The adrenaline of organising one of the best business conferences in Townsville is exhilarating

We can safely say that the right people are Mayors of Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Hervey Bay and Ipswich. They are all proactive in growing new and old businesses and driving entrepreneurship in their region.

Start a business, don't go on the dole

I read a story yesterday where someone said quite controversially that instead of going on Government Benefits, start a business. In a way, for many this is certainly an awesome option. You know we all have great ideas but few of us do anything about them.

This conference isn't just about startups or people with ideas, it's also about people who run businesses that want to learn, grow and expand what they are doing through listening and being inspired by others who perhaps have been there and done that.

You will have an ah-ha moment

I guarantee that every person who attends will have an ah-ha moment. They will be inspired, and when they leave, they will have a little skip in their stroll. They probably won't sleep well that night as ideas will be flowing fast, but they will have a new approach to what they are doing, or what they may look to do in the future.

As an entrepreneur, you make mistakes. You are constantly learning and growing. Mostly, you know that by working in the business, you are not working on the business - and that is a sure sign that things have to change. 

$160 million dollar business in Townsville - and yes, it's a startup

While there have been some really hard times that have hit the region, it's seeing people like Scott Farquhar-backed operational health and safety mobile app startup Safety Culture close a $30 million round of funding valuing the company at more than $160 million, that reminds us that anything and everything is possible. You just have to have a great idea and work really, really hard. Take the knocks when they come and use them as an empowerment tool to help you strengthen your path forward.

I can ask anyone anything to do with business, but when it comes to what we are doing in North Queensland, all of a sudden I revert back to my shy self. I can't ask for help, and I can't ask for money or sponsorship. It's a real lesson for me to learn and I know that I have to change. My old boss, who is the best marketer I know, Alex McCormick from MAK Advertising sent me an email asking if I needed some help and offering assistance. I felt so grateful for him reaching out - you wouldn't believe. He is a person who is going to make Townsville great again, alongside Graham Jackson from Loloma Jewellers, who does everything in his power to help every person who comes into contact with him. Both of whom I have had the privilege to learn and grow from.

We're bringing our A-Game

This conference isn't any slapped together conference with B-listers. It is full of remarkable stories that will take you on a journey. If you are thinking about starting a business, or don't know what you want to do in life, or perhaps you have a business and know that it hasn't yet reached its full potential, then you need to make the 8th November 2016 free and attend this conference. It will change your life. There will be hundreds of people in the room that you can network with, share contact details and follow each other on social media. Share business stories and experiences, and maybe you too can change someone's life.

I am very excited to be sharing my friends, the speakers with you. They are people I look up to immensely and have excelled in their chosen fields.

Book your tickets to www.nqecon.com.au. It's just $195 for a full day of speakers in Townsville. Fly up if you have to or hop in your car. This is an event not to be missed.

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