We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Petra Fisher of Petra Fisher Consulting.
Tell us about your business:
I work with entrepreneurs to become visible on LinkedIn so that you attract your dream client.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Fun, Creative, Practical, Global, LinkedIn.
What are your most popular products or services?
Small Group Program and Membership.
What do you like best about owning a business?
That I can pick and choose my clients I (fired two last year). That I set my own times so that I can sleep, walk and read the paper when I feel like it.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I nearly lost my job. When I didn’t, I set up the business as a side hustle, just in case. A few years later I loves my business way more than the job and moved over.
What makes your products/services special?
That I don’t teach people what to do, I do it with you. You get end results and sustainable new habits.
Who is your role model or mentor?
I dunno. But once when ABC Radio called for an interview on the national news (in Australia) I went to my boss to organise his interview. He replied: “I would not be paying you 40K a year if I did not belief you could do your job.” That kind of empowerment is something I strive to pass on to my clients.
What is your biggest fear?
Early 2020 I was really sick. My daily walk was reduced to a slow 6 min stroll and I could not focus to read. That was a nightmare. After 3 weeks I slowly started to recover. But I guess my biggest fear (other than related to my daughter) would be that I can no longer go for walks AND read. To have both of those taken away.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
I just have so much fun when I am working. Creating content, sharing insights and when I work with clients I learn so much about jobs and industries I didn’t even know existed. As an extremely curious being that is good fun.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Ehm… when the man who wanted to stay together forever and have 3 kids together had a change of heart when I was 4 months pregnant never to be seen again.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
It is ok to start as a side hustle, to take your time. It allows you to be picky about the work you do so that you excel and that will build your business.
What is your favourite business book?
There is not one. In the early days I read all the books by Richard Branson, mainly cos I had not even heard about him before that. I’ve since read so many books, even moved over to audible so I can get through a book a week. It all depends what I want to dive into at the time.
What are your top tips for networking?
HA! Wrote a blog about that. I am shy. I won’t walk up to people at networking events. So the day before I look up the attendees and find each one on LinkedIn. If we are already connected I’ll message and say: “I see we are both going tomorrow, hope to see you”. If we’re not connected I send an invite: “I see we are both going to WBII tomorrow, how about we connect here for now and hopefully say hi tomorrow?”. This way there is always someone who’ll come up to me to start a conversation referring back to the message.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
By working when I feel like it (often late at night, unless I have a client in the morning) and walking when I feel like it (generally twice a day).
What is your motto or theme song?
Oh I once had a great answer to this in some FB group, should have taken a screenshot and saved it. So for now I won’t be able to come up with anything better than: “Once I have my cuppa tea I’m ready”.
What are your 3 fav musicians?
Nick Cave, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Birthday Party (= Nick Cave).
How do you relax?
Sleep, walk, read, crochet…
What place inspires you and why?
So many deep questions yet I am such a shallow person. I have no mentor or here, no fav book, no motto and – you guessed it – no special place that inspires me.
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
That my clients grow, not just in their business, but as a person. Get rid of imposer syndrome, see and believe in their own strengths.
What are your future plans?
House/cat sit all over the world and leave my daughter home alone. With the current housing shortage it is not as is SHE is moving out any time soon.
Are you running any offers or promotions that you would like us to mention?
I have an offer in the membership directory on the WBII website, other than that, why not send people to my free resources, that is a great start for anyone: https://petrafisher.com/free-linkedin-resources.
Thank you, Petra!
For more information about Petra Fisher and Petra Fisher Consulting, visit petrafisher.com