Writing & Executing a Successful To-Do List

Remember how we were told years ago that all the modern technology that was being developed was going to hep us get things done quicker, and would give us tons more free time in our day?

Well, I don’t know about you, but even with the invention of high speed Internet, email on the move, Tweeting, iPads, and all the other gadgets that are meant to make life easier, I actually started to feel like I have even less time than I did before.

Most people agree that it often feels like there is not enough hours in the day to get things done. It is becoming more important than ever to properly prepare for, and plan your day in advance.

Although the concept of a “to do” list is not revolutionary to say the least, very few people know how to draw one up efficiently, and then actually go through the process of completing it. We have come up with a guide for writing a “to-do” list that not only helps you organize you time better, but also allows you to get more of what needs doing done!

Write It Down!

There are some people who try and keep a mental “to do” list. This is most of the time a highly ineffective way of doing things. Generally in the hustle and bustle of daily living, tasks will get forgotten and subsequently will be not completed.

You are far more likely to remember things that are written down. If possible, rather than writing tasks down on little scraps of paper you are better using an actual book or journal. These are much more solid, and you are much less likely to lose it.

Bits of note paper are going to be misplaced.

When Should You Draw Up Your List

A question often asked is when is the best time to write your “to do “ list. Some people prefer doing it first thing in the morning, whilst others find it better writing it in the evening.

From my experience the most effective time to create your list in the evening. Take 10-15 to analyse your day. Think about what you have done and achieved, and then start to formulate ideas about what needs doing the next day.

By doing your “to do” list at the end of the day you have a clearer picture of where you are, and a better idea of what tasks must be completed by the next day. The danger with doing your list in the morning is that first of all you may forget to mark things down that are actually fairly important, and you will also be in more of a rush which means you may not be thinking clearly. Clarity of mind is important if your list is going to be effective for you.

Be Wise- Prioritize!

Merely writing a list in the order it comes to you is a recipe for disaster. As you go through your day it will become obvious that you will not always be able to tick off every task on your list. This means some things will be left out, and without prioritizing tasks that could mean that potentially very important things get missed.

Once you have written down all the things that need doing your next move is to get them into an order. The most important tasks being at the top of the list and the least important at the bottom of the list. Another way people like to physically prioritize things on paper is by color coding them. For example, tasks highlighted in red being the most vital, and those in green being the less important.

Having some sort of order to your “to do” list ensures that as a minimum you get the most important tasks completed.

Don’t Overload Your List

Being faced with a 4 page “to do” list for the next day is going to do nothing except overwhelm you. In fact often some people actually do not even get started on a list that is too long, as they begin with the attitude that they have no chance of getting anywhere near complete!

What you should do is list only the most important tasks for the next day, and then put some of the less important things on your list for a day or two ahead. This tactic also helps you actually get ahead of things, as well as not putting you into information and task overload!

Digitize!

As we have a range of technology at our fingertips we may as well take advantage of it. Some digital devices are actually very useful for creating fluid and effective “to do” lists. A laptop computer will allow you to keep your list handy at all times. You could create a spread sheet with all your tasks on that you can tick off as you get things done. You can also add to it when extra tasks crop up during your day.

If you do not routinely carry a laptop around with you then no problem. There are portable devices designed as digital journals to help you plan and carry out chores during the day. In fact, modern mobile phones are also very effective for creating “to do” lists, and will even allow you to set audio alarms to remind you when something needs doing. You should never miss an appointment again!

OK so now we have our list. How are we going to ensure that we follow through and actually get things done. Here are our best tips to make sure you get as much done as you can without driving yourself into the ground.

Chunking

This really is one of the most useful tips I ever received and will help you in every area of your life that involves you completing tasks.

The art of chunking is looking for items on your “to do” list that can be done together. In other words look for tasks that involve you being in a particular place and group them together. This will stop you having to go backwards and forward to places unnecessarily.

Another good way of chunking is to look for tasks that are fairly similar, and again group them together. For example if you need to post some important letters, and you need to purchase some new stationery then going to a post office may allow you to get both things done at once.

Do Not Rush

As tempting as it is to just go as quickly as possible through your list so you finish as early as possible, it is also the best way to make mistakes and forget things. Take your time, and make sure things are properly completed before you move on.

