MBF President Update December 2025

Hi Everyone,

I apologise that my newsletter is rather late, my only excuse is multiple markets and Christmas.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you had time to take a break and recharge your batteries ready for 2026. Certainly, for me it was a great time, my daughter and her partner were able to come up to Wauchope for the first time in several years as they managed to adjust work commitments. It was wonderful to have the whole family together to celebrate. An added bonus, is that it’s my daughter's birthday on the 27th Dec, so we were able to celebrate that as well, even though I was working at a market, luck would have it that I was in South West Rocks, so a great place to relax and refresh as well as do my market.

I would like to take this time to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I hope that you get to tick some of the things off your bucket list. As I get older (and wiser??) I realise that life can be too short to put off those things you want to do. Even if the time isn’t right just now, if you can take baby steps towards your goals – whatever they are – it feels so much better than if things are put too much on the back burner. This can apply to all areas of your life, whether it’s your business, your health, your relationships, travel ideas. Just to take one step in the right direction can make a big difference over time. I read a book by Tommy Baker, called the 1% Rule, that made a big difference to me. I was beating myself up as I wasn’t doing all the things that I felt I should be in both my business and for my health. But, after reading that I realised that even little changes – done consistently – can make a huge difference over time. No-one can run a marathon on day one, but over time you can reach your goal. Am I there yet, no, has my business grown and my health improved – yes.

Here at Micro Business Forum, we are committed to helping small business owner take those baby steps towards what they want to achieve in their business/life. Combined we have hundreds, maybe thousands of hours of experience that we are happy to share with you. Over the years I have been with MBF I have picked up numerous tips and tricks that have helped me grow my business, you can as well.

We meet on the second Thursday of the month for our Coffee Connects. Free to come along, just buy your own coffee and come to connect with other small business owners like yourself. You never know what gems you may pick up. On Thursday 8th January we will be meeting at The Loggers Hut Café in Wauchope. Sadly, I can’t make it as I will be away at a market, but there will be plenty of others to chat with. We have our longer Forum meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Held in the Hub, at Charles Sturt University, this is where we investigate all sorts of topics at a greater depth.

Sign up before places go!

Sign up for The Power of Having a Niche

There is no meeting in January, as it’s holiday time, but on Wednesday 18th February, Lyn Richardson, one of our Founder members, will be talking on “The Power of having a Niche”. Also coming up in the next few months, we have top tips for getting your books in order, Technology tips and tricks, Mindfulness and preventing burn out, Things to know about getting a business loan, and so much more. Well worth coming along to see for yourself.

Wishing you all the best for 2026.

Alison Carroll

MBF President

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