Developing people at work is crucial for building high-performing, resilient, engaged and future-ready teams. Yet, many in leadership positions overlook workplace coaching as a valuable way to achieve these outcomes. Or they may believe they’re coaching when they’re managing. Both are valuable leadership skills, but they serve very different purposes. In this blog, we explore workplace coaching, why it matters, and how it differs from traditional management, helping you achieve greater potential in your team or organisation.
Workplace coaching is a mutually beneficial relationship, focused on achieving personal and professional development. It’s generally a process where a more experienced professional (the coach) helps another individual (the coachee) develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve their performance and achieve professional goals.
Workplace coaching can occur internally, with managers and leaders engaging employees in either formal coaching sessions or informal, on-the-go coaching sessions. When coaching occurs internally, it becomes a leadership style, providing employees with the opportunities, tools and knowledge to improve their productivity and job satisfaction.
Workplace coaching is valuable because it has the potential to boost employee engagement and performance. When leaders coach, rather than manage alone, they empower their teams to take ownership of their development and results, which leads to a strong sense of accountability and confidence. It’s a winning approach that builds stronger relationships based on trust, autonomy, and mutual respect, all of which are crucial for a thriving, high-performing workplace.
Coaching and managing serve different but complementary purposes in leadership. While managing involves directing work, setting expectations and driving performance, usually with a focus on a short-term outcome, coaching empowers individuals to think for themselves. Managing is about giving instructions and solving problems, while coaching involves asking questions and supporting self-directed professional development. Both roles are important, but knowing when to shift into a coaching mindset is what separates great leaders from good ones.
Workplace coaching isn’t just for external consultants, because with professional development, it can be successfully practised in the workplace. When it’s done well, coaching helps employees build confidence, solve problems and meet and even exceed organisational goals. Here are a few tips on how you can add coaching to your leadership toolkit.
You can get started with informal coaching in your leadership role by adopting simple yet powerful techniques in conversations with your team.
Not every workplace situation calls for coaching. Knowing when to switch between coaching and managing is called ‘situational leadership’ and is a sign of strong leadership skills.
Coaching is becoming a core skill for strong leadership. If you want to protect your workforce and improve performance across your organisation, adopting a coaching mindset is an important strategy.
Whether you’re preparing employees to step into leadership roles or want to support current managers, our coaching and mentoring courses ensure your leaders are equipped with tools they can use immediately to coach with confidence.
Contact our Course Consultants today on 1300 76 2221 or use Live Chat to discuss customised training tailored to your unique business needs.
If you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own business and have a passion for beauty, let this list inspire you to turn your skills into a successful enterprise! Whether you’re a beautician, hairdresser, nail technician, makeup artist, or have any other beauty know-how, with your business brain engaged, you can make your dreams an entrepreneurial reality.
So, let’s start with why you should start a beauty business. If beauty’s your passion, that’s a great enough reason to pursue your own business. But, as a bonus, it’s also a booming market with so much potential.
The Australian beauty and personal care market was valued at approximately $16.20 billion in 2024. It’s also a good long-term investment, as that number is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching $30.41 billion by 2034! You could say you’re in the right business!
So, with that in mind, let’s explore twenty beauty business ideas that can turn you into a beauty boss! This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope you can take some inspiration from it and create a business plan to turn ‘someday’ into ‘day one!’ After all, “a goal without a plan is just a wish” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).
Starting a service-based beauty business offers a rewarding opportunity to combine a love for beauty with customer care. And there’s never been a better time, with a growing demand for personalised beauty experiences. So, whether your expertise is in skincare, makeup, hair, or wellness treatments, there’s a niche waiting for you. A beauty service business can also be highly flexible, especially if your business model is mobile, a home studio, or a boutique salon, so you can kick some goals when it comes to achieving a work-life balance.
If you have a talent for makeup artistry, you can turn this skill into a successful and lucrative beauty business. Whether you offer makeup services for special events, like weddings or formals, or consult on makeup application for everyday makeup looks, this beauty business has great potential.
If you’re a hairdresser, your skills are in high demand. You can take this specialised skill and carve out your own niche as a special occasion freelance hair stylist, or why not set up your own home-based salon?
As a lash and brow technician, you can create a lucrative niche business that offers the latest in lash extensions, brow tinting, and lamination. There are many options to deliver these services, whether from a home-based business, mobile service or establishing your own salon.
Have you considered a mobile or home-based spray tanning service? It’s a beauty business that offers clients a convenient and personalised tanning experience. You can find your niche by servicing busy individuals, bridal parties, and special events by travelling to them as a mobile service. Another way to set your business apart is to offer high-quality, organic, skin-friendly tanning solutions that suit various skin tones.
As a nail technician, you can start a beauty business that offers luxury manicures, pedicures, and nail art. It’s important to set yourself apart by offering an experience that’s not well-serviced, so use your imagination to create a niche.
As a certified beautician, you have the exciting opportunity to launch your own business specialising in skin care services. Think rejuvenating facials to enhance skin texture and appearance or chemical peels that exfoliate and promote a healthy glow. You could also offer niche services by specialising in one specific concern, such as acne or ageing, and doing it better than the competition. Or maybe you differentiate yourself by the environment, offering a welcoming and relaxing space. You can attract clients seeking personalised beauty solutions and build a loyal clientele when you focus on doing different, better!
