BUSINESS BUDDIES CASE STUDY

Monte Elissa, MediGYM/The First Step Health and Fitness

Monte Elissa provides fitness and therapy programs for older people who may not feel comfortable attending a regular gym or who suffer from chronic medical problems. His clients range from those in their early fifties to one member who is 90!

Monte first came up with the idea while giving a talk at a university on the health problems of an ageing population. As a registered physiotherapist, he was always interested in exercise as therapy and realised that the baby boomer generation would need widespread medical and health services as they aged.

Monte has now been running the business for two years, and in 2003 achieved public acknowledgement of his success when he won a local community business award. However as Monte is the first to admit, it wasn't all plain sailing - which is where the Business Buddies service was able to help.

'I became the fish in the fish bowl and therefore did not have a clear picture on my vision.
I needed to improve my cash flow and I needed ideas for marketing, how to raise consumer awareness of my service. I had spent a lot of money with little response. I needed encouragement and a sounding board for ideas.'

Mosman BEC introduced Monte to Business Buddy John Rawson, who helped him to assess the financial position of the business and encouraged him to get referrals to improve the cash flow.

'John was very patient and understanding with a down to earth view. He gave me a much needed boost of encouragement to door knock and catch up on contacts. He made me brain storm for ideas to improve the business, and set tasks and timelines. As a result my customers increased and therefore so did my turnover. I achieved a clearer message in my advertising and defined my target market.'

As well as the sound business advice and a fresh perspective on the business, Monte also appreciated the comradeship and support offered by John. 

'The worst thing about being the boss is that you have no boss to tell you what to do - we all need good advice and a kick along from time to time, which is what I received. Thank you John!'

Monte anticipates that he will use the service again to resolve business issues and encourages other business owners to do the same.

'Anyone who has been in business for a period of time and is looking for refreshing business ideas and invaluable insights to progress their vision, should seriously consider contacting Business Buddies. A sincerest thank you to John Rawson and David Baumgarten for their contributions. Thanks guys for setting me straight!'

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