Re-Imagine Regional Business

Nicole Turnbull - Neon Shed, Kelsie McKenzie - Business Singleton, Laura Kelly - Business Singleton, Xanthe Addison - Tribe Hunter

I have been sitting on this for a while longer than most. I have been letting everything ferment. This fermentation process was needed because the information shared, and knowledge gained, from this event was slightly overwhelming - even though I have owned my current business for over eight years!

On Wednesday 9 August @singletoncouncil and @businesssingleton hosted the much anticipated Re-Imagine Regional Business event. It was attended by over 300 locals and the aim was to knowledge share and inspire business development and growth within the #Singleton area.

Singleton is continuing to experience monumental change. In a time already filled with years of constant change and challenges, it all feels very big. It feels unsettling, exciting and pressing.

Speaking with some of the local business owners it is easy to understand the stress they are under. They are needing to switch up their planning and their vision. They need to re-think target markets and even alter their entire course of direction - which may mean looking further afield, or even global for their customer base. All this on top of the existing challenges currently faced by businesses and households across Australia.

Time is of the essence here.

"We need to focus.” said Danny Eather, President of Business Singleton “We can't wait for the transition in five or ten years time, we need to get on with the job now."

Having grown up in #Singleton and the surrounding community I know the people here have the ability to survive and thrive, they have the smarts, practicalities and survival instincts. For as long as I have known, the land in #Singleton sings a song of strength. It's not even about the new famous word “resilience” because these people are just born tough, they are the salt of the earth and incredibly hardworking.

Given I come from a dairy farming background (we lost our dairy herd after de-regulation laws changed and there was no longer money in keeping a herd of less than 300) I adored listening to @jasonchesworth from @hunterbelledairyco giving advice on how to think big, and think differently - how to get SO FAR OUTSIDE OF YOUR BOX and comfort zone - how to be agile and pivot quickly - how to document every "worst-case scenario" plan because, whilst we all want to hope for the best, we also need to plan for the worst. Jason encouraged building beloved brands associated with the region or area - and creating trust and affection around that brand. Jason's advice was vibrant, essential, smart. He is also one very funny, passionate and vivacious character!
No wonder I can’t stop eating his cheeses!

@naomisimpson the keynote speaker for the day offered an incredible "must-read" book list and walked us through how purpose, values and a mission for humanity is what leads her culture, her brand, her customer experience. She encouraged a focus on IMPACT. Naomi has not only grown @redballoongroup to a point where it serves a customer experience every 18 seconds, she has also assisted every business operating through her industry platforms to grow, often beyond the owners wildest dreams. This contribution to humanity is often something business creators don't see coming - it's the added bonus to the business success story.

Josh Lawlor from @scrubbabody spoke clearly and wisely about his journey to creating an international product based business, from his kitchen sink, whilst located in the #Hunter. His tips for the unexpected value in working with influencers who have under 12K followers (and the challenges of working with influencers with larger followings) was invaluable in my line of work.

Jess Hodge Co-Founder of @resourcefulliving was inspiring on so many levels. Seeing a dire problem with waste whilst on her honeymoon in Thailand Jess committed herself to taking action immediately. And ACTION should probably be her surname! If you are not already watching Jess's journey to transforming plastic waste into purposeful, timeless, pieces (including very cool furniture) and learning from her educational tips and tricks, then you need to catch up! Jess helped me to understand that hesitation that can often stand in our way of creating something extraordinary.

Impressive also (and very unexpected) at this event was the catering done by the local Singleton High School, Department of Hospitality. It's been a long time since I have seen a buffet-style morning tea created and run so beautifully - these kids could rival any restaurant anywhere! Naturally I immediately see opportunities in abundance for these graduates as the tourism industry to China starts to re-open and the Hunter Valley comes alive a little bit more.

A huge thank you to the hosts of this event @singletoncoucil @businesssingleton and the NSW Government. I hope we continue to see this level of support as Singleton businesses, and the wider community, adapt to the massive changes required by 2030.

I know we are in good hands with @dannyeather, Mayor Sue Moore, @karenvarker @jelindamilgate , GM Jason Linanne, MP David Lyzell @laurakelly Kelsie McKenzie, @liviniahutchinson @businessingleton @businesshunter

Following the event I took my client and friend @nicoleturnbullau for lunch at my favourite Singleton cafe, gift and flower shop “Worn out Wares”. This store, to me, represents the true nature of the capacity of Singleton businesses: Thoughtful, Professional, Clever, Visionary, Innovative, Agile, Nourishing, Joyful.

I encourage you to make the trip to Singleton and re-imagine what the future might hold. Where there is change there is also great opportunity.