Launching a massage therapy business is an exciting opportunity that combines your skills as a qualified masseuse with exceptional customer service. Now, think about what your point of difference is. Most successful businesses, especially start-ups, become popular due to their point of difference. Do you specialise in pregnancy and baby massage techniques? Or perhaps you are most qualified in sports massage? Whatever you decide, do it differently and do it well, and you’re sure to build a lucrative and loyal client base.
Here’s a fantastic opportunity to monetise your beauty skills by establishing a successful full-service business exclusively for bridal parties. You could offer inclusive bridal beauty packages that include everything from bridal hair styling and flawless makeup to skincare treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even massages. To stand out, create a memorable experience by helping brides and their parties achieve the perfect look and the perfect day.
Scalability, brand recognition, and passive income potential are three major benefits of starting a product-based beauty business. You can reach a wider market and grow your business with passive income potential. The increasing demand for environmentally friendly, socially conscious and innovative beauty products creates opportunities for niche markets and long-term customer loyalty.
Have you considered creating and selling your own line of organic or natural products? This is an exciting business opportunity in the beauty industry, particularly in skincare, which dominates Australia’s beauty market, accounting for over 40% of the total market. There is also a growing demand for natural and organic beauty products, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly options.
If you’re passionate about makeup, think about creating your own personalised cosmetics brand. While it does require a considerable investment, as a successful makeup artist, this could be an opportunity to address a gap in the market that you’ve observed throughout your professional career.
Hair is an important aspect of beauty for many people, who often invest significantly in it to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. Starting a business centred around hair can be a great opportunity, especially if you can create a unique niche that offers clients an exceptional experience. One idea is to provide high-quality hair extensions and wigs while also delivering compassionate customer service to individuals dealing with conditions like alopecia or those undergoing cancer treatments. This approach can help you build a successful and meaningful business.
If you’re in the beauty industry and have a creative and innovative streak, consider developing a line of sustainable beauty products for a socially conscious market. Focus on eco-friendly, cruelty-free cosmetics.
A signature scent business provides the opportunity to expand into fragrance, wellness and home ambience. Consumers are increasingly seeking perfumes that are environmentally friendly and made with natural ingredients, an exciting opportunity for beauty entrepreneurs.
Growing demand for professional training, skincare advice, and personalised beauty guidance makes an education or consultation-based business ideal! It’s perfect if you’re seeking flexibility, the ability to share expertise, and the chance to empower others. It also allows you to create multiple income streams via in-person and online platforms while establishing yourself as an industry expert!
Creating engaging beauty tutorials, product reviews, and exciting content is rewarding. It’s also an exciting beauty business idea for anyone passionate about the beauty industry. Imagine sharing your expertise and creativity while turning your passion for beauty into a lucrative business!
Have you considered becoming a beauty coach or consultant? Whether you’re a hairstylist, beautician, or makeup artist, you have the opportunity to build a profitable business by assisting clients in selecting and using skincare, makeup, and haircare products. Additionally, once you reach a larger audience, you might have the potential to partner with brands, which can further enhance your coaching and consulting income.
If you have a passion for beauty, becoming an influencer and brand ambassador is a great way to earn income while doing what you love. By building a large following, you can collaborate with beauty brands to promote products you truly care about.
A niche beauty business offers you the advantage of servicing a market with a specific and less competition. When you focus your business efforts on niche areas, such as holistic beauty, men’s grooming, and subscription services, you can attract a loyal customer base. Niche businesses enjoy strong brand differentiation, viral marketing opportunities, and the potential to scale quickly.
Permanent makeup is quickly gaining popularity among beauty enthusiasts, and it’s little wonder! Imagine waking up with perfectly defined features, no smudging or fading and no time-consuming makeup application. There are many possibilities with techniques like microblading, lip blushing, and scalp micro pigmentation. This trend not only provides a beautiful, long-lasting look but is also a great beauty business idea. Starting a permanent makeup business could be a very profitable way to enhance your client’s beauty and confidence!
Holistic beauty is a wellness-focused approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit through natural and sustainable practices. Whether you focus on Ayurvedic, herbal, or crystal-infused beauty treatments, or all three, this business opportunity offers a way to connect with customers looking for alternative ways to enhance their well-being and embrace self-care.
Now, here’s a beauty business idea that has men covered! Men’s grooming has reached a new level with modern men seeking skincare, beard care, and haircare that’s both high-quality and easy to use. If you start a business in men’s grooming, you can expect a growing market of customers who value self-care, style, and effective products tailored to their needs.
A beauty box subscription is a beauty business idea that offers a way to delight customers and to try new products. Personalised boxes often contain beauty products, such as skincare, makeup, or haircare, to customers on a subscription basis. You can include sample-sized items, exclusive products, or niche brands. Make a niche impact by appealing to different beauty needs, like eco-friendly or cruelty-free products. It’s a great way to build a recurring income stream while offering customers the excitement of discovering new beauty products.
If you need further support launching your beauty business, consider a professional development course, like our Certificate of Business (Beauty). After completing this course, you’ll have a comprehensive business plan as a roadmap to launch and operate your own successful beauty business!
The Certificate of Business (Beauty) is a comprehensive professional development program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. It explores the essentials of setting up and managing a successful business.
What you’ll learn:
And more …
We hope these beauty business ideas can turn your passion for beauty into a profitable business—it’s possible with the right idea and strategy. Want to fast-track your success? Enrol in our Certificate of Business (Beauty) and launch your dream beauty business today!
