Business Innovation Services

VOTE FOR JOHN - RAC COUNCIL ELECTION 2024
The 2024 RAC Council election opens this week, and I am a candidate. Therefore, if you’re a RAC member, I am seeking your support by voting for me for a position on the Council.

My desire to represent RAC members is founded in my lifetime association with the organisation and its important role within the community. I believe it’s now a good time for me to contribute my knowledge, experience and insights to this great organisation.

My connection to the RAC goes way back to when, as a young man, I would drive to and from Curtin University in my old bomb of a car. It would often break down leaving me stranded along the way. Fortunately, the RAC roadside assistance service would always come to my rescue and get my car going again. Since that time, the RAC has always been there to help me with breakdowns, as well as all the other great services such as travel bookings, holiday accommodation and insurance.

I am committed to increasing the RAC’s action on climate change and adopting greater sustainability practices. There is a great opportunity for the RAC to take an even greater leadership role in this crucial aspect of our community going forward.

I believe my collective experiences have prepared me for this role including management roles at both a corporate and SME level for over 30 years and being a board member of various business and community associations. My current board role is Treasurer for the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce.

Over the past three decades, I’ve built a strong reputation for driving innovation and strategic practices. My personal values include community connection, authenticity and pragmatism.

I would also love to hear your thoughts and ideas about the RAC’s role within the community and improving its services to members.

Read about all the candidates at: https://lnkd.in/g5wVYAeM

DEFENCE SUPPLY OPPORTUNITY FOR SMEs
The growing defence industry in WA provides a great opportunity for local SMEs to become suppliers to that industry. From missiles to meatballs, a wide variety of goods and services will be required for the development and sustainment of WA’s defence facilities and operations.

To help SME owners better understand the opportunity and requirements for becoming defence supply-ready, my colleague Ben Neilson and I have prepared an informative short presentation.

The first one will be hosted by the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce on 8 May at a 5:00 PM start. If this is of interest to you, then I encourage you to register using this link: https://rb.gy/aty353

To discuss your particular business situation, contact me for a chat about your business. I am available on mobile 0402 843 314 or [email protected]

Defence Opportunity, A roadmap for preparing to supply the defence Industry Australian Defence needs you!

ANZAC Day - My Experience
Reflecting on ANZAC Day this week, I am reminded about how my father, Angelo Tedesco, passed on the importance of ANZAC Day remembrance to me as a young boy. For example, I can remember taking me to the Anzac Day marches and explaining to me what the day was about. Though the exact words have faded with time, the impact remains etched in my heart.

What strikes me as truly remarkable is that my father, an Italian migrant with no direct ties to the Australian military (or Italian), yet somehow understood the profound significance of ANZAC Day and felt compelled to pass on his understanding to his children. It's a testament to his respect and desire to honour the sacrifices made by Australia's servicemen and women, despite not sharing in their experiences firsthand.

I am so grateful to my father for passing on this understanding to me as a boy. Later on, I was able to pass it on to my two boys.

Even now after many years, I continue to learn more about the enormous sacrifices that the men and women of Australia made on behalf of the nation. From this learning comes even more gratefulness and value of their efforts to keep this great country of ours free.

Lest we forget them.

EASTER TIME
Whether you celebrate Easter as a religious festival or not, it’s a great time to take a break from the busyness of work and spend some time with family and friends, and your pets as they are part of the family too! Keeping a connection with family and friends is important for our mental health and well-being.

The Easter break is also great time for that country drive, a picnic, playing a ball game in the park, a bit of gardening or just going for a walk and a chat with someone. The things you usually don’t have time for because you are just too busy.

I will be spending time with my two grown-up boys and some friends. I may even repaint the loungeroom if I'm feeling energetic!

Wishing you a safe and happy Easter time, whatever you decide to do. And go easy on the chocolates, you will only regret it later. 😉

John Tedesco M: 0402 843 314, E: [email protected]

www.linkedin.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS GRANTS

State Government Commercialisation Bridge Grants are now available to support WA-based businesses, especially innovative startups and small businesses with great ideas.

