We are so thrilled to be taking a tribe of inspiring ladies on an entrepreneurial company journey that will help them end up being (much more!) brave, influential and effective masters of their future.
Ann Damin: CEO & Company owner, SA.
For how long have you been involved with Business Chicks?
Seven years and many breakfast/ lunch occasions. I enjoy the diverse variety of attendees at the events; I sit beside somebody new and fascinating whenever.
What do you do for work?
I am the Director of Seed Distributors. The company is a wholesaler so the focus lies more on the products than marketing and it's a specific niche market.
If you run your own company how long have you been doing that for?
I started my business in 1997 and my husband followed 18 months later, we now have 23 staff members. Our high development in the business has actually impeded our capability to plan. It's a great issue to have!
What is your business goal, where exactly do you want to go?
I am always focused on consistent business & sales growth, a higher purpose and reaching into brand-new markets whilst keeping our current market share.
Exactly what's the most significant difficulty you've had in your company’s journey up until now?
You have to fund growth; we've had difficulties with the cash flow whilst trying to handle how quickly we were growing. We also have to work to preserve relationships with staff located all over the country.
What excited you most about this course?
When I got Emma's email it was perfect timing. I had been thinking of up-skilling in order to improve my company and BSchool's diploma in business was ideal. I'm doing the course with my daughter. I like the fact that there are no physical contact hours and a fantastic level of support offered.
Is there a mentor that you're most thrilled to work with/ learn from?
All of them, however, Carolyn (Carolyn Creswell, Carman's Muesli) will be very intriguing.
From the small amount of work you have done, was the diploma of business course what you anticipated? What has amazed you?
Yes, and I am shocked by how precise the recommended timelines for work completion are. It makes it simpler to prepare.
How have you well balanced your work routine and doing the course?
During the work day, I designate 15-20 minutes reading time for the book, I get a cup of tea and head into the conference room and read. (At the start of each module the associated coach sends their favourite book to students). You have to commit to doing it, set some time aside, plan the week in advance and stay with it.