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Business Mentoring Archives - Natalie Crowe Designs | Web Design Company Australia

Category Archives: Business Mentoring

WordPress Website Designer

WordPress Website Designer WordPress Specialist Australia | Wordpress

Setting up a new WordPress website and growing your presence online can be challenging, however it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what is going to be right for you and the complex task of having to wade through the plethora of options available can be daunting.  This is where connecting with a WordPress Website Designer or WordPress Specialist can be of great benefit.

Natalie Crowe of Natalie Crowe Designs helps you take the hassle out of tackling technology.

Natalie is a WordPress Website Designer & Online Business Mentor in the Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia. She works with clients all over the world as a WordPress Specialist and offers a range of WordPress website packages to suit any budget.

With her WordPress Website Packages starting from $880 + GST ( $968) Natalie’s NCD Starter Website package includes a custom built 5 page website, 12 months website hosting and domain and includes taking care of the monthly backups and WordPress updates for your first 12 months.

To find out more about NCD Starter Website here.

Cheap WordPress Website Design doesn’t always mean value for money. However, Natalie Crowe Designs has you covered for affordable website package prices, reliability, experience and down to earth customer service.

Whether you are:

  • looking to get a new WordPress Website,
  • needing WordPress Website Technical Support or
  • wanting WordPress Website help,

Natalie Crowe Designs is more than happy to help.

You can explore Natalie’s full range of WordPress Website Packages via her Website Prices page.

So, you can enquire directly via our Contact Us page or pop on over to our Facebook page  Natalie Crowe Designs Facebook page.

WordPress is a robust content management system that you can create virtually anything. 

Therefore, you are only limited by your imagination.  

And with the help of Natalie Crowe Designs anything can be achieved.

Reviewing my last 10 years in business | Web Design Cessnock

10 Year Review | Natalie Crowe Designs | Web Design Cessnock , Web Design Hunter Valley, Web Design Maitland

3650 days of life and business lessons!

Wow! Wow! Wow! As we come to the closure of a decade and 2020 rolls on in. It’s amazing to take a look back at where we’ve come from and where we’re going in business. 3650 days?!  What did we do with them all?

The last 10 years have altered and changed my course tremendously. I’ve seen highs and lows in my personal life and business however the continual indicators show I’m onto a good thing here.

Business is growing, I’m busier than I’ve ever been. I’ve established myself and my brand as a strong local contender in various communities both online and offline and most importantly I’m enjoying the process and as I always intended… I’m HELPING people. Win Win!

Do you need website help? Web Design Cessnock | Web Design Maitland, Web Design Hunter Valley

Adapting to change – Same Great Services

Whilst technology has definitely changed and we’re more mobile or responsive device focused, the decade of instant gratification, social media and being able to find pretty much anything from the palm of your hand in a matter of seconds, has meant as a business owner we’ve needed to be adaptive and responsive to our clients needs.

 
Whilst much has change, we’ve built onto our service and have continued to offer the same great services only with more experience as a web designer and business mentor . These services include:  
  • Building new websites,
  • Improving existing websites,
  • Specialising in WordPress Websites,
  • Offering Website Help, Technical Support and Training,
  • Providing Website Management and monthly update packages,
  • Helping you get found through Search Engine Optimisation,
  • Engagement Marketing,
  • Provision of Hosting and domains,
  • Social Media setup and management
  • &  so more.
One of our primary aims of diversifying into these various elements is so that when you become a client of Natalie Crowe Designs, we offer a one stop shop.  Whether you’re in need someone to demystify the technological side of having a website or you just need a website expert to take care of things for you. We’ve got you covered.
 

Events that have shaped Natalie Crowe Designs

10 years is such a massive timeframe, and with the diversity of events that have occurred; some of them big, some of them small, all of them have contributed to the person I am and who I’ve become and how my business has evolved.

  • From deciding I wanted to help people with their websites and shaping that into a tangible business idea as a means of supporting myself, then that need and desire growing with the birth of my daughter.
  • Having to re-establish my life in the Hunter Valley, after an 8 year relation dissolving and continuing to make a living, working through Family Courts / Custody Battle that set me back $25k+ in legal fees all whilst simultaneously keeping our heads above water. My business supported us.

Web Design Cessnock | Web Design Maitand | Web Design Australia

An old Facebook Image  Also Used as a slideshow image from our website in 2015 celebrating 7 years in business.


