As I am about to finish another hugely successful week of making connections and having coaching conversations in Mt Gambier, I took time out to reflect on the week.

From a business perspective, my highlights were:

• Helped a business owner who is struggling with scaling the business to connect with their purpose which is to connect the world one cup of tea at a time
• Worked with the owner of a function centre to manage the frustrations caused by the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 restrictions. The great news is one of those limitations disappeared this week with dancing being allowed at private functions
• In conjunction with a business owner developed a framework on how to create strategic alliances in the region as part of a growth strategy
• Challenged a business owner to take action to leave the safety of paid employment to commit 100% to the business
• Worked with the owner of a vet clinic on the implications of and planning for the business transitioning into a purpose-built vet hospital in 2022
• Widened the view of an owner of a hospitality venue that in order to play a bigger game, the business owner must connect with the bigger players in the industry
• Facilitated an interactive workshop for 11 local business owners on how to move from selling their products & services through features & benefits to selling through creating relationships

From a personal perspective, what I loved about the past week was:

• Being thrilled to watch my daughter be part of the Penola team which won the 2021 B Grade premiership in the KNT Netball Association
• Connected with Ben Hood, the Liberal candidate for the seat of Mt Gambier in the upcoming state election and Andrew McLachlan, the Liberal senator for SA
• Staying with my daughter for the week and being filled with a sense of pride & admiration for following her passion to be a teacher and the impact she is having in that role.

Notwithstanding the cold & rainy weather of the past week, I am leaving Mt Gambier with a sense of satisfaction I made an impact during my visit.  As a result, I am already excited about connecting with business owners in the region during my next visit in November.