SPONSORED | BUSINESS NAVIGATOR WESTERN DOWNS
OVER the last 6 years, Business Navigator coaches have assisted over two hundred small businesses, through tailored advice and coaching, peer networks, and workshops open to all small business in the community. Now entering its seventh year, Business Navigator Western Downs is undergoing a change of leadership.
After almost three years in the Lead Business Coach role, Paulene Rorich is stepping away from the program to embark on a well-deserved career break.
Paulene Rorich shares, “Working with small businesses in the Western Downs has been a truly fulfilling experience. I am so inspired by the talent, passion and grit of my small business clients.
They put their heart and soul into their businesses, and as a business coach, it is a real joy to see these businesses grow and succeed. I will
certainly miss that.”
As the baton is passed, the program welcomes Amanda Maurice to the role of Lead Business Coach. Amanda is a familiar and respected figure in the local business community, having lived and worked in the Western Downs region for over a decade.
Her familiarity with the local business landscape positions her well to guide Business Navigator Western Downs into its next chapter.
“I’m delighted to join the Business Navigator Western Downs team. I have watched the program develop and deliver great results over the years, so when I saw an opening in the team, I was keen to jump onboard”.
Behind every successful program, there’s a knowledgeable and collaborative team, and Business Navigator Western Downs is no exception: the team consists of three business professionals: a lead business coach, a generalist business coach, and a marketing advisor.
Suzie Wood, a seasoned generalist business coach, brings a wealth of experience and a knack for problem-solving to the table. Ailsa Cass, Marketing Advisor, adds a creative touch, ensuring businesses get the spotlight they deserve.
“Our team approach is about utilising our diverse skills to provide tailored advice and functional support for small businesses. From business management advice and financial analysis to specialised marketing strategies, our team has a lot to offer businesses that are ready to grow”, explains Suzie.
Ailsa Cass, who has a passion for turning businesses into brands, adds, “Marketing isn’t just about promotion; it’s about telling your unique story. We work closely with businesses to craft authentic narratives that resonate with their audience.”
Amanda Maurice brings over 20 years’ diverse work experience including hospitality and events, management accounting, economic development and financial counselling, as well as qualifications in business and accounting.
Amanda’s approach to coaching blends practical wisdom with genuine care, an ideal fit for supporting businesses across the region.
The Business Navigator Program
The Western Downs Business Navigator program, an initiative of Shell QGC’s business, provides pro-bono coaching to small businesses based in the Western Downs region.
Clients engage with the Business Navigator team at various stages of their small business journey.
“Everyone starts off small. A lot of our clients are owner-operators who wear multiple hats and fill different roles within the business at one time or another,” Ailsa said.
“They’re doing the HR, the marketing, the payroll. This can have a real impact on business owners. We help them take a step back to understand what is needed for the business to thrive and grow.”
The team also works with more established clients looking to super-charge their growth, whether by employing more staff, building a better digital presence, or finding new markets for their products and services.
For many small business owners, particularly those early in their business journey, financial constraints can be an obstacle to getting the support they need to develop their business. This is the catch 22 that a pro-bono program like Business Navigator overcomes.
“We are so fortunate to have this unique program in the Western Downs. It enables growth-ready small businesses to get the support they need without the financial burden of commercial advisory services”, says Amanda.
“By removing the financial obstacle, local small business owners can experience some of the benefits of coaching”.
Five Benefits of Business Coaching
1. Improved Clarity and Direction:
Business coaching provides a dedicated space for a business owner to gain clarity on their vision and goals. Through guided conversations, a coach helps define objectives, ensuring that the business owner has a clear sense of direction. This newfound clarity minimizes ambiguity and allows the owner to make decisions that align with their overarching vision.
2. Increased confidence:
Confidence is a key attribute of successful business owners, but it doesn’t always come naturally. Many small business owners don’t consider themselves ‘business people’ and often doubt their business skills. Working with a coach boosts confidence by providing both affirmation and constructive feedback, as well as developing foundational business knowledge and skills.
3. Extra accountability and motivation:
Accountability is a powerful driver of achievement. A business coach holds the owner accountable for their goals, encouraging consistent progress. This simple notion is usually highly motivating, and many of our clients have achieved long-held goals simply based on the motivation of accountability.
4. Maintain work-life balance and well-being:
People often start small business because they want more freedom. But many small business owners end up grappling with work-life balance, leading to burnout. Business coaching assists in managing priorities and staying focussed on the original intent of the business venture. Coaches help identify areas where the business owner can delegate or streamline tasks, contributing to a healthier work-life balance. This focus on well-being is crucial for sustained success and fulfillment.
5. Experience personal and professional growth:
A business coach acts as a mentor and guide, supporting the business owner in their personal and professional development. Running a small business can be a lonely journey, particularly as a businessowner is without people who understand the challenges. A business coach help make that journey less lonely and more rewarding.
Despite the immense benefits of business coaching, there are some things to consider before launching into a coaching program.
“You need to be ready for business coaching” says Suzie.
“Along our coaching journey, we will mostly likely challenge your status quo, ask you to step out of your comfort zone, and expect you to invest in your business.
If you are at (or over!) capacity with your time, mental space, and emotional and financial resources, now might not be the best time to take on a coaching program.”
“But if you can make space for us, we’d love to help you grow.”
If you are a small business owner based in the Western Downs and you would like help growing your business, contact Amanda Maurice on amanda@navigatorwesterndowns.com.au to arrange an obligation-free discovery session.