Run Your Online Business Like Australian Momprenuer

Australian mompreneur Lizzie Randerson, owner of Facebook craft store “Craft makes Me Happy”, was recently interviewed by herBusiness. Her story is a great model for other would-be small mompreneurs in Australia.

A graphic designer by profession, Lizzie always enjoyed creating crafts. Because her business began from something that she personally enjoys doing (it’s called “craft makes me happy” for a reason), she didn’t have any lead generation strategy to begin with. Because she also didn’t have any substantial background in marketing, Lizzie started going around sewing and craft groups online to get an idea of what her target market bought and how to sell her products. Before actually opening her Facebook store, Lizzie took the time to network with online entrepreneurs who are in similar industries. This online network helped with her initial marketing by posting shout-outs about her new store. The sales leads didn’t come rushing in, of course, but with her perseverance and determination, Lizzie was able to convert her Facebook fans into sales.

She initially sold her crafts at an Australian craft supplier hosting website, but she discovered that nearly all her sales leads there were also her Facebook fans, so maintaining the high cost of that website seemed largely irrelevant. Since moving her online store to Facebook, Lizzie has been able to generate sales leads largely from the numerous positive comments and feedback that her fanbase posts on her wall.

Whether they convert to sales or become good friends, her success in engaging her fans can almost consider Lizzie an expert on lead nurturing. She has frequent conversations with her fans, often about personal topics that build a relationship of trust. This, in addition to consistently good prices, good service and good products have turned her passion into a successful money-making business.

Outsourcing Is Evolving In Australia

The outlook for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in Australia is evolving from a simple cost effective alternative to a means of improving operational efficiency. Australian businesses have been persuaded to try out business process outsourcing to international service providers due to its positive global expansion potential.

SMEs in particular are eager to jump on the outsourcing bandwagon. Processes such as inbound telemarketing, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources management, finance, accounting and document management are the ones frequently outsourced.

Another factor that is driving Australian companies to outsource is cloud computing. The mobility and proven reliability of cloud services is swaying more organisations to consider the possibility of outsourcing enterprise-level cloud computing, while those already using the service are planning to rely more heavily on third party cloud service providers.

No matter what process is outsourced by a business, outsourcing to both freelance contractors and BPO firms still pose serious risks. Whether the services is sales leads generation, telemarketing, technical troubleshooting, data entry, appointment setting, transcription, human resource, financing or some other back office process, a thorough research and inquiry into the background of the firm or freelancer is important.

Here are a few basic tips to help businesses avoid transacting with unprofessional outsourcing contractors:

• Whenever available, scrutinise online websites of outsourcing firms and social profiles of freelancers to avoid shady contractors
• Always ask for client testimonials and a portfolio of previous work to ensure the validity of their claims
• Employ outsourcing project management, time-tracking and work monitoring software such as Basecamp, AceProject, Freedcamp, DotProject or TeamLab.

Australian B2b Marketing Outlook

3 years ago, b2b marketing was still relatively unknown in Australia. It was hypothesized by Kimon Lycos (of mihellandlycos.com) that this was due to the significant percentages earned by b2c marketers for each advertisement and the difficulties faced in b2b marketing. Marketing for b2b companies can’t be influenced by catchy jingles, colorful TV advertisements or promoted by famous celebrities, an advantage enjoyed by b2c marketers. B2b marketing relies on the marketer’s own people skills, product knowledge and properly done company research. But b2c marketers should learn from b2b marketers. B2b marketing is generally more targeted compared to b2c. A strategy which is laudable especially when compared to b2c's irritatingly bullish marketing strategies.

Green Hat has conducted a research report that explores b2b marketing in Australia and confirmed suspicions such as more businesses leaning more towards digital marketing and the planned increase in marketing budget for b2b sales leads generation. The B2B Marketing Outlook Australia 2012 research report also points out significant trends in Australian b2b marketing:

1. Significant increase in upsell and cross-sell activities of b2b marketers highlighting emphasis on lead nurturing and lead management programs; 
2.  The need to focus on sales and marketing integration to ensure that sales teams religiously follow up on all sales leads delivered by the marketing teams; 
3.  Further development of social media marketing plans; 
4.  Increase in the significance of measuring marketing ROI to support the need for sales and marketing integration.

The research presents a positive outlook for the future of b2b marketing in Australia. "The good news is that the vast majority of Australian B2B businesses are increasing – or at least maintaining – their level of investment in marketing." - Green Hat