Just over a week ago, I attended a conference at the Q1 Resort on the Gold Coast, and slipping into my seat on the first morning, looked across to the next table, and saw a friend who I’ve not seen in 6 years, since working with him and his family in Bangkok! You never know who you’re going to see in your travels.
So to all our friends who know Anthony Ware, he sends his regards. He’s pictured below with me at the conference. He and his family are living in Melbourne and doing really well, working, studying and doing property development – with a big vision to make a massive difference in an under-developed country.
I also met an inspiring business man who you may have encountered (and would have happy memories if you have) – The Clean Plumber, David Hall. There’s a number of unique aspects of his business and I’m so excited to announce that David will be joining me for a telecall soon, so you’ll have a chance to join us on the phone, to hear me interview David about his success secrets and what he’s done to build the business AND work less hours.
I’m really looking forward to this, and the only reason we’re not doing it this week is that I’m working on another exciting project – which I’ll share with you in a few minutes.
Don’t miss your opportunity to hear the inside story of The Clean Plumber’s success – if you register your interest by emailing me now I will make sure you are one of the first to hear about it, as we will be capping the numbers to create a quality call and give pro-active people the opportunity to join the discussion and learn from one of Australia’s most successful small businesses.
Also while I was on the Gold Coast, I met up with one of our members, Tim Griffiths, who had come down from Brisbane for a weeks holiday. Tim was one of the first three to take up the free coaching offer (for members) in our last newsletter, so we had a great hour of thinking big and talking goals and strategies. (Congratulations also to Joanne Boog and Susan Cornish for being proactive and taking up the offer)
Tim is a difference-maker with a heart for young people, so I thought he was fabulous right away! Tim has been in youth ministry for 10 years, and is a safe haven for teenagers, an excellent leader and a lot of fun! We stopped by the beach for a quick photo, before I headed off for a long, picturesque walk with my friend Wendy.
Lyndon has had tonsilitis in a chronic way, so doesn’t have any exciting news, but since recovering had delved into the website and found a success tip to share today, and he’s written his best-ever blog, which I think will surface in a future newsletter.
Okay, I won’t hold out any longer – my exciting project is a book I’m creating for those who want to speed up the journey to their goals. It’s called Create the Life Journal, and contains stories and even journal entries of mine along with some of my clients and friends, along with plenty of pages for you to explore your thinking. You really do create the world you live in by the words you speak – and the words you write down, so it’s about paying attention to that and making the most of it.
So it will be out before Christmas as it’s going to the printers by the end of the week and they’ve promised a quick turnaround! (In the next newsletter I’ll have a pre-order form for those who want it for Christmas presents – or to start your own New Year inspired.) I have fabulous support from Annette Ferguson who is doing the layout and Nathan Shooter who’s creating an stunning cover - two creative people who it’s exciting to partner with.
Speaking of Nathan’s creativity – I attended his album launch on Friday night! His band is called Original Liberty and this album, Counting Down The Days is brilliant. I write this, the title track is dancing around in my head. The whole album is excellent, as was the launch event.
I forgot to line up with the star-struck girls for an autograph, but I did get a picture :-)
Finally, a big congratulations to That Blind Woman, Julie Woods from New Zealand, who has recently completed her coaching series and achieved incredible success. This is not the last you’ll hear of Julie, it’s just an introduction. Check out www.thatblindwoman.com for a little inspiration and insight into what she’s been up to. It’s been a privilege to coach Julie and an honour to continue to work with her on various projects.
We hope you enjoy this weeks newsletter, and the tips from New Zealands Geoff Lyons.
Have a great week,
Today's success tip comes from Geoff Lyons.
Geoff Lyons is the director of Haka New Zealand which specialises in importing a wide range of products. Haka has now also created a top-level clothing brand under the same name.
What are your top five tips for developing a great small business?
1. Honesty - we have always maintained that in order to sleep at night and steer clear of any problems (such as tax liability), we would not entertain any activity that could result in us being caught by the authorities. Three years ago we had a complete tax audit and after three weeks of investigation we were pleased to be informed by the tax department that we did not owe any back taxes after trading for seven years.
2. Staff - we believe that staff is one of the company's greatest assets. We have a terrific bunch of staff so we reward them well and give them time off for important occasions, for example, a child's awards ceremony. These actions have been returned tenfold by our staff who are always willing to go that extra yard for us and remain 110 per cent loyal.
3. Communication - in our business, where we are constantly dealing with numerous retailers and buyers within each organisation, it is critical that we maintain close communication at all times. We like to set the example by always returning messages, phone calls and emails and insist that our staff do the same. This may seem like a very small point to make but if our customers know that they will always get an answer, be it good or bad, it enhances their confidence in dealing with us.
4. Budgeting - from the first day of business we set ourselves a sales and expense budget for the financial year and asked our accountant to work out the financial result of each month. We then sit down and analyse the results and go over both the sales and expense details with a fine-tooth comb to see how we can increase profits in the future. I believe that too many businesses fail to have an accurate depiction of their financial position and therefore have an unrealistic perception of how their business is performing.
5. Sense of humour - I would be very surprised if any business I know would have an office that laughs as much as ours. We have always had a very open mind when it comes to what is and isn't office protocol and do not hold anything back. We do not believe in closed door meetings and try to involve staff in as many matters as possible. Obviously, this may not work for all offices but I have definitely found that it makes it a lot easier to walk into work in the morning knowing that you are going to have some laughs during the day.
This website contains even more great tips from Geoff Lyons.
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