Also make sure you mark things off as you go. This will make sure you don’t make the error of doing the same task twice, but it will also go a long way to motivate you to keep going. Once you see that you are making steady progress you will gain momentum, and give yourself the impetus to keep things moving.

Stay Positive

Sometimes things do not go as smoothly as you would like, and you progress may be hampered with delays. The most important thing in this situation is to stay in control and don’t panic.

If you have prioritized properly then you should be able to get the most important things done earlier, and in the worst case scenario you can always bump the less important tasks that you don’t have time for to the next days list.

Take Action

Even the most organized and best put together “to do” list will do you no good at all if you do not take action on it. Once you have created your list, the only way you are going to be able to check tasks off is by actually completing them.

The best way I have found of getting myself motivated enough to take action is to take 15 minutes at the beginning of the day to mentally prepare myself. Take a look through your list, and imagine how you will feel when everything on it is complete.

Imagine how much better you will feel.  Focus on what you will have achieved, and how much easier the next day will be for you now everything is done. Normally this is enough to get me started, however there is no greater motivator than actually seeing your “to do” list shrinking as you achieve each task.

The key to getting things done is to stay focused, be organized, and do not allow yourself to get swamped. You would be amazed at the positive impact a properly executed “to do” list can have on both your working and personal life.

Many people however shy away from them because they are not sure of how to draw one up successfully, or are afraid one will overwhelm them. Hopefully after reading this guide you will soon be “getting things done” much quicker, easier and more effectively than ever before.

This article was written by Michael Restuccia a personal finance writer for the website Best Credit Cards. He also writes about saving money with the best balance transfer credit cards in Australia.

Ytrep Opps – November 09

With only a few weeks left till Christmas, Santa and his Elve’s are busy getting all these opportunities out to you!

Get into these opportunities quick!

Twitter for Entrepreneurs

We’ve all seen the Twitter model applied to organizational employees via Yammer, which encourages co-workers to share and collaborate by frequently answering (in 140 characters or less) the question, “What are you working on?”

Now Canadian startup Sprouter invites entrepreneurs to do the same thing as an opening for discussion, support and collaboration.

Sprouter is an online community that allows small business owners and entrepreneurs to share links, ask questions and share expertise with their peers. Whereas most social networks focus on connecting users with people they already know, the premise behind Sprouter is that it’s often the people one hasn’t yet connected with—but who share common goals and interests—that can be the most valuable resources. Accordingly, the site’s search function can help members find not just entrepreneurs in their area or industry, but also those who are discussing a topic of common interest—funding, for example. Members of the site can create profiles and start real-time discussions around any concept, company, association or event.

Sarah Prevette, Sprouter’s founder and CEO, explains: “The power of social networking by individuals has been made more than evident, and Sprouter is striving to create that same sense of community and sharing for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs face struggles on a daily basis—from how to get funding to the best business tools to use. Sprouter can provide the forum for real-time networking and collaboration so everyone can benefit from mistakes and successes.” Sprouter is free for users, and hopes to generate income through partnerships with venture funding agencies and small business associations.

Launched to the public just this week, Sprouter also hosts monthly events to bring local entrepreneurs together for in-person networking. The site’s community currently includes members from all over the world, including India, Australia, Europe and North America. One to try out for your own entrepreneurial edification…?

Website: www.sprouter.com
Contact: info@sprouter.com

2009 Online Diva’s Awards

Online Diva’s are a networking group that brings business women together who share a common vision; Running an Online Business and working in the Online World.

They are celebrating their 1 yr anniversary along with the 2009 Online Diva Awards!

All the juicy details:

Where: Hugo’s Lounge, 33 Bayswater Road Kings Cross

When: Thursday 19th November 2009, 8pm – 10pm

Packed with lots of FREE goodies such as:

• FREE entry
• FREE  cocktail on arrival
• FREE gourmet pizza

This is a FREE event with limited spaces available, RSVP to hollie@onlinedivas.com.au . Be sure to vote for your favourite ONLINE DIVA for 2009 at – www.onlinedivas.blogspot.com

Calling Youth Candidates for Parliament 2010

The YMCA has started the ball rolling in South Australia and is calling all candidates to express their interests from people aged 16 – 25 who are interested in running for the office for youth 2010.