  • Through moving 7 times before eventually generating & saving enough money through my business and finding a bank that would accept me as a self employed business owner, and validate that my business was more than a hobby in order to purchase our own home in the Hunter Valley.
  • To, continuing my studies getting additional qualifications and improving myself and expanding my services from not only WEB DESIGN but to BUSINESS MENTORING evolving my business into a one stop shop.
  • To supporting hundreds of local businesses over the years and through the growth and trajectory of my business being able to contribute to countless causes in our local community, donating thousands of dollars to help people get back on their feet, and utilise my experience to better themselves.
  • To finding the love of my life, having same sex marriage laws passed and to being able to get married which for the most part was funded by my ability to generate an income and paid outright which meant we didn’t have to go into debt to be able to bring our family together to celebrate our union.  Something I was so ecstatic about in 2018. 

I am so grateful and proud of each and every moment and what I’ve overcome to create a life that I love and a business that supports me and my goals.  Acknowledging, not all of these things are solely business related but they were possible due to my business or have have contributed as pieces of the puzzle that’s formed the Natalie Crowe Designs of today.


2020 – A year of continuing to offer enormous value & honouring my self worth

In 2020, I’ll be working closely on my message, whilst wanting to help people hasn’t changed, I have spent a great deal of time analysing my business and one thing is clear, I always go above and beyond. My clients are the most important part of my business but at times I’ve found myself over extending, over delivering and ultimately to my own detriment burning out.

$30,000 in uncollected payments, donations, volunteer work and unpaid accounts.

‘There’s always more’ mentality and my generosity can often get the better of me.  It’s been a few years now, but prior to our hourly price increase of $80/hr the tally of discounts alone given to the community in one 12 month span equated to close to $30,000!!

At the time I couldn’t even fathom that I’d discounted developments or not collected payments, volunteered a multitude of hours through that year / completed unpaid work, however it was clear, come the end of the year how burnt out and exhausted I was, how disappointed I felt not attaining the goals I’d set and how much that $30,000 would have made a difference in my life at the time if I’d only honoured my selfworth and trusted that my effort and contributions to all of these amazing causes was worth receiving payment.

Your time is worth the money & you are worthy of payment:

My aim for 2020 will be to shape my business in a way that still delivers enormous value for my beautiful clients, however values my worth, my time, my contributions and supports and nurtures healthy boundaries.

This year, will be the year that will enable me to set and reach my goals and still allows me to honour myself, avoid massive burnout that I’ve experience in the past and also enable be me carve out time to create new products and services, study further, connect with all of you and improve what I can offer you as a part of my web design and business mentoring services.

What to expect as of January 2020

In summary, 2020 will still very much be a year of service, I’m still going to offer the same amazing customer service, delivering enormous value through my products and services and doing my very best to continue to help and support your businesses in the best ways I know how.

I’ll be restructuring my pricing and packages a little to ensure that I’m honouring my boundaries,  however most of the modifications will be behind the scenes and all be it that it sounds a little confronting, I am enormously excited for the factor that implementing these new strategies will mean I’m utilising my time and resources better and I essentially will be able to engage and support more business owners and causes whilst simultaneously supporting and honouring myself.

I can not wait to share the progress of 2020 with you. From works in progress, completed projects, to resources and tools, tips and insights, causes and community events we’re getting behind and so much more.

If I can be of any assistance moving forward to help you establish and grow your online presence, provide website help and support please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

To have a chat about your requirements and start moving forward with your goals in 2020.


I would LOVE to arrange a FREE 30 Minute discovery call with you to discuss your options and help you get your goals underway!

Send a message via the form below or feel free to give me a call on 0423285233.

Natalie Crowe Designs
Web Design & Business Mentoring

The Importance of working ON your business as well as IN it!

Importance of working ON your business as well as IN it | Business Mentoring Hunter Valley

Business Tip:  Make time to Work ON your business as well as in it!

Hey  guys,
Something I’ve learnt in more than a decade of business as a Web Designer & Business Mentor,  it’s important to work ON your business as well as IN it.  

For me, Working ON and IN my business has had different meanings at different times. However in a nutshell,  if you’re only doing one not the other you run the chance of creating imbalance or feast and famine in your business.

So what on earth am I talking about ?

WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS:

Working ON your business could include things to improve your business and gain more exposure:

  • Writing a blog post
  • Sharing an update on your social pages
  • Planning out content for your website
  • Creating ideas of how to market your business
  • Making changes to your website
  • Doing product or service research

WORKING IN YOUR BUSINESS:

Whereas, working IN your business usually includes doing the tasks to make revenue:

  • Creating your product or service
  • Engaging with your customers about their orders
  • Following up on accounts/ collecting payment
  • Tasks that are needed to keep your business ticking

Because every business is different. Finding that perfect balance between: Doing enough Marketing VS. Selling / Making / Delivery enough products or services, can be challenging.

Here’s a couple of things you can do:

  1. Schedule time in your diary at least once a month, ideally if you can, once a week , to work ON your business. Look at ways to grow your following, market your business and look at how you can improve the business – what information do your prospects need to know right now?
  2. Whilst you’re working IN your business keep a running list of things you could do – sometimes it can be hard to come up with ideas in the moment so keeping a list of ideas can be super helpful.
  3. Keep track of your progress. After you’ve spent time working ON your business take 5 minutes to summarise and track your progress in a journal – today’s  session I did XYZ and I had these additional ideas.    So next time you go to sit down and work on your business you’ll have a starting point rather than having to reinvent the wheel again.

Business Mentoring Hunter Valley | Australia

One of the many things I love about my business is that it allows me to help you with things just like this!   Working ON your business can be a little daunting and it’s great to have someone who has a technical background however is down to earth and can help you overcome obstacles.

If you’d like to have a chat about your business and see how we can work together on your business to help market and grow your business, please visit our Contact Us page or send me a message via our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/nataliecrowedesigns

Basic Overview of Skype Consultations Setup

Natalie Crowe Designs Skype Mentoring Info

Before our session via SKYPE

JUMP TO : Downloading SkypeInstallation / Setup an account |   Logging into your account & connecting.

General  Overview:

As your website designer and business mentoring here in Australia, I’ve found the most efficient way to offer my knowledge and experience is to connect with my clients via an online video and call program.   After testing a few different services, we found that Skype was going to be a long term cost effective solution. Skype is FREE to setup an account and use, and would mean we’d be able to continue supporting our clients post completion of their website with technical support and website help. It also meant that we were no longer limited to local business services and we’re not working with clients world wide and have taken on twice as many clients as of 2015.

I’ve completed a dedicated page for SKYPE MENTORING which you can find out more about the type of things we’d cover during a session and more details about pricing.  However, as general rule of thumb Skype Consultations / Skype Mentoring  is $80/hr or if you’re looking to meet more frequently we can tailor packages to suit your requirements.  However let’s dive right in and overview what we’ll be covering in this post.   

This post specifically covers the basic installation and setup of Skype on your computer.   Whilst the installation process is virtually the same for any device, we recommend installing on your computer / laptop as it makes it easier to connect and creates consistency with training materials etc.    Windows PC is my personal preference however I do have Apple Devices which I can make reference for you should you rather apple.


DOWNLOADING SKYPE SOFTWARE:

We’ll need to install the software on the computer so we can connect.

To download the software and get started

  • Go to https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/
  • Click the “blue” download button  – usually says something like “Get Skype for Windows”Download your copy of Skype software to your computer
  • Follow the prompts to download the installation file to your computer
    Normally it will ask you to save the file like this:
    Save the Skype Executable file to your computer and install
  • Once the file is downloaded, you’ll need to run the installation.  Generally you’ll get a notification the file has finished downloading or you can just go to your Downloads Folder and fine the new file.  This is usually done by double clicking  the file on your computer and follow the prompts to get the program installed.

INSTALLATION / SETTING UP A SKYPE ACCOUNT:

We’ll need to create a skype account. You can do this using a Microsoft Account or using any email. If you’ve already got a Skype account, you can skip this section and go straight to logging in.

After you’ve installed the software it’ll give you the option to signup for an account. However I’ve found it’s just easier to go and setup the account via the website.

To setup an account:

  • Got to https://go.skype.com/signup
  • I prefer using email address rather than your phone number for logging in.
    So if you click “Use your email instead”  and follow the prompts.
    Setting up a FREE Skype Account using your email address
  • You’ll answer some questions and configure setup a username and a password.
    Which you’ll use to login to the Skype Software

LOGGING TO SKYPE & Connecting with Natalie Crowe Designs:

Once you’ve installed the software it’s a matter of double clicking the icon on your desktop to open the program.  It’ll then ask you for login details.