Limited resources can make turning ideas into new, sustainable, scalable business opportunities with real commercial outcomes a challenge, which is why these matching grants of between $50,000 to $200,000 are particularly helpful.

Successful applicants will be required to provide a net cash co-contribution on a 50:50 basis.

If your project needs early development work, testing or commercialisation services, the Innovation Booster Grant (maximum $40,000) might be more suitable.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your unique product or service to the next level. Contact me to start your application today. I have assisted many organisations in applying for these types of grants and is available on mobile 0402 843 314 or [email protected].

PREDICTIONS for SMBs in 2024
Best wishes for the new year to you all! There are business trends that are highly relevant to small and medium businesses (SMBs) in 2024. Taking advantage of them will bring success to those that do. Here are seven trends I think SMB owners and managers need to know about.

1. Technology
SMBs will need to remain competitive by utilising technologies to enhance efficiency. This includes automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced software solutions, which are becoming more accessible and affordable. Implementing technologies relevant to your business will streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer service.

2. Sustainability
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment. In 2024, eco-friendly and sustainable practices will be more than just a trend. It will become a business imperative. From adopting renewable energy sources to reducing waste, businesses that practice and promote sustainability will attract conscious consumers, reduce long-term costs and create a better future.

3. Personalising products and services
Personalising and customer-centric approaches will set successful SMBs apart from their competitors. By using data and insights, businesses can tailor their products, services, and marketing efforts to individual customer needs and preferences, fostering stronger customer loyalty.

4. Faster on-time delivery
If you’re in the online consumer product market, then getting the goods to the customer quickly will be paramount. Customers now expect overnight or two-day delivery of products in stock, so the ability to meet these expectations with accurate delivery will become even more critical.

5. Cybersecurity
With the increasing digitisation of business operations, cybersecurity is a critical concern. SMBs are also targets for cyberattacks, and the consequences of losing your data are too great to ignore. Invest in robust security measures and educate your team about online security practices to protect your valuable data.

6. Flexibility for staff and business
To attract and retain good staff, there is a need to offer flexibility with staff working arrangements as much as practical. This includes flexible working hours, variable leave provisions and working from home where possible. Aim for win-win arrangements.

7. Be the real you
Consumers and B2B customers are becoming increasingly aware and annoyed with pushy and manipulative sales tactics. So be authentic, practice your genuine business values and treat people with integrity. They will appreciate it and become loyal customers.

Contact me for a chat about leveraging these opportunities for your business in 2024 on 0402 843 314 or at [email protected]

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS
Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious festival or not, it’s a great time to slow down and take a break from the busyness of work. It's good to spend quality time with our family and friends, which is good for our souls and well-being.

It’s also an opportune time to thank those that have been of service to us such as staff, suppliers and colleagues, as well as our valued customers.

It’s a time for a country drive, a picnic, a bit of gardening, or just going for a walk in nature. Doing some of the things you usually don’t have time for because you are so too busy. I will be spending this time in Perth with my family and friends, and going for some bike rides along the river foreshore and around Bibra Lake.

For those who have to keep working, we acknowledge your special efforts at this time of the year.

Reflecting on my past year, enjoyed learning more about sustainability and renewable energy. I also greatly enjoyed visiting India and Nepal. Overseas travel is always so enlightening and exciting learning a bit about other cultures and experiencing unique places and activities. See my pic below of me wandering the busy streets of Katmandu. It certainly is an amazing world, and I hope we can keep it that way, as well as make it a better place for all peoples of the world.

I hope you have found my weekly posts on various business-related topics during the year interesting and informative. I enjoy preparing them as I seek to share my knowledge and insights with you. I'm passionate about the value that entrepreneurship and business contribute to our community.

I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas time with your family and friends and best wishes for 2024. 🎄

Cheers, John
Mob 0402 843 314 Email: [email protected]

RESPONDING TO THE DOWNTURN?
It's official, consumer spending per person in Australia is now trending down. See the link below for details. So if you are an SME in the consumer products and services market, you are probably feeling the pinch now, or you will be in the near future.

