Small business grabs political attention at COSBOA Summit

IT IS NO coincidence that senior political and public service figures are prominent at this year's National Small Business Summit in Brisbane this week, July 24-25.

 

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and current Minister for Small Business, Tourism, Resources and Energy, Gary Gray - who was kept on in those roles when Kevin Rudd became Prime Minister  -- are both speaking at the NAB National Small Business Summit, being staged at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mr Gray will close the first day's proceedings and Mr Abbott will deliver his keynote address following the Summit Breakfast on July 25.

Queensland Small Business Minister Jann Stuckey will also present, but perhaps as important to delegates will be the presence of senior public servants including Australian Taxation Office Commissioner Chris Jordan; Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Michael Schaper; Productivity Commissioner Warren Mundy and Australian Securities and Investments Commissioner Greg Tanzer.

Peter Strong, executive director of the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) said this was the time for small business owners and operators to be the number one policy issue when it comes to the Australian economy.

"A huge number of votes lay in the balance and policy makers can no longer ignore the needs and issues of more than 2.5 million small businesses around the country," Mr Strong said.

"For too long regulators have refused to give us any leeway and demand that we have the same skills, resources and understanding as a big business. Small businesses are run by real people working to support themselves and their families, and they deserve more careful consideration by our policy makers.

"We implore all of our parliamentary leaders and government representatives to attend this year's summit and hear from small businesses first-hand to gain a greater understanding of the myriad of issues they face."

Mr Strong said the NAB National Small Business Summit brings industry and business representatives, senior politicians and bureaucrats together to keep the issues of small business people on the national agenda, and to ensure they are not overlooked in the lead up to the 2013 Australian federal election.

The Summit also provides small business owners with invaluable networking opportunities, take-home information and ideas, and will showcase the latest small business products and services.

 

FACE TO FACE WITH FACEBOOK

The Summit Breakfast on Thursday July 25 has been designed specifically for small business owners.

Small businesses wanting to better understand how to use social media will have the opportunity to hear from two of the nation's best social media marketers when

Nick Bowditch, SMB marketing manager at Facebook, and Troy Townsend, co-founder of Tiger Pistol face facts about social media and business.

Mr Strong said small business owners and operators will gain real insights into the world of social media at the breakfast session, themed I'm Liked and LinkedIn, what's next?

"Social media and online marketing are significant areas of opportunity for small business, and we regularly hear that business owners just don't understand how to use social media for business purposes or are just unsure of its potential," Mr Strong said.

"This breakfast session has been designed specifically for people who run small businesses to learn how social media and online campaigns can help grow and promote their business, as well as help engage and communicate with customers.

"Nick and Troy are the best in the business and we're lucky to have them attend and speak at this year's Summit Breakfast. We encourage all the local Brisbane businesses to come along and get a little more social media savvy."

Mr Bowditch has started and sold three online businesses in the last five years, all without a shopfront, staff or having to spend a cent on traditional marketing or advertising.

He was snapped up by Facebook after a representative heard him talk about the future of social media for small business at last year's Summit. Mr Bowditch's focus at Facebook is helping small businesses grow and thrive online.

Troy Townsend has over 10years of experience working in advertising, promotions and social media. Mr Townsend has worked on social media campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands such as NAB, AOL, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Pepsi, Subway, Schweppes, American Express and Village Roadshow.

He created Tiger Pistol to allow small businesses to engage with their customers easily, professionally and effectively.

A real life small business case study will also be presented as part of the breakfast session, from Marco Renai, founder and partner of Health Lifestyle Clinic based in Bundall on the Gold Coast. Mr Renai will demonstrate how he uses LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to connect and stay in touch with his clients.

http://www.thenationalsmallbusinesssummit.com.au/

http://www.cosboa.org.au/

 

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