Where has this last year gone? I know I am not the only one asking this question. No matter what business you are in, as a small business owner my guess is you have had a year like many others, full of wins, losses, challenges and hopefully a few occasions where something has really worked out.
Maybe it was hiring that right person for your business or perhaps you risked a new venture that paid off.
However, the story of your year has unfolded I would bet you feel as I do and am shocked that Christmas has been and gone for 2024. Whilst most of us may be winding down for the year and enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation, for many in Yamba who own, operate and work in our fine hospitality venues the hardest work of the year is yet to come.
For the excellent people who keep this town alive through summer the term “silly season” has a completely different meaning.
Whilst it is a time when generally, hospo venues have more business than any other time of the year, this uptick in potential revenue comes with a whole new set of challenges. In order to fully capitalise on this increased demand, cafes, bars and restaurants need staff.
Whilst this may sound rudimentary, finding the right people for the demanding work in the hospitality industry in a tourist town like Yamba is very difficult. In my experience as a cafe owner and operator I would say that since Covid, supply of staff has been slowly improving, especially with the gradual return of our much-loved migrant workers from all around the world.
This being said a fair bit of sifting is required in order to find that special person who is honest, hardworking and responsible. A business owner may come across lots of people who possess one of these qualities but to hire one who possesses all three is a truly rare and valuable find, a diamond in the rough.
As I mentioned in my last letter, HR is simply one facet of running a small business and in the summer holidays, basically everything becomes a little trickier, for example, one needs to order more but needs to predict demand accurately so as to not over order and end up with waste.
Not to mention the summer heat.
The next few months are challenging for many businesses but when all is said and done, we are lucky to live and own businesses in a great town like Yamba.
At the end of a long hot slog creating delicious food, steaming milk for that perfect coffee or pouring the great Australian cold beer, we in the business have the option of stripping off and diving into the beautiful ocean, taking full advantage of its mysterious healing powers!
This can truly be incredibly cathartic both physically and mentally. Lucky us!
I will end this letter with a word of advice for those enjoying the service provided by the hospo owners, and their staff; feedback is good, it helps to develop a business, you may just notice something that has flown under the radar.
If something is wrong, slow or not perfect just remember to treat all people the way you would want to be treated, everyone is just doing their best so be polite and treat everyone with respect.
This has been the second edition of the “Letter from the President” if you are interested in getting involved with the Yamba Chamber of Commerce or if you have anything to discuss please email us at yamba.chamber@gmail.com.
Until next time, El Presidente out.