Jan Clogg was enjoying full-time employment in a senior management role, but when her boss decided to sell the business, she questioned her next step. Should she follow him to his next business? To her own surprise, she decided to leave the world of employment behind to pursue her real passion, and to work in the front line of her own small business.
“It was something I didn’t expect. My boss’ move was like a catalyst for me to challenge myself… Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path into a direction that is meant for you.”
Jan now owns and manages Credence Business Solutions, a company that provides full traditional bookkeeping solutions, including the preparation and lodgement of all aspects of administration. Admitting it wasn’t easy to start, she says, “I believed then, and still do, that I can make a difference to the way many small businesses generally act and think about their bookkeeping and finances.” It is her best reward when she “delivers efficiencies to the client’s business that they never dreamed were possible… I leave them feeling empowered with accurate, up-to-date and customised information at their fingertips.”
Jan is a member of HerBusiness. After a recommendation from a colleague, Jan joined HerBusiness in mid-2012 to quickly gain knowledge and encouragement in the world of social media. She encourages others to interact with like-minded women in business, to listen to members’ stories, to learn and share experiences and expertise across the network.
“The network’s resources and available course materials have been invaluable to growing my business… The regular emails from Suzi Dafnis are a bonus and keep me focused, updated, and on track.”
Jan wishes she had been given these three pieces of advice when she first started her business:
- It is important to ask for help! You should cover all aspects of business – those involving leadership, management, finance, Marketing, HR, IT, production, and in house systems.
- Use specialists for particular tasks – things that require graphic designers, public relations experts, bookkeepers, and other things you think you can do; you could be working on your passion, and it saves you money in the long run.
- Have a blueprint of your future goals. Take note of where you are now, where you wish to be in the near future, followed by your ultimate long-term goals for the business.
Jan also recommends getting training on these necessary business skills and approaches:
- Have business, finance, marketing and communication skills.
- Know the basics – be aware of risks and ask the right questions when using other professionals.
- Read, research, and be willing to learn. Business is a journey, not a destination.
Jan Clogg’s advice for starting a business:
- Be passionate about what you do. Believe in yourself and your ability to deliver, but do your homework!
- Be open and honest, and build on trust in the community – network, network, network! Reputations are not built overnight.
- Be an expert and know what you are doing, as you will be constantly challenged in the long haul.