In the face of the ever-increasing cost of living, it’s inspiring to see many people turning to side hustles to make ends meet. With hard work, dedication, and some creativity, these extra income streams can provide financial relief and open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Let’s explore some side hustle ideas that can help you navigate this challenging time.
Offer your skills on a per-project basis. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, editor, or website developer, freelancing allows you to work flexibly and earn extra money.
Consider offering pet-sitting services if you love animals. Platforms like Mad Paws connect pet owners with caregivers.
Combine exercise with earning money by becoming a dog walker. Many busy pet owners appreciate this service.
Provide help setting up devices, troubleshooting tech issues, and installing software. This can be done remotely or in person.
Start a blog on a topic you’re passionate about. Monetise it through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
Provide companionship and assistance to older adults living alone. This could involve running errands, reading, or simply spending time with them.
Babysitting is a classic side hustle. Parents often need reliable caregivers for their children.
Offer administrative support to busy professionals. Tasks may include scheduling, organising, and managing emails.
Set up a mobile car wash service. You can visit clients’ homes or workplaces to clean their vehicles.
If you’re handy with tools, gardening, offer basic repair and maintenance services in your local area.
To start this practical, lucrative side hustle, you need only invest in a good-quality steam iron, garment steamer, and ironing board.
If you want to get your step count soaring for the day while also cashing in on your effort, pamphlet delivery is the perfect side hustle for you. You can become an independent contractor or join an existing pamphlet distribution company.
Start a custom makeup business from a home studio. It’s a great way to indulge a passion for creating makeup looks for clients while bringing in extra cash!
If you’re tech-savvy, consider offering video editing services. Many businesses and content creators need help editing their videos for social media, websites, or YouTube channels!
If you’re crafty, sell your handmade creations online, on a platform like Etsy, or at local markets. There’s a massive market for unique crafts, whether jewellery, pottery, or knitted items.
Help people declutter and organise their homes. Many busy people are willing to pay for assistance in keeping their living spaces tidy.
Share your expertise by offering tutoring services. There’s always a demand for learning, whether academic subjects, music lessons, or language classes.
With the rise of food delivery apps, becoming a delivery driver can be a flexible way to earn extra income.
Remember, the best side hustle for you isn’t always obvious. It’s about exploring different options, trying new things, and finding what works best for your situation. Whether it’s a creative pursuit like make-up looks or a practical service, like ironing, side hustles can offer a beacon of hope and optimism, helping you to alleviate financial stress during challenging times.
Considering 20% of businesses fail in their first year and 60% within the first three years, it’s easy to become disheartened. But while it’s a grim figure, don’t let that stop you–those with an entrepreneurial spirit can overcome all odds! Plus, if you create one of these easy-to-start small business ideas, you’ll be up and running faster than you think.
So, what type of small business would you like to start? A passion or hobby often expands into a lucrative business idea, but sometimes, you need a little inspiration. That’s why we’ve listed 15 small business ideas that are relatively easy to start. Take a look and see if any jump out at you.
Are you looking for a creative field where you can demonstrate your talent and passion? Graphic design offers many opportunities to apply your artistic skills as a freelancer. It’s one of the easier small business ideas to set up due to low-entry costs, as you don’t need a physical store or expensive equipment. If you have a computer, design software and a strong and reliable internet connection, you’re all set. If you’d like to start your own graphic design business but don’t yet have the skills, take our Introduction to Graphic Design to see if it’s the right small business choice for you!
Do you have a way with words? If so, starting a content writing business is a great way to achieve financial freedom with relatively low start-up costs and the ability to scale up. Your business can also be supported through online freelancing platforms such as Freelancer. If you’re passionate about writing but need to develop your skills and knowledge, consider one of our Writing, Editing & Communication online courses!
Setting up a social media management business is relatively straightforward, making it an accessible start-up business idea for aspiring entrepreneurs. The simplicity lies in the minimal startup requirements – a computer, an internet connection, and a good understanding of various social media platforms will suffice! If you’d like to develop your skills in social media management, take a look at our Social Media Strategy and Certificate of Social Media and Engagement courses.
Are you looking for a small business idea that’s portable? One that could take you around the world? If so, a small business idea like a virtual assistant is ideal. Setting up a virtual assistance business is fairly simple, making it an accessible small business idea for individuals seeking flexibility and remote work opportunities. All you’ll need initially is a computer, an internet connection, and strong organisational and communication skills. Once set up, aspiring virtual assistants can establish their business from the comfort of their homes or from the other side of the world. Do you need to develop skills as a virtual assistant? Check out our online professional development course, Certificate of Business Administration (Virtual Assistant Program).
These days, with so many tools and resources available, starting a web development business is surprisingly straightforward. A dependable computer and a strong internet connection are the main necessities for working from almost anywhere. You are also spoilt for choice when it comes to user-friendly platforms, like Squarespace, Wix or WordPress, so even people without much technical experience can quickly build clients’ websites that look amazing.
It’s easier than you think to start a tutoring business, so if you’re enthusiastic about education, it’s a way to share your knowledge and support struggling students. This business is easy to get started with because it requires very little. Equipped with subject matter or skill-specific knowledge, all a prospective tutor needs are a peaceful place to hold lessons and a dependable internet connection to facilitate online teaching. The advent of digital platforms and online tutoring marketplaces has made it possible for tutors to connect with students anywhere in the world without being physically present. Looking for a course to help you be a successful tutor? Take a look at our wide variety of courses in Education and Teaching!
