Starting a business can be challenging, and for women and marginalised people, the barriers to success can be even more significant. That’s why we’re here to help, with stories and tips from people who’ve been there. Introducing Square One: a series created in partnership with Square to help inspire small and medium enterprises to realise their potential.
Helming a business is hard work. People pour so much time, energy and money into building their venture, but on average, 35% of Australian businesses don't survive longer than five years.
Today, we're chatting with five female business owners who have managed to make it work despite the odds. Running the show has given these women a chance to reflect on their working lives — and what skills have helped them along the way.
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Ahead, here are the lessons these entrepreneurs learned the hard way, that apply no matter your industry, role or ambitions.
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Life is too short to be wasted stuck in a job, environment or career that doesn’t nurture or inspire you.
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Tania Gnecchi Ruscone, Founder & Designer, RUUSK
What lessons have you learned since owning a business?
Problems and mistakes are as unavoidable in business as they are in life. It’s how you deal with these that is important: focus on how you make people feel and how you can find a solution.
If you could give people one piece of professional advice, no matter their job or industry, what would it be?
Do something you love. Or at least something you really enjoy. Life is too short to be wasted stuck in a job, environment or career that doesn’t nurture or inspire you. If you’re not sure of what you enjoy doing, experiment. You won’t know until you give yourself the opportunity to explore.
What skill can take you a long way in any industry?
Being able to build relationships is so important. At the end of the day, we work with and for people. Everything is about relationships, whether they're with customers, clients, colleagues or suppliers. Having good people skills and being a kind and caring human is just an essential skill to have, both in and out of the workforce.
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Have confidence in yourself and your gut instinct.
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Elise Honeybrook, Co-Owner & Director, Grumpy Donuts, Valentinas & Deep Fried Hospo
What lessons have you learned since owning a business?
Learn to discern between external noise you should drown out, versus criticism and advice that you should take on board.
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Build a team around compatibility and personality — it's so important to create a work environment that’s both productive and enjoyable.
If you could give people one piece of professional advice, no matter their job or industry, what would it be?
Take care of the people that take care of you. You can be kind, courteous and productive all at once. Many people I’ve come across in a number of industries and positions tend to believe that a gentle touch and business productivity are mutually exclusive, which just isn’t the case! You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
What skill can take you a long way in any industry?
People skills and communication skills are on top of the list. If you’re able to eloquently articulate your goals, needs, visions etc., you’ve already made it halfway to reaching those goals. This is true for any position or industry and is paramount to your success in all walks of life.
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Know that it's fine not to know everything.
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Laurinda & Fatuma Ndenzako, Co-Owners, Collective Closets
What lessons have you learned since owning a business?
Invest in your personal and professional development. If you want to evolve, you need to put in the hard work to get there. We experienced the most growth once we accepted how much we still needed to learn.
Don’t take everything so personally — not everything is not all about you! Everyone is going through things that you don’t necessarily know about.
If you could give people one piece of professional advice, no matter their job or industry, what would it be?
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Be kind and courteous. The world is a small place and much more connected than you think. A bad attitude and reputation can travel a very long way!
What skill can take you a long way in any industry?
Good verbal communication — if you’re able to connect with someone through good conversation, you can get anything done. Also, basic Microsoft Excel skills will get you far.
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We shouldn't be available for our jobs 24/7 and switching off is imperative.
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Megan Luscombe, Certified Life & Relationship Coach
What lessons have you learned since owning a business?
In previous jobs, I was working myself to the bone for someone else and performing to unrealistic expectations. We shouldn't be available for our jobs 24/7 and switching off is imperative. I think there is such a toxic culture in some workplaces to always be performing higher, better and faster, which is not only unhealthy for the mind but also for the body.
If you could give people one piece of professional advice, no matter their job or industry, what would it be?
It's important to work out what your values are and ensure you're in a job that aligns with them. This way you'll go to bed feeling proud of what you're doing. It also makes your work more impactful, and feel less like 'work'.
What skill can take you a long way in any industry?
Effective communication!
Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
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