Choosing a Career - Opportunities in small business

Many people are employed by small business. Don't limit your career choices by thinking only of large organisations as possible employers. Small businesses can sometimes offer positions with more variety and responsibility.

You could also 'create' yourself a job by starting your own small business. This requires a lot of energy and effort, but there are many people who can provide advice and assistance to help you. You should thoroughly research your small business idea before proceeding.

The staff at your nearest Centrelink Office can tell you who to contact and help you get started. The AusIndustry Hotline (Ph: 13 28 46) also provides information about starting a small business.

Employment trends point to growth in the self-employment and small business areas and it is thought that this trend will continue. The development of new technologies has made it much easier for entrepreneurs to develop new services and products, often in new and emerging industries.

To be successful in your own business you will need to have the following entrepreneurial characteristics:

• personality (optimism, self-esteem, good health, initiative, vision, and ability to communicate, organise and solve problems)
• motivation (economic independence, ability to realise your own ideas and to act and make your own decisions)
• business skills (knowledge about financing, merchandise, pricing, sales, advertising, promotion)
• experience (knowledge and skills to gain the confidence of your clients).

There are numerous training courses available at most TAFE institutes and through private training providers to help you gain essential skills such as business planning, budgeting, stock control, managing staff, and marketing and advertising your product.