“Connect, connect, connect with others. Be a part of a supportive community. This is so important for good mental health practice at work.”
Leanne Faulkner of Rereadable has had a long background working in small business. Leanne was the original founder of Billie Goat Soap and although it has been a successful Australian skin-care brand, it took a toll on her mental health. Leanne has spent the last 12 years working as a small business mental health advocate and in particular, has just completed a PhD studying this area.
Leanne understands the challenges and joys that come with building a business. She also knows from her research that there is a strong link between feeling confident, having the right business skills and thriving at work. That’s why she started Rereadable. A good business book can help you develop the skills you need to feel confident at work. At Rereadable, Leanne sells both new and pre-loved business books so not only are they great learning tools they are also ideal for those on a budget or thinking about their environmental footprint.
Leanne says “I am the ultimate business book nerd” and this led her to develop the new Book Concierge service. Visit the site, tell Leanne about your current work challenge and she’ll recommend a book that will help you overcome it. That’s a great service for business people who are time-poor, or simply aren’t sure what book will help.
Leanne has recently joined the HerBusiness Network and is looking forward to the connection within the community. Leanne shares “Connect, connect, connect with others. Be a part of a supportive community. Go to the networking events – not for the sales but to feel connected to others. This is so important for good mental health practice at work.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
To be honest, I think anyone who has started a small, micro or soloist business would be a favourite entrepreneur of mine. The reason is because they are willing to take a risk, be vulnerable and ride the rollercoaster that is small business. Too often we only hear about the very few who may own an island, flashy car or even a spaceship. In fact, it’s the business owners who quite often put themselves last to ensure the longevity of their business who I think are the real heroes.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I’ve had a long background working in small business. I was the original founder of Billie Goat Soap and although it has been a successful Australian skin-care brand, it took a toll on my mental health. I’ve spent the last 12 years working as a small business mental health advocate and in particular, have just completed my PhD studying this area.
I understand the challenges and joys that come with building a business. I also know from my research that there is a strong link between feeling confident, having the right business skills and thriving at work. That’s why I have started Rereadable. A good business book can help you develop the skills you need to feel confident at work. At Rereadable, we sell both new and pre-loved business books so not only are they great learning tools they are also ideal for those on a budget or thinking about their environmental footprint.
I am the ultimate business book nerd and this lead me to develop our Book Concierge service. Visit the site, tell me about your current work challenge and I’ll recommend a book that will help you overcome it. That’s a great service for business people who are time poor, or simply aren’t sure what book will help.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The opportunity to help business people! I might sell books but I am really selling a way to reduce stress and anxiety at work. I am also providing a way for people to connect with business owners in their circle. You can give a business book to celebrate a new business, give a business book to mum the accountant for Christmas or give a self-care book to someone you feel a bit concerned about. I love that I can be part of a community where people help one another, especially if that person is a small business owner.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- You are not your business! Good and tough times come and go but the essence of your good self will always be the same.
- Focus on the things at work that make you feel powerful and equal to everyone you are connected to. This was the key learning from my PhD. Having power equals control and having control means you can exercise lots of choices about how you are going to work.
- Connect, connect, connect with others. Be a part of a supportive community. Go to the networking events – not for the sales but to feel connected to others. This is so important for good mental health practice at work.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Make the time to develop a plan. That includes a financial plan, marketing plan and operations plan. Most importantly, make a plan about how you will care for yourself and your resilience as your business journey progresses. A self-care plan is just as important as a traditional business strategy!
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
It’s very important to have a basic understanding of your numbers (if this scares you, I’ve got a book for that!). It’s also important to have positive people you can turn to for support. Oh, and did I mention the importance of having a plan? ;)
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 is building a well-recognised brand that is organised and systemised , ready for sale when I decide the time is right.
Learn more about Leanne and Rereadable.
