We’re sending you this update from the outskirts of Melbourne, having spent the past 3 days in the city, immersed in the world of books and inspiring stories. Along with a number of friends, we launched the books we’ve been working on. Most are at the stage of going to print, so we had a book with our cover on it for photo opportunities…
Of course we’re looking forward to the real thing in the near future, and events in regional Australia with the entrepreneurs featured in the book!
Friends photographed here with us are Charyn Youngson, author of SOLD for Top Dollar – How to sell your house faster for more, and Andrew Mowat, The Success Zone – 5 powerful steps to growing yourself and leading others.
Andrew’s book is currently at the printers, and the publisher had 20 books digitally printed for the occasion, so it was exciting to receive a signed copy.
Darren Stephens of Global Publishing Group had this to say about our book “Lifting the Lid on Quiet Achievers – Success Stories of Regional Entrepreneurs”
I’m so pleased to be the publisher of this book as it has so many inspiring stories and will impact anyone, whether from the city or country. It gives you the inspiration and tools to make more money and to really be successful. Kerrie’s really captured the essence of success and it’s an amazing read.
It's exciting to be raising awareness of the quality of life and businesses in Regional Australia! The comments from many attendees showed an enthusiasm for the book and a great respect for business people from the country, citing trust and credibility and the shake of a hand being stand-out features. We can't wait to share more - in fact there's a snippet below from the inspiring Jacqui Grieg. Enjoy!
Cheering you on,
Lyndon & Kerrie
P.S. Thanks to all who've been asking about ordering the book - we'll have it all set up shortly for our proactive friends to get the first signed copies - stay tuned! If you're looking at buying bulk for client or staff gifts, please give us a call for an amazing pre-print deal - which comes with sample chapters.
Todays Success Tip comes from Jacqui Greig.
Jacqui Greig is the owner and editor of style magazine, is based in Forbes NSW, and is a contributor to Lifting the Lid on Quiet Achievers.
style magazine provides a valuable service to the region, not only by keeping people informed and entertained, but also by providing them with pride in their communities.
As a successful regional-based business owner, what is the most common question you are asked and what is your answer?
Most people are curious as to how I operate the business from a home office, and I’ll admit that it wasn’t easy to go from working in an office environment with many people to keep me stimulated and who I could bounce ideas off, to working alone at home. It wasn’t motivation I lacked – I knew I could succeed and was determined to do so – but I really missed having people to talk to!
However, as the business has evolved and my network has expanded I don’t feel alone at all. I have my fabulous team who are accessible via phone or email and I am regularly travelling all over the countryside meeting people and attending events. In addition, so many people now know about the magazine that I receive literally hundreds of emails a month informing me of what is happening in the region.
I think the key to successfully working at home is to have an office that functions solely as your work space, which you can separate from the rest of the house (no sharing with ironing boards or spare beds) and you need to have a mindset that considers this a professional space. I find I get more work done if start my day dressed and ready, as though I really were travelling into a work place. Set regular hours and stick to them; try not to hang laundry out in between replying to emails. Some who read this will laugh, as when I’m on deadline my work hours are anything but regular!
I found early on that starting late and thinking you could make up those hours at a later date was a recipe for disaster. I was forever behind schedule. 
Working from home does require self-discipline and you need to structure yourself carefully – it can be hard to separate home and work. This is particularly hard for me as deadline for each issue approaches. And while it offers me autonomy and comfort, I also have to be creative in certain situations, for example I try not to meet people in a professional capacity at home. Instead I invite people to meet me at a café (an added bonus is that the coffee is always better!).
The latest edition of style magazine will be in the newsagencies from Tuesday 2 November, so look out for it instore, or see www.stylemagazine.net.au/.