If you know anyone or would like information sent to you please contact Sophie Rose on (08) 82002513 or via email sophie.rose@ymca.org.au.

Small Business Benchmarks

This is a great resource that helps with your financial projections when starting up. These Benchmarks provide a snapshot of how businesses in an industry are performing, on average, by providing a measure of various business costs in relation to turnover.

http://ato.gov.au/businesses/pathway.asp?pc=001/003/102&mfp=001/003&mnu=48610

The Secret Confessions Of A Happy Entrepreneur

Over the last eleven years, I have spent a lot of time and money educating myself on how to build businesses. A university education, my own business coach, 100’s of books, online courses, weekend workshops – it never ended. For years, I strived to always know more in order to keep me ahead of the next business. I was the poster-boy for professional development. 

But over the past couple of years, it is fair to say that I have mellowed considerably. While still learning, I have made some small changes in the way I see things and these changes have given me a general feeling of happiness and contentment. No matter how good my business, relationship, bank balance or footy team is doing; life is good.

Who would have thought that you could achieve internal happiness that was not reliant on a big bank balance or having a great business? Defiantly not me.

So this is why I stepped off the business building band-wagon for the moment… to bring you ‘my secret confessions of a happy entrepreneur’. These are simple rules that I follow in order to make every day a good one. Some of them are easier to implement and follow than others, but hey, if it was all easy everybody would do it.

Confession No#1: I stopped letting desire rule my life.

I use to want…more clients, more businesses, more money, more, more, more. Desire was ruling my life. I was totally obsessed by achieving these things in life – sad, eh? But if you take a step back and look at it, our society, our parents, our schools etc all expect us to excel. It is the norm and the pressure can be intense.

Work hard, make more, get more and work harder – where does it stop?

So a couple of years ago I decided to start enjoying each moment for what it was, rather than for seeing it as a stepping stone to some ultimate place of achievement (wherever that is?). Now every moment is great and if I collectively steer these moments in the right direction, I’m sure the destination will look after itself.

Confession No#2: I learnt to control my inner environment

One day I realised that as a personal trainer, I had spent so many years studying only the body to make people LOOK good, and completely ignored what was upstairs. We often hear the fears and insecurities of our clients and I was yet to come across a client that didn’t have some kind of emotional scarring negatively affecting their life. 

So my theory is… that if we can train the body, we must also be able to train the mind. With that, I threw myself into a regular practice of meditation in order to confront what happens when you peel away the distractions of life and just sit with your thoughts.

These quiet times of meditation allow me to look into my thoughts and see that most of the time they are actually just stories that I make up. No logic, no substance. Just fear based stories designed to give myself a hard time. So now I don’t give myself a hard time when these thoughts come. I just don’t give them a second thought – literally.

Confession No#3: I found activities that made me happy and I did them often

This is definitely one confession that can be a starting point for everybody. Identify what you enjoy doing and do it often – no bloody ninja mind tricks need here. For me, I LOVE to hang with ‘my girl’ and our baby boy, go surfing, get dirty in the garden (I currently have a small addiction to growing bananas) and go camping.

Life gets busy and things will ALWAYS get in the way. It is your responsibility to make time in your life for this stuff. There will ALWAYS be more work to do. The activities that make you happy are often things that will take your mind completely away from your business and you will more than likely come back refreshed, balanced and ready to attack.

Confession No#4: I realised that life is not perfect

Funny that. No matter how many good intentions you have, sometimes bad stuff happens. Now that could be on a big scale or it could be on a small scale. But one of the best things that I have done is to realise that there are bad days in life and that is OK.

Now this doesn’t mean that I just throw my hands in the air and walk away, I still have a clear and present focus on what I want to achieve in life. It’s just that I understand that there is some bad stuff that is going to happen along the way that I have no control over and getting upset about it is not going to help me or my family.

Confession No#5: Make your own path

Following people in life can be beneficial for a certain time but there is definitely a period where it is time to step out from the shadows and make your own path. Yeah it’s scary and exciting, but isn’t that what life’s all about?

Being comfortable with who you are and acknowledging the fact that some people will either like you or they won’t (and that’s really up to them) is a BIG step. Wanting to be liked is a common trait in our society but being 100% you (regardless of the response) can be extremely liberating.