A popular small business idea, handmade gifts are a surprisingly easy way to get started in business. It’s a simple and accessible business concept, needing little more than imagination, dedication, and a little initial expenditure. Showcasing and selling handcrafted items has never been easier, thanks to the rise of online markets, like Etsy, and social media platforms that help you spread the word.
Small event planning for birthdays, weddings, or local events is a lucrative small business opportunity. Those who enjoy organising and creativity can consider starting an event planning firm. The first steps are simple, requiring only a sharp eye for detail and decent interpersonal skills. The only upfront fees are those associated with establishing a digital presence via a professional website and social media channels. Take a look at our online professional development course, Certificate Wedding Planning & Event Management, which will help you get started as an event planner.
Personal training or fitness classes are an ideal start-up business idea, as they’re remarkably accessible, making them ideal for those passionate about health and wellness. With relatively low startup costs, you only need your expertise and minimal equipment to commence. If you’d like to explore fitness as a career, take a look at our Certificate of Health & Fitness!
Whether business, career or financial consulting, this start-up business idea is easily set up for aspiring entrepreneurs with knowledge to share. If you decide to set up a consultancy business, you’ll enjoy low barriers to entry. You can commence operations with just a laptop, internet connection, and expertise in your specific field. The flexibility of consulting allows entrepreneurs to choose their niche based on personal interests and professional strengths, ensuring a gratifying and tailored business model consulting. If you’d like to gain professional development to start a consulting business, explore our Professional Practice for Consultants.
If you have a passion for pets, a pet services business idea is right up your alley! It’s also a surprisingly easy venture for animal enthusiasts to get off the ground. The low barrier to entry stems from the minimal startup requirements. Aspiring animal-loving entrepreneurs can create pet services businesses without extensive capital investment or specialised facilities. Services such as dog walking, pet sitting, or grooming can often be operated from home or via mobile means, reducing overhead costs.
Cleaning services are always in demand, so this start-up business idea is sure to be a success. It also offers simplicity of entry and is a practical option for those looking to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cleaning or setting up your own cleaning business, take a look at our Certificate of Domestic & Commercial Cleaning.
the ease of entry and the ability to adapt to a digital landscape make starting a photography business an attainable goal for passionate individuals seeking a creative and entrepreneurial venture.
Buying and selling products online through platforms like eBay or Amazon is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to start your own business. With strategic product selection, a customer-centred approach, and consistent effort, you can quickly establish and grow a profitable e-commerce reselling business! Learn more about e-commerce with our Introduction to e-commerce.
If you’ve got a green thumb, gardening might be the perfect small business idea for you. It requires little in the way of startup costs. All you need is a passion for plants and a basic set of gardening tools to get started. The demand for gardening services is consistent, as homeowners, businesses, and communities always seek professional assistance to maintain and enhance their outdoor spaces. We have a huge variety of gardening courses to help you get started.
Remember, the key to success with any small business idea is understanding your target market, providing exceptional value, and being persistent in your efforts. Additionally, consider your unique skill set, interests, and local market demand when choosing your business idea.
Explore the Develop New Business Ventures course if you want to learn how to plan and implement a new business. You’ll learn to investigate new business opportunities by analysing market information and trends, gathering essential data and sourcing information supporting business ideas and concepts. You’ll also discover the key to developing and presenting professional business proposals, communicating risks to stakeholders and understanding legislation, standards, codes of practice, policies and procedures, and financial and resource requirements!
If you’re interested in professional development, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants on Live Chat or 1300 76 2221 to learn more. We’d love to help you find your new direction!
The job landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years, particularly with the advent of COVID-19. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2.1 million people left or lost a job, and 1.3 million people changed jobs. That’s the highest annual job mobility rate since 2012.
The types of in-demand skills have also changed. The World Economic Forum (WEF) projects that nearly half of the world’s workers will need to re-skill in one way or another over the next five years. Their 2020 Future of Work report has identified “the potential scale of worker displacement due to augmentation and technological automation, alongside effective strategies for empowering job transitions from declining to emerging jobs”.
And a recent study conducted jointly by RMIT Online and Deloitte on the “future of work” has revealed that digital literacy skills will be in high demand in Australia in the next few years. The study reports that Australia will need over 156,000 more digital technology workers by 2025, representing one in four jobs created during that period.
However, it is interesting to note that the WEF report also cites the top 15 skills for 2025 — and many aren’t directly connected to technology, cybersecurity or software development. They are based on being better at learning, thinking and adapting to an ever-changing world. Many of them cover management and leadership skills and others can be gained with personal development courses. Some of the in-demand skills they forecast are:
Analytical thinking skills help you take an in-depth look at complex issues, determine how to fix problems, and come up with solutions. Innovation is the ability to generate ideas that create value and improve processes to develop and adapt to change.
Active learning involves being motivated to learn new things, engaging, applying and reflecting on knowledge gained, and retaining knowledge that can be built upon.
Beyond just finding solutions to problems, complex problem-solving involves considering future changes to resources, circumstances and capabilities that may affect the success of the solutions. It can also include assessing the solution’s impact on individuals and the surrounding environment.
Critical thinking allows us to understand and address a situation based on all the available information and facts. These skills enable you to sort and organise data, facts and other information to define a problem and develop effective solutions.
