“Beware of the ‘dream-takers’,” says Tom O’Toole

“All of us are living in the world’s luckiest and richest country. It’s easy to be negative. Blame the Shire, blame the Government, blame the shop down the road…”

Read on for a ‘real world’ approach to tourism business sent to PWF by Dr Barbara Maidment of the Margaret River Business Development Centre (MRBC).

“The only thing that limits me is that stuff between my ears”, says Tom O’Toole, owner of Beechworth Bakery in Beechworth, Victoria.

Tom, who got his start at the Augusta Bakery right here in the Margaret River region, has a down-to-earth message that is genuine and current.

“Beware of the ‘dream-takers’,” Tom says. They are the people who won’t help, can’t help or think your ideas are crazy. It could be the bank manager, your spouse, or your parents.

Keep in touch with your dreams. Keep them moving. Keep them growing. Keep them alive.

Tom grew up very poor. He worked at a lot of jobs, saved his money, took on a bakery apprenticeship and now owns Victoria’s most popular bakery. His is a cash business with a $3millon turnover, which rarely takes less than $10,000 a day on items averaging $2.50.

Beechworth Bakery operates in a town much like those here in our region. He employs 64 full and part-time staff and regularly reminds himself and his staff that they’re not in a hot bread business, they’re in a people business.

Little things are the only things in customer service. The difference between extra ordinary and ordinary is that little bit extra. That’s why Tom put in tables and chairs and public toilets and why on Sundays in fine weather, he has a band playing on the balcony. It’s that little bit extra that keeps his customers coming back.

All of us are living in the world’s luckiest and richest country. It’s easy to be negative. Blame the Shire, blame the Government, blame the shop down the road.

Tom says if you’re having trouble with your business, look in the mirror. Get off your duff. Be positive. Make your work place fun. Work together with your staff, so you can win together.

It seems we’re all waiting for someone else to do it. The cavalry isn’t coming over the hill. Don’t wait until you’ve gotten organized, or the kids grow up, or whatever. Just do something. Get started.

The greatest sin is sitting on your duff. It’s the believers and the doers who pick up the prizes.

About the Margaret River Business Development Centre

MRBC is an on-line and mobile service, bringing information, assistance and specialist work in accordance with client needs direct to the client’s doorstep. It will work with individuals seeking to establish a business, existing business, individuals seeking improvement in personal or leadership development, non-profit organisations, local government, and the corporate sector.

Barb managed this Centre for 15 years – until it was closed last year by the WA Government – and has continued the Centre’s work as a private consultancy specialising in small business and community capacity building. She may be contacted at the Business Centre on 0437 800 489 or email info@margaretriverbusiness.com.