I’m Lauren Micale, the proud founder of Bayside Admin & Bookkeeping. Our mission has always been centred around “helping people who help people.” Through our bookkeeping, administration, and business management services, we strive to support small business owners, empowering them to shine in their respective fields and create a better world. Today, I’d like to share my story of collaboration, small business goals, and the joy of helping one another.
The Evolution of Bayside Admin & Bookkeeping:
Back in 2014, when I first started my business, I had just one virtual assistant (VA) client. At that time, I was working towards fulfilling the 1400 hours of experience required to become a registered BAS agent. As I took on more bookkeeping work, fuelled by my love for numbers, I gradually expanded the services offered by Bayside Admin & Bookkeeping. Fast forward to today, and I am proud to say that I am a fully qualified bookkeeper, registered BAS agent, and NDIS Plan Manager with extensive knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Making a Difference:
In 2016, while working with a disability service provider, I realised that supporting people in a different way gave me great work satisfaction. This new understanding led me to become an NDIS Plan Manager, offering assistance to NDIS participants. Word quickly spread within the local NDIS community about the quality service I provided, resulting in additional enquiries from NDIS service providers who needed help with their back-office accounts, bookkeeping, and administration. Collaborating with NDIS service providers allows me to touch the lives of more individuals. This has become my way of making a difference in the world and helping people who help people.
Balancing More Than Just the Books:
One thing that matters to me deeply is striking a work-life balance and spending quality time with my family. I also prioritise attending events at my children’s schools. It’s crucial for me to show my daughters that they can witness Mum being an entrepreneur, smashing goals, and breaking glass ceilings, all while knowing that I am there for them. I want them to grow up seeing me love my work and making a difference in the lives of others. Hopefully, I can inspire them to find work that brings them satisfaction and pride. It’s essential for them to understand that they can create a balanced life on their terms.
In keeping with this value of balance, I extend the same flexibility to my team members. We have open discussions about their needs and circumstances, ensuring that we create an environment that supports their personal and professional growth. I also strongly believe in outsourcing tasks that fall outside of our expertise. By working with a collaborative team of consultants, I have support in areas like marketing, graphic design, and branding. This allows us to have a more significant impact and help even more people, without overwhelming ourselves by trying to wear all the hats in the business.
Networking and the Power of Collaboration:
While I identify as a massive introvert, those close to me know that I am always encouraging and inspiring friends and colleagues to chase their dreams. Being a cheerleader for those I care about is deeply ingrained in my values, as I am driven to help people who help people. Initially, networking events were challenging for me, but now I see them as opportunities to share the incredible work that my clients do. The world needs to hear their messages and experience their services. I’ve encouraged clients and colleagues to write books, apply for awards, and take on more significant projects because I know they are more than capable. Sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement to go for it!
Taking Co-operation and Collaboration to another level!
Sage Room Co-op is another collaborative venture that I am thrilled to be a part of. Alongside four other small businesses, we created the co-operative in 2022 to focus on sustainable small business growth and development.
By working together and thinking outside the box, we aim to show other entrepreneurs that they can grow their businesses while maintaining their independence. We also place great importance on well-being, happiness, and a balanced life. Through our services, products, and spaces, we strive to support others by challenging traditional ways of working and encouraging other businesses to aligning with their values. At Sage Room Co-op, we emphasise a creative and positive mindset, respecting each other’s strengths and differences. Together, we learn, grow, and share our knowledge and experience to help others achieve their business goals and live their best life!
Collaboration offers a multitude of benefits for individuals and businesses alike.
By working together, our network pools our resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve goals more effectively. Collaboration fosters innovation and creativity, as our often very different perspectives combine to generate fresh ideas and solutions. We learn from each other’s experiences, build stronger networks and relationships, giving access to a wider range of opportunities and support.
My journey has been considerably enhanced through collaboration. It has helped by leveraging all of our collective strengths to overcome challenges, achieve common goals, and create a positive impact on the world. Highly recommended tool for sustainable growth and lots of fun along the way!
