TAB Australia Member Finds Clarity And Focus to Grow Her Business
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TAB AUSTRALIA MEMBER FINDS CLARITY AND FOCUS TO GROW HER BUSINESS For many business owners, the first year of operations (or first five years) often presents the greatest challenges. Whether it’s fine-tuning and introducing new products or services, coping with elements of the…
TAB AUSTRALIA MEMBER FINDS CLARITY AND FOCUS TO GROW HER BUSINESS For many business owners, the first year of operations (or first five years) often presents the greatest challenges. Whether it’s fine-tuning and introducing new products or services, coping with elements of the competitive landscape, or simply finding new customers, fledgling business owners can face daunting odds just to survive.
For Rachael Atkinson, co-owner of MB Automotive Fleet Specialists in Queensland, Australia, the first five years—while challenging—proved successful. They discovered a sizable demand for fleet specialists and were up for the challenge of meeting that demand.
But after the “opening phase,” Rachael and her business partner, Matt Bolger, found they didn’t know exactly how to plan ahead for the next five years. MB Automotive Fleet Specialists, located in Townsville, WHAT TAB CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS specialises in maintaining and repairing fleets of Rachael strongly believes that “to achieve your goals, it’s vehicles for local and regional businesses. These fleets vital to focus, plan carefully, advance with confidence and include cars, light trucks and trailers—anywhere from be motivated to make things happen.” Also, “you should a small fleet of one or two vehicles to fleets of 100 or surround yourself with passionate people and inspire more vehicles. them to achieve.” MB Automotive services, diagnoses and repairs these Finally, she adds, “you can’t be afraid to ask for help.” fleets, but as Rachael says, “We don’t just throw parts at cars, thinking that can solve the issue. We make sure the Since 2018, Rachael has found the help she needs— vehicles run smoothly and reliably each and every time.” and, in turn, provided valuable guidance to her fellow Members—in TAB Australia. STEADY GROWTH AND A POSITIVE “Running a small business can be an enormous challenge,” WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT she notes. “Sometimes it’s necessary to step away from Rachael and Matt started the business in 2014, with working in your business and start working on your just the two of them in the office (and Matt as MB business. TAB has given me this opportunity.” Automotive’s sole mechanic). Together, they built the business to encompass a workforce of three mechanics, What does she say to other business owners looking for an apprentice mechanic and a full-time office assistant. help and guidance from TAB?
“We believe in creating a positive environment for our “From being in TAB, you’ll learn that you’re not alone and employees,” Rachael says. “Given the challenges of that you have a great sounding board for your challenges recruiting qualified mechanics, we place considerable and ideas. You’ll see it’s possible to enjoy the support emphasis on our team living and working locally and of a like-minded group of business leaders who hold enjoying the North Queensland lifestyle.” each other accountable for their decisions but aren’t judgmental. These people genuinely want to see each At the same time, MB Automotive competes for skilled other achieve their personal and professional goals.” labour with major mineral mines. Finding the right people to meet the company’s growing needs is a constant Owning a small business can be a struggle, Rachael challenge. concludes, “so you need to ensure you have the right direction and balance between life and work.” She encourages business leaders to give TAB membership a LOOKING TO THE FUTURE try, particularly since prospective members have three After nearly five years of steady growth and achieving an months (at no financial risk) to decide if the peer group annual revenue of $1.1 million, Rachael and Matt found model is right for them. themselves pondering the company’s future. “We’ve been delighted by the success of our business, but in 2018, we “I absolutely believe TAB is worth investing discovered there was a lack of clarity and focus about where to go next,” she says. in, and it’s likely you will, too!”
That’s when she was approached by TAB Australia Facilitator, Mary Stevenson.
“Mary invited me to attend a TAB Board meeting to see if this group of business owners might help Matt and me with our situation,” Rachael says. “After the first session, I decided to become a Member. It’s one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made.”
As a result of her membership in TAB, she adds, “we’re achieving greater clarity around the direction of our business and our business goals and strategy. This helps us communicate more effectively with our staff and determine the right priorities for MB Automotive. Our business has a much stronger foundation to build on, and we have plans for our future, plans for our staff training and development, and plans to increase our revenue and profitability.”
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Source: The Alternative Board