Your best tips on making a difference

On Friday we asked did someone make a huge difference to your business this year? How? We wanted to know their name and the story. 

 We had some wonderful entries; some quite heartbreaking and others inspiring!

 We loved this one: “Our business is located within a small community. One of the kids in this community regularly comes in to see us, so we have set him aside his own desk which he as proceeded to decorate with framed pictures of himself. We have given him the title of ‘Director of Morale’.”

 But it wasn’t the winner.

 The best story came from Greg Higgs, who has won an HP LaserJet P1006 printer.

Here are the top 10 tips from our readers on Friday on how someone made a difference.

Who made a difference to your business in 2007: My partner Megan. People always say “don’t do business with family”. What they forget to add, is “unless you can trust them completely”. She was almost entirely responsible for getting our business off the ground, and keeping everything in check, when I could hardly cope. I strongly urge everyone out there to go into business with trusted family, and share in the greatest adventure a family can have — business. You won’t regret it.
– Greg Higgs

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: As president of a seniors computer club my life is pretty hectic and would not be anywhere near the success it is today without the support of my wife, Jean Hoddinett.  Not only does she assist and support me with various duties, she, in my many absences, takes care of and maintains our lovely family home.  Jean has been particularly tolerant of the business demands this year and I am extremely grateful to her for the part she plays in our continued computer club success. The members of the club constantly comment on how lucky I am for her support.

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: After careful reflection I came to the realisation that it was actually a four-year-old child that made the most significant difference to my business in 2007. Jayden D. is a child that attends my childcare centre and I overheard him talking with his mother late one afternoon.  Upon being asked how his day was he replied that it was ‘fun’ and that he ‘loved Miss Nat’ as she gave him lots of cuddles and always had a smile for him, even though he had done something wrong that day. This anecdotal incident was shared at a staff meeting and served as a reminder to all staff that the children in our care are perceptive to our moods and responsive to our warmth.  Staff seemed to portray a more ‘rosy’, friendly attitude toward all the children after this event.  It just goes to show how a little smile can make a big difference to those around us. A big ‘thank you’ to all my ‘little ones’.

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: My best friend Jo. She gave such encouragement and faith to believe in myself, that I made it happen.
-Lee

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: The staff of course!
– Jana Jaros

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: I had a stroke 26 December last year. I run a small business with my brother Adrian Lafleur. His hard work and dedication saw us thrive in 2007.  We grew by 25%  It was a team effort though we have a staff of 10 who all also put in a stellar effort.
– Ben Lafleur

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: Our business is located within a small community. One of the kids in this community regularly comes in to see us, so we have set him aside his own desk which he as proceeded to decorate with framed pictures of himself. We have given him the title of ‘Director of Morale’.

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: After being retrenched at the end of 2006, Denzil Griffiths became my mentor and coach. His patience and guidance has led me to establishing my own business after 30 years in the university sector. He was and remains an inspiration.

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: My wife, Diane Lewis… three years ago we set up a franchise called the A1 Exhausts group… many hours of hard work, thousands of kilometres of driving and a total focus on the task of setting up and growing a group — today we have 91 franchisees in Australia. Diane has been a great supporter as we spend almost 24 hours in a day together driving forward. At last we are in a position to have appointed our first staff member so we can actually take a break… just a short one that is. We are a very low cost franchise offering exhaust installers a brighter future in what is a tough industry. Our own little success story that would not have been possible without her efforts, understanding and support. Very much appreciated as I’m sure you can understand.
– Mark Lewis

 Who made a difference to your business in 2007: Three women have made a significant difference to my business this year.

Sonia Ortega of Global Experience volunteered time to mentor me for six months.  Her natural ability to nurture, encourage, dispel myths and self doubt kept me believing in me.  Her generosity in sharing her business wins and struggle points have given me a realistic view of what success is and what it takes to be successful.  Her honesty has built a trusting relationship that is now the heart of a friendship that will surpass any business venture we individually pursue.   

Vivienne McDonald of The Web on Wheels has been a supportive, positive influence all year as we have shared many business ideas and I’ve received much technical expertise from her.  We are very different and yet great friends.   

Nina Milanova of Pero Entertainment has inspired me to make my fitness my number 1 priority now and for the rest of my life.  She is beautiful, creative, professional and generous. I can now see that if I look after me, I can better look after my relationships both private and professional for years to come.   

Each of us are connected via business and a mentoring program that has allowed us to set new goals, write a better business plan, learn and challenge ourselves.  This group of women have given me clarity — an opportunity to really think through what I am creating and what I can do to bring the dream alive.  To mark this achievement and our unique relationship, I’ve bought each of us a book.  Check out “The words and inspiration of…” series, which includes Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King… published by Hachette Australia in 2007.  The titles are DREAM – BELIEVE – PEACE – LOVE.  This is my wish for all business people in 2008 – to dream, believe, have peace and love in their lives.
– Lisa Gorman

For more Tips and Ideas see our Business Information Section.