Welcome to the last Business Tips Newsletter for 2009! Can you believe how quick this year's gone by? I remember when I was young my beloved Grandma told me not to waste a single moment in time as the older you become, the quicker time seems to go. She was so right!
Thank you for reading this newsletter throughout the year ... I hope you've found it helpful in many ways.
To help plan next year's content for this newsletter, I'd really appreciate it if you would take two minutes to complete a quick survey. There's no obligation to do so - but I'm sure it wil be good for your karma ;-)
As a thank you for completing this survey I was going to give you a choice of one of three of my favourite eBooks for FREE.
Then I decided ... "No, it's Christmas ... why not just give you all three of them?"
But then I thought I could do even better ... I'm not going to make you complete the survey first before giving you the eBooks ... you can download all three eBooks right now if you'd like them.
Simply click on each of the links below and the eBook will open as a PDF document:
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Whatever your plans, I wish you a safe, happy, prosperous and blessed festive season.
Enjoy!
Will I See You In Perth Next February?
The World Internet Summit is an amazing event that I can highly recommend. For four days, hundreds of attendees get to learn from a series of experts who each teach their specialty area of running a business on the internet.
When you look at the costs of seminars, this is definitely in the low-cost bracket! Plus each attendee receives a bundle of bonus gifts just for going along.
In addition to all the information you're sure to devour, the atmosphere is electric and you'll have opportunities to mingle with other guests, sharing ideas and forming valuable friendships or business relationships.
Then there's the world-famous Internet Challenge. On Day 1 of the World Internet Summit, the event organisers will set up an internet business. Over the course of the 4-day event, everyone is encouraged to promote it. Than at the end of Day 4, one lucky attendee will win The Challenge ... they will be given all The Challenge proceeds - usually around $30,000-$40,000. Imagine if that were you!
The World Internet Summits are held all around the world, including an annual Australian event - the next one scheduled for Perth in February 2010. Visit the World Internet Summit site now for full details and to register.
I hope you can make it!
With Sean Roach, one of the stars of WIS Australia, 2009
Feature Article: Safety In The Workplace ... Even When You Work From Home
As a small business owner, you owe a duty of care to keep all people involved in your business safe to the most reasonable extent possible. Failure to make your business safe could result in injury, liability, or lawsuits, which could damage you more than financially.
Therefore it's important to know what you need to be aware of as a responsible small business owner, even if your workplace is your home.
Success In Small Business Means Safety For All
When business owners talk about safety in the workplace, the first thought is often for workers or employees. But in reality, small business safety is about keeping everyone safe - everyone from you to your clients and customers, and even to the delivery person.
Your level of care and responsibility will directly impact your success in small business, as any injury or accident could easily put you out of business or at the very least impact the rates and fees you pay on insurance and settlements.
When you think about safety in the workplace, think about it from all perspectives. Think about all the individuals, including children and adults, who might come into contact with your place of business, and who might require you to think outside the sqaure a little to keep them safe.
Small Business Safety - Things Big, Things Small
Big, glaring safety hazards may be obvious corrections to make, but it is often the little things that are overlooked that cause trouble and safety issues. Look at every aspect of your business and infrastructure to ensure safety, including:
look at large units like heating, air conditioning and electrical systems and equipment, and hire licensed professionals for maintenance and repairs
look at small hazards like sharp objects, loosened fixtures, uncovered wall plugs and peeling paint (especially if it is old)
take care with chemicals that are used, even just cleaning chemicals - store away from the public and train staff to use responsibly and safely
check and maintain guards and safety mechanisms on mechanical equipment; be sure all equipment is regularly inspected and in good working order, including smoke detectors
properly store and use flammable liquids and gases
be sure poisons and acids are properly used and kept strictly away from the public
train staff in their jobs, proper handling and emergency procedures
be sure that emergency equipment like washes and fire extinguishers are always readily available, and always in working order
prepare emergency and evacuation plans
ensure all seats and desks, as well as other furniture and equipment, are set up ergonomically to prevent strains and injuries such as RSI
ensure there is sufficient and suitable lighting
pay strict attention to hygiene of the workspace and of staff, particularly where food is involved
repair all disrepairs
maintain property in the event of storms and weather that increase likelihood of falls and so forth
remember that confidentiality and information safety is of equal importance and always maintain security protocols
make sure walkways are kept clear, particularly if you work from home and are likely to have children's toys laying around (NB: if you work from home and a client trips over your child's bike or a garden hose and injures themself, your home insurance policy may not cover any business-related visitors or accidents)
This is a very general list of considerations for businesses, but local regulations and governmental or trade safety requirements will always trump a general list. Be sure to contact the appropriate authorities and follow their guidelines for safety, and also for liability and insurance requirements.
People working from home are not immune to issues of workplace safety. Any business where people may come onto the property, even if just for a casual meeting, owes a debt of responsibility to clientele and employees, and confidentiality and information security are issues even for the most remote and physically detached businesses.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to small business safety; safety in the workplace is something that can never be overdone. Make sure that your business is safe and secure in every way so that you protect both yourself and those who do business with you.
A thorough safety audit now and regular checks throughout the year may be all that's required to keep your business safe.
Interesting Blog Post - "How To Have Your Best Year Ever":
I hope you've enjoyed this month's newsletter. Remember, if there’s a particular topic you’d like to know more about, you're very welcome to email me and let me know.
Wishing you a brilliant month.
Warmly,
Donna-Marie xx
Disclosure: Please note that if you purchase through links on this site I may receive a commission payment. Some recommended products are my own, others I may be affiliated with and yet others I have no affiliation with. But one thing's for certain ... I won't recommend something I don't believe is worthwhile. If I do receive some form of commission, this will help me to stay in business in order to continue to provide reviews, tips, news and resources for free :-)
