If you are a small business in Busselton-Margaret River or surrounding areas, there are a few things you can do right now to get tourist ready and handle the expected volume of visitors:

• Plan ahead with stock
• Start looking at who you can collaborate with
• Get efficient booking systems in place
• Fine tune customer service and the customer experience.

 
For business operators who would like to work with Business Advisory SW & Peel for FREE on how to grow your business and work on a 2020 business development plan, please book in with the Business Advisor who is located in your region:
 
Sana Turnock (Capel, Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River, Augusta)
 
Jasmine Porter (Capel – SW Highway end, Bunbury, Boyanup, Collie, Donnybrook, Balingup, Bridgetown, Manjimup, Nannup)
 

​​Krissini is a style of bread which was invented when the son of a king couldn’t digest soft bread. The crusty bread was invented, and became very popular. It can be used with dips, matched with drinks and wines, and is presented as long sticks and in different colours. Krissini are great for weddings and gourmet events.

Head down to the Margaret River Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings, and you will find Elisa offering samples for people to try.

You can find Krissini at their website and on Facebook.

“So far, I have been able to answer all the questions put forward to me, but I have always said that if I am not able to do so, I will do the research and get back to the person who asked the question,” Sana said.

"What I thoroughly enjoy is hearing everyone’s input.”

Sana has noticed a quiet flourishing start to take place in these environments. Business owners who may be new to the business arena, or who are shy at contributing, are opening up.

‘’I love seeing the seeds of collaboration start to take place in these spaces,” Sana said.

“You never know who will attend and what kind of mix the table will have. People walk away with new ideas to ponder, potential collaborations, marketing strategies to work on, as well as feeling motivated by knowing that they aren’t the only one doing it on their own.’’

Photographer Michelle Troop, who attended one of the Margaret River sessions, sums it up beautifully.

“The free-flowing conversations are where the gems are. These Q&A Morning Biz sessions are where people feel safe enough to express ideas and listen to others,” she said.

• The cruise ships don’t have to dock in Busselton, but they do.  Local businesses are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity.
  

A lot was covered on the evening and because of this, a repeat presentation may take place again in 2019. Watch this space!

Climbing the mountain – plunging in and setting up your own system to compete with Amazon. This may make things more difficult, especially if you are ill-equipped due to a lack of financial or human resources.

The thing is though, you don’t have to start from scratch. If you are not able to set up your own system, you could join an already existing online platform (ebay and etsy are just two great spaces for retailers) and leverage off their name and branding, whilst getting your own brand out there. You are now moving through the mountain. Investigate, research, and make an informed decision based on your business needs.

In order to survive and thrive as a business owner you sometimes have to make some tough decisions. Is it possible to walk around the mountain and create your own path? This is a great way to gain experience and knowledge, but can be time consuming and resource draining. Weigh it up and make a decision on whether this is for you.
​
If you are unsure of which step to take, have a chat to one of our friendly, professional Business Advisory South West and Peel advisors. Call 1300 275 477 to book your free appointment.