Frequently asked questions.

Common questions about working together and how I can help your business grow.

Business Growth & Strategy

  • I work with tourism operators (attractions, accommodation, tours, experiences), hospitality venues, creative businesses, professional services, and regional enterprises. If you need help with business development, systems, growth strategy, or operations, I can help.

  • Absolutely. Some of my most rewarding work is with businesses in their early stages. I can help you avoid common mistakes, set up systems properly from the start, and create a solid foundation for growth.

  • If you are feeling stretched, missing opportunities because you do not have time to pursue them, or knowing you could do better but unsure how - you are ready. Growth does not always mean bigger; sometimes it means smarter or more efficient.

  • Yes. Having seen many businesses grow and adapt, I can help you create realistic plans that account for seasonal variations, resource constraints, and market realities. We focus on practical planning, not lengthy documents that sit on shelves.

  • Yes. I offer tailored mentoring for business owners and their teams. Whether it is one-off strategy sessions or ongoing support, I help you stay focused, overcome challenges, and take meaningful action toward your goals.

Tourism & Hospitality Specific

  • Being trade-ready means your business can work effectively with tour operators, travel agents, and other distribution partners. This includes having appropriate pricing structures, booking processes, professional materials, and experiences that suit different market segments.

  • Yes. With experience working across India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan, China, and New Zealand markets, I understand what international buyers expect. I can help assess your readiness and develop strategies for international expansion.

  • Absolutely. Many of my clients are not yet in trade when we start working together. We can focus on systems, operations, direct marketing, experience development, or business planning - wherever you are in your journey.

  • Small operators have advantages: personalised service, flexibility, authentic experiences, and local knowledge. I help identify your unique value proposition, implement smart systems, and develop strategic partnerships that level the playing field.

  • Yes. As a current judge for multiple tourism award programs, I know exactly what wins and what does not. I can help position your business, craft compelling submissions, and use recognition strategically for business growth.

Systems & Technology

  • Having used various booking platforms, point-of-sale systems, and operational tools throughout my career, I understand what works in practice. I evaluate options based on your specific needs, budget, and team capabilities - not just features lists.

  • I am a preferred ROLLER Software partner, selected for industry expertise and proven results. While I have deep knowledge of their platform, I only recommend ROLLER if it genuinely fits your business needs and budget.

  • Yes. I provide hands-on implementation support and comprehensive staff training. Having been through system changes myself, I know how to make transitions smooth and ensure your team feels confident with new tools.

  • Absolutely. I understand how booking systems, point-of-sale platforms, customer databases, and operational tools need to work together. I help identify integration opportunities and implement solutions that reduce double-handling.

  • That is why we start with thorough assessment of your needs, growth plans, and constraints. I help you make informed decisions based on real-world experience, not sales presentations. If issues arise, I provide ongoing support to optimise your setup.

International Business & Markets

  • It depends on your specific offering, target demographic, and expansion capacity. Based on my experience across Asia-Pacific markets, I can conduct market analysis and recommend the most suitable opportunities for your business.

  • Critical. Having worked directly with visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds, I understand how business protocols, communication styles, and service expectations vary. This knowledge is essential for building successful international relationships.

  • Yes. Trade show success requires more than just showing up with brochures. I help with pre-event preparation, presentation development, networking strategies, and follow-up planning to maximise your investment.

  • Consistent communication, cultural sensitivity, and delivering on promises. I help establish systems for regular communication and ensure partnerships continue providing value for everyone involved.

  • I am based in Port Stephens, NSW, and work with clients across Australia. I offer in-person meetings where practical, plus video calls, phone consultations, and email support. Many successful collaborations happen entirely virtually.

  • Yes, within reason. For significant projects or when face-to-face meetings add real value, I can travel to meet clients. We will discuss travel arrangements and costs during project planning.

  • Yes, I can provide references from businesses I have worked with across various industries. References are shared with permission and focus on working relationships and outcomes achieved.

  • Usually within a week of our initial conversation. Some projects can start immediately, while others require planning and preparation. We will establish realistic timelines based on your needs and my availability.

  • I will tell you honestly during our initial conversation. If I am not the right person to help, I will often suggest alternatives or other professionals who might be better suited to your needs.

  • Yes. Even after formal engagements conclude, I remain available for questions, guidance, or new opportunities. Many client relationships continue informally long after projects are completed.

Working Together

Regional & Local Business

  • Regional businesses have unique advantages: authentic experiences, lower overheads, and community connections. I help leverage these advantages while addressing challenges like marketing reach, system capabilities, and staff retention. Often, regional businesses can offer more personalised service and authentic experiences that command premium pricing.

  • I have extensive experience across the Hunter Region, including recognition as Young Achiever at Hunter Tourism Awards in 2013. I understand the regional business landscape, seasonal patterns, and collaborative opportunities between Hunter businesses. This local knowledge combined with international experience provides unique value for regional growth strategies.

Awards & Recognition

  • Industry awards provide credibility, marketing opportunities, and competitive differentiation. As someone who judges awards and has guided multiple businesses to recognition, I know awards can significantly impact business growth when leveraged strategically.

  • Winning requires strategic positioning, compelling storytelling, and understanding evaluation criteria. As a Judge for NSW & NSW North Coast Tourism Awards, I know exactly what judges look for and can guide you through the entire process.

  • Yes, the principles of award-winning positioning apply across industries. I have helped businesses win recognition in tourism, hospitality, and business achievement categories.

Ready to Get Started?

If you have questions not covered here, or you're ready to discuss your specific business growth challenges, let's start a conversation.

Q: How do I book an initial consultation? A: Simply get in touch via phone, email, or the contact form on this website. We will schedule a free 30-minute conversation to discuss your situation and explore how I might help.

Q: What should I prepare for our first conversation? A: Nothing formal required. Just come ready to talk about your business, current challenges, and what you are hoping to achieve. I will ask questions to understand your situation better.

Q: Is there any obligation after the initial consultation? A: None whatsoever. Our first conversation is about mutual understanding - whether we are a good fit to work together. There is no pressure to proceed if it does not feel right for either of us.

Open notebook with the words 'Let's get started.' printed on the page, a black pen resting on the desk nearby, a person's hand with a ring turning the page, and a silver laptop in the background.