Type in your login information and it’ll connect.

The last step here is you’ll either search for NatalieCroweDesigns or let me know what email address you used and I’ll look you up and connect with you.

Natalie Crowe Designs Skype Mentoring Info

* Prices are in Australian Dollars and subject to change.

Looking for help with your website? | Web Design Australia

Affordable Website Help in Hunter Valley, Website Package Pricing Web Design Australia

Web Design Australia | Looking for help with your website?

Natalie Crowe Designs offers affordable website help.

Struggling with your website? Natalie Crowe Designs is a website design company australia offering affordable website package pricing and down to earth business mentoring.

We are based in the Hunter Valley near Cessnock, Maitland, Singleton and Newcastle and work with clients all over the world.

We primarily work with WordPress Websites however have 11 years experience working with a range of systems and would be happy to offer assistance regarding any website issues you may be having.

We tailor packages to your requirements, this could include:

  • WordPress Website Maintenance – Backing up your website and completing routine updates to core WordPress, plugins and themes
  • Content Changes and Content Writing
  • Search Engine Optimisation – basically getting you in front of the right people at the right time, whether that be local listings, accessing a page on your website or social media
  • Social Media Management – primary Google My Business & Facebook
  • Skype Business Mentoring: General Business Mentoring from getting clear on your ideas and what you’re wanting to achieve through to general business management and clarifying your vision and strategies. 

Tell me a little bit more about Skype Business Mentoring:

Skype business mentoring uses the online tool that makes meetings a breeze. You can meet with me in the comfort of your own home at a time that’s suitable for you to discuss things that matter to you.   The Skype program itself is used to make voice and video calls, send files – one of the major functionalities I adore – is the”share screen” for training purposes.  Best of All Skype is free to use. You’ll simply download the Skype application from Skype.com and install it on your device –  (ideally your computer) however it does run on other smaller handheld devices like your mobile phone. You’ll then either create a free account or login to an existing account and connect with us by searching for “NatalieCroweDesigns” or providing your details and we’ll connect with you.   

Skype Business Mentoring is a lot more flexible and cost effective as we no longer have to charge for travel and it means we can meet with more clients either during the day or evening depending on your requirements. 

Skype mentoring allows us to go through content more thoroughly, you can connect with me and discuss your ideas, obstacles you’re having and how to overcome them. We also provide online training one on one and can offer website help troubleshooting problems or addressing issues.  A great example could be  around using the “share screen” functionality which allows you to actually show me first hand what is happening for you and allows me to offer assistance. Perhaps you’re getting an error message on your website or even just on your computer. I can work with you to address the issue.

My primary focus here is to help you with your websites and business. If I can be of any assistance, feel free to send an enquiry via our request a quote page  or contact us today on 0423285233

 

We’re back in the office full time as of 30th January! | Small Business Website Australia

Back To School Means Back to Work | Taking on new Small Business Websites Australia

BACK TO SCHOOL – MEANS YAY!!!!

We’re back to work full time!

With the end of January coming to a close,  we’ve been tying off the loose ends of what has been an exceptionally busy January developing website  for clients in the Hunter Valley, Australia.  

Although much humor came from conversations through-out social media – with many of our clients and members of the Facebook groups we’re a part of  – calling for January to be dubbed “Free Trial Month” for 2019. 

It seems there are quite a few of our fellow work at home parents; particularly here in Australia with the 6 weeks Christmas Holidays, feeling the pinch of change of routine, others just haven’t quite managed to get started or build moment. 

Natalie Crowe Designs on the other hand – has been quite the opposite!  With NSW School Holidays finishing up tomorrow; 30th of January, and our not so little bundle of joy heading back to school, we step into an another amazing opportunity to help as many clients as possible with their websites and strengthen the support and presence our clients have, and Natalie Crowe Designs is returning to fulltime work in the office.

 

So with that in mind we’re letting everyone know we’re taking new clients in as of 1st of February!

  • Do you need help with your website?
  • Perhaps your website needs a little TLC?
  • Natalie Crowe Designs offers affordable website help & mentoring
  • Contact Us Today for a FREE quote

We’re your friends in the business who genuinely want to see you succeed! Contact Us Today to discuss your options or to request a FREE Quote.