Confession No# 6: I learnt to embrace change

Change was never really my friend. I would always find that I would get to a certain stage of my life or in my business which I would be really happy with and something would change. I would always fight this type of change and want things to be just the way the used to be.

Then I took some time and had a good look at that very concept and realise that everything is always changing… I change, my relationship with my partner changes, my business changes, my veggie patch changes and my little baby boy definitely changes. So now instead of fighting change, I welcome it. Nothing ever stays the same is this world and that is a good thing – we live in an ever evolving world.

Confession No#7: I learnt to be a treasure hunter – to find the good in the world

I know that you have probably heard this line of thinking before but I am here to tell you that it is extremely powerful. Each day, you can get up and look at all of the good in the world. Acknowledging how grateful you are for everything that you have and looking at all the positive qualities of those around you.

OR

You can complain about your shitty situation, whine about your partner’s in-ability to wash the dishes properly (because that is very important) and general wallow in self pity.

I know which one I choose every day. Hug your partner or family and tell them you love them, be grateful for what you have and see the good in the world. It makes life a much more enjoyable place to hang out.

Confession No# 8: I learnt to give with no expectation of reward or praise 

Now remember back to the person that I explained about at the start of this article. The one that spent thousands of dollars and 100’s of hours, bettering himself so that HE could gain more. Mmmm, very self-focused eh?

Well, I am proud to say that there has definitely been a significant shift in this kind of thinking when it comes to giving. I have surrendered trying to plan, structure and educate my way to where I want to go. I now just give what I can to those who need it. Where it will lead me I am not really sure but it is one hell of a ride.

My business now allows me to give to lots of people without asking anything in return. Free personal training, free business advice, helping friends, family; whatever I can give, I do. It’s funny you know, because the gratitude I feel in return from people is much bigger than any financial reward could ever provide. 

That makes me happy.

So there is a little insight into the personal side of what makes me a happy entrepreneur. Heck, it hasn’t always been this way and it has been a pretty crazy path to get here. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Text by Rick Watson
www.personaltrainingbusinessinabox.com

Get aLife – Career Advice

Jessica Schebesta-Kiely was recently a part of a panel for the career website aLife. The panel looked at giving career advice to young people in the current global environment. An interesting conversation that concluded that encouraging young people to get out and get experience, that builds their skills & self knowledge, is the key to these times.

Watch it now and enjoy!

Jessica & Young Entrepreneurs on Channel Ten

The 9am TV Show on Channel Ten with David & Kim did a wonderful interview with Jessica (Director, The Frank Team) on Monday this week and two teen entrepreneurs. You can catch up on the viewing and use it to show to your students.

View the video here.

Enjoy!

Contact us if you are a young entrepreneur in Australia and tell us all about yourself. You can get featured on this site and we will keep you updated with other media opportunities that come our way for young entrepreneurs.

Michael Jarocki – Credit Card Finder

Name: Michael Jarocki
Age: 19
Field: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Internet Marketing
Interests: Music (Metal, Electro), Guitar, Snowboarding, Cricket, Internet, Late Nights with Friends.
Website: http://www.creditcardfinder.com.au
Contact: mike@creditcardfinder.com.au

High School Boredom – Year 12, 2007

Throughout high school, although I had interests and hobbies, I lacked any sort of educational or career-based direction. While this is fairly normal for the beginning of school, by the time Year 12 rolled
around, it was becoming a worry.

At one point I wanted to be an actor. Then a professional snowboarder. Followed by a musician. Anything that came to mind was fairly short-lived.

Plain and simple, I was bored at school. The only one of my subjects I had relative interest in was English, and even then it was completely subjective to what we were doing. Crime fiction for instance held little interest for me, so I practically stopped attending my extension english classes, and the whole unit went to waste.

One day during a typical dreary economics class, I noticed my friend browsing some forums. Gladly diverting my attention to his laptop, I questioned him about the forums he was browsing – they were internet marketing forums. At that moment I had an epiphany – I can make a career on the internet, moving at my own pace and enjoyment.

I knew making money online was possible, but had never really considered doing it myself till that point.

