Final message for 2008!
I published this piece about the state of our world economy in the last edition of The Stock Yard Newsletter and had a big response to it - so I thought I’d share it with everyone.
Everyone I know, including me, is concerned about where the economy is going. The news reports are interesting – but at the end of the day no one has the crystal ball to foresee what the future holds.
As individuals we have no control over it, so why should we waste our time being consumed with worry?
I am sure there are some reporters out there that get joy out of scaring the living daylight out of us by reporting on the ‘doom and gloom’ that’s ahead and take pleasure in trying to make us feel everything is caving in around us.
Sure - it’s absolutely true our economy is constricting but don’t be fooled, other areas and industries are expanding! We are simply seeing a period of major shifts. Some of my greatest career mentors have said their businesses have done just as well in a restricted economy!
My Dad told me a story once about ‘back when he was a boy’ his father grew a crop of spuds during a drought and made more money then than he had in a good year - with less yield – enough to buy a brand new truck with the surplus income – something he wasn’t able to do when he had the extra spuds!
Winston Churchill once wrote ‘a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’
What I am saying is now is the time to take and have an honest look at your business and make some decisions that are going to move you and your business forward instead of being paralysed with fear.
Ask youself – what positive steps are you are taking to manage your enterprise? Or are you waiting for Kevin to give you a bail out package? The New Year is looming, what a great chance to find new opportunities in your difficulties!
There are businesses out there that can help you assess your business options, including Rural Connections. If you need contacts for people who specialise in your particular enterprise – call me I’m more than happy to point you in the right direction.
I’ve left you with my thoughts – I’d welcome your comments.
As 2009 draws to a close I would like to thank you sincerely for your support this year. Next year is shaping up to be busier than ever with many major courses being diarised already.
From my family to yours I wish you a safe and happy New Year! Take care.
Vegie Leaders Wanted
The Vegetable Industry Strategic Leadership Course for 2009 commences on February 24 2008 in Devonport Tasmania, and concludes six months later in Canberra.
The program is being funded by Horticulture Australia and supported by AUSVEG and is being facilitated by Rural Training Initiatives.
The program requires successful applicants to come together as a group and attend nine days of learning. The nine days of the program are spread across 3 x 3 day residential.
The cost to the participant is $500 and out-of-pocket expenses. All of industry is invited to apply for the program from growers through to extension staff.
For more information, contact the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association on what 03 6332 1800 or email Fiona Gluszyk at TFGA.
Rural Diary - December 2008
Hit the Drought for 6 - Tas Tigers vs Qld Bulls
14 December
Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Rural Women’s Scholarships Close
15 December
Visit www.twia.org.au for more details
Bridgewater Sale
15 December
Bridgewater Saleyards, Bridgewater
Contact your local livestock agent
Tasmanian Innovation Workshop
The Innovation Development Early Assessment System (IDEAS) can be applied easily to assess the opportunity, the risks and the complexity of commercialising a new business idea.
This one day workshop is intended for individuals or businesses that have an idea for a new product, process or service and are interested in applying an assessment tool to determine its commercial viability.
IDEAS has been developed and is delivered by Associate Professor Jack English from the Australian Innovation Research Centre. The IDEAS workshop is interactive but does not include group work and your idea can remain strictly confidential.
Is your innovation ready to be commercialised? Find out the answer, by attending the next IDEAS Workshop:
When: Friday 13 February 2009, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Where: Peppers Seaport Hotel, 28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston TAS
Cost: $55 (GST inclusive) which includes an IDEAS handbook, lunch & refreshments
Registrations Close: Friday 6 February 2009
For further information and to download a registration form visit Development Tas’s Website.