Ruth Crawley Beauty Therapist Heddon Greta | Hunter Valley & Maitland

Ruth Crawley Beauty - Hunter Valley & Maitland | Beauty Therapy

Improving a new client’s existing website:

In September this year we had the pleasure of communicating with the lovely Ruth from Ruth Crawley Beauty.

Ruth had contacted us in regards to her existing website wasn’t performing well on the search engines.  We took some time to review her situation and see how best we were able to assist her.

We noted that although her site did have some optimisations in place it wasn’t drawing enough attention on the search such as Google & Bing. 

Evidence of this was shown when you couldn’t type in any of her service names followed by broader area  locations for example the “Hunter Valley” or “Maitland” opposed to her actual suburb of her  Beauty Studio Heddon Greta, Heddon Greta is only a short drive from Maitland or the Hunter Valley and Ruth’s business wasn’t coming up.

We started working out the best way to improve the situation. We need to add more content connected to Ruth’s site that the search engines could explore that details more in regards to her services and also helped her strengthen her presence online.  

Ruth Crawley Beauty Studio - Website Improvements | Business Mentoring

Web Design & Content Strategy:

We decided to implement A BLOG,  DEDICATED SERVICE pages and implement some SKYPE MENTORING & TRAINING.

  • BLOG – short for Web Log – it’s like an online diary for your business.
    Whilst you don’t necessarily have to write your content from a personal “Dear Diary” type scenario.  However  due to the competitive nature of the beauty industry and the ability to add new content in the form of a blog post, targeted to the type of information that your prospective clients are going to want to read – answering questions they have and demonstrating your wealth of knowledge is truly valuable.

 

  • Dedicated Service Information Pages – Individual pages with dynamic content added
    Clients could then easily share that particular service around via the link or even just key in the search engine the name of a product or service and the service area for example if they were looking for Micro Skin Needling Hunter Valley  or  Microdermabrasion Maitland chances are these dedicated pages are more likely to show up.

 

  • Business Mentoring & Training via SKYPE
    Although Ruth is only a short drive away from my office in Abermain,  the convenient of being able to jump on an program on our computers or phones and have a quick chat,  video call, share files and  my favourite feature – share screen we’re able to do so much more. Share Screen allows you to connect with a Skype user and they allow you to view their  screen or you can share yours. We used this amazing tool during training or to walk you through how to address an issue – ie  completing a tasks you’ve not done before or solving problems that are coming up for you.  It makes it 100% easier, more cost effective and the turn around time is cut down to a 1/4. 

    Ie Ruth needed to know how to do a particular task or reiterate something we’d discussed in our last mentoring session, we quickly connected via Skype and I was able to walk her through the process.   It’s pure genius!  And I LOVE the feature.

 

Ruth Crawley Beauty Maitland & Hunter Valley

You can find out more about Ruth and her services  via her website or visit her on FACEBOOK

Ruth Crawley Beauty Studio provides professional beauty services for the Hunter Valley including Heddon Greta, Maitland, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.

These services include: Micro Skin Needling,  Microdermabrasion, IPL Hair Removal, LED Skin Healing, Manicure & Pedicure, Oxygen Therapy, Spray Tans Services, Facial Therapy, Waxing Services & Peel Treatments

Salon hours:
By appointment only.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Late appointments are available Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
EFTPOS is available.

For appointments phone:
0438 279 099.

3 Top Tips for getting UNSTUCK

My 3 steps to getting unstuck:

1. BRAIN DUMP

2.DECIDE  & ACT

  • Sift through your list and decide on up to 3 tasks. 
  • Set timer and work for 33 minutes, Take a 6 minute break
  • Rinse & Repeat

3. REWARD & CELEBRATE YOUR WINS

  • What’s something you could reward yourself with today ?
  • This doesn’t have to be elaborate – could be a COFFEE or a new book /stationary, Longer Hot Shower, To go somewhere nice to have lunch.  Sit out in the sun for half an hour for lunch break. Take the dog for a walk or the kids to the park after work etc.  Simple things.

STEP ONE
– Create mental space  to process:

Brainstorming Exercise / Brain Dump – Clear the mental clutter:

Things you’ll need:

  • Timer  – You can use your phone  or actual timer
  • Either our NCD Brainstorming Worksheet or just a piece of paper
  • Pen / writing apparatus

 

Let’s do this! BRAIN DUMP

Print out a few of your worksheets or grab a few pieces of paper and write 1 to 10 down the side.

