Spotlight on Local Business

IT IS A DOG FRIENDLY WORLD!

 The world of business as we have always known it is changing rapidly with the additions of social media, internet and mobile applications.  It is amazing to see niche businesses popping up all over the internet.  Some of them are so fascinating, they are not to be overlooked but applauded.

One such business is DoggieSpot.com.au, a unique website creating a dog friendly world accessible to everyone.

Founded by Jet Gray who previously enjoyed a successful career in business development across creative advertising, classifieds, payment solutions and content syndication with some of Australia’s leading media companies.  Jet spent the past 15 years building others’ businesses and specialised in cross-platform solutions – print, web, mobile, television and EPG.   She now brings all of her significant experience to bear in her own online venture.

Starting as a blog site in April 2010 and using the benefits of social media, she built a loyal and strong following. This led to the launch of the great website – doggiespot.com.au.

DoggieSpot showcases Sydney’s guide to the friendliest locations for our pampered pooches, included cafes, parks and beaches along with the premium products and services.

“Our pets deserve a great experience too.  Some cafes are more pet friendly than others,” states Jet, “when you have a mix of mum’s with babies and pet lovers, and a cafe not set up properly or welcoming, it can be chaotic or dissatisfying to everyone.  We want to let the pet loving community know where the best experiences can be found around Sydney. “

In 2012 the site will launch video clips - reviews to offer a firsthand experience to the viewer.

We asked Jet for a few tips for others looking to build or start their business.

Top tips:

  • · Educate yourself and be aware
  • · Start small and be willing to make mistakes
  • · Understand social media
  • · Don’t spend a lot of money unnecessarily.
  • · Know your challenges – things like your target market, product costs; and
  • · Network, network, network

DoggieSpot.com.au has a competition launching in January 2012 and you can win a $1,000 Doggie Prize Pack by simply signing up as a VIP Club Member.  CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT THE FULL DETAILS. 

PET CARE AT CHRISTMAS

STORY WILL BE ONLINE TUESDAY 20TH

OFFERING SOME FRESH ADVICE!

 On Wednesday September 21st 2011 -- Sydney based culinary leader, Fresh Catering cleaned up three of the top  accolades bestowed upon NSW catering businesses on Monday night after being awarded “Caterer of the Year”; “Best Caterer at an Event” and “Best Wedding Caterer in a Function Centre” at the NSW Restaurant & Catering Association’s 2011 Savour Australia™ Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence.  SSBC asked them some simple questions that might provide some insight into their success:

Q.     Fresh Catering has been around since 1999 and the company has gone from strength to strength.  How did you face any challenges of growing the business?    Does anything in particular stand out as the greatest challenge of all?

A.     I think one of the greatest challenges of any business is to adapt and look for opportunities in line with the current business climate. When the GFC hit we experienced a huge down turn in event catering so we had to look for other opportunities and decided to go after the corporate market. This was a new market for us and by focussing on this new opportunity we experienced significant growth. For every challenge there is an opportunity.

Q.     What would your advice be to a start up caterer or even a cafe or restaurant owner in this current market?

A.     If you are looking at opening a restaurant or starting a catering business make sure that you do your homework. I would suggest for any business starting up that it is critical to do a business plan. It is very important to know exactly the market you are going after and also be aware of your competition.

Q.     Do you think going overseas and gaining culinary experience and knowledge is worthwhile?

A.     Experience and knowledge are very important but I don’t think that you need to travel overseas to gain insight and ideas in the hospitality industry. Maybe going overseas for new concepts and ideas but for food and beverage experience I don’t think that you could gain better experience than your back door step here in Sydney.

Q.     Where do you see the biggest mistakes made in your industry?

A.     Many businesses open and close and the reasons for this are multiple however I see the same mistakes over and over again. Many start up in our industry without doing the hard work before they start and they get it wrong. It is so important to make sure that there is a market that will support your venture. Just having a good concept and fit out doesn’t promise a thriving business. I also see many people getting carried away with investing a huge amount in fit outs and the business not being capable of every returning a profit.

  
Stuart Ford t: 02 8399 3055; e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
freshcatering www.freshcatering.com.au
p. +61 2 8399 3055 m. 0449 871 007 f. +61 2 8399 0195
13 Woodburn Street, Redfern NSW 2016

LIVE EFTPOS – A SERVICE TO SAVE MONEY!

Live EFTPOS is an innovative and less expensive alternative to standard bank merchant facilities that can save your business hundreds of dollars annually.

Firstly, no fixed term contracts that need to be signed to secure a terminal and, as a result of this, no “exit fees” should you wish to cease using the facility. Next, a Merchant Service Fee per transaction is all that a customer pays and the rates vary according to value of transactions and industry sector but are definitely competitive with the banks.

Since the launch of Live EFTPOS, the one constant that has become evident to the LIVEGROUP is the sheer diversity of the clients incorporating this new facility into their business. Todd Harper, EFTPOS Sales Area Manager, states; “Each day sees terminals being placed into market sectors that are outside of what was initially anticipated.  No two days are ever the same and this shows us that our product is really needed in today’s business economy”.

Retail studies have shown that the average value of transactions increase where a business provides an EFTPOS service to their customers.  Especially encouraging for cafes and single owner businesses, whom in the past have  considered themselves too small to justify having the facility or, after approaching their bank, see EFTPOS as cost prohibitive.

“Certain businesses today are failing to attract customers due to the unavailability of EFTPOS. In only a very short period of time businesses who have introduced the facility have reported marked increases in the average value of sales, and more importantly, an upturn in numbers through the door” says Todd; “This is very encouraging to us as we see our products and services an essential tool to small business growth.“

So what’s the catch?  Live EFTPOS say there are two. “We ask that our customers care for the equipment and that they use it.”  How simple is that.  The offer at the moment is NO CONTRACT, NO MINIMUM AND NO MONTHLY FEES!

You can’t go wrong with that and the Chamber took up the offer.  Now it’s available to members.  Live EFTPOS wants to build long-standing beneficial relationships within the community.

To find out more, contact Todd Harper on (02) 9549 3200 or go to their website www.liveeftpos.com.au.  With one of the best mobile EFTPOS terminals in Australia, no nonsense pricing and 24/7 customer support, Live EFTPOS takes the hassle out of finding the perfect solution for your business.