OTSPC Newsletter #4 - The Problem with the Go-To Person and Policies, Policies, Policies!

Hi everyone, 

Do you have a go-to person in your business or organisation? Is it you? Or is it someone else?  

 In my business, Trish, my amazing Virtual Assistant is the go-to person. She is brilliant at everything she does - whether it be designing a new process, looking after new leads or sorting out the little glitches we experience with tech on a day-to-day basis.  

 I honestly found her one of the most important factors for success in my business in the last year.  

 However, I think the go-to person can be a major risk for business continuity for small businesses.  

 Mature organisations know not to have all of their metaphorical eggs in one basket and have clear roles and responsibilities for the people in the business. They also know to record information in a way that means that a key person risk is mitigated. But small businesses can easily become overly reliant on a go-to person, and not realise how detrimental that is until the go-to person is taken away.  

 I have been a go-to person in previous businesses and organisations and I can tell you it is hard work.  

 For more information about the “go-to person” and how to mitigate that risk, read more here. 

• Policies, Policies, Policies!

  Policies and Procedures!! Sometimes awful to write, but invaluable to every business. As a small business, we understand how difficult it can be to create and upkeep policies, and we are in the process of building ours now, so we thought we could share some of the reasons why it is so important to put time and effort into them.

  For more information about why your small businesses needs policy, click here.

  Because policies are so significant, it is also important to explore the significance of values-based policies, what they entail, and why they are crucial for businesses of all sizes.

  For more information about why values-based policy is so important, click here.

• Tips & Tricks: Professional Development while on a Budget

  Do you have a limited budget for training? Most small businesses and not for profits do.

  Well, we have found some great training resources that cost either ZERO or a small fee and come from a place of authority.

  Fair Work Ombudsman – Online training relating to a variety of human resources and industrial relations issues. We have been using these internally for our team to skill up and they tell us they are easy to use and make sense. Courses are provided under three categories - courses for employees, courses for employers and managers, and courses for intermediaries. There is probably at least one that will suit your needs.

  Xero Learning – For those of you that use Xero accounting software – did you know that there is online training available? Kate, our accounts administrator has been on a steep learning curve over the last 3 months, learning all things accounts. As part of her learning curve, she completed the training Xero offers, and it has definitely been helpful. Check out the variety of learning options available.

  Business.gov.au Training – The Australian Governments website business.gov.au has a variety of training options both free and for a small cost. Check them out and search the database. A recent search result was 28 events for NT Businesses. Have you checked it out lately?

  But it's not just online training from these big organisations. We can also suggest you check out some of the great talent in NT businesses. We recommend you check out their websites, but also follow these on socials to see their most up to date info.

  Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Barbara Clifford (aka The Time Tamer), Hinwood Institute - The Hinwood Institute is the #1 resource for regional, rural and isolated business owners and leaders to unclutter mess, make order from chaos, escape the shackles of overwhelm to take control of their business and life.

  • Catie Kirk and Art Your Life - A.R.T Your Life assists individuals and teams to increase their capabilities, outcomes and potential.

  • Susan Davies, GAP Advisors - GAP Advisors was founded by Susan Davies after realising that while many small business owners were actively trying to grow their business a lot of it was being done by trial and error. Susan is a lover of data and using it in ways to help business owners to strategically drive growth in their business.

  • Stevie Greenwood, Articulate Business Solutions - Articulate Business Solutions believe that success is built on expertise, reliability, and partnership. Thier mission is to be your trusted partner, providing the expertise and support you need to overcome challenges, streamline operations, and achieve your goals.

  We recommend following on socials for the most up to date info.

• Does your business have a burning need for written content?

  Did you know we are providers under the NT Business Growth Program? This means you may be able to get help paying for your documents or you might be interested in something another provider can help you with. Check out the program here.

• New NT Businesses

  Are you like us at On the Same Page Consulting and have a values-based procurement policy? Ours says that we buy local, Aboriginal and small business before anything else. For this reason, we want to share with you a new business in Darwin – Crown Car Rentals.

  Raeleena has started Crown Car Rentals to provide an affordable, friendly and local car rental option for people visiting Darwin, either from the NT or outside the NT.

  Raeleena is one of the friendliest and most positive people we know, and we can highly recommend her to you for car rentals. She is based at Nightcliff Shopping Centre, and I am sure she would love to hire a car out to you, your team or family and friends.

  Check out Crown Car Rentals here.

• OTSPC Updates

  Conni will be in Mbantua sometime in mid-May. Get in touch if you would like to catch up for a coffee, cool drink or to talk about your writing needs.

• #NTOpportunities & OTSPC Opportunities

  Do you know anyone that is interested in a career as a corporate writer?

  We are on the lookout for talent and would be interested in talking to anyone that is interested in joining this work from home, friendly, supportive, and kind team.

  We value diversity and encourage everyone with the required skills and experience to apply for vacancies and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

  For more information, check out our Opportunities page.

• What's On

  We recently found this site with events advertised by the Department of Industry Tourism and Trade. Check out the awards, conferences, and activities planned through 2024 here.

• Grant & Tender Opportunities

  • Arts Grants – the NT Government has a variety of Arts grants available to a range of organisations.

  • Visitor experience enhancement program- The NT Government is supporting businesses to enhance visitors’ experiences to NT tourism experiences. This is round 8 of the program.

  • Qantas Regional Grants – these grants close on 10 May so get in quick if you think they can help you with your project.

That’s all for this edition. Thanks for taking the time to read it.  If there's anything you'd like to know more about, let's chat.