Creativity, in particular, is another one of the in-demand skills as it allows you to increase efficiency, develop new ideas, and devise solutions to complex problems.
Leadership in the workplace refers to the ability of an individual to “manage and supervise a company and its fellow employees”. It also refers to the “ability to positively influence others to perform their jobs to the best of their ability”.
The use of technology in the Australian workforce covers many platforms and programs such as Information Security, E-Commerce, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technology (among many others!)
These jobs involve developing creative, tech-based solutions, and can cover everything from engineering to graphic design. Here are some of the top careers in design and technology, according to Indeed.
Resilience is the ability to handle disappointment and face and adapt to challenges and overcome them. It can include identifiable skills like self-confidence, optimism, flexibility, responsibility, patience, problem-solving, self-awareness, communication and teamwork.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify and regulate one’s emotions and understand the emotions of others. A high EQ helps build relationships, defuse conflict, reduce team stress and improve job satisfaction.
Globalisation, new ways of working and COVID-19 have all played a part in what is known as the “future of work”. According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise in 2021 report, some of the current jobs in demand include:
Inspiration alert! Read more about these high-demand jobs and find courses to match here!
Looking ahead, here are the jobs that will be in demand by 2025 according to the WEF (which offers great inspiration for fine-tuning the in-demand skills for the future):
And looking ahead even further, in their report, the WEF also lists a range of “jobs of tomorrow”, which are jobs over the coming decade that will include newly-created roles in new occupations or existing occupations that will undergo significant transformation in terms of their in-demand skills and requirements. They include jobs in the following:
According to the Oxford dictionary, networking is “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts”. It doesn’t always have to be business-oriented — hence, the words “social contacts” in this definition.
According to LinkedIn, it can be as simple as “making new friends”. It can be a way of getting better acquainted with others outside of seeking success or professional gain. Along the way, it can also give you insights into yourself and your future life and career goals. Here are some tips on how to network successfully.
The Life Skills That Matter website cites that meeting new people is a necessity if you want to create a lifestyle that revolves around more meaningful work on your own terms. Interacting with like-minded people can not only help you make changes in your life but can also dramatically improve your chances of success. It cites three primary “mindsets” — the established set of attitudes someone holds — in terms of building connections.
In terms of how to network, the goal here is essentially to view other people as “transactions”. This means you want something from them — a sale, a job, money or a favour. So, often it means the connection is self-interested and not genuine. Many find networking uncomfortable as they feel like they:
The goal of making friends is essentially about feeling a “connection” with someone and sharing mutual interests. And the best part is that you can be yourself! It’s also about “feeling” a connection rather than “making” one. And they are very different. When you meet someone, you aren’t necessarily looking for an agenda. The foundation of friendship is trust, not a transaction. When you meet someone you could consider a friend, you aren’t guiding the conversation towards a sale or hunting down a new contact. You are simply enjoying the connection.
The goal of building a community is to “ feel both connected and collaborative with a group of like-minded people. You support each other to help each other succeed”. This is about building a professional community based on mutually beneficial relationships so you can help each other grow over the long term.
Before searching outside your current circle of contacts, start closer to home. Let everyone know you are interested in expanding your network. Several people in your network likely know someone who knows someone who knows someone that would be a good introduction for you. Ever heard of six degrees of separation?
On the flip side, another essential part of how to network is letting go of old contacts, particularly if they aren’t giving you the type of friendship you are looking for. Finding new contacts is an investment and a slow and steady process, but it will have enormous benefits.
As Albert Einstein once said, “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself”. People tend to give off a trustworthy and positive energy when talking about things they are interested in or passionate about. And authenticity is vital in these situations.
This theory revolves around making a concerted effort to get to know the other person. You can achieve this by being fully present in the conversation and listening as much as you speak. Knowing how to network in this sense is understanding that it’s a two-way street and successful networking occurs when both parties benefit. It’s also about asking questions. Asking more questions can build emotional intelligence and lead to better soft skills, which are key to building interpersonal relationships, communicating better and connecting with others.
The quality of your relationships trumps quantity in terms of “making connections”. Those at the core of your relationships will serve as your advocates and vastly amplify your message by not just talking about you but your community and beyond.
According to the psychologist, best-selling author and the “Godfather of influence” Robert Cialdini, the best way of making personal connections is to figure out what you have in common with them — and it doesn’t have to be work-related! It could be as simple as being dog lovers, sharing the same sports team or enjoying the same lifestyle or health pursuits. Connections are created through shared experiences, so can also build trust over the long term.
Another tip for how to network and potentially make new friends is to show your individuality and stand out from the crowd. Being memorable can also involve offering your help and support (kindness is king!) and then demonstrating your interest in doing so, not just talking about it.
For those of us who are a little more introverted, place yourself in the “path of conversation”. This can be daunting, but it is about putting yourself in positions where you will actively have to talk to people. It can include seeking out groups or associations you are interested in, volunteering for organisations aligned with your goals, and/or engaging with social media platforms with like-minded people. LinkedIn is a particularly powerful tool (being one of the world’s largest professional networks). A good tip is to search for possible contacts and then send them a personalised message with an introduction and a reason for reaching out.
Forming connections takes time and they aren’t typically created overnight. In fact, experts say it takes from 40 to 60 hours spent together in the first few weeks after meeting people to form a casual friendship. The transition from a casual friend to a solid friend takes even more — between 80 and 100 hours!