Set your timer  to 5, 10 or 15 minutes and  once you turn on the time proceed to write out as many ideas as possible until that time stops – DO NOT STOP WRITING until the timer goes off.

The purpose of the activity to to write down ANYTHING that comes up in that timeframe. It doesn’t have to be solely business.   Your ideas DO NOT  have to be thought out or coherent. Just get them down on paper.

It could be :

  • Must order stock,
  • Book an appointment, 
  • Do the dishes,
  • Call Cynthia about XYZ,
  • Feed the cat. 
  • Ideas for content for your blog
  • Business ideas..

ANYTHING that’s holding space in your mind.

Once the time goes off – take a minute catch your breath, and check out all of the notes you’ve put down.   Even if you completed this for several days; you could potentially come up with 100s of ideas to work through. Granted not all of them are going to be usable or practical  but it’s now clear space in your mind. 


STEP TWO
– Decide & Take Action:

What can you start working towards today?

Things you’ll need:

Let’s do this! DECIDE & ACT

Take a look down your list.   What 3 TASKS can you start working on today?

Note – If there is nothing on that list that’s worthwhile working on.  Rinse and Repeat Step 1  – Brainstorming “What can I work on today?”

Write down your 3 TASKS  so you’re clear on what it is.

33 Minutes On and 6 Minutes OFF 

Your brain works in funny ways and we’re wanting to harness it’s capacity. You focus better when you’re on a timer and you know that you’re working towards a goal.

Our goal today “How much can I get done of Task 1 / 2/ 3 in 33 minutes.

Obviously you can repeat this process multiple times for each task. But it’s having a structure to follow that delivers results.

WORK TIME – 33 Minutes GO GO GO!

  • Set your timer to 33 minutes. 
  • Leave your timer where you can see it.
  • Get stuck into the work you need to do for that task.

When the timer goes off its BREAK TIME!!  Well done for sticking to your agreement. 

BREAK TIME – 6 Minutes GO GO GO!
Now reset your time to 6 minutes .

Go do something physical:

  • Go get a coffee.
  • Go to the bathroom.
  • Walk outside. 
  • Take a breather.

When the timer for the 6 minutes is up.  Head back to the office.  Start again.

RINSE AND REPEAT :

  • WORK TIME – 33 Minutes GO GO GO!
  • BREAK TIME – 6 Minutes GO GO GO!

STEP THREE
– Reward yourself / Acknowledge your efforts:

Celebrate your wins! Be proud of yourself – Enjoy your reward.

Even if you DIDN’T get everything finished today.  Even if you only worked through 1 or 2 task on your list.   The mere fact that you showed up and followed through with your decision and took action is AMAZING.  You totally deserve your chosen reward  and you should definitely celebrate your wins!!

If you did take action today  we’d love to hear about it.  We have dedicated FACEBOOK GROUP for like minded business owners and we’d LOVE for you to share your news!

Natalie Crowe Designs Business Support Group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncdsupport/
  Easy going Website Design & Business Mentoring

If you’d be interested in discussing your options for Business Mentoring or getting some assistance with your website and online presence please feel free to pop us a message via the CONTACT US page,  add us to skype: NatalieCroweDesigns OR instant message our Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/nataliecrowedesigns

Looking for more than just a website designer | Hunter Valley

Easy going Website Design & Business Mentoring

Down to earth Website Designer & Website Help

Hello there lovely,

Nat here, I just thought I’d  stop by the blog and do a little heart to heart post.

It’s 1:52am on Thursday morning.

I’m writing this whilst the thought is fresh in my mind.  Armed with an Ovaltine Hot Chocolate embracing the early hours of the morning – some find it strange, but it’s my optimum working time and most uninterrupted creative period and to be honest when you work with clients all over the world.  You adapt to difference in timing.

I’ve actually been busily working through my ideas on how best I could help others…

Whilst I am working with a heap of clients at the moment…  I want to help more… I want to do more… I want to support more people…

I’ve been in business for 10 years and I’ve worked with 100s of business owners to improve and grow their businesses over this time. 

I have worked with all types of businesses, all types of business owners and all types knowledge and experience.

From business owners who have absolutely no tech experience, through to those who are competent, and all the way back to the experts who just don’t have time to work on their websites and grow their presence.

