

Tip 7 - Prepare for Sacrifices
The lead-up to starting a business is hard work, but after you open your doors, your work has just begun. In many cases, you have to put in more time than you would if you were working for someone else, which may mean spending less time with family and friends to be successful.

Highlighted Business of the Week
Eyeline Films Eyeline Films is a double Emmy Award-winning production company committed to high-end documentary filmmaking for cinema and broadcast platforms. Their work includes multiple international award winners, an official selection for the Oscars and world-wide broadcast content. All of them at Eyeline Films have a long history of working with international partners and reaching global audiences. They have extensive connections with commissioners and broadcasters in th


Highlighted Business of the Week
Hilltop Counselling Andy runs Hilltop Counselling. Andy is a counsellor, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Medicare Australia Registered Provider. Andy has worked in counselling and therapeutic roles for over a decade, in a variety of fields including private practice, community health, bushfire recovery, child and family services, family violence and bush adventure therapy. Andy has a particular clinical interest in the areas of working with people experiencing the


Tip 6 - Stay Focused
The old saying, "Rome was not built in a day," applies here. Just because you open a business doesn't mean you're going to immediately start making money. It takes time to let people know who you are, so stay focused on achieving your short-term goals.

Highlighted Business of the Week
Goodwill Wines Like so many on Black Saturday, David Laity lost most of what he owned. He was grateful to be alive and had no idea of the overwhelming support that would be provided. Using the $15,000 given to him through the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, money that had been donated, David began Goodwill Wine as a way to pay forward this incredible generosity. His idea was simple. he would go directly to the vineyards and find some of the best value, boutique wines Australia ha


Tip 5 - Be Creative
Always be looking for ways to improve your business and to make it stand out from the competition. Recognise that you don't know everything and be open to new ideas and new approaches to your business.


Highlighted Business of the Week
Bernadette provides Piano lessons and teaches piano in Castlemaine and the surrounding area. She is a professional music teacher who has met the rigorous criteria for membership of Victorian Music Teachers Association and has achieved a high level of performance in piano. Bernadette can be found at the Workspace Castlemaine centre.


Tip 4 - Understand the Risks & Rewards
The key to being successful is taking calculated risks to help your business grow. A good question to ask is "What's the downside?" If you can answer this question, then you know what the worst-case scenario is. This knowledge will allow you to take the kinds of calculated risks that can generate tremendous rewards.


Highlighted Business of the Week
Jim Coad Jim is a Video Artist and Filmmaker. He has worked extensively with communities in various parts of Australia including remote indigenous communities. Jim’s program, involve collaboration with artists and community to develop large scale video projection installation works that focus on the use of physical arts media such as painting, drawing and movement. Jim is based in Castlemaine where he developed his unique approach to projection art for the Castlemaine Fring

Tip 3 - Analyse your Competition
Competition breeds the best results. To be successful, you can't be afraid to study and learn from your competitors. After all, they may be doing something right that you can implement in your business to make more money.