That night at home I suggested my new found interest to my parents. To say the least, my idealism was not met with the same enthusiasm. Just like the majority of Australian parents, they wanted nothing more than
for their son to attend university and settle down in a nice respectable job. I told them I wasn’t interested in university, and as expected they commenced a furious rant of how I wouldn’t achieve anything without educational credentials.

While it was a blow to my excitement, it didn’t hinder me from my new career adventure.

In 2007, the year of my Higher School Certificate, I spent July to November studying the basics of internet marketing and seo, instead of studying for my HSC.

When my UAI of 68.8% came, I tossed it aside as it held no relevance to my career choice. My parents weren’t too phased about my results – they figured I could work my way at a lower-grade university up to achieve anything English/Journalism related with my mark. However, they did rage when I told them I hadn’t submitted any uni applications for 2008.

Excited Entrepreneur – 2008

Fresh on the internet money-making scene, I was super keen and enthusiastic to absorb and learn all the knowledge I could. While I used to play video games, they didn’t hold any interest or procrastinating value anymore – the internet was (and still is, in a way) a video game to me. To beat the first level, I set a goal at
making $10 solely online.

To achieve this, I began creating niched sites, such as Eye Diseases and Mobile Phones with Google advertisements, or ‘Adsense’ on them.

For those unaware, Adsense places advertisements similar to your site’s topic and you earn money everytime somebody clicks on them.

The sites were up and running, and spammy to the max. I spent up to 10 hours each day writing content and experimenting with my websites. I frantically logged onto my Adsense account by the hour to see if I’d
made any money.

Shock! A click! 18 cents! MY hard-earned 18 cents!

Grinning ear to ear in pride, I show my girlfriend, who replied with a blank face of dissatisfaction, maybe even a hint of embarrassment. But I didn’t care. I didn’t expect to retire at 19 after a couple of months work. As long as I was making progressively more money, whether it was cent by cent, I was pleased.

April rolled around and my parents were beginning to probe and doubt my line of work.

“How much money did you make today, 32 cents?” my dad would ask mockingly.

He revived his rant of how I should be studying at a university. I retorted that this is what I’m interested in, and YOU don’t have to pay $18,000 in uni fees for me to do it.

“No one will ever take you seriously without a degree. You need one to be successful” he stated.

“Are you saying no one without a degree has never achieved success?” I replied. He shook his head and walked away.

Nevertheless, I carried on. I knew at this point my skills in the field were above average and I could possibly get employment. While it was my dream to ultimately work for myself, I was desperate to show my parents I could make more than $2 a day.

In early May, one of the my friends replied to me with interest for me to work for a website and I was on board after an interview. I began making some respectable income, and I was on top of the world.

I was given the reigns of Credit Card Finder, a credit card comparison site, which I still administrate to this day – which allows me to now work comfortably from home. Since I began working, editing and improving the site, revenue has increased by approximately 2400%, and growth is set to continue.

Reflection 2009

As you may have picked up throughout my story, the approval of my parents was, and still is a very important factor to me. To this day, while my parents are pleased with my success, I know deep inside that they would prefer me to still go on secondary education. Fortunately, my own drive for entrepreneurial success outweighed any lack of support.

I did not expect to reach the level I have in such a short period of time. If I had only increased from $2 a day in 2008 to $6 in 2009, I would still be stoked. I take great pride and satisfaction in any of my self achieved results, no matter the rate of progress.

For anyone interested in making a career online – there is no easy money. While it can come to you quicker or slower than most, ultimately you’ll need to put it in the hard work and originality to rake in the revenue.

Why Do I Love My Job?

There’s nothing more satisfying for me than seeing my hard work reflect in the search engine rankings. The basis of my job involves me targeting specific Google search terms, i.e “credit cards” and aiming at making that term the #1 result for when Australians ‘Google’ the term. The thrill of achievement motivates me to maintain the ranking, while there are still endless other search terms to become #1 for.

From time to time I browse university courses to see if there is something that would interest me, but to no avail. I imagine even if there was, It would be like year 12, where only certain units and topics would interest me enough to attend and excel. That’s the wonder of making money on the internet – there’s a thousand ways to do it, and you have the freedom to attempt any you wish, at your own rate.

