Biz Opportunity

Did you know: between July 2007 and June 2008, migrants to Australia numbered 171 410.

In order, the countries of origin with the largest number of migrants is the UK, New Zealand, India, China and then the Phillipines.

How does this present a business opportunity, I hear you ask?

By providing the new Aussie residents with goods and services that they need, that may not be catered for by already existing mainstream products. One example of this is tinned salty beef. A favourite of the Maltese and Filipinos, Heinz undertook significant research to determine this need and provide for it. Heinz has then used ethnic and local media to promote this product.

Media is another opportunity in itself. Why not start a local newsletter or newspaper in a language other than English? You can ask for articles from local residents, include news items from Australia and overseas, depending on which language the newsletter is in, and sell advertising to local stores and service providers?

The next big thing???

Who's heard of carbon? Carbon emissions? Carbon emissions scheme?

How about carbon counting? The recent federal Government Greenpaper started the ball rolling on a whole new industry - what an opportunity! Large emitters - considered to be 125 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide or more - will need to produce an annual emissions report, and have it checked by an independent third party.

Quite a few large firms, like Connel Wagner, Ernst & Young, KPMG and Emergetics are already doing this... but what about other accounting and engineering individuals and firms? Why not set yourself up now, learn all you can about carbon emissions and how to measure them, then get into it?!

Statistics show that only 3% of company chief xecs know their company's carbon footprint... is it time for you to educate them?

Green Business - a Threat or an Opportunity?

I don't think a single day goes by that we don't hear something about climate change or petrol prices. Or both. Multiple times.

There's two ways we can look at climate change, and petrol prices - a threat or an opportunity.

Yes, they are a threat to our way of life, the well-being of our people and our planet. And also a threat to how we currently do business, as we move to cut greenhouse gas emissions and costs are driven up in various ways.

They're also an AMAZING opportunity for new business. According to BRW (July 3-9, 2008), up to 3.25 million workers will need to re/up-skill if Australia makes big cuts to greenhouse gas emissions. Possible areas are renewable energy, green buildings, and low emission vehicles (if you could put out a less expensive hybrid, I can assure you that I would buy it!).

How about, instead of just up-skilling, up-skill and get out there on your own? Start up a green business, taking advantage of the huge opportunities for growth, and help the move towards green technology and lower emissions.