MBF President Update January 2026

Hi Everyone,

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,  it was wonderful to have the whole family together to celebrate.

I would like to take this time to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I always find that the start of a New Year brings about a complex mixture of feelings. Excitement at what the new year may hold, but also a little trepidation for exactly the same reason.

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 that 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. We have our longer Forum meetings on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month. Held in the Innovation Hub, at Charles Sturt University, this is where we investigate all sorts of topics at a greater depth.

With 2026 being the Year of the Fire Horse, which is forecast to bring a dynamic energy for freedom, action, innovation and bold changes, with a focus on passion, creativity and breaking new ground. This potent fire horse year encourages leadership, new ventures and personal transformation, but requires balancing intense drive with mindfulness to avoid burnout. What an amazing opportunity for small businesses.

I’m sure that it will be a very interesting year ahead. It’s going to be fascinating to see where we all are by December 2026 and I’m looking forward to some wonderful stories when we look back on the year.

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 18^th 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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