Business of the Month April 2014

Business of the Month This month we visit Print It Yourself and find out more about the person behind the business.

April 2014

Tell us about the person behind the business : My name is Mel and I guess I have always been creative. As long as I can remember, I have made things from anything I can find. Dollhouses as big as me out of cardboard boxes, photo frames out of cardboard (which my mum still has on her fridge) cards and more that I can not remember. I must have a creative mind to make so many things from whatever is around. But I suppose it has all led me to where I am today and for that i am thankful as I really love what I do.

Tell us about your business : Print It Yourself is a sister website to Perth Design Web and Print. The PDWP name has sort of become a Business 2 Business design business and after having many friends and customers requesting custom party invitations and cards and my range of wall prints, I decided to open a seperate website for the sale of my designs online. PIY is the place to go for unique invitations, party stationery, cards and wall prints. I have a printable range available where you can print from home yourself, and if you don’t have time, I also offer a Print & Post option. PIY is still fairly new and the website is still having products added all the time. I love designing and creating new pieces so keep an eye out on the Facebook page for new product releases.

What do you find to be the hardest part of running your own micro business? : Time management!! Trying to find time to run three businesses from home, as well as coach gymnastics on Wednesday afternoons, take our daughter to modelling on Thursday afternoons, go remote control car racing with the family on Friday afternoons, manage the football club kitchen on Saturdays, keep the house clean, keep the kids fed and entertained and do everything else a mum has to do, is very hard to manage time. But, somehow I do it and I love every minute of it. I am trying to outsource some jobs and delegate tasks so i don’t have so much on my plate and I think it’s working.

Do you have a support network to keep you motivated? : My clients and customers are my support network. Without them referring my services to people they know, I wouldn’t be here. Word of Mouth is by far the biggest form of praise I can receive and it keeps me motivated to continue on with my business.

What makes your business stand out from the rest? : I would say it’s the service and of course my awesome pricing. I aim to provide the best service from start to finish of any project. You can be assured my prices are competitive and of the best prices around for similar designs and products.

Do you have any specials or best sellers? : Current best sellers are the invitations...There is always a birthday happening somewhere and people are always looking for something quirky, colourful and unique.

Do you have a top tip to other micro businesses starting out? : Oooh plenty!!! Where do I start?

1. Be patient – Typically it takes a small business up to 5 years to become established and start seeing a profit. It did for mine but it all depends on your idea, your budget and your determination to make it work.

2. Determination – Be dedicated and determined to make an effort in your business.

There are many hats to wear and it can get overwhelming.

3. Learn the tricks of the trade – Accounting, Book keeping, marketing, promotions, Manager, Office person, Customer Service...all of these are things you have to do in your business and by knowing some tricks and tips, you can save time and money by doing it yourself.

4. Don’t give up! No matter who knocks you down or tells you, you can’t do it...never give up.

Do you have a special offer for Find It Online visitors? : 30% off all designs on the website...Mention code FIO30 in the voucher area of the order form.

CONTACT DETAILS Name : Mel Smith Business Name : Print It Yourself Website : www.printityourself.com.au Facebook : www.facebook/printityourselfperth Twitter : N/A Other : N/A Contact Phone : 0413 036 206 Suburb : Seville Grove Email Address : info@pdwp.com.au State : WA