This iconic Australian business has been quietly keeping customers happy for 48 years | #427

The Small Business Big Marketing Podcast with Tim Reid - A podcast by Tim Reid

67-year-old Bill Watson is a Noosa legend having sold ice creams and cold drinks on Noosa’s main beach for the past 48 years. How’s that for business longevity?! In this revealing interview, Bill takes us behind-the-scenes of a business most people would kill to own … explaining how it all started, what he’s learned about people over the journey, his simple approach to customer service, and how he’s embedded himself in the local community. There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview. You’ll also find the full interview transcription below. A little more about today’s guest, Bil Watson of Hey Bill: William ‘Hey Bill’ Watson truly is a Noosa icon. With his signature red quad bike and trailers parked beside the Noosa Surf Club, Hey Bill can be found laughing and joking with the dozens of children waiting for a snow cone. Now a thriving business, Hey Bill started with nothing more than a hessian bag of oranges and a dream to live in paradise. With his car offering beachside accommodation, Hey Bill sold oranges to beachgoers at Tea Tree and Alexandria Bay throughout the summer. “There were more people there than Main Beach in those days,” he explained. Today, Hey Bill and his bevy of beauties can be found traveling between Noosa Surf Club and the river mouth offering ice-creams, drinks and snow cones. And he’s done that for the past 48-years! Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Hey Bill’s Bill Watson: - Be willing to diversify by constantly challenging your business model.- Focus on what you’re good at and what works.- Bill’s positive approach has got him through.- Standing your ground with customers is not a bad thing. They’re not always right, are they?! But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is:Shelby Hohnberg from Bohemien Bucket Hats Jingle of the Week - Clean, wax and polish with Mr. Sheen Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit CardLet your business expenses reward you. Every year. Visit: amex.co/2GLI7i2 Join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17) and Sydney (November 22). If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.