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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Revealed: secrets of local success

Author Suzanne Kiraly… “People who are surviving in business after more than 10 years have gained a lot of wisdom along the way.” Photo by Andrew Finch
Author Suzanne Kiraly… “People who are surviving in business after more than 10 years have gained a lot of wisdom along the way.” Photo by Andrew Finch

BUSINESS success comes down to a combination of integrity, tenacity and a passion for what you’re doing, says author Suzanne Kiraly.

For her new book, “Canberra Business Success Stories”, Suzanne says she interviewed more than 60 businesses that have been operating in Canberra for 10 years or more. They include Canberra Airport, the National Zoo and Aquarium and real estate star Peter Blackshaw.

She says the people she interviewed were all hard workers, and that much of their success came down to passion and drive.

“People tend to think you’re rich and greedy if you’re in business, but that’s not what I’ve seen at all,” she says.

“If you’re not passionate enough to ride the tough times, then why not get a job? So many businesses fail because they have an unrealistic view of what it takes.”

Suzanne says she was inspired to write the book in 2014 by Katy Gallagher, who had highlighted the importance of celebrating the thriving private sector in Canberra.

A light went on for Suzanne, and as a writer she says she knew she wanted to both celebrate business and also tell the real stories behind them.

“I have lived this myself, having lost my home and husband through running my own business,” she says.

“Let me tell you, those people who are surviving in business after more than 10 years have gained a lot of wisdom along the way.”

Suzanne says the book contains genuine personal stories of what it takes to survive, revive and thrive in business.

“It’s not just celebrating business, it’s also useful for people who are struggling or just starting out,” she says.

“At the beginning of a business, people are often all up in the sky, the world is their oyster and that’s because they don’t yet know the pitfalls that are ahead!

“For example, something I’ve learned is that partnerships rarely work, and that bitter partnership break-ups aren’t unusual.

“The business can take over your personal life and it’s not an easy balance to find.”

Suzanne says she plans to write a follow-up to the book, as there are so many more businesses she would like to profile.

“I see this as an ongoing project that’s honest and real, but also very positive.

“There is often so much negativity in the media, it’s good to have some positive stories.”

“Canberra Business Success Stories” is available though canberrabusinesssuccessstories.com

 

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Ian Meikle

Ian Meikle

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