O M: How does Inspiring Women, Sydney's own Business Networking group, connect with like-minded business women?
S H: It’s still primarily word of mouth. If there is anything women do it’s tell each other stuff! (Laughs) I do advertise to create brand awareness. I find it is the women themselves inviting their friends. This year I really want to focus on Inspiring Women, stop running around trying to make other people money and start making some for myself. (Laughs)
O M: What is the most important resource as a female business owner?
S H: That depends on what stage the business is in. Business goes in cycles. When they are in start up mode they have heaps of enthusiasm, heaps of drive, but usually not much money. At that stage it is really important that they meet people who have been in business longer, who can give them advice. Once the business has run for a while, got into its groove, got staff, they should start using paid professional help. They have to have a great accountant, a bit of a visionary who can help their business get to the next stage. No matter what stage a business is at it’s important not to isolate yourself. No matter what problem you have in business, there are quite probably four or five others who have been there and done that.
O M: How important for Sydney Business Women is a safe environment, just women, in which to share ideas?
S H: It’s very important. Men have come along, usually just once is enough. One fellow wanted to keep coming but I had to stop that because some of the women there felt they couldn’t as honestly talk about themselves, problems that they’re having. Because it is a safe environment they can talk not only about their highs, but their lows. It’s important for anyone to believe the people around them are totally understanding. Some problems, with husbands, relationships that they wouldn’t feel as comfortable talking about if there were men in the room. They might feel as if they were being judged.
O M: Common issues for Sydney Business Women?
S H: As well as running businesses, what most women have trouble with is juggling all the time. They are someone’s parent, somebody’s daughter, they’re either caring for children, caring for elderly parents. Even in their own partner’s family, if there is something wrong it’s usually the wife who goes over and has to sort it out. It’s the wife who has to drop everything, leave her business and go to the school to sort out a problem with the kids. For most of them, it is a constant juggle. Sometimes their business comes last, and they can lose focus, even build resentment if they can’t talk about it, realize that, “Hell yeah, sixty percent of this room is doing exactly the same thing. It’s not the end of the world!” It gives them a basis of support so they can continue on.
O M: What are Inspiring Women Sydney Business Women workshops like? Some basic business training activities?
S H: They are usually on different business subjects. Next month is on eBay. I suspect this will be quite popular because there has been nothing like it on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. This particular workshop is an actual hands on, how to run it like a business, how to present their goods to get a virtually one hundred percent success rate for what they are selling. For some women it may be good to reduce clutter in their homes, for others who are having trouble moving stock, eBay could be very good as long as they feel comfortable using it.
O M: Will the Internet level the playing field for women in business in Sydney?
S H: It probably will. Certainly for some of the products these women manufacture. They can present a product previously unavailable. Even with their own websites, eBay, considering how many people use it, will open up markets they never would have reached before.
O M: Are there enough business mentors for girls and young women business owners in Sydney today?
S H: If they look in the right direction, definitely. There are business mentoring programs out there. I think young women today have a lot more opportunities. Government programs, grants, young entrepreneur programs that certainly were not around in my day. Even in high school there are programs for students who show an entrepreneurial flair. There’s a lot out there for young people. It’s just a matter if their mind is open. A lot of that depends on their parent showing them avenues are out there.
O M: How do you balance life and work as a business leader with multiple priorities and political allegiances?
S H: (Big Laugh) Not easily! There are a lot of programs out there, but putting things into place is easier said than done. It’s such a juggling act. I’ve never professed that I got it right. I did a hell of a lot of things wrong. I think when people get stale in their business it’s because they have forgotten something in their personal life that they love doing and are not doing anymore.
