Speaking to the crowd of business owners at Kyabram Development Committee’s business breakfast on Friday, July 17, guest speaker Geoff Everist spoke about the ins and outs of business ownership.
The breakfast, held at the Kyabram Club, is designed to bring together like-minded individuals to connect, grow and discuss how to better the Kyabram business landscape.
Mr Everist has worked with more than 500 businesses across various industries, helping owners get results.
“As an owner of a business or manager of business or someone within your business, you should be working ultimately 20 hours a week on the business,” Mr Everist said.
“The other 20 hours should be then, coaching, training, developing.
“It could be hands-on, it could be sitting down, whatever connects you and your staff together is really important.”
Expressing the importance of staff training, he emphasised the need to align employee goals with the business owner’s goals.
“The staff member is a huge cost to your business, most of your businesses around here it is 30-35 per cent of your total cost.
“You get that one right, you’re a long way forward.”
During his presentation, Mr Everist urged attendees to return to their workplace after the session, to take step back and view their product, equipment or shop floor from a customer’s perspective, and reflect on the presentation.
Mr Everist also touched on emerging technology, noting that while artificial intelligence would be used by most businesses, it won’t replace human relationships.
“It’s never going to takeaway relationships and especially in a country town (where) relationships are huge.”
Mr Everist finished the session with three takeaways: common sense is not common, educate yourself and take action.
“Most of your waking life is at work.”
“So, enjoy the journey and make sure you’re doing as much as you possibly can.”
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