However, this is not the time, to withdraw, cut costs, reduce opening hours and all that other negative stuff. In fact, it's quite the opposite!

There are several things you can do to make your business resilient in this environment, and even thrive. It is not difficult, but like all good strategies, you will need thought, structure and some perseverance. There is always opportunity in adversity if you know where to look and how to leverage the situation. The payback for such an investment can be significant, now and in the long-term.

If you would like to know more, then contact me for a chat about your situation on 0402 843 314 or [email protected] www.johntedesco.com.au

https://shorturl.at/quwY7

Economy has ‘hit the wall’ as consumer spending plunges amid interest rate, tax surge Australia's economy barely grew over the three months to September 30, with economic output going backwards by half a per cent per person.

Working on Rottnest Island?

Yes I will working on Rottnest Island on a beautiful sunny day. I enjoy my work, but today will be extra fun. Happy Friday!

WORDS THAT HELP US
Quotes from great leaders and thinkers inspire us to achieve and persevere in our various endeavours. For me, it’s not so much about the person who said it, but the wisdom contained in the quote. Wisdom can only come from hard work, much experience and deep observation. I would like to share some quotes that have inspired and encouraged me during my career and personal life.

There has to be a better way, let's find it! Thomas Edison.

My whole working career has been focused on this principle. From a young adult, I was fascinated by how any activity could be improved by analysing it and looking for improvements.

“Logic gets you from A to B. Imagination can take you everywhere” from Albert Einstein

So, while it’s great to be logical, logic alone will not lead to great success. This quote has inspired me to practice ‘imagining’ creative solutions for problems, or just better ways of doing things.

"Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the co-operation of many minds". Alexander Graham Bell

I’ve always believed that success is a team effort. I have always applied this axiom in my business endeavours and encouraged other leaders to do the same.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ( I don’t know who they are either!)

This is a more recent favourite and reflects the need to have a plan for any great endeavour including a business.

“Every problem is a gift - without problems, we would not grow” from Anthony Robbins.

This quote helps to put my life problems and challenges into perspective. Problems help me to learn, grow and be a better person.

Finally, this is my all-time favourite, because, in the busyness of life, it reminds me of the need to ‘stop and smell the roses,’ and live a little!

“Life is not measured by how many breaths we take, but by how many times our breath is taken away.” (Author unknown).

Do you have a favourite quote that has inspired, motivated or just made you feel good? I would love for you to share it with us.

DEFENCE INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR WA BUSINESSES
The increasing amount of manufacturing, maintenance and general supply services required for the local defence industry provides a great opportunity for WA-based businesses. The growing local defence industry requires many products and services from missiles to meatballs, so the opportunities to connect to the vast supply chain are significant. Most SME’s can connect to the supply chain via the larger direct suppliers to the defence departments.

The Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) has been established by the Federal Government to support SMEs on how to connect to the defence industry by providing information and tools such as the Defence Business Readiness Tool (DBRT). This online tool enables companies to assess their ‘readiness to supply’ to the defence industry. The assessment is against defined criteria, as summarised below. Based on their score, companies are then graded on their level of ‘readiness’ or capability against these criteria. The higher the grading the greater the opportunity to become a supplier and win contracts. Companies can improve their grading by becoming more proficient or capable in these areas.

Organisation and Governance
Appropriate governance functions, such as defined ownership and management structures, strategic and business planning, continuous improvement, innovation, people and culture, entrepreneurship, sustainability and resilience.

Products and Services
Product and service definition, development lifecycle, application of various quality and safety standards, service delivery, marketing and market competitiveness

Business Capture
Relationship management, cultural alignment to the defence industry, opportunity management, articulate product and services, tendering capability and capacity, defence and track record, and exporting.

Business Processes
Supply chain management, risk management, information and communications technology (ICT) systems, general and cyber security, financial management, human capital, health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance, contract and project management systems.

If you are interested in being a supplier to the defence supply chain or you already are and wish to improve your ‘readiness’ grade, then contact me for a chat about your situation, and how I can help you. I’m available on 0402 843 314 or [email protected]. Further information is also available from the ODS website https://www.defence.gov.au