I spend a great deal of my time working with  and mentoring / training individuals on how to get the most out of their websites. How to get their target market’s attention and to cope with those changes.

Change is inevitable but accepting it is another story…  I help my clients cope with change.

I honestly LOVE the diversity that my business brings… 

Some days I’ll work with corporate clients… it’s very structured and formal in how we operate.. Whilst my style of support doesn’t change, it’s shaped more specifically around collared shirts, procedures and structure.

Other days I’ll have Skype mentoring with clients who grab a cuppa and have chat around what’s happening for them… what goals are they trying to achieve and how we can use the technology in front of them to grow and strengthen their business.

My line of work is SO diverse… Websites are great… I love being able to build infrastructure behind a business. The ins and outs of how it all comes together and how much of an impact it makes… not only for the client, for their family, their clients and the community.

However more often than not, those clients who are regular clients, come to me with the obstacle of needing a website or having a website they’re not happy with… and  are looking for more in their website designer – more support… more guidance and more connectivity than just being a number to some big corporation… 

I LOVE the fact that I AM able to offer that Down To Earth connection and support myself and my family whilst I do something I love.. 

I LOVE the diversity, I LOVE how I’m able to work with so many varied experiences. That looking past all of the stereotypical focus on presentation and “this is what business looks like”…  You must  talk this way, look this way, act this way to be socially accepted. Which is WRONG….

When it boils down to it… Most home based businesses or business start-ups began from humble beginnings.. 

Each business owner at one point or another said ENOUGH is ENOUGH…. taking their own story, their own experiences and their own gifts to impart in the own hands and doing something about it.

I can tell you right now…  That’s NOT how it works..  diversity and difference is a wonderful thing and I find my clients become very comfortable with the factor, I’m honest, realistic and no frills…  

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the corporate ladder and still can “kick it” with the formal business… but I know damn well that my super customers or customers who generally mesh well; with me and my personality, are business owners – who aren’t fixated on what stereotypical business looks like…

However they ARE wanting genuine support, guidance and someone to hear them out, hold the space and help them work through their obstacles..

I get it… I started my business too from that place. I know what it’s like to have to find means to support your family, keep food on the table and roof over your head.  I too got to the point where I said  ENOUGH is ENOUGH….

I get it that you’ve got big dreams, I understand you have a whole lot of responsibility and I’m all to familiar with the idea that you have very little time carved out to dedicate to you and your goals…. 

Whether your challenges consist of any one or more of the following – then I hear you:

  • You’re a Stay at home parent – with desires to improve your lifestyle.
  • You’ve got a business idea but not sure how to implement it.
  • You’ve got heavy responsibilities from family, child wrangling &/or love ones.
  • You’re currently only on a single income stream and struggling.
  • You’re starting from scratch and wanting help to lay solid foundations.
  • You’re unhappy with the way things currently are in your life  and want some help moving forward. .
  • You’re feeling stuck, you’ve got solid ideas of what you want but not sure how to get there.
  • You keep getting in your own way. Knowing what you “need” however get stuck instead of “doing”
  • Struggling to make ends meet day in and day out.
  • Have an established business but want more from that business.
  • Have ideas and goals for growing your business but need someone to support you and provide accountability
  • Not supported by those around you and need a sounding board.
  • Goals and ambitions for your business and not sure where to start.

At some point or another in the last decade of being in business I’ve been there too, as have many of my existing clients.  We’ve together, overcome many of those obstacles and moved towards a much happier, healthier and abundance outcome and I couldn’t imagine my life and my work any other way.

Paws Up… Who needs help with their website or business?
Web Design & Business Mentoring Hunter Valley

If you think you’d like to discuss your options with regards to your websites and how best to get from where you are now to where you want to be.  Please feel free to send Natalie Crowe Designs a message via our Contact Us Page or connect with me us through the various mediums available:

Down to earth Skype Business Mentoring Hunter Valley

Hi there! My name is Natalie Crowe from NatalieCroweDesigns.com.au, I operate a website design and mentoring business.  I’m based in the Hunter Valley NSW, Australia and I work with clients all over the world to build their online presence as well as grow their businesses.

I’m putting this little video together to provide an introduction to a new services or an adaptation to my existing business mentoring service we offer clients through the use of SKYPE; an application that’s available on phones and computers which you can make web calls, share files and video with a caller.

