Earlier this year, we released our guide to better business. The guide was created with a number of fantastic contributions from leading experts from around Australia. We realise the guide is jam packed full of information, and is a lot to consume in one sitting. And to some of you, the topics covered might be completely new, leading to a bit of confusion. As part of helping businesses make 2019 the best year yet, we're chatting directly with our contributors on places that would great to start. In a brief conversations, you'll see where they go to learn new things, and what is influencing their thinking.
This week we're chatting with Daniela De Fazio of Launch Psychology & Scott McKenzie of Velocity Legal.
"Start by scrapping your list of what’s not working. Instead, put your energy into what is working, what you and your people are good at, and what you value most." - Daniela De Fazio
What were your favourite pieces?
Trent Innes - His piece on how to keep up with technology was so informative. Technology moves so quickly and Trent's summary of the major changes and how to stay connected was helpful. Carly Amado's piece on the steps to build a great team was incredible useful at a time where our business is expanding and hiring. What a useful and simple process to follow to ensure a solid team.
Podcasts?
Inspiring Leader- How to increase your performance and capacity (Jonah Oliver, High Performance Psychology)
Books?
The Happiness Trap - Russ Harris. A great resource to help you connect to doing what matters and to help you build skills to manage life's ups and downs.
Fav Apps?
Skip- for coffee on the run! Headspace and Smiling Mind - for daily mindfulness practice.
Your Top Tip?
Start with clarifying your values and what matters to you most, this will act as a compass to guide your actions and decion making.
Why You Loved The Guide?
It has been wonderful to feel connected to other small business owners and to be empowered by their knowledge on how to do things in a better way. I believe in small business because it allows you to be innovative and can encourage you to reflect on what really matters. It allows you freedom, flexibility and an opportunity to do things that are outside of the ordinary for your industry.
"It is commercially negligent for business co-owners to not have one, irrespective of the quality of the relationship between the owners. In fact, being friends or family with your co-owners often heightens the risk." - Scott McKenzie
What were your favourite pieces?
Andrew Van De Beek's piece. I think it largely reinforced my thoughts regarding culture and employees, but I really loved this quote - 'Lock down a regular “walk and talk” for each individual. Take ten minutes to get out of the office and start with the question “how are you feeling” and end with the question “what can I do to help you right now”. Then make sure you follow it up. '
Podcasts?
Recommending a dedicated legal podcast is like trying to recommend a good place to find a unicorn... Although, I do think Business Essentials put together a cracking podcast which canvasses a broad range of issues for business owners to think about. I was lucky enough to be on it a few times, but it does go well beyond just law.
Books?
The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Jokes...
If you want to get a better understanding of the way the law works (and the methods of legal reasoning), the textbook Laying Down The Law by Creyke et al provides a decent baseline. This book will probably provide a bit of foundation knowledge about how the legal system works which could be useful for small business owners.
Fav Apps?
OneNote. It's the best.
Your Top Tip?
Don't bury your head in the sand about legal risks. It will probably come back to bite you financially. Also, the devil is in the detail with contracts...
Why You Loved The Guide?
It has been a massive privilege to be part of the guide. Getting to know the other contributors on a more personal level has been sensational.
Small business is the lifeblood of Australia (yes, I am biased as a small business owner myself... but still). Small businesses make a HUGE contribution to society which extends well beyond just employing people.
Do yourself a favour, check out the resources the guys mentioned. Perhaps even review the guide again, and see what Daniela and Scott had to contribute. And stay tuned for a few more contributor convos over the coming months.
