On New Year’s eve Channel 7’s Today Tonight show screened a story on Success Stories and a few well-known Aussies shared some of the lessons they’d learned and also some of their goals for the new year.
So, what am I looking so alarmed at in this pic? I was honored to be in the great company of these fantastic Aussies. I could have used a glam shot ;-) but thought this one was funny. Can you spot one thing they all have in common?
Dick Smith, Dick Smith Electronics — Dick Smith started off as an apprentice working in a factory. At age 24 he went out on his on own – working fixing car radios. The company (which he no longer owns) turns over 1.5 billion dollars 
Kristina Karlsson, Kikki K — 34 years old Kristina started her boutique stationery company, Kikki-K, eight years ago. She said that her her reason for starting her own business is that she wanted to be excited to go to work on a Monday morning. Today her 31 stores nationwide bring in $22 million. In 2009 – she’s looking for more life balance.
Gerry Harvey, Harvey Norman — Gerry Harvey, is of course one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs. He opened his first store 1962. At at 32 was the chairman of a public company No stranger to hard work, he says he used to work 7 days a week, lived for the business. And, he’s not done yet… he says that he will have more energy in 2009 than in 2008! His advice: The most important thing you can do is to associate with people who are good at what they do.
Derryn Hinch, Broadcaster — As someone who once had only $6.49 in his ATM Derryn knows how hard it can be. “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor and I prefer the former” he said. Sacked 14 times, he never doubted that he had the talent to bounce back. His advice: Never give up.
Kirsten MacKelden, Real Weddings Magazine — Telstra Business Women’s Award winner Kirsten believes that a Strong VIsion is crucial and that success often comes after failure. Her magazine won the Publishers Australia Bell Awards. In 2009 she’s looking to spend more time with family.
Neil Jenman, Real estate industry watchdog — Neil believes that happiness is a true measure of success. His recommendation – Have the guts to quite if you hate your job.
And me… Suzi Dafnis – HerBusiness 
One of the things that I shared was that I took it upon myself to learn about money and investing has been really key to my financial success. And, that adversity and failure has definitely part of doing business. My wish for 2009? I’d like to see as many women as possible take part in the HerBusiness mentoring program MentorNet.
NOW -DID YOU SPOT THE SIMILARITY? All these successful business people are entrepreneurs!
