When we first start out we make assumptions about what we think our clients/customers want. Here are some insights based on what I learned the hard way about who my customers are and how to communicate to them in a way they can hear.
Here are three tools to use for your difficult conversations.
This was originally published on SmallVille.com.au and is just as relevant today as we welcome a fresh wave of new business coming out of a global pandemic. Small Business superheros are often underestimated, most often by them themselves. Small Business is an underestimated force to be reckoned with. Yet the identity attached to Small Business is one of virtual insignificance. The vast majority of all businesses are in the Small and Medium Business category, they make up half of Australia’s employment and account for a third of its production. What if Small Businesses started to realise that there are [...]
Lindsey Brown created Foundry Associates to bridge the gap between technical solutions and society. Leveraging years of experience in the water industry and levelling up from being a solo operator, she created a team that can function without her. She learned this the hard way and offers insights into doing things differently, inviting diverse perspectives and being connected to purpose and innovative strategies to leverage resources. She's also the Victorian Vice Chair of the Australian Water Association and talks about the differences between working with volunteers in a well-respected industry association and working with paid staff. She shares what it's [...]
What does it take to build a successful charity? Chantelle Baxter started One Girl, the organisation behind the Do It In a Dress Campaign, in her mid-20s, and after years of building the organisation stepped down as CEO. We learn about her journey, how long it took before she started paying herself, the cost to her physical health, her commitment to transparency and fun, how it helped build a strong relationship with a large community of committed supporters. She also talks about her latest venture, serious health challenges and what’s important to her now after all she’s experienced. This interview is dripping with inspiration, listen up! Links Chantelle's website , on [...]
Michelle Redfern has a vision of a gender equal world, she does this by Advancing Women. This interview discusses Feminism, Football, Financial Literacy and Leadership. We had a great time talking about equality and diversity, the impact it has on the bottom line, on innovation and the economy. Topics like authenticity, feedback, vulnerability, a sense of belonging and inclusion bring these ideas into a practical on the ground experience of leadership and social change. An example we explored was the AFLW where for the first time in history, women have a professional football league, which has the potential to [...]
KeepCup has become Australia's best known re-useable cup, but it didn't start that way. The humble beginnings for this BCorp include a prototype in a shoebox on a bicycle. Founder and CEO Abigail Forsyth shares what she learned when starting the business, what kept her honest, what's changed in the market re: the attitude toward disposable cups. She told us about what inspired her to question everything and how she plans to use her influence as a successful purpose-based business. With offices in UK and USA, and KeepCups being sold in 65 countries, it pays to stick to your principles! [...]
Kathryn Molloy has been leading the way for over two decades in world-changing ventures. She has run businesses and large not for profit organisations. She has influenced state leaders, government ministers, and large corporations to make better decisions for the future of the planet. I was blessed to work with her 17 years ago and in this conversation, we reminisce about that time and explore what she has been doing since. Her collaborative leadership style continues to alter outcomes for environmental groups in BC, and improved environmental impacts of the Olympics. TOPICS COVERED 360 Feedback How to influence politicians [...]
Charles Byrd is an Evernote Guru and Joint Venture expert, he has a lot of wisdom about productivity, what makes it work, technology and how it can help free humans up to do what’s important to us. He talks about how he leveraged a 15-year career in Silicon Valley to launch his own company that scaled up more quickly than expected. Learn the secret ingredient, what inspired him early on, how he uses Evernote, how Tathra uses Evernote, and how their conversation piqued a thread about technology in service of humanity. RESOURCES Mentioned Byrd Word Charles Byrd on LinkedIn, Facebook Evernote Course: Kill [...]
What role do mentors play in our society? How can we pass on learned knowledge instead of reinventing the wheel? Vern Fettke is a seasoned business owner, with a real desire to give back. He runs an award-winning financial services company in Melbourne's west and is very involved in community initiatives. We talked about his transition from the military to corporate life, how apprenticeships and succession planning fit together, and the relationship between celebrating failure and Australian bankruptcy laws. If you're interested in the big picture of mentorship, have a listen to see what you can take to heart from [...]
