Home perfect starting place for some

OPERATING a small business from home need not come at the expense of success.

Home business convert and chairman of the Home Based Business Association of WA, Jose Navarro has been working from home since 1996, first operating a Dog Wash service, before emerging in 1999 as a service provider to the pet grooming and washing industry.

From his Beldon home in the northern suburbs Mr Navarro and partner Angela Navarro export their pet cleaning products around the world through their business Perfect Paws Pty Ltd.

Their products, which range from consumables such as shampoos through to hydro-baths that retail for up to $4,000 each, are sold via their website or catalogue.

Perfect Paws also provides training to those involved in the grooming industry as well as a total pet supplies for pet owners.

The firm is now working with Austrade, through the TradeStart program, to continue to develop its export market, which is still in its infancy.

The company is selling around four to five hydrobaths each month, including some that are fitted out with their own special pet hair drier.

While acknowledging that his firm was now reaching a stage where it was outgrowing the home, Mr Navarro said operating from home had been an important part in the business’ success.

Across the Swan River in Como, Dianne McLeod has been another convert to working from home, operating her business Convention Link. She made the transition in 1987, after 25 years in the travel industry.

Originally establishing herself as an association manager, providing administration and secretariat services to associations such as the Meetings Industry Association of Australia and the WA/New Zealand Business Association, her business evolved into events management and organisation.

“I couldn’t work in an office environment any more than I could fly over the moon,” Ms McLeod said.

She said to be successful, it was important to be very disciplined.

“I don’t go out during the day and do a load of washing or do the gardening. You need to stay focussed on your work,” she said.

She normally starts work at 8am and does not often finish much before 6pm. In fact, it is often much later.