Many of us have a friend or colleague who we haven’t seen for months. But when we do connect, it’s as if we’d made contact yesterday. Sound familiar? Strong relationships can last forever, and networking can be the start of such relationships. Creating connections based on shared goals and interests can also boost positivity and productivity. Plus, you’ll enhance your personal and professional life, as everyone wants to surround themselves with people they like. Why not make that you?
You might have a master’s degree in management, but if you’re lacking in the soft skills that make strong leaders great, you’re bound to fail. But before you concede defeat, contrary to popular belief, you can learn to be a better ‘people-person’ with the right training.
The soft skills that make strong leaders include superior communication, emotional and social intelligence, delegation skills, and flexibility, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. If these don’t come naturally, then soft skills training for managers courses, like those listed below, can help you rise to the challenge when your job depends on it.
A report by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that poor communication skills are having a detrimental impact on the workplace. Communication barriers are a delay or complete failure to complete projects (44%), low morale (31%), missed performance goals (25%) and lost sales (18%) according to surveyed respondents.
A large part of communication skills in a leadership role is active listening. If employees don’t feel seen and heard, they don’t feel valued. It’s important to have a genuine interest in people and to ask questions and encourage feedback.
One of the biggest consequences of poor communication in the workplace was added stress (55%), which is a huge productivity killer. So, put communication training at the top of your soft skills training list.
If you’re considering soft skills training for managers, don’t underestimate the value of EQ, emotional intelligence, and SQ, social intelligence. These qualities may seem innate, but they can be learned with training, persistence and the motivation to change.
Having a high emotional quotient will help leaders to successfully manage relationships and can be valuable in a crisis. A high EQ also means leaders can make sound difficult decisions when required, resolve conflict and have the flexibility to keep pace with dynamic business goals and circumstances. A lack of EQ drastically reduces a leader’s ability to empathise, communicate and collaborate with others.
Similarly, SQ is more than just getting along well with others. It’s about being able to influence and positively connect for mutual goals. Having a high SQ puts leaders in a position to quickly identify a toxic culture and to turn it around.
Great leaders know that delegation is essential to productivity and team-culture. Micro-managers are usually not great at time management – they simply don’t have enough time! So, if you want to pursue soft skills training for managers, you can’t go past time management. It’s one of the most important characteristics of a strong leader and a productive workplace.
Adaptable leaders have the flexibility to think on their feet. They’re able to see change as an opportunity and not a threat. It’s critical to have a flexible management style in today’s fast, dynamic and competitive environment.
Studies show that collaboration is key to successful leadership. Participants in the study who were primed to act collaboratively stuck at their task 64% longer than their solitary peers, whilst also reporting higher engagement levels, lower fatigue levels and a higher success rate. What’s more, this impact persisted for several weeks.
Similarly, another study found that companies that promoted collaborative working were five times as likely to be high performing. So, make sure your leadership is collaborative!
As a leader, figuring out how to solve problems happens on the daily. Your ability to use your analytic and creative skills to find solutions will be tested – but you’ll also need to be methodical and level-headed to achieve results.
Serious about soft skills training for managers? Take a look at these online professional development courses, which will improve many critical soft skills deficits in the workplace.
Anger Management for Professionals is an online course that will teach you how to help others to manage their anger. Whether you’re managing people in the workplace, coaching a sporting team, counselling clients, or taking stock of your own anger – this online course is ideal for you.
Communicate with Influence is an online program that will help you improve your interpersonal communication skills, choose the right communication method to convey your message, and communicate with confidence both verbally and non-verbally.
Conflict arises in personal and professional settings, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The ability to manage conflict successfully impacts career development and healthy relationships. Whether you’re a manager, supervisor, employee or friend – this conflict management course is an excellent resource to gain the interpersonal skills necessary to manage conflict confidently.
The ability to think critically and creatively is vital in today’s workplace – as a high value is placed on innovation. Balancing critical and creative thought stimulates new ideas and problem-solving while also evaluating feasibility. This course is ideal for anyone in business, government or the creative industries.
Emotional Intelligence is an online course that will teach you how to develop and apply EQ for personal and career success. You will explore the skills required to understand and use EQ to improve your self-awareness, empathy, and ability to deal sensitively with the feelings of others.
Leadership – Communicating For Results is designed for aspiring leaders, recently appointed leaders and leaders who want to further develop their skills. In this online professional development program, you will develop the key competencies and skills required for executive career development.
When organisations embrace diversity in the workplace, the result is greater creativity, innovation and team engagement, which promotes lower turnover, higher performance and increased profits. This online professional development course will help you employ and support a more diverse workplace.
We live in a multicultural society, so it’s crucial to embrace differences and develop cultural competence. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their multicultural awareness. It’s particularly important for counsellors, managers, business owners, migration agents and those in healthcare and helping professions.
Mentally healthy workplaces create positive environments, which increase employee confidence, productivity, and engagement. Whether you want to create a workplace wellbeing program for your organisation or improve your personal wellbeing at work, this course is ideal for you.
Strategic Time Management is a professional development course that will develop your schedule management skills. You’ll also learn about goal setting techniques to help you deliver under pressure.
If you’re an employer wanting to invest in soft skills for managers or any training, talk to us about strategic learning opportunities. We’ll help you find the right course for your business needs, and to support your employees to achieve their learning goals.
