Free talk could save Mid West businesses

Business coach and former Geraldton resident Dave Clare believes the number one thing Mid West businesses need to consider is how to stay relevant in a world that is constantly changing.

The author will return to Geraldton this Friday to help business owners and entrepreneurs take their organisation to the next level during a free business evolution summit.

During the day-long event participants will learn how to evolve not only their business but themselves, and how to push their message out into the community.

“Relevance is the name of the game right now,” Mr Clare said.

“If you’re not evolving in terms of relevance, you’re in big trouble.

“Look at most of the large businesses today that have faded away into the sunset — Toys R Us, Roger David, Blockbuster.

“They grew in scale, but they didn’t stay relevant in the hearts and minds of the people they serve.”

Born and raised in Canada, Mr Clare lived in Geraldton for eight years after landing a job as manager of Westpac.

Mr Clare worked closely with local businesses while he was the managing director of ATC Midwest and a board member at the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the summit, one of Mr Clare’s clients, Glass Co WA chief executive Todd West, will share how his company has continued to change for more than 50 years.

Other guest speakers include human resources consultant and Carrie & Co owner Carrie Puzzar and Red FM and Spirit 98.1 account manager Leigh Jones.

Mr Clare said there was a lot of untapped potential in the Mid West that could be making waves around the world.

“The talent we have just sitting there in our own community is amazing,” he said.

“But we’re too worried about getting people to shop local.

“Why couldn’t one of these businesses have a global marketplace? There’s seven billion people across the pond but we’re all arguing about the 30,000 living here.”

Mr Clare stressed the summit was a workshop, not a “listenshop”, and participants will be tasked with mapping out their purpose, values, immediate objectives and long-term goals.

“They’re going to have to bust their butts and do some work,” the chief executive and founder of Circle Leadership Global said with a laugh.

“But if they spend one day to make sure their business stays relevant, that could change their next three years.”

The free summit will be held at Ngala Midwest Gascoyne on Friday, October 4.

To register visit www.businessevolutionsummit.com.