Once we take that huge step to start a business we need to be able to find professional support that is both good and affordable. Yet these two requirements are not always easy to achieve.

This web site is designed to bring to your attention some services that fit both these requirements. However, the term ‘affordable’ is subjective. Some may be able to and are willing to pay more than others. The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ can be correct – but I know of instances where you get superb quality for a budget price.

So you need to research. Check out websites; ask to see actual samples; ask what the price is likely to be (ball park figure) – if they will not do this, be wary; if there are testimonials on the website – make contact with a few and ask them some questions. Just don’t ‘jump in’ you need to find someone that suits your specific needs. The worst thing you can do is not to give yourself enough time to research and get the right product.

I have seen a lot of horrendous mistakes made because of a rushed job – and this is costly! The number of people who will keep using a business card that has wrong information because they still have a couple of hundred left is shocking – a sure way to spread the word that you are not very professional. Throw them out and get some new ones!

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER
You will find some listed in the Membership Directories below. If you need someone in your area, please let us know and we will see if we can assist.
www.hbba.biz
www.mcei.org.au

You can also go to the websites of the main accounting organisations (CPA & NIA) and do a search on postcode and names of accountants will come up. Check if some do bookkeeping and how much they charge. Bookkeeping should be a lot cheaper than accountants (at least 50% cheaper) so ask for both rates.
www.cpaaustralia.com.au
www.nia.org.au

GRAPHIC DESIGN
You need to have a graphic designer available to assist you with giving a professional finish to all your promotional stationery and website etc. The results can be very subjective so make sure you check out more than one to see if the work, price, time frames and support are just what you want..
www.creativedesignsuite.com.au 
www.enganagraphics.com

PRINTING
For a very professional and cost effective job, you can order online through Martin Print (Members of HBBA can have 500 Business Cards printed for free)
www.martinprint.com.au

PROMOTION
Most promotion can also be seen as advertising. You want to let potential & existing customers know about your product & services. Find the right medium to promote in and the results can be very good. Try industry and gender specific magazines and see if they suit what you are offering. This is really a 'try and test' situation. But once you have a successful formula - stick with it.
www.honestlywoman.com.au

VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
A great way for the smaller end of business to gain professional assistance and introduce skills that they don't have - simply outsource work to a VA. You can save time and cash without the problems of the on-costs associated with hiring staff. For a wide range of experiences try:-
www.adminrus.com.au
julieanne_adams@optusnet.com.au

WEB DESIGN
Many people use templates and Webalive is a very good one – this HBBA site is built on WebAlive software. Contact Barbara Gabogrecan for more details:- enquiries@hbba.biz

Graphic Design
that really works for you.
Creative in ‘tune’ with the person behind the business
www.creativedesignsuite.com.au

Vickie Aiton from Admin’R’Us
is your link to doing
business better
www.adminrus.com.au

$$$ Effective Logos
We design unique &
professional logos
for start-up businesses
at an affordable price
www.enganagraphics.com

Honestly Woman
is an authentic magazine
for enterprising HB and
small business women.
www.honestlywoman.com.au

The Rescue Formula
to bring calm to chaos
Make friends with your computer
julieanne_adams@optusnet.com.au