Embracing the Journey: Small Business Connections and Remembering Our Roots

By Mandy Williams

As Queensland Small Business Month begins today, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable individuals I've had the privilege of collaborating with throughout my career in and around small business, my own and those where I have worked or worked along side. There are special ones that have left their mark on me, shaping my professional journey in a myriad of ways. Yet, as time marches on, connections can fade. Personally, I love staying in touch to the extraordinary people I have worked with—be they colleagues or those who have become close friends.

Having experienced various corners of Australia and the globe, my network boasts a rich diverse network of fabulous people from all backgrounds and disciplines. However, I’m reminded that some connections have slipped through the cracks, despite the technological advancements in communication at our disposal.

Just last week, while sorting through old files, I stumbled upon a relic from the '90s—an old style reference from a former colleague, Bev Strickland , who was once the Marketing Manager at Toowong Village Shopping Centre. Memories came flooding back, of Bev and her fierce energy, images of the store, the shopping centre, and snapshots of me receiving accolades for my work as the youngest store manager in Queensland, I was 19/20 years old. It was a nostalgic moment, particularly as I reminisced about my tenure managing House & Garden in my late teens and early twenties—a role that most definitely served as a hands-on MBA in retail, foundational for sure.

Throughout those six years, I delved into the intricacies of consumer buying behaviour, precinct shopping centre activation, inventory management, marketing strategies, buying, merchandising, home styling, finance, budgeting, sales, team leadership, and more. This practical education I received laid the groundwork for my subsequent ventures in business and career.

When I rediscovered Bev's reference, I felt compelled to reconnect. Much to my delight, a quick search on LinkedIn and there she was, and still in Brisbane! Amazing, so I reached out and this week we met for coffee 31 years later….it was so good to see her and she hasn’t changed a bit!

As we reminisced about memories, such as the Rollerblade Derby she orchestrated on the shopping centre's rooftop, it became evident that our shared passion for retail, hospitality, and marketing was well and truly alive. Today it appears we still have much collectively to share, how good is that!!

So, as we celebrate Small Business Month in Queensland, I encourage you to rekindle old connections. You never know the impact a simple gesture of outreach may have, or the opportunities it could unearth.

There’s nothing small about small business, we present 97.3% of businesses in Australia, connection and collaboration are not only vital they are super valuable for your clients and business sustainability. Here's to fostering connections and embracing the spirit of collaboration.

Happy Small Business Month, everyone!

Ciao, Mandy :)

#LoveYourSmallBusiness #QSBM