“You only know so much!! There are so many things about starting and running a business that you won’t know, and that’s okay.”
As the founder of ISO Matters, Justeen Kirk is dedicated to providing other businesses with the clarity and support they need to succeed. Specialising in ISO consultation, project management, and strategic business support, Justeen’s focus is on helping businesses navigate complex challenges with confidence.
When Justeen first started her business, she had been talking about doing her own thing for a couple of years but it never felt like the right time. There came a point when Justeen finally had no excuses but to pull up her sleeves and dive in. And though she started of by offering numerous and varied services, Justeen has since focussed her services and her ideal client.
Justeen now helps micro and small business owners streamline processes, manage risks, and build systems so their business runs smoothly, giving them the freedom to focus on what matters most. She does this through tailored management systems, policy development, and process documentation services, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and growth through practical solutions and expert guidance.
Justeen is passionate about making a positive impact and empowering businesses to thrive.
Justeen is a big believer that “You only know so much!! There are so many things about starting and running a business that you won’t know, and that’s okay.”. Having been in the HerBusiness Network for a short time, Justeen shares that HerBusiness has already helped her to identify what she doesn’t know and offers solutions on how to fix it.
Justeen also loves that the Network supports members through opportunities to share ideas, seek guidance and opinions, ask questions and share wins. “To me, the HerBusiness Network is a safe space for me to find my stride and know that I am supported in my dreams.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Brene Brown comes to mind instantly. I first came across Brene and her work around 2018 when I was searching for leadership guidance that resonated. I’d been to all the courses, and they were all the same old messages.
It wasn’t until I read Dare to Lead that I truly found a leadership style that matched me! That made me feel authentic and perfect just the way I am. I worked through my values and discovered what drives me.
I learned so much about myself from her work, All of which has helped me as a small business owner.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I trusted someone I shouldn’t have and ended up unemployed 8 weeks later!
I had been talking about doing my own thing for a couple of years but it never felt like the right time. After losing my job I finally had no excuses but to pull up my sleeves and put my money where my mouth was…
I love helping people and knew that with my varied and vast experience I would be able to help other businesses to improve, at the time I was offering project management services as well as pretty much anything you wanted… (I can hear Suzi cringe – definitely wasn’t laser focused on my ideal clients back then…)
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love being the master of my destiny. I love being able to spend my time how I choose.
I sit on a couple of Boards and support some community programs which at times require me to be away from my desk during the day. I love that I don’t have to ask permission to do this.
Strangely, I also enjoy the personal growth that has come from owning my own business. It is tough at times but these hard times make the good time feel that much better. I have a sense of pride around building my business from nothing into something worth being proud of.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Stay a sole trader for as long as you can. Life was so much simpler then.
- Identify your target market FIRST!! Everything else builds from that point.
- Develop your systems and processes from the start. It only gets harder the busier you get.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
You only know so much!! There are so many things about starting and running a business that you won’t know, and that’s okay.
Find the people in your networks that can support you on your journey and use them. Trade your skills for theirs and start the way you want to finish. Successfully!!
Also, identify your niche and perfect client early. Get to know them intimately so that they become your ‘work bestie’. Everything else will work itself out if you are talking to the right audience.
Owning a business can be so rewarding, but just know what you’re getting yourself into….
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Marketing and sales
- Finances and taxation requirements
- Processes, procedures and systems.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
My ideal business has a steady flow of small business owners seeking my guidance and support around their systems and processes. We are a small but mighty team offering personalised services to our community. We are known for the way we support and collaborate with our clients to achieve outstanding results.
We are also known in the community for giving back and supporting community not-for-profit programs that help our community to grow and thrive.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
I am a big believer of the saying “You don’t know what you don’t know”. HerBusiness helps me to identify what I don’t know and offers solutions on how I can fix it.
The network also supports members through opportunities to share ideas, seek guidance and opinions, ask questions, share wins and offers.
To me, the HerBusiness Network is a safe space for me to find my stride and know that I am supported in my dreams.
Thanks Suzi and team for being all that for me.
Learn more about Justeen and ISO Matters.
