Small business owners tend to be passionate. With our businesses forming such a significant part of our lives, it wasn’t surprising that passion was a recurring theme at July’s National Small Business Summit held in Brisbane. Opened by the passionate Minister of Small Business, The Hon Dr. Craig Emerson, MP, the Summit was a jammed packed day and evening of learning, inspiration and networking. In addition to the pollies (the Hon Leader of the Opposition presented an energetic address which aimed to be ‘non political, non partisan!’), the morning commenced with a conversation with Australia’s top public servants about the regulations that affect small business. Included on the panel was ASIC Chairman, Tony D’Aloisio and the Australian Tax Commissioner, Michael D’Ascenzo. This was the second time I’d heard Michael speak, and he continues to strike me as a very marketing oriented Commissioner with his focus upon putting the “taxpayers and the community at the heart of the ATO’s thinking. “ Ben White, Director of Optus Strategy and Corporate Development, highlighted the real value of the national broadband network. However, for me the morning’s highlight was the Kochie’s Business Builders’ (KBB) Panel Session ‘Red Hot Sales, Marketing and Social Media Strategies‘. Passion abounded. Some of the great insights from the panelists included those from Dell’s US social media executive, Richard Binhammer, who said, “Share the passion for your business and connect. The reddest, hottest thing about social media is that in fact it allows you to connect more strongly, in a real way.” Richard encouraged businesses to share the good news stories. Telstra Business Award winning entrepreneur Valerie Khoo, founder of the Sydney Writers’ Centre, is passionate about leveraging technology to build business. She urged businesses to collect contact information via their websites, then communicate with customers in the way promised. Valerie also encouraged businesses to consider social media (particularly blogs and Facebook) to engage with customers. She advised businesses to not be deterred by the time required for this medium. “You’re in total control of how much time you spend,” Valerie lectured.
The afternoon featured some streamed workshops.
In the ‘Small is Beautiful‘ session, Robert Gerrish, founder of Flying Solo – Australia’s micro business community with more than 25,000 members, discussed the findings of ‘Understanding Micro Business’, a comprehensive survey of over 1,300 business owners and stated, “The more we work the happier we are.” In the same session, small business consultant and KBB marketing guru, Linda Hailey reminded, “Passion is what makes you beautiful.” The ‘Truly Tech Savvy’ was one of the most popular sessions, highlighting the increased consciousness amongst business owners of the opportunities created by technology. The workshop ‘Cash is Still King’ explored cash flow management techniques small businesses can use to drive revenue and improve debtor management. Angela McDonald, Director of Optimum Recoveries, spoke about the value of obtaining credit checks for clients and your own business, whilst Chartered Accountant, Susan Milicevic of Aspire Consulting, emphasized the importance of having a cash flow plan.
The program’s other significant recurring theme was price.
Julia Bickerstaff, Owner of The Business Bakery and a KBB finance expert, urged businesses to price strongly and confidently. “You can’t win by being cheap,” she said. “Talk price early, and talk price often. Position away from price; be different, special, unique. Make yourself different.” Linda Hailey agreed, “Think positive. Don’t chase the volume, chase the value. Don’t discount – value add.” Michael Derin, Managing Director of Azure Group, summed up, “Small business is about the customer. Surround yourself with clients who appreciate and will pay you for what you do. Value yourself as a small business owner.” According to Mike O’Hagen, Founder and Owner of Mini Movers – a company with more than 500 employees and $30 million annual turnover, the outlook for small business looks good. “In 30 years of business, there have never been so many opportunities,” commented Mike. The Summit concluded with a dinner that featured several inspirational small business success stories. My favourites included Leanne Faulkner, Founder of Billie Goat Soap – a business that after only running five years has been named as Supplier of the Year to Myer. A beautifully produced and packaged product – you can feel the passion in its making. Also inspiring was John Sharpe, Managing Director of Riverlife – an innovative company based in Brisbane, who was dedicated to providing “dynamic, fun and heart pumping adventure experiences” that embrace Brisbane’s culture and history. Roseanne Anderson, Founder of success story Cyber Hair, reiterated the now familiar theme, “My business is my passion.” We departed with new contacts, knowledge, inspiration and renewed passion (matched only perhaps by David Koch’s amazing energy still evident at 11pm after his 3 am start!). Thanks COSBOA, PinStripe Media and all sponsors and supporters for a great event.
