Will be there in April for business (my clients are there). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> I'll be in Melbourne for part of the trip. I recall Frank (Misterbishi / Mister Bishi) was from the Melbourne area. Anyone still in contact with him? I'd like to touch base with him and possibly meet while I'm there. I do recall he goes by Bitsamissin on Outer Limits but that ID hasn't posted since 2010!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Anyhow, I'll be about 30-40 miles from Marks 4WD/Hardman Brothers & I know a bunch of you are looking at doing a group buy. NO I'M NOT BUYING THEM ALL AND BRINGING THEM BACK FOR YOU. I am willing to speak with them about the buy if you want though. I'll respond in the group buy thread though...

Awesome! I would move there in a heartbeat. I did a 780 mile bike ride up the coast in 2005, and loved every inch of that country. Great, varied landscapes, great people, beautiful cities... can I stowaway in a suitcase? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Where else you gonna be for the rest of the trip?

Not that it's ever "bad" to go to Oz but hopefully the US dollar will rebound from it's recent dismal showing against the AU dollar...

EDIT:

Just saw your other post. I was in Canberra this week at a "Major Government Agency"...wonder if they're the same one you're going to? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Good & bad news! First the good... I was able to contact Frank. We're gonna try and meet up when I'm in Melbourne.

Now the bad... I have 5 business meetings scheduled (a 6th being scheduled) for the 1 day I'm in Melbourne plus a client dinner then a late flight to Canberra which means I won't have any time to visit Marks Adapters (~20-30 miles outside of Melbourne). Not even sure Frank & I can meet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I think I'm gonna have to check if they have a reseller in Sydney where I should have more time. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

But hey... look on the bright side right? I'll be in Australia, the trip will be paid by work, and I should have a great time there! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Tell "Vic" his old buddy Phil says hello, and so does OlBetsy.

Ray, you are a lucky SOB... that'll be an awesome trip. Try to skip out on a few meetings, and get out and see some stuff. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Uh, just give up some sleep for your auto hobby...that's what coffee is for. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Will do Phil.

As any sales professional will tell you, luck only plays a small factor in this. Ive been working very hard at my company for over 10 years and have been a sales professional for quite a bit longer than that so IMHO, I've Earned It!! But yes, I recognize that luck still plays a appreciable factor.

As for skipping out on meetings.. It will be nearly impossible. I'm the channel manager for my company (fancy title for a 'sales account manager'). These are my accounts were visiting. One (two of the meetings in Melbourne) has bought in excess of seven figures worth of software from us. Another (2 more meetings in Melbourne) is currently in the mid six digits worth of software purchases. The rest of the meetings in Melbourne are with 2 more potentially huge clients so it will be tough to miss a meeting with any of them since its all on a single day there.

The purpose for the trip is a major Aussie govt agency wants a site license of our software. If that comes through I'll probably take a vaca there for a couple of weeks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />



oh I wish it were that simple...

At least I'll have time on Monday and the following Sat/Sun. to tool around Sydney and Canberra. Just not Melbourne... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hello Ray,

It's a pity you have only a day and so many meetings.
We could have met up with Mark and had lunch/tea and showed you around his business - it is impressive.
And have a little chat with him about a "special" group buy - he's a good guy so I'm sure something could be arranged.

Wel well Phil me old mate how are you doin ?
My parents have been going to Canada and the US every year now for the last 3-4 years. They have been to just about every country in the world now and I asked them to pick a place to live if Oz didn't exist. Both immediately responded "CANADA" - they absolutely luv the place and people.

Cheers.

Nice, Daughter is on track to pick any undergrad and is very interested in James Cook University in Queensland. We could very easily relocate. Fingers crossed!

Just a couple of days before I'm on the plane. Unfortunately for me and my nephews we won't have an Easter egg hunt this year but the good news is, I just placed my order for the gears last night.

Initially the sales rep (Sandy) at Marks 4WD adapters didn't even realize they had them in stock since his system and their shelves didn't have any. Fortunately Mark had told Frank that he had one stashed away which Frank so kindly mentioned to me the other week. Great thanks to you Frank for your help.

So the gears have been purchased and are in route to my hotel in Melbourne. I'll be stuffing them into my luggage for my flight to Canberra Wednesday evening! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

BTW, if you guys are trying to get a hold of Marks Adapters regarding the group buy, they're out next week for Easter. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> Lucky!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

If you want me to ring them for the group buy, let me know and I'll ring them today or the following week.