"FOR most small businesses, I find it's about the customer. You need to ask: 'How do I change for the customer?' Even if it's uncomfortable."
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That was the message Michael McQueen gave the audience at the Bathurst Business Chamber's BX Talks event on Monday.
Mr McQueen, a business expert and author with a multinational clientele that includes Pepsi, was recently named Australian keynote speaker of the year.
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His BX Talks presentation looked at how business owners can grow, adapt and transform in a digital age.
He called on business owners to adopt a strategy of "hunger and humility" - assessing their drive for success and their ability to admit their weaknesses and adapt.
"The challenge is that most of us don't like change as human beings ... the key is to focus on purpose, even when unforeseen things occur," he said.
"It all comes back to purpose. Ask what's the reason I got into business in the first place?. Change may be uncomfortable, but I have to be resilient because the purpose compels me."
He said businesses need to address how they will thrive in a world where millennials will become the highest spenders.
"Millennials are coming into their peak spending years ... the use of social media has become non-negotiable and it can be hard for a business that is set in its ways but that comes back to humility. Bring someone in for whom social media is second nature."
Bathurst Business Chamber president Angus Edwards said the BX Talks event gives business owners a great perspective on how to take advantage of changing times.
"Today's event was really about encouraging local businesses to think outside their comfort zone and think about what is coming next in terms of technology and how they can use that to their advantage," he said.
"There are opportunities here for local businesses to adapt, to understand their customer base and make the most of these changes."
Mr McQueen also participated in a panel discussion on the changing business landscape alongside local business owners Peter Harrison, from Fish River Roasters, and Melissa Kelly, owner of Bake, Table and Tea.
BX Talks was hosted by the Bathurst Business Chamber with the support of Bathurst Regional Council, as part of Biz Month 2019.
