Irma’s insight into building a business

SERVICES: Irma Brown Consultancy for Change, Perth

Q Why did you start in business?

A It was a logical follow-on from my professional experiences and the training I have had. I have always been interested in complementary therapies and self management strategies, having used and benefited from them.

Q How did you get where you are?

A Hard work, energy and time. Having a clear idea about what we are able to offer and joining this with the needs of clients is very important.

People need to hear about us, engage our services and experience the benefits, otherwise there is no business.

Q Who else has helped you?

A Support and love from my husband Jack and family has been essential.

Friends and organisations like FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) and GrowBiz have been very helpful.

I have been a member of the FSB for six years and find their services very valuable. I have been on the FSB’s Perth and Kinross branch committee for the last five years.

I also go to their conferences; running your own business can be lonely, and sharing experiences is a great way of learning. It’s also a great opportunity to make politicians and decision-makers aware of the needs of smaller businesses and the important role they play.

Q Your biggest mistake?

A Putting myself under a lot of pressure to do everything and not asking for help.

Also, letting things pile up and then realising there is much more to do than you thought.

I am a lot better now on both scores.

Q Your greatest achievement?

A Being where I am now. With all the ups and downs and big changes I went through, such as leaving my family, friends and job behind in the Netherlands to marry my husband and live in a totally different area, I now feel good about myself and my life.

Also, seeing clients improve when they use our services.

Q What do you hope to achieve?

A Changing the focus of my business from mainly individual work to offering and facilitating more workshops and courses in areas where people often struggle.

Q Do you want to recruit?

A At the moment I don’t want to recruit staff, but I am planning to work in partnership with others.

Q Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?

A If you have an idea and passion for something, prepare yourself well, plan, and think about obstacles and how to overcome them.

In addition, get support: there is a lot of information out there, so there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Also, think about your success and what problems this might cause. But go for it. If you don’t do it, you might regret it later.

Owner Irma Brown talks to Courier Business about the complementary services and therapies business she established in Perth in 2007.