The forum was held on Thursday at Warren Bowling Club in an interactive session.

Mrs Sefton said that we live in a serious consumer driven world where people communicate as never before.

“Think about your individual business, as well as Warren as a business,” said Mrs Sefton.

“We have an entrepreneurial spirit when things are good but when things are tough- think big.

“Some things are totally out of our control, such as drought and (government) policies but anyone that is successful finds a way to deal with the situation or create an opportunity.”

Key attributes of a successful business, according to Mrs Sefton, include finding a niche and being unique, thinking big, differentiating products and remembering first impressions last.

Businesses need to maintain a good reputation and strive for constant improvement, as well as treat people including staff with respect and listen to customers.

Plan for success and how to get there, be innovative and work smart and remain calm and centred.

“Try not to be everything to everyone, but do what you do best and become an expert in that field,” said Mrs Sefton.

“Make a good first impression and remember everyone is a potential client or a referral to another client.

“Make sure you are always presentable, professional and knowledgeable and remember you are only as good as your last conversation.”

Mrs Sefton said people should be “passionate about living in the bush” and cited numerous examples where successful small businesses had been created in other towns.

Robbie Sefton is a NSW Rural Woman of the Year, a board member of the Australia Day Council (NSW) and on the Federal Government’s Rural Women’s Advisory Group.

She has been a board member of the Woolmark Company, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and was an advisory member of the Australian Taxation Office Small Business Advisory Group advising on business issues in rural and regional areas.

The seminar at Warren was facilitated by Warren Shire Council and Warren Chamber of Commerce.