The internet is always changing, and thus I can never truly be bored when I have to re-learn and be on form with its changes, in order to stay on top.

I would love for anybody with any questions or queries about my line of work, Credit Card Finder or anything else to contact me. My best wishes to any of you who personally wish to go down the path of an internet entrepreneur. Maintain the interest and you’ll get the results.

James Greig – Bloomtools

A web empire, a network of franchises, and all by the age of 24.

At 20 years of age James Greig left university with plans to start his own web empire. Four years later young entrepreneur James is a Founder and Director of Bloomtools, which is now franchising across Australia and has developed hundreds of websites for Australian businesses.

James started out working from a client’s office in exchange for building their website and business management system. His knowledge and natural business acumen were obvious from the start when he developed a software system for the client that reduced a six hour task to six minutes.

From there, the young entrepreneur built a team of some of the best programmers, graphic designers and marketers in Australia and began developing websites and online tools for local Gold Coast businesses.

“I realised that customised websites were just too expensive and too complicated for the average business to use, so I began to build products that could be used across many businesses, and would make websites more effective for business yet still extremely affordable,” James said.

In 2005, at the age of 22, James met his future business partner, former business coach and entrepreneur Tracey Voyce who was looking for someone to help her create a database marketing system for businesses.

Together they honed the business and created a range of web and email marketing products, designed specifically with business in mind.

These products proved extremely popular with local businesses and soon the business expanded with a number of resellers across Australia.

“I think what sets us apart is the fact that we understand what works for businesses online and our whole team is really passionate about helping businesses get results from the Internet,” said James.

Bloomtools has grown over 180% in the past year and now employs 19 staff, with clients such as OK! Magazine and Wide Span Sheds, and celebrity endorsements from Tim Campbell, Grant Denyer and Ian Maurice.

Earlier this year, Bloomtools launched a franchise business, which has already been taken up in a number of locations across Australia.

Well known businessman, and Action Coach master licensee, Bruce Doyle, was one of the first franchisees, launching Bloomtools Melbourne Central.

“When I came across Bloomtools, I knew they were the type of company I wanted to be associated with, because they are so passionate about business and the Internet and they have the world class tools to back it up,” Bruce said.

James said his aim was to franchise Bloomtools across Australia and New Zealand and soon the world.

“We have already had a number of inquiries from people wanting to take up the Franchises overseas,” James said.

James’ advice to other young entrepreneurs

* Believe wholeheartedly in your vision – six months into my business I saw the void in the market and knew that my business would be big, unique and successful. You need to have a clear dream and vision for your business and know exactly how it will be and what it will look like.

* Know your market – Find out who they are, what they want, what they need and other brands they use and respect. The more you know about your audience, the easier it is to engage them and tailor your services to them.

* Be unique – no matter what industry you’re in, there are a lot of people doing the same thing. Create your point of difference and live by it.

* Have the right people around you – associate with people that have the same energy, positiveness, commitment and belief in your vision. Hire the best people you can afford and treat everyone around you with respect.

* Be a sponge – always ask lots of questions of people and listen to what they have to say. Knowledge is power.

Klaire & Travis Johnston – Mobibudget

Meet Klaire & Travis Johnston, creators of Mobibudget. Frank Team caught up with young entrepreneur 30 yr old Klaire from QLD to find out about the biz & where their unique idea is taking them! Read on…

How do you describe your business to people who ask what you do?

Mobibudget is not only the easiest way to create a budget, but the easiest way to STICK to it. It is the world’s first truly mobile budgeting program – accessible via both the internet and mobile phone. Mobi’s standout feature is that it can tell you how much you have left in your budget BEFORE you spend … no excuses for not reaching your financial goals!

How did you come up with the idea?

Living on the Gold Coast, my husband, Trav, and I wanted to spend more time hitting the beach than doing our finances. We were motivated to spend better and save more, but were unable to find a budgeting tool that was simple and effective enough… so we decided to create our own.

How long have you been working on it?

Mobibudget, in its infancy, was simply a spreadsheet where we tracked our spending and saving. The catch was we couldn’t generate reports or analyse the data effectively enough and at the click of a button (there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be a lazy budgeter!). We budgeted this way for nearly two years, then launched Mobi late in 2006. Mobibudget is now in its second iteration, with enhanced features but the same adherence to simplicity. It is designed for the everyday budgeter – student, parent of six, retiree….

