WBS Interview - Liz from Caliba | Womens Business Society

Meet Liz from Caliba
Liz Thompson, owner of Caliba – Design + Branding, is passionate about all things design. Her clients range from International corporates to Startups. She loves working with like minded business owners who are striving to stand out and attract their ideal clients. In addition to this, Liz is involved in various local groups such as the community focused Point Cook Action Group and a business group, Productive Networking. With nearly 20 years design experience and a business owner for 13 years, Liz understands the challenges businesses face with their branding and visual marketing.

Tell us about your business

Caliba is a design and branding business that helps people effectively promote their business through visual branding. I have two distinct target markets. One is the start-up market looking at getting a logo and design package. The second is the corporate market that requires ongoing graphic design work for marketing.

Why and when did you start your own business?
I started my business in 2002 while still working full time. I always had a goal of being my own boss but was reluctant until I had built up a solid client base. I started working for myself primarily in 2010.

What does being a business owner mean to you?
Being a business owner means that I am contributing to my community, I am providing for my family and have the flexibility to work on my own terms.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I have had various business influences over time. Every stage of business and every level brings to you look at new people, set new goals. There is no one person that has propelled my journey but a mixture of many.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I think the fact that I am still in a thriving business is my greatest professional accomplishment. I have had many wins and accolades but without the support of my clients over the years I wouldn’t still be able to do what I love and am passionate about.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Go with your instinct. Don’t worry about what others say, if you are passionate, you will succeed.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Networking has been my most effective marketing tool. Building strong relationships and trust builds your business too. It’s the relationships that propel you along.

What is one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Everyone has different needs and expectations. Never assume.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).
Creative Suite, Xero, Trello

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

Love getting out for hikes with friends and family. Combining exercise with beautiful scenery. Also, getting back into photography which I used to love doing many years ago.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Motivation, dedication, passion

What is a fear you face in business? Have you overcome it? How do you manage fear?
I don’t have many fears in my business. I hope that I choose my clients well and attract the right people to me. If things go south, I try to learn from the experience to stop whatever it was happening again.

What are your top 5 goals you want to achieve by the end of 2016?
More corporate clients, increase communication with my clients, work on some top secret programs?

What makes you happy?
My family, my friends, and my clients

Have you had to make any scarifies whilst running your business? If so, what are they?
Sometimes when I am really busy I have to work weekend and sacrifice time with my family. I have been very conscious of trying and avoiding this but unfortunately, it’s not always how it goes.

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most and why?
I admire anyone who is out there giving it a red hot go. Owning your own business is hard so I admire my fellow business owners for their perseverance and strength and dedication.

Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Hopefully doing what I am now, I love what I do.

What book has inspired you the most? (OR What is your favourite book?)
Rich Dad, Poor dad was the first book that made me excited about being a business owner many, many years ago. It lit the fire in my belly.

How do you measure your success in business?
Success isn’t just monetary, it’s about fulfillment and happiness. I have great clients, consist business and flexibility. How awesome it that!

Do you have kiddies if so how many? And what is their favourite activity to do with you?
I have 1 daughter. We love to sing, read books, tell stories, watch movies and play Barbies.

What is your favourite inspirational quote you would like to share with other WBS members?
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.