Connection is key: Michael’s mentorship turned partnership
The same foundational truth has revealed itself at each step of Michael Lim’s young entrepreneurial career – businesses are built on relationships.
From struggling in his early startup attempts to launching a global business with one of his idols, the arts alum has experienced how community contributes to success at every stage.
But before he launched his most recent business, Michael founded Solopreneur Launch as a lone endeavour.
He observed that while business-minded or technically-focused people had excellent ideas, they often lacked the ability to sell their product or service.
That’s why he created Solopreneur Launch to help ex-corporate entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their online business by packaging up their expertise and experience.
Michael made this business pivot after finding success an online writer with over 102,000+ followers on Medium, Substack and his personal email list.
“If you can influence someone's behavior from something that you've written, you can then apply that to sales and marketing for any service or product.”
Through the teething process of trying to get other business ideas off the ground, Michael honed his own communication skills and developed a passion for helping other aspiring young business owners succeed.
“A lot of the problems that I'm solving for others are the problems I faced when I was starting as an entrepreneur five or six years ago,” Michael shared.
“I know how jarring it can feel when your business is not doing well, and you don't really understand why.”
Another challenge Michael faced early on was a lack of network. “My parents moved to Australia from Singapore when I was very young, so I didn't necessarily have the right connections for my career,” he shared.
“The ability to find networks and communities of entrepreneurs within Australia but also the Asia-Pacific is something that's been a challenge.”
And while it hasn’t been easy, the journey has highlighted to