After working with a number of my clients and in my own business, it can be really difficult to separate what is just business and what is life, as a self employed work at home parent, I understand times those “boundaries”  can get pretty murky.. where one starts and stops is not always clear, through in a mix of kids, or family or just life… and then business and making a living.. It can definitely be a juggling act…

The “business mentoring” service on offer usually encapsulate all of that and more… Whilst those things aren’t business they still impact you.. and they are still a part of your life…  I aim to provide you with a support service to move you forward in your business goals, but acknowledge that there is going to be “life” adventures along the way…

My aim is to utilise the wide skill-set I have to help get you from where you are to where you want to be.

I’m a 29 31 year old work at home parent, I have my beautiful 8 11 year old daughter full-time.  I started my 1 month before she was born. So believe me when I say I can relate to what it’s like raising a family and building a business from scratch.   

My Hunter Valley Based Businesses:

I now own a couple of different faucets of my business, I have my two service businesses which offer website design and mentoring and I operate another product based business (Natalie Crowe Designs Crystals) 6 months of the year which sells crystals – semi precious stones and gifts, online and through local markets in the Cessnock and Hunter Valley area.. [ However due to an accident, I’ve now suspended trading and focusing on my website design & business mentoring clients

My Skills and Knowledge:

I have completed a bunch of courses in relation to business management and personal development courses, I studied youth work through TAFE as well website design and development diploma.

I have a great deal of knowledge in regards to setting up businesses online, including social media, search engine optimisation, marketing, branding etc.

I offer also training and tutorials on how to use the technology we setup as well as custom training tailored around your needs – so for example you’ve got an existing website and you need to learn how to use it. Natalie Crowe Designs offers one on one Skype sessions to do this.

My aim is to be of service. Helping you work out what you want and  how to get there is a passion of mine. I love problem solving and helping my clients do more than just get online..

  • From small business coaching,
  • business planning,
  • Personal Development,
  • streamlining business processes,
  • clarifying visions,
  • goal setting
  • implementation of action plans 
  • and so much more.

I’m your girl!

You are not alone in business! 

The idea that no matter what stage of business you are in, sometimes you just need a sounding board, some guidance accountability and some help to get your ideas out of your head and help you implement them.

From the words of my existing clients – some call it “hand holding”  – others say they “no longer have to go it alone”.  It can be such a relief knowing that when you get stuck you can pick up the phone or send a message and say HELLLLLP I’m stuck..   and we can work through it.

Whilst I don’t pretend to have all the answers, I do have a passion for helping people,  a keen sense of direction and knowledge on a wide range of topics…   so changes are if I don’t personally have the answer I will direct you to local resources that do..  Just having that sounding board there is such a safety at times and often we just need time to process in order to find a solution.

So how does this down to earth mentoring work? 

You could be anywhere in the world,  We jump on skype and have chat about what’s happening for you.

I’ve setup three session sets of:

  • 60 minute
  • 90 minute
  • & 120 minute sessions

These can be booked in individually on a week to week arrangement or booking in advance on a 3 and 6 weekly sessions plan will receive plan bonuses* .

We’ve updated Session prices start from $80 for a 60 minute session,  $120 for a 90 minute session and  $160 for 120 minute session.

We now also have payment plans setup – and can accept VISA, MASTERCARD and/or PayPal as methods of payment.

For each session, I encourage you to take some time before your session, to make a list of things that are coming up for you or that you’d like work on.

During your session we’ll work out the best direction moving forward for you:
You may like support and mentoring on:

  • Personal Development or business issues
  • Web or technical support – I can work with you to complete various tasks, that you’d like to do – setup your some sort of form, problem solve an error or edit your website.
  • One on one training and tutorials; teaching you how to complete various tasks.  

 

Being in business especially working from home can be very isolating. If you’ve got kids at home it can be even more challenging. So to have that personalized connection and support each week and  that extra time set aside for YOU – it can be so empowering.

I’m here to help, and I am keen to work with anyone who’s interested in the wide range of skills I offer.

As mentioned above, my rates start at $80.00 for an hourly session however we are offering FREE 30 minute Skype sessions to 5 individuals who would like to get started.

Simply contact us:

  • via our website CONTACT US PAGE
  • via email support@nataliecrowedesigns.com
  • via SKYPE – username: NatalieCroweDesigns
  • or via Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/nataliecrowedesigns