Date posted: January 28, 2016

Blink and you will miss it! Welcome to 2016. Are you like me and find it hard to believe we are in February? If this is a sign of how fast this year is going to speed past then we had better hold on tight and make the most of every opportunity!

I am not a great believer in make new year’s resolutions, but I do believe in setting goals, and no matter what the goals are, each year the process has been to have a plan, remain focused, and grow my knowledge and skills to achieve these goals successfully. So how does this impact on you and the family business community as a whole? I am glad you asked! This year one of my goals is to deliver a range of networking events and educational workshops to provide family businesses with the tools and knowledge to create successful and sustainable family enterprises.

To get a head start I cheated a little on this and started late last year, so the good news is that we already have events on the calendar that will provide information and assistance to grow and nurture you family business.

So who’s for coffee? We are kicking off the year on the 17th February with our Meet the Family behind the Business event, visiting Fleur and Brad Cassidy at Leaf Bean Machine to gain insights into their family business journey, business growth, the challenges of working so closely together and of course sampling their fabulous coffee. Following this is an opportunity for those who may be struggling with the “bedsheets to spreadsheets philosophy”, or in other words would like tips on how to make the running of their family business even better, the Family Business Essentials half day workshop on the 2nd March is a great opportunity to identify where your family business is currently at and set your goals ad strategies to ensure a successful future.

My personal experience has shown me that the family businesses that ‘get involved’ with FBA reap the rewards of valuable connections, the sharing of knowledge and experience, but most of all, the sense of being part of a wonderful group of people…. of belonging. I strongly encourage you to connect with our community by attending events, embrace the educational offerings and join a forum group, you won’t regret it. So please put aside the arguments that you don’t have time for – it is pure procrastination! And if it isn’t, then you need help more that you realise, so give me a call!

Let’s work together to make 2016 a successful year, see you soon.

Lorraine Willis
WA State Manager

PS – Save this date!

If you haven’t already done so, please save the date for our WA State Conference on May 12th at the newly renovated Rendezvous Hotel Scarborough. Not only is this venue an iconic WA landmark, it is also part of the family owned Toga Far East Hotels portfolio of over 65 hotels includes Adina Apartment Hotels, Medina Serviced Apartments, Rendezvous Hotels (Australia & New Zealand), Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Hotel Kurrajong Canberra.

This year’s theme is “Future Proofing for Success” we will be exploring the characteristics of a successful family business, learning from family businesses that have succeeded and providing you with skills and knowledge to take your business successfully into the future. Our keynote speaker Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Far East Hotels will share her experience as a non-family CEO in building and leading a successful international family enterprise. Stay tuned for the full program featuring more fantastic family businesses and business professionals armed with the kind of knowledge invaluable to current and emerging family business leaders.