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What do you see as unique cultural characteristics of Australian people that are reflected in Australia’s business culture?
During its colonial period Australia was basically run as harsh military garrisons, in which there were often elements of corruption. Consequently this has translated in to a “cultural undercurrent” of a lack of respect for authority in general. This may be in part why business dealings are relaxed, direct and informal. Use people’s first names in business discussions.
Australians tend to be egalitarian. In general, successful people will tend to be “cut down” metaphorically, if that person’s achievements are seen as raising them above the rest. No long- standing personal relationships are needed before you can conduct business. Australians may use humour, (often self-deprecating) and may use “colourful language” not used in other countries. Likewise, Australians speak concisely and are not impress with hype, exaggerated claims, or high-pressure techniques.
Australians tend to be early technology adopters and globally oriented.
In your opinion, what are Australia’s most competitive industries in world markets?
In recent years, Australia’s key export industry has been mining commodities particularly coal, iron ore, bauxite and uranium. Mining technologies and services that Australian companies have developed have become highly sought-after in many countries these days.
Other marketable industries include Food and Beverage, Renewable Energy, ICT, Financial Services, Advanced Manufacturing and Building & Construction.
What’s the best way to find potential Australian business contacts?
For Importing into Australia or FDI, your best resources are The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) at: http://www.austrade.gov.au or check for an office in your country: http://www.austrade.gov.au/Country-index/default.aspx.
For Exporting to Australia, here are some options:
1. Google the product, service or industry together with “Australia”. For example: Search: “Smartphone” and Australia
2. Go to the Austrade “Australian Suppliers Directory” and search by industry. Many Australian suppliers may be interested in importing. http://www.austrade.gov.au/suppliersearch.aspx?folderid=1736
3. Search The Australian Chamber of Commerce website for member chambers and industry associations; as well as chamber/association’s individual company members. http://www.acci.asn.au/Our-Network
4. For American readers, go to the USA government sites relating to Australia: http://export.gov/australia/, http://export.gov/FTA/australia/index.asp and https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/as.html
5. For readers from other countries, go to your country’s government agency responsible for promoting exports and seek assistance.
6. As a LinkedIn member, search for relevant Australian people or companies in your current network. Also join relevant LinkedIn Groups and look for Australian members.
What do you wish people knew about doing business in Australia before they arrive in country?
Be prepared by doing Internet research on the Australian company and its key people. Being prepared equates to not wasting each other’s time and getting down to tin tacks or the nitty gritty of the negotiations.
From your perspective, what’s the business climate like for entrepreneurs in Australia (supportive vs. unsupported, culturally accepted profession vs. not accepted, etc.)?
There is significant support these days for entrepreneurs and there are courses now at Universities and Community Colleges. Also there is extensive online information at government websites (Federal, State and to some extent Local) as well as other organisations. The main “go to” site is the portal site: http://www.business.gov.au and I would suggest overseas businesses wishing to do business with Australia visit this site as part of their research regime.
Entrepreneurs are generally small business people and therefore generally applauded in Australia as long as they don’t let any “celebrity status” they may achieve go to their head. Also Australians love it when an entrepreneur gives a major corporation or even a government agency some comeuppance. For example an Australian icon Paul Hogan who starred in the “Crocodile Dundee” films of the 1980s amongst others, has had a running court and media battle with the Australian Taxation Office since 2004 over an alleged multimillion-dollar tax avoidance scheme. I think many Australians hope this “larrikin” individual can beat the “BIG BROTHER” tactics of the ATO, because we identify with Paul Hogan as one of us “ordinary Aussie battlers” even though he is a celebrity. In OZ we love to barrack for the underdog be they sportsperson or entrepreneur.
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