Ideal for entrepreneurs and those who are thinking about starting a new business, our Develop New Business Ventures course will give you insights into planning and developing a new business venture for an existing organisation or for a business generating self-employment.
In this course, you will explore how to investigate new business opportunities by analysing new trends and market information, and gather essential data and source information that supports business concepts and ideas.
You will also discover how to develop and present professional business proposals, communicate risks to stakeholders, and understand standards, legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and resource and financial requirements.
Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course in starting a new business course include:
And more…
Part of developing a new business venture or starting a new business often involves developing new products … and that means you need to develop a plan! It will help you identify the timeline and process to design, create and build your product. A well thought-out product development plan will help you avoid wasting money, time and business resources. It will also:
Innovation means coming up with new ways to do things enabling you to change processes or create more effective ideas and products. It can also help you save money and time and is key to your business developing a competitive advantage and creating a culture of problem solving and innovative thinking. It’s worth noting that your business can be innovative without actually inventing something new. Innovation can be experimenting with marketing, changing your business model, or adapting to changes in the environment to deliver better services or products.
If you are starting a new business, here are some resources to help you be more innovative:
Marketing your product well will help you reach your customers, get online and stand out from your competitors. It involves:
Business marketing can help your business reach its target audience, attract new customers and ultimately increase your profit. Good marketing tells a story about your business and gives your customers a reason to purchase from you rather than your competitors. And writing a marketing plan can help you define certain aspects of your business and focus on your priorities.
Identifying and understanding your customers is an essential part of your marketing plan and your business. Not everyone is a potential customer, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of your target market early on. It will also help you analyse your market and define your customer segments.
Market research is a valuable tool for all businesses. It can help you to understand potential customers, competitors, products or services, suppliers, business location and your local area and industry and market trends. The Australian Bureau of Statistics is Australia’s official statistical agency and provides a wide range of social and economic statistics.
Writing a marketing plan can help you define your marketing strategy and identify the best channels and activities to market your services or products. It can also help you to:
Thinking about all your business activities can help you to position your business, and your products or services in the market. The five Ps of marketing (product, price, promotion, place and people) can help build your business brand and target your customers’ needs.
Advertising is a marketing activity that can help you to reach out to potential customers and encourage them to buy your products or services. An effective advertising campaign can help you to:
Marketing tools and platforms can help you conduct your retailing and online promotion. By streamlining how you deliver targeted messages to your customer, they can help you achieve your business goals, and the type of tool and platform will depend on what you want to achieve. They can also help you:
Gain the skills and knowledge required to plan, present and implement new business ventures confidently with a course on starting a new business such as our Develop New Business Ventures course.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do, and good communication skills are critical, particularly in the business world. Ideally, it should be a two-way process. While one person is providing information, the other should not only understand what is being said, but show they are receptive to it. The ability to communicate effectively requires strong verbal and listening skills, but also the ability to recognise non-verbal cues.
Our Communicate with Influence course is valuable professional development for managers and office professionals and will help you choose the right communication method to convey your message, improve your interpersonal communication skills, and communicate with confidence both verbally and non-verbally.
In this communicating with influence course you will explore the art and science of communicating with influence, build trust with those you are communicating with, and learn to fine-tune your listening skills by asking the right questions.
You will also gain insights into how to make an impact with non-verbal behaviours, how to capture the attention of senior executives and the signs and how to resolve miscommunication.
Outcomes achieved by undertaking a communicating with influence course include:
And more!
Effective communication is a vital tool for any business owner, and communicating with influence and getting your point across can be the difference between a positive outcome or missing out on a potential opportunity.
When it comes to clients and customers, you should be able to clearly explain company policies and answer their questions about their products and services. In negotiations, it is crucial to communicate effectively to ensure you achieve your goals.
Effective communication is also important within a business. It can help foster positive relationships with colleagues and managers, which can improve efficiency and morale.
Success in any conversation is likely to be achieved through both parties listening to and understanding each other. It also helps to consider the circumstances surrounding your communications, such as the situational and cultural context. Some key communication skills that can build positive interpersonal relationships include:
Personal awareness skills that help with communication include:
As you’ll learn in our communicating with influence course, strong communication skills can be critical to successful business dealings. And research has shown that non-verbal behaviours make up a large percentage of our daily interpersonal communication. Here are some tips on how to read some of these, which will enhance your ability to communicate more effectively.
People communicate in a variety of ways, including non-verbally and these signals often convey important information that is not put into words. They include gestures, eye contact, posture, tone of voice and body movements.
The word “incongruent” essentially means conflicting, and in terms of communication refers to an individual’s words not matching their non-verbal behaviours. For example, someone communicating that they are happy, but frowning and staring at the ground at the same time. These behaviours can give insights into unspoken moods, emotions and thoughts.
An individual’s tone of voice can convey a wealth of information, from disinterest and anger to enthusiasm. Tone can also be an effective way of amplifying a message and emphasising ideas. For example, if you want to show genuine interest in something, expressing enthusiasm by using an animated voice will not only convey your feelings about a topic but help generate interest in those who are listening to you.
Good eye contact is another essential non-verbal communication skill. If individuals fail to have eye contact, it can seem as though they are evading or trying to hide something. Conversely, too much eye contact can come across as being intimidating or confrontational. So how do you know how much is appropriate? Some communication experts recommend intervals of eye contact lasting four to five seconds, but ultimately, to be effective, it should feel comfortable and natural to you and those you are communicating with.
