Sales UpRising, is a three-time business owner who is committed to bringing the fun back into sales. She is on a mission to change the current statistic that 90% of businesses do not reach their sales goals. Katie is a speaker, consultant, and business coach with 30 years of sales experience and over $150 million sold in products and services.
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imply put, she knows how to bring her clients into the Big Leagues! Katie has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs to transform their companies from ideas into thriving, profitmaking businesses. She has created workshops, Mastermind courses, one-onone training days, and business retreats to empower business owners with her strategies that helped her develop multimillion-dollar firms. Katie believes every business action is a sales conversation, and she asserts sales are the spark to feed the fire of business growth. The 10 steps to a bulging bank account:
Desire and commitment to succeed: Understanding your stage of business is crucial, because these are the steps to success. You have to own your commitment and desire for success. No-one can do this for you!
Claim your niche: This is your second stage of 44 | WOMENSBIZGLOBAL.COM
business which is a “slipper little suckle”. Your niche will morph; however, you need to declare your niche, before you can be the authority. Did you know that $250k sits within the start-up phase and you will thrive from there, because your services will be crystal clear.
Your secret “Ju-Ju”: Everyone comes with their own secret magic. This is how you deliver and put yourself into
your business. Being unique, individual and making your business different from the rest, is discovering your secret “JuJu”!
Magnetic massage: Do you have a magnetic pull for the people you want to attract? Stand on your mountains and shine, shine, shine. Be as versatile as your magnetic message needs.
September 2023
Attract clients: Your clients are going to be in various places looking for a business like yours, so knowing where they are, enables you to unleash the magnetic message.
Money making methods: Decide what type of business you are. You can make money from offering services and this will provide you with the ability to create affiliate opportunities.
Implementation expansion techniques: You know what works for your business. Because you have
all of the data and information that any expansion is going to require, you can implement expansion techniques faster.
Systemise: This allows us to build and implement systems that allow you to run your business. You know the processes, workflows, as well as , what does and doesn’t work. Without sustainable and robust systems in place, you are not in a position to build your business and revenue growth.
Hire your dream team:
understand your business, and who possess the right skills, is the absolutely best step to putting money into your business. The ideal ‘dream team' should be more than just about providing help. Your dream team should be people who also want to aspire to your dream business. We all tell stories in our head, and unfortunately, we tend to grasp onto the helpful ones such as; “if I raise my prices, I will never find clients”, “it’s hard to make money” and, “who am I to charge high rates?” I rest my case.
Hiring the right people who
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Women's Biz Magazine
WHY DO WOMEN
WORRY SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK? By Annie Gibbins It's no secret that many women worry about what other people think. Whether it's about their appearance, their career choices, or their personal lives, women often feel pressure to conform to societal expectations and meet the expectations of others. But why do women worry so much about what other people think, and what impact does this have on their lives?
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ne reason that women worry about what other people think is that they are often subjected to a great deal more scrutiny than men. Women are judged more harshly on their appearance, behaviour, and social interactions, and are expected to conform to a narrow set of ideals and standards. This can create a sense of anxiety and pressure to meet these expectations, leading to a preoccupation with what others think. Another reason is that women are socialised to be caretakers and nurturers. From a young age, girls are taught to put others' needs before their own, and to be mindful of how their actions and words affect those around them. While this can be a positive trait in many ways, it can also lead to a sense of obligation to please others, as well as a fear of disapproval or rejection. In addition, women may worry about what other people think because of the consequences of not meeting social expectations. Women who deviate from societal norms, may face negative consequences, such
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as criticism, ostracism, or even violence. This can create a sense of fear and anxiety around not meeting these expectations, leading to a preoccupation with how others perceive them. The impact of worrying about what other people think can be significant. It can lead to a range of negative emotions, including anxiety, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. Women may find themselves constantly seeking validation and approval from others, leading to a sense of insecurity and a lack of confidence in their own abilities and decisions.
Women may also be less likely to take risks or pursue their dreams, if they fear disapproval or criticism from others. This can lead to missed opportunities and a sense of regret later in life.
So, what can we do to overcome this preoccupation with what others think? One strategy is to develop a strong sense of self and confidence in one's own abilities and decisions. This can be done through self-reflection, setting personal goals, and seeking supportive relationships and communities. Another strategy is to challenge societal norms and expectations. Women can work to dismantle harmful stereotypes and advocate for greater acceptance and inclusivity. By standing up for themselves and others, women can create a more supportive and accepting environment that values diversity and individuality. Ultimately, it is important for women to recognise that worrying about what other people think is a common experience, but is not necessary or beneficial. By focusing on one's own goals, aspirations, and values, we can build a sense of confidence and selfassurance that allows us to thrive in all areas of our lives.
