Say it in 30 seconds or don't say it all. From a chance encounter with an investor to a curious customer, always be ready to pitch your business. State your mission, service and goals in a clear and concise manner. Fit the pitch to the person. Less is always more.

Avoiding deeply meaningful connections. Ultimately, the human experience is about connecting with other people. Connection is what provides value and meaning to our lives. We're wired for it and research proves just that. People with strong social ties were found to be healthier and have a lower risk of death. Additionally, it was found that as age increases, the people with stronger social ties tend to live longer. Research has also found that being in a long-term relationsh

Define your market. You’ve heard this before. It’s one of the most common mistakes that entrepreneurs make. Go with something that makes sense for your scope. If you’re a small startup and still a student, staying local or targeting fellow students might be the best direction. The Internet gives us almost infinite reach, but it’s vital to narrow your market down to what is realistic, and stick with those who have a reason to be interested.

Workspace is excited to be hosting this fantastic event for Social Enterprises with Regional Development Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo. This workshop will be facilitated by SkysDesign, a Victorian social enterprise that specialises in working with social enterprises, not-for-profits and charities on their branding and identity. Bruce Hall is an experience workshop leader, having a track record of assisting small businesses over 8 years as a workshop leader for Sma

Know what you do. Do what you know. Don't start a business simply because it seems sexy or boasts large hypothetical profit margins and returns. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success. It's not only important to create a profitable business, it's important that you're happy managing and growing it day and day out. If your heart isn't in it, you will not be successful.

Self-defeating self-talk. “If you are like most people, you know your inner critic all too well. It is the voice in your head that judges you, doubts you, belittles you, and constantly tells you that you are not good enough. Even if that voice in the back of your head is wrong it doesn’t matter. That negative, polluted, and repetitive self-defeating mindset has already done some serious damage. The good news is that you can stop beating yourself up by: Slowing down and paying

Passion. You will fail. That is part of the game. Your failures are most likely to lead to success if you get involved with something you believe in. Starting a business just for its own sake will leave you directionless, burned out and ultimately, back where you started. Choose an interest that you can be passionate about. Marrying charity to traditional business models may be a great way to combine the things you – and potential consumers – care most about.

Focus. Focus. Focus. Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every "opportunity" they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheep's clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity. Do one thing perfectly, not ten things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, that might mean something about your original concept.

Workspace Castlemaine welcomes William Argus and his specialised skills in lighting and projection. William Argus from Kyneton Further Education describes his business as event lighting and projection mapping. William’s typical customers are Corporate Events and Music Festivals where his experience and knowledge sets him apart from others.