If you are confused about another person’s non-verbal signals, ask questions. A useful strategy is to repeat back your interpretation of what has been said and ask for clarification. Examples include:
“So what you are saying is that …”
“Do you mean that we should …”
“What I’m hearing is that you think …”
For example, a person might be giving off certain non-verbal signals because they have something else on their mind. By inquiring further into their intent and their message, you might get a better idea of what they are really trying to say.
Both verbal and non-verbal communication work together to convey a message. Body language can be used to reinforce and support your spoken communication. This is particularly valuable when speaking to a large group of people or when making a presentation. For example, if you want to appear prepared and confident during a presentation, focus on sending non-verbal signals that show you are capable and self-assured. These include keeping your shoulders back, standing firmly in one place, and keeping your weight balanced on both feet.
Another important aspect of good non-verbal communication skills involves being able to take a more holistic approach to what an individual is communicating. A single gesture can mean any number of things, or maybe even nothing at all. The key to reading non-verbal behaviour is to look for multiple signals that reinforce a common point.
When communicating with others, always consider the context and situation in which the communication occurs. Some situations require more formal behaviours that might be interpreted very differently in another setting. To improve your non-verbal communication, it’s useful to concentrate on ways to make your signals match the level of formality needed for the situation.
Improve your morale, productivity and business relationships with a communicating with influence course such as our Communicate with Influence.
Marketing is a diverse and creative profession, and there’s never a dull moment. So, if you’re considering a new career that will ignite your imagination, this might be for you.
However, if you are serious about a career in marketing, there are many skills that you must acquire to secure your first job in this ever-evolving and exciting industry.
Marketing involves many tasks and processes that combine to build a business or brand by understanding customers, identifying needs and developing products of services to meet those needs.
Many skills lead to a successful career in marketing, but the following seven are at the top of the list. So, if you have these skills – well, done! If not, don’t despair because most of them can be taught quite simply through online courses that will bring you up to speed.
Communication skills are vital in the marketing profession. As a marketing professional, you will be required to use your exception written and verbal communication skills to convey ideas, create narratives and invoke feelings in creative ways.
Interpersonal communication is also part of the marketing skills mix that will enhance your ability to work with clients, customers and colleagues to execute marketing projects collaboratively and successfully.
The ability to use influence and negotiate is another of the essential marketing skills that employers in the marketing industry value. When you work in marketing, you will be part of large, collaborative marketing projects that involve multiple teams and many clients.
When you learn to be influential, you will naturally encourage others to think outside the box and look at the world from a different perspective, which encourages creativity.
If you learn the power of influence and negotiation skills, you will be able to generate interest in your ideas, from colleagues and clients, and have them approved to succeed in marketing efforts.
You can enrol in professional development programs and online courses to bring out your natural ability to influence and negotiate – two essential marketing skills. Take a look at The Power of Influence and The Art of Negotiation offered via a state-of-the-art e-Learning platform at Australian Online Courses.
Technology is increasingly becoming one of the most important marketing skills to master with digital marketing becoming less of a specialty and more of a must-have skill to succeed in an increasingly online market.
Of particular importance is social media marketing and digital marketing skills, which can all be taught through online marketing courses, such as the Certificate of Social Media and Engagement offered online through Australian Online Courses.
Marketing can be a high stress workplace with competing priorities and a multitude of stakeholders to satisfy, which makes stress management one of the important marketing skills to master.
You can develop better stress management techniques through online courses, such as Stress Management, to gain skills, knowledge and coping strategies to control and manage yours and your team’s stress levels in the workplace.
Another of the important marketing skills are analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
These skills are intrinsically linked with technology and digital marketing. The ability to analyse online traffic results, conversion rates, statistics and your aptitude for numbers, graphs, and charts is a valuable marketing skill.
If you want to work in marketing, you need good business sense and develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills because they are intrinsically connected to business goals.
Do you consider yourself a creative person? Creativity and imagination are two important marketing skills, and probably the only ones that can’t be implicitly taught.
However, you can hone those skills by taking on creative projects that bring out your creative side. There are many online courses in the creative fields that will test and develop your creative potential.
As with most professions, the ability to organise and plan will be imperative to succeed in marketing. Organisation and planning are marketing skills that will be integral to developing marketing campaigns and strategies that require you to manage your time well and prioritise work to enhance yours and your team’s productivity.
As with most marketing skills, this one can be learned. You can enrol in a short online course in time-management to gain this essential skill.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or are transitioning from an entirely different industry if you can demonstrate a willingness to learn these important marketing skills you will project a ‘go-getter’ mentality that employers find extremely attractive.
It’s not easy to start a new career, especially when you have family and financial commitments. Online courses are an ideal way to gain the skills you need to start a new career in marketing while you’re still working in your current job or taking care of personal commitments.
The flexibility of online courses makes them an ideal way to retrain or upskill in your own time without the pressure of deadlines.
So, if you want to change the course of your career or start a new one, let Australian Online Courses guide you with a state-of-the-art e-Learning platform and superior student support to gain essential marketing skills that employers will value.
Certificate of Marketing Communications
If you’re looking for an online training provider that offers quality content, reasonable course fees and superior student support, choose Australian Online Courses for your professional development.
Visit online to discover hundreds of industry-approved, flexible, online courses covering almost every industry sector. Or you can contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.
