Travelling the world talking to business people can sometimes make everything seem so much more clearer.

I often find myself talking to people who are inspiring, informative and entrepreneurial, so I learn so much from what they say and do.

I am interested in the Political climate, government legislation and community factors that influence business decisions.

One of the biggest topics of conversation this week with the various entrepreneurs that I have met with is whether or not they hire someone or use a consultancy for various services like HR, accounting, administration and marketing.

In France, one of the biggest issues facing businesses is the high cost of wages and associated costs to have an employee.

In Australia, whilst as business owners we continually complain about superannuation, payroll tax, workers compensation, holidays and the number of public holidays our employee receive, we are nothing on the French system.

Many French business owners say that when they take on a new employee, they allocate double their salary in costs.

If that was the case in most of my clients small businesses, they would be broke!

It really is ridiculous and makes it very difficult for small businesses to hire new staff and grow their businesses.

This is exactly why Marketing Eye is right now looking at the French market. It makes sense. Marketing Eye is designed to help small to medium sized businesses that want to grow. A typical client does not have a senior marketing manager but needs marketing to help with their growth plans. It’s a great interim between having no marketing resource and hiring someone full time.

To hire, or not, is a question every business owner asks themselves time and time again. It’s like the chicken and the egg.

Au voir

Mellissah

No matter where you travel in the world, there is always a restaurant that someone recommends.

In Paris, it appears that Australian’s love to got L’Avenue in the 8th District. It is a very chic Parisan restaurant owned by the Coste Group. On Sunday, I was sitting outside, enjoying some beautiful French wine and I met one of the owners. His restaurants are world famous and they are on the ‘must visit’ list for most tourists.

Last night, after attending a networking group where this young woman puts together people from countries around the world to meet and find out more about each other, I realised that this restaurant isn’t just a tourist destination, but the locals love it too.

Its a typical french restaurant and is full of the rich and fabulous from around the world and Paris. Furs (not so fake!!!) are adorned on each woman who walks in and the men are handsome with stylish suits.

I am sure the way you are dressed depends on where they seat you.

L‘Avenue

Having a go is very Australian and since my short stay in Paris, I have realised just how much Australian’s really are ‘having a go’.

I am a very proud Australian but like many of us, I have one parent born in Australia and another overseas in Europe.

I travel alot for both business and pleasure and am always amazed at the success abroad that Australians pave for themselves.

Here in Paris, there are Aussie’s everywhere. Elle McPherson and Kylie Minogue have spent their fair share of time here and are both well accomplished business women.

Howard Storage, Dominos and many more Australian chains have expanded their operations here with great success.

As I meet with business people, potential clients and Austrade, I am amazed and incredibly proud of Australia’s mark on this very glamorous city.