Central Melbourne Rotary
Morning Meeting by Zoom, 10/08/2021
Chair: David Jones, Kiwi and all-round good fellow.
Guests:
Teresa Carlson, President RC Echuca-Moama and serial (and very welcome) attendee.
Guest Speaker, Alex Maritz, Professor and Chair in Entrepreneurship, La Trobe University.
Aron Perenyi, colleague of Prof Maritz, zoomed in from Poland, no less!
Muhamad Abduh, colleague of Prof Maritz.
President’s Announcements:
Feedback from meeting with DG Dale Hoy was essentially that our club is doing well and we should keep doing it. And of course, we will.
Our club now has the essentials of structure for the year ahead – directors and committees – but President Elias drew attention to members considering the option of joining more than just one committee. This could enhance both the committees and the members concerned.
Elias also asked that we all be aware that during these COVID times, it may be important to reach out to friends, colleagues and family during lockdown – we can’t call in but we can email, message or telephone.
Milestone Announcements (Only two this week):
Mary Voice, birthday, 13/08
Tom Callander, birthday, 15/08
Guest Speaker Presentation:
Prof Alex Maritz started with the shocking news that mature-aged people can be defined as those over 50 years. One or two members (reporter included) blanched at the realisation that they have children who are mature-aged, potential seniorpreneurs. We are not all entrepreneurs and of course we are not all mature-aged. But 40 % of start-ups come from this group. Every year, they contribute $11.9 billion to Australia’s economy and start 14,000 registered businesses – and many more unregistered self- and home-employed. They survive in tough times – maybe even thrive. Seniorpreneurs generally have distinguishing characteristics:
Risk tolerance generally decreases with age, so does the level of entrepreneurial intentions. They tend towards social enterprises and tend to have a propensity to self-finance. Their fear of failure is somewhat less than "youngies".
They have advantages:
- Greater knowledge / skill / wisdom / experience.
- More money
- Networks – business, technical, professional, social. One might reflect on influence of Rotary and golf
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. About 9.3% of mature-aged participate. But it can be learned and it can be taught. Mentors matter: they are great at handing on “tips of the trade” and catalysing new perspectives. One interesting reality is that females are (generally) better than males at multitasking and networking. Note that it is also OK to "be an entrepreneur on the side, part-time".
On the question of financing, Prof Maritz mentioned the “Three F’s” – Friends, Family and Fools (reporter's reaction: "Interesting").
Other characteristics: creativity & pro-activity, often seen in professionals; often driven by “doing good”; mentorship; “Angel Investors”.
On being asked if Entrepreneurship runs empty – eg after retirement, Maritz said it is not defined by a term, it is relevance that matters. The School of Hard Knocks doesn’t expire, social skills don’t either.
All in all, a really fascinating presentation, well delivered by a man very committed and competent in his field.
Next Week’s speakers:
Sue and John Marriott: The formation of Landcare and the effects of group communication.
Prior to the 1980’s, conservation was a dirty word to many farmers and politicians. Conversely, much farming was seen by many as a threat to environment and biodiversity. So what happened?
Announcements:
Editor’s Note - RCM visit to Youth Projects in Hosier Lane: PLEASE NOTE – This event has been indefinitely postponed due to ongoing COVID restrictions. Please stay tuned to further updates.
Neville John reminded everyone that the Rotary Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands - 2021 Zone 8 Conference will be an online event staged between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm over Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September, with a variety of interesting breakout sessions from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm. Speakers include Shekar Mehta - RI President 2021/22; Jennifer Jones - RI President-Elect; Barry Rassin (RI President 2018/19); John Hewko - RI General Secretary
Frank O’Brien advised that the next working bee at Donations In Kind (DIK) is to be held on Saturday 4 September 2021, COVID-permitting. Frank mentioned that he would be sending out an email to Club members this week and is hopeful of a good rollup as usual, including possibly some members from our Sister Club in Echuca Moama as they attended at our last DIK engagement in March.
Brett Jones admitted that he has now subjected nearly our entire membership to his much-enjoyed weekly inquisition. He appealed to any (probably new) members who have not yet been a victim of this process to please let him know so the process can continue.
