[Episode 61 Striving for Success in Western Australia: A Strategic Guide for Small Business Success
Why Your Success Matters
In Western Australia, small businesses are the heart of our communities. Yet as owners, we often feel caught between our aspirations and the daily demands of running our enterprise. Unlocking your potential isn’t a single leap; it’s a series of intentional steps that align with your values and the realities of your market. In a recent poll, WA business owners said they most wanted meaningful networking, time to work on (not in) the business, accountability, and guidance on securing funding. These needs mirror broader research on what drives personal and professional growth. Let’s explore seven evidence‑based strategies that can help you harness your strengths, overcome obstacles and grow your business sustainably.
1. Know Yourself and Your Market
Understanding your potential starts with self‑awareness. Identify your strengths, values and passions and consider how they align with the local market. Tools such as personality or strengths assessments can help you see where you naturally excel and where you can improve. One excellent resource is the Character Strengths Survey offered by the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center (available at ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resources/questionnaires-researchers/survey-character-strengths). This scientifically validated quiz reveals your top strengths, helping you focus on what you do best.
WA insight: The Small Business Development Corporation emphasises that identifying the skills you need to develop or improve is essential for success[1]. By understanding your strengths and areas for growth, you can target training and support that builds a solid foundation for your business. If you’re unsure about your abilities, the SBDC recommends seeking assistance and developing the necessary skills to provide your business with solid foundations[2]. A coach can help you identify what you need to support your unique needs. Consider an Ask Fleur call to uncover your strengths and how you can apply them to your business.
2. Set Clear Goals and Prioritise Strategically
Goal setting transforms aspiration into action. Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound) to map your objectives. Break long‑term goals into shorter milestones to maintain momentum and celebrate wins.
Practical step: Write down your goals and revisit them regularly. This habit keeps your objectives front‑of‑mind and allows you to adjust as you learn more about your business and the market. Small wins build confidence and motivation.
WA insight: If one of your goals is to secure funding, research which programs suit your situation. For example, the WA Government’s Small Business Growth Grants offer matched vouchers up to $10,000 to help with digital marketing, business planning and financial checks[3]. For innovators, the Innovation Booster Grant increased its maximum to $50,000 and lowered co‑funding requirements[4].
3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Embrace Challenges
Psychologist Carol Dweck’s growth mindset framework teaches us that talents and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as opportunities to refine your approach. Ask, “What can I learn from this?” This mindset builds resilience and adaptability.
WA insight: Economic conditions and regulations can shift unexpectedly. A growth mindset will help you respond proactively, whether that means upskilling, pivoting your services, or leveraging new technologies.
4. Build Effective Habits and Protect Your Time
Success isn’t about working nonstop; it’s about focusing your effort. Develop habits that move you toward your goals, and stack new habits onto existing ones to make them easier to adopt.
Time management techniques:
- Block out strategic time: Reserve regular slots to work on your business. Schedule planning sessions just like you would client meetings. For example, consider timetabling and attending Ask Fleur monthly eventsquarterly workshops.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in 25‑minute bursts followed by short breaks to maintain focus and energy.
- Prioritise tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Separate urgent from important so that you aren’t consumed by low‑impact tasks.
WA insight: The SBDC warns that failing to delegate is a common trap. Effective time management may mean delegating responsibility to someone else in the business or outsourcing. Identifying who can handle certain tasks allows you to concentrate on revenue‑generating activities[5].
Accountability enhances effectiveness. A U.S. study found that simply telling someone your goal gives a 65 % chance of achieving it, and scheduling regular check‑ins raises that to 95 %[6]. Partner with a colleague or coach to ensure you follow through on your plans. Our Success Community has a weekly accountability check-in call to keep you accountable.
5. Commit to Continuous Learning
In a rapidly changing world, learning can’t stop at graduation. Enrol in courses, read, attend workshops or webinars, and seek feedback from peers and mentors. Each new skill or insight broadens your capacity.
WA insight: If you’re keen to learn about digital marketing, the Small Business Development Corporation offers guides and workshops. Grants like the Growth Grants program encourage owners to invest in professional services that build capability[3]. Adopt varied learning formats – videos, podcasts, books: to match your preferred style and keep you engaged[7].
6. Network Authentically and Build Community
Connections drive business growth. Yet effective networking is about genuine relationships, not transactions. Michael Page highlights that strong networks are built on trust and sharing; they open the door to opportunities and knowledge[8]. Justworks suggests talking about topics beyond work to form authentic bonds[9].
WA insight: Many respondents said they crave networking spaces that aren’t salesy or gender‑biased. Look for small, intimate events or create peer groups where you can discuss challenges honestly[10]. Peer groups serve as informal boards of directors, providing objective advice and support[11]. Local communities like I’m a Small Business Owner in Western Australia offer opportunities to share experiences and insights. Contact Ask Fleur to connect to a networking group in Victoria Park or Coogee, Western Australia.
7. Measure, Reflect and Adjust
Success isn’t static. Review your progress regularly, track your metrics, and be ready to pivot. Use journals or digital tools to record your achievements and challenges. Reflection helps you identify which strategies are working and where adjustments are needed.
Action step: Set quarterly reviews to assess your goals, habits and learning outcomes. Ask yourself what you’ve achieved, what obstacles arose, and how you can refine your approach. Embracing this iterative process keeps you aligned with your vision and responsive to change. Join our Boost Your Business Workshop to do just that.
Your Journey Starts Now
Unlocking your potential is a holistic process. It combines self‑awareness, strategic planning, a mindset of growth, disciplined habits, continuous learning, authentic relationships and regular reflection. In WA’s vibrant business landscape, these strategies are your tools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
What resonates most with you? Do you need more time to plan, support from a peer group, or guidance on funding? Share your thoughts and experiences, together, we can build a supportive community that empowers each other to thrive.
[1] [2] [5] Essential business skills | Small Business Development Corporation
https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/starting-and-growing/essential-business-skills
[3] Cook Government funding to help WA small businesses grow | Western Australian Government
[4] WA.gov.au | New Industries Fund: Innovation Booster Grant
[6] The buddy boost: how ‘accountability partners’ make you healthy, happy and more successful | Health & wellbeing | The Guardian
[7] BruceClay - How to Use Learning Styles to Boost Your Content Strategy
https://www.bruceclay.com/blog/how-use-learning-styles-boost-your-content-strategy/
[8] Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important
[9] [10] How to Turn Business Networking Into Authentic Connections - Justworks
https://www.justworks.com/blog/how-turn-business-networking-authentic-connections
[11] The Value of Peer Groups: The Power of People Helping Other People Succeed | Ohioline
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