Breaking Rules Can Work in Business

By Sally Petersen

Carol Harrison is a shining example that listening to your customers and sometimes even breaking the rules, can take you a long way in business.

Carol started at The Professional Centre answering phones at a time when there were only three tenants.

Four years later, and after a little training and coaching, including participation in ETC’s delivery of the Women in Business Mentoring Program, Carol is now the new leaseholder at the Professional Centre which currently boasts 22 tenants and 25 virtual clients.

“We’re thriving and growing every day and it’s because of the mix of people we have here and the affordable, customised service we offer,” Ms Harrison said.

Ms Harrison said The Professional Centre is home to an interesting mix of clients including accountants, lawyers, business coaches, a recruitment company, psychologist and even offers Salsa dancing and Meditation classes.

“Who says you can’t laugh and have a good time at work? Rules are so very restrictive. Who made up the rules about how to do business and what to wear to work anyway?” Ms Harrison added.

The Professional Centre’s tenant’s requirements may be in the form of a virtual office, hourly, one day per week, monthly, yearly basis, or even use of the conference room facilities.

Carol’s business mentor from the Women in Business Mentoring Program Lorraine Mouafi was full of praise for this effervescent business woman.

“Carol’s imagination and enthusiasm about the business is infectious. She constantly makes me smile with delight when discussing her business strategies and plans for the future,” the ETC Director said.

“Her ability to identify what was missing in the business community and by giving good old-fashioned customer service such as taking the time to listen to existing and potential tenant’s needs and then customising a solution to suit their requirements is a credit to her good business judgement.

“If you haven’t seen The Professional Centre in a while it is certainly worth taking a few moments to arrange a suitable time to drop in for a look and have a chat with Carol, you will be impressed,” Ms Mouafi said.