Mentors
MENTOR A-Z
- a
- Adam Ferrier
- Adam Franklin
- Amanda Gome
- Amanda Jesnoewski
- Amanda Watts
- b
- Bella Katz
- Brad Callaughan
- Brad Lindenberg
- Business Book Club
- c
- Cas McCullough
- Colin Benjamin
- Craig Hodges
- Craig Yeung
- d
- David Trewern
- Dean Ramler
- Debra Templar
- Dion Appel
- f
- Franz Madlener
- Fred Schebesta
- g
- Gillian Franklin
- Graeme McCormack
- Greg Hayes
- j
- Jacqueline Lehmann
- James Omond
- Jane Shelton
- Jason Rose
- Jo Burston
- Jonathan Weinstock
- Julia Bickerstaff
- k
- Ken Phillips
- l
- Lauren Ridgway
- Linnet Hunter
- m
- Marc Peskett
- Marcia Griffin
- Mark Campbell
- Martin Nally
- Michael Folmer Hansen
- Michael Fox
- Michael Giles
- Michael Halligan
- n
- Ned Dwyer
- Nick Crocker
- Nicole Kersh
- o
- Orsi Parkanyi
- p
- Paul Clements
- Paul Page
- Philip Alexander
- Phil Weinman
- r
- Rebekah Campbell
- Rene Sugo
- Reuben Buchanan
- Robert Krigsman
- s
- Sahil Merchant
- Scott Robinson
- Simon Foster
- Simon Harris
- Steve Kingston
- Steve Torso
- Steve Wright
- t
- Greg Ferrett
- Tom O'Toole
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Tom O'Toole
Tom O’Toole’s Beechworth Bakery chain turns over in excess of $12 million annually, serves more than one million customers a year and employs 250 people. Tom is also a popular author and speaker.
- Tony Faure
- Tony Glenning
- u
- John Russell
- v
- Vicki Crowe
- w
- Walid El-Khoury
- Weekend Reads
- William Willems
- y
- Yvonne Adele
Latest
How can I effectively delegate tasks to my staff?
For the business to grow, you have to let go and trust your staff.
How do you manage to stay motivated over the years?
After 30 years in business, often people wonder how I stay motivated. Here are my secrets.
What are the key qualities you look for in a supplier, beyond price?
Whether it’s our bank, butcher or insurance broker, we need to have a good working relationship. It has to be win/win.
A nearby business wants to strike up a partnership arrangement. Should I do this?
I say, seize the opportunity. But before you get too involved, make sure it’s all in writing so you’re all clear what you want out of the partnership.
Are there any good tactics to encourage repeat sales from customers?
The best tactic of all is to make your customers’ visit enjoyable. I believe it’s pretty simple – happy customers come back.
I’ve started up a retail business in a regional town. How can I build a rapport with the local community?
I believe you can really make a difference by having your business in a regional town. I should know – we have six bakeries in regional Victoria.
What tactics should I use to ensure our customer service is up to scratch?
There are many, many tactics for improving customer service. One of the best? The mystery shopper!
With rising cost pressures, how do I pass this on to our customers in a way that won’t drive them away?
Pricing is all about perceived value. Whatever you do, don’t price yourself out of the market. You must ask a fair price for your product.
Is it better to do sales training in-house or get external help?
I believe staff training is vital to the success of any business. And I’ve found that using external trainers is the best option. Here’s why.
Is it better to have gradual, incremental price increases or one large hike?
One of the biggest mistakes I have made is not acting quickly enough to increase prices when needed. Pricing is critically important.
How can you identify good customer service traits in staff before you hire them?
Make would-be hires feel comfortable and relaxed with a little chitchat. Only then will you find out what they’re really like.
What is the best way to test that a potential supplier will deliver you quality goods on time at a price you’ve agreed?
Finding the right supplier is crucial, especially in the long-term.
What is the best way to shift excess stock? Are discounts the best tactic and, if so, how should I do this?
Beware: a “discount” mentality among customers who wait to buy only when goods are on sale.
