Telstra Business Awards winners share their top tips for success

AS THE 2015 Telstra Business Awards approach, five former winners share their tips on how to create success in business.

Sam Salter (left And Standing) And Jason Wyatt (leaning Against The Wall On Right) Telstra Australian Business Awards - embargoed media release + NSW

COMPETITION may be healthy for the market, but focusing solely on what your competition is doing can result in missed opportunities for your own business.

This is just one of the business tips being offered by Telstra Business Awards alumni, whose passion and commitment to their businesses have previously won them the prestigious annual award.

Last year, manufacturing firm REDARC’s managing director Anthony Kittel took out the Telstra Australian Business of the Year award, citing social media as crucial to ensuring success.

“It’s critical, it’s a necessity that should be in everyone’s strategic plan,’’ the South Australian-based businessman said.

Hard work ... Last year, manufacturing firm REDARC’s managing director Anthony Kittel took out the Telstra Australian Business of the Year award. Picture: Hamish Blair

This year, five other Telstra Business Awards winners are sharing their wisdom with keen entrepreneurs, citing a positive outlook, passion, understanding digital skills, and the importance of building meaningful connections with clients as some of the qualities required to succeed in the business world.

Top 5 business tips from Telstra Awards Alumni

1. If you’re looking over your shoulder, you’re not looking forward

Competition is healthy for the market, but it can be damaging to a business if everyone is continually focused on what the competition is doing. Be aware of your competition but don’t spend so much time watching them that you miss opportunities for your own business. Focus on your strengths, continue to look for points of difference and work on being the best in the business.

-Karen Porter, CEO Solace Creations

Victor ... Karen Porter, CEO Solace Creations. Picture: Supplied

2. Have an unrelenting passion for learning

Create a learning environment that encourages all employees to undertake on the job training or accredited external courses. Have clear systems and policies that define the types of training and how the business will contribute to the costs will. I often hear the comment regarding training, “what if we train them and they leave?” and I quickly respond with “what if you don’t train them and they stay?”

-Anthony Kittel, Managing Director REDARC

Number one ... Anthony and Michelle Kittel of REDARC from South Australia celebrate victory in the medium business award during the 2014 Telstra Business Awards. Picture: Hamish Blair

3. Be on the right side of the digital revolution

Seek out the next trend and execute a modern digital strategy. Set time to trawl the internet daily and get a sense of new and emerging trends that could be transferable for your business. Keep innovation top of mind by regularly attending new conferences and seminars and bouncing ideas internally with daily stand-up meetings.

-Jason Wyatt, Managing Director The Exchange Group

Best in business ... Sam Salter (standing, left) and Jason Wyatt, Managing Directors at The Exchange Group. Picture: News Corp Australia

4. Community is king

Never underestimate the value of being a positive force in your community. Personal connections with customers and holding onto community values has been an important contributor to our success. Supporting local sporting, music and charity groups and cultivating these values throughout your organisation will pay dividends.

-Bill Lark, Founder Lark Distillery

Proud ... Bill Lark, of Lark Distillery, accepts his award for Best Small Business in Australia at the Telstra Business Awards in Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

5. Make it easy for people to do business with you

Make it easy for customers to choose you. Do things better than your competition, be professional, prompt, courteous, and helpful. Impress them when they visit you with outstanding presentation and professionalism. Make them feel special and confident they have made the right choice when leave.

-Stuart Daniels, Managing Director Trailers 2000

Innovation ... Stuart and Jenny Daniels from the Sunshine Coast, Managing Director Trailers. Picture: Anthony Weate

Businesses can enter five Awards categories — Start-Up, Micro, Small, Medium and Regional — and every business that enters will receive a Business Health Check report that evaluates their business performance, identifies areas for improvement, and provides a platform to review business strategy and plan for future growth.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director, Will Irving, said the Awards not only recognise the best in business, but also provide some amazing opportunities for business growth and innovation.

“The Awards are an opportunity for businesses to benchmark their performance across all sectors, providing unparalleled networking opportunities and a chance to reinforce credibility, build recognition and pursue new ventures,” he said.

Entries for the 2015 Telstra Australian Business Awards close midnight on Monday, March 30. To enter, visit telstrabusinessawards.com or call 1800 AWARDS.