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

There are a number of technical issues relating to phone and browser compatibility that Trav has had to work very hard on. That’s all come together neatly and we are continually developing the product and its features based on user feedback. Surprisingly, a great challenge has been to explain the difference between Mobibudget and some popular mainstream accounting packages. Mobi is not about reconciling bank accounts or the complex number-crunching that makes many of us run a mile! It is simply about saying, “How much do I earn? How much do I spend … and what on? And how much do I want to have left in between?”

What do you like most about being in business?

We thrive on being able to take to the market a product that helps everyday people, just like us, get better control of their finances and therefore positively impacts their lives. What a buzz!

What do you like least about being in business?

Being in business for ourselves, gives us so much more than working for someone else. Running a business doesn’t initially give you the stability you might expect from a regular salary, but the benefits more than make up for that. You could, on any given day, give us less hours to work and we wouldn’t complain!

How do you market your product?

Mobibudget is marketed through a variety of channels – ABC radio helped kick start our promotion in 2007 and word of mouth always plays a big part. We also have a sponsored link on Google, which has directed some business our way. We are looking to launch Mobibudget to the international market shortly and are always investigating low cost yet effective ways to get Mobi out to people who need it most.

What advice do you have for young people out there trying to start a business or community project?

• Think about what you really love doing – that sort of pursuit will always be less of a chore and to a great extent provide its own inspiration.

• Work with your strengths and, while you need to be a good ‘generalist’ in your area, try and build a team of experts (such as marketing, accounting, engineering specialists) to support you in your venture, whether its to be part of your team or simply as a ready resource for advice.

• Finally, research, listen, and be very willing to learn. Go for it!

Wanna do some budgeting of your own?? Check out Mobibudget

Sam Cawthorn – Be Motivated

Meet Sam Cawthorn, an amazing young entrepreneur running his own business in Tasmania. Sam knows that
overcoming challenges and taking life by the scruff of the neck is what it takes to achieve goals! Plus he is the current Young Tasmanian of the Year….well well!

Check out his interview below…

How do you describe your business to people who ask what you do?

Be Motivated specialises in developing and unleashing personal and organisational creativity, uniqueness, innovation and diversity. We are committed to creating environments that expand imagination, unleash creativity, and maximise the creative potential in every individual and organisation.

Convinced that the world is changed by dreamers and visionaries, Be Motivated serves the purpose of history by maximising the divine potential in every human being.

Sam is also a Frank Team facilitator for our youth programs!

How did you come up with the idea?

In October 2006 I was involved in a horrific accident in Northern Tasmania. I suffered many major injuries including an amputated right arm and a permanently disabled leg. Seeing I’ve been given another chance at life, I’m now making sure others do not take life for granted, and live their life’s purpose.

How long have you been working on it?

I get bored really easily. So when I was in hospital for over 4 months and then in a wheelchair for over 9 months I worked on it continuously throughout this time.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

I think it was definitely my accident, being told by the doctors that you will never be able to walk again, and also dealing with the loss of your most dominant arm, it was by far my most biggest challenge.

What do you like most about being in business?

Inspiring and empowering people and seeing peoples lives transformed. I love being influential; I recently came back from working in the USA, speaking at schools and at a conference, I loved being Australian and being blessed to be able to travel and talk to people around the world.

What do you like least about being in business?

Paperwork – but it has to be done!

How do you market your product?

Mainly word of mouth; I really do not do a lot of marketing as such… Yes, I have a website I keep updated regularly, but my main form of advertising is people.

What advice do you have for young people out there trying to start a business or community
project?

Do it! You only live one life, Create the life you want to live, don’t wait for it to happen… Make it happen. Be persistent and you will reach your wildest dreams!!!

To find out more about Sam & Be Motivated

Rachel Chippendale – Ruby’s Closet

Have you ever met someone at an event who is oozing with passion, courage and personality, so much so that you just must go and introduce yourself? That’s what it was like meeting young entrepreneur Rachel Chippendale, 27, winner of the NSW Young Biz Star Competition 2007 in the Regional category.

Her passion for her biz, Ruby’s Closet, even seeped through into her interview for IGNITE, read on to find out what I’m talking about!

Tell us a bit about yourself – your interests, what you are up to in life, experiences…

I presently live in Orange NSW after spending the past few years traveling on and off to over 30 countries – traveling is my passion! On my biggest trip, which lasted 1 year, I traveled from Asia right through Europe over to Morocco, the UK and then South America visiting artisans, designers and manufacturers of accessories. I was on my own and it was the most amazing adventure – everything from bikinis in Brazil and gorgeous leather bags and shoes in Italy and Argentina, to bohemian glass in Czech Republic and jewellery in Paris. I made some very interesting friends!

How do you describe your business?

My business is a combination of working with the things I love and the things I have skilled expertise about.

My launch product is a patent pending and registered design jewellery storage device that solves all problems people have complained of when storing their fashion jewellery. It’s unique, can be hung on the back of a door or in a wardrobe, keeps jewellery separated, easily accessible and free from tangles and tarnish. I aim to have an online store that sells the most unique jewellery, accessories and gifts from all around the world.

Did you always want to run your own business? / What were you doing before you were running
your own business?

Yes, I started “Trendy and Co” when I was seven years old going door to door selling scrunchies and headbands around the neighborhood I sewed myself- I think I made a dollar here and there!

Before I started this business I was working overseas in events and marketing, designing jewellery and operating smaller business ventures on the side during university.

How did the idea come about and what inspired you to get into action?

When I returned from overseas I came back with the most amazing samples of boots, jackets, jewellery and the like – the compliments when I wore these things were never ending. But I knew the industry was very competitive and that I needed to differentiate myself first by inventing unique base products to develop my brand. I constantly noticed jewellery storage was a real problem for so many people – a lot of research, sketches, an engineer and prototypes later my jewellery hanger is a reality.
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What are some of the things you enjoy most about running your own business?

I love the challenges every day presents, seeing an idea come to life, receiving feedback from customers who love the product and the freedom. I am a country girl at heart but I love to travel and want to live back in a capital city. So, having an online business that can be operated remotely gives me the freedom to do all these things and continue to source amazing products abroad. I also love the fact that you get out what you put in – rewards are only capped by your own efforts.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome to make your ideas a reality?

Finding a reliable manufacturer that could bring my idea to life with the highest quality I envisaged, as well as marketing with limited start-up capital. It is incredibly frustrating having a great product that customers rave over and yet not being able to reach enough people to tell them about it yet.

How do you market your business?

I launched at an industry trade fair for jewellery and the response was fantastic. I try and get as much PR as possible which has been great so far as I have a lot of leverage having recently won my category of the NSW Young BizStar competition.

I am presently negotiating with distributors and larger media companies interested in featuring my product. Search Engine Marketing and Google Adwords are great ways to drive website traffic but I believe my service and quality will generate the best advertising – word of mouth.

Do you have any role models you look to for ideas on how to run your business?

I attend business development seminars when I can, which is great networking. I think it’s important to surround yourself with positive like-minded people – because there is always someone who’ll tell you it can’t be done. I often ask my uncle for advice who has been very successful in business for 50 years – he keeps me motivated with his stories of how he started and the similar challenges he faced early on.

I also have a great advisor in the Middle East who has done some amazing things with business and new ideas for his age. He has given me valuable advice on the legal side of things, marketing and dealing with big businesses.
I am presently looking for a mentor in NSW who will help me develop my business further.

What are your favourite things to do to outside of running your biz?

I love traveling and would love to visit Central America, Canada, USA and see more of the Middle East and South America. I also love walking my dog Toby, hiking, shopping, art, reading and having a great night out with my friends.

What advice can you share with other people trying to start a business?

Be prepared to work very hard and make sacrifices, believe in yourself and have a contingency plan for absolutely everything.
Finding a market before you develop a product or service is a great idea. I found a problem and developed the solution, and solutions to problems are good business!
Never give up – I have always been a firm believer that if you work hard and smart and want something enough, eventually it will happen. But it takes time and determination.
Most of all never lose sight of the big picture – success in life is not measured in dollar signs. You will only be good at what you do if you are happy with what you are doing.
Check out Ruby’s Closet

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