June 13, 2020
HCC INTERVIEWS
I’m running our family business which was established almost 30 years ago. We specialise in the distribution of portable gas cooking appliances and accessories servicing predominantly oriental and ethnic stores, food market stalls, restaurants and households all around Australia.
The business provides products which are based on the rich history of Asian cooking and seeks to merge the richness of these traditions and values with modern Australian culture.
Our business has been able to grow throughout this incredible time by changing and adapting our processes and by exercising a level of care and understanding for our customers.
We made it a priority to acknowledge the difficulties our customers were experiencing and offered our assistance wherever possible – whether that was extending credit terms, helping with their marketing or even just giving a simple call to see how our customers were going.
Perspective is also another key element that supported our business. By refusing to feel sorry for ourselves during this difficult situation and instead, choosing to view this situation as an opportunity to adjust our processes to changing times we have been able to adapt our strategies and grow in spite of the challenges and uncertainty.
I feel that businesses, if they haven’t already, should start thinking about what additional value they can provide for their customers. There’s no doubt consumer shopping habits and needs will change after this situation is over and businesses should be willing to adapt to that change.
By shifting perspectives and focusing on providing value, businesses will be able to come up with new and innovative ways to serve customers and fulfill their needs once all this is over. If they think and plan about it now, they will be able to emerge on the other side with a fresh perspective ready to hit the ground running!
In a year’s time, I imagine Haymarket will be a bustling hub of activity for crowds of all ages with its rich heritage, culture and community encased by vibrant, modern dining and entertainment precincts. I am confident Haymarket will continue its growth as a world class destination attracting students and visitors from every corner of the globe.
A quote that I always turn to during challenging situations, and which I feel is very fitting for these current times, is “The only constant in life is change” – Heraclitus
