“I knew I could make a difference, working with other businesses and service providers to help them succeed.”
Growing up in a family-run tourism business Donna Cross of CDCS always saw the independence and freedom that ‘being your own boss’ could have, but also understood the risks and challenges on the ‘flip side’. After studying her other passion – sports science – and subsequent studies in health management, Donna worked for State, Federal and NGOs; and was frustrated with the rigidity of working in the confines of government policy and programs. Donna knew she could make a difference, working with other businesses and service providers to help them succeed, whether that was helping with grant applications, working through quality accreditation processes with them, or developing systems and business practices – she says that this is what ‘lit me up’.
Donna’s education and training were in science and management – the health and aged care sector was a logical leap and that’s where she has been as a consultant and business owner for the last 21 years.
At CDCS, Donna serves Aged Care providers in rural, regional, and remote Australia who struggle with compliance and capacity to build and maintain quality services for older people in home and residential care.
Donna has been a member of the HerBusiness Network for nearly 20 years, and shares that the most important part is “I am linked to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, and the networking is amazing.”. Donna goes on to say that the knowledge she has gained through HerBusiness has been a major contributing factor to staying ‘in business’ and continuing to grow and realise her dreams and goals.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Janet Holmes a Court – she had to find her own way in what would have been a male-dominated business environment and pick up what was a ‘business in trouble’ after the sudden death of her husband, making it even more successful. She has been a wonderful philanthropist, especially to medical research, education, culture and the arts.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
Growing up in a family-run tourism business I always saw the independence and freedom that ‘being your own boss’ could have, but also understood the risks and challenges on the ‘flip side’. After studying my other passion – sports science and subsequent studies in health management, I worked for State, Federal and NGOs; I was frustrated with the rigidity of working in the confines of government policy and programs. I knew I could make a difference, working with other businesses and service providers to help them succeed, whether that was helping with grant applications, working through quality accreditation processes with them, or developing systems and business practices – this is what ‘lit me up’. My education and training were in science and management – the health and aged care sector was a logical leap and that’s where I have been as a consultant and business owner for the last 21 years.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
Helping providers unpack problems and fix their processes, policies and systems so they are more vibrant and sustainable and subsequently, they provide better care and services.
Having the freedom as my own boss – I can dig as deep as needed but have the flexibility to work in a way that suits my lifestyle and family commitments.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- It’s crucial to understand the money story of running a business
- a. The importance of communication skills; b. and how to lead a team
- Work to your strengths (and passion) and find other ‘Who’s to fill in the gaps, as they will do it better than you will and free you up to focus on the most important things to move forward and grow
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
- Follow a passion and something that you ‘know’.
- There will be times you feel like giving up and returning to the life of an ’employee’, but if you have the grit and commitment to work hard, the rewards will come.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out for informed advice, but always analyse ‘advice’ from the context in which it has been given and how it applies to you/your business.
- Surround yourself with people with positive attitudes and avoid ‘energy vampires’ and others ‘driven by drama’.
- Ask your ‘audience’ / clients what they really want so you develop an ‘offer that sells’ and helps them gain the transformation they (actually) need.
- Practice self-care, if you crumble so will your business.
- Keep a sense of humour and learn how to ‘breathe in dragons and breathe out butterflies’ XO
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Financial management – Start with the basics of business and make sure you have the right insurance (a good broker can also be a huge help). Source a good accountant that you can understand and one that ‘gets’ you too. A bookkeeper is also a wise investment and if you can find an admin person with bookkeeping skills, or the ability to develop them, even better!
Compliance – Make sure you have any compliance requirements in hand.
Networks – Source and seek free or cost-effective help, chamber of commerce and other supports for small business can get you into networks and subsidised business training and support. Being part of the ‘HerBusiness’ network and membership will get you access to some of the best marketing training which you can scale up as your business grows :)
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
- I only work in it for 1 day a week
- I work ‘on’ it 3 days a week
- and I only work a combined total of a 4 day week
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
I am linked to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, and the networking is amazing.
The teaching and learnings I have gained as a member for nearly 20 years have been a major contributing factor to me staying ‘in business’ and continuing to grow and realise the dreams and goals I have.
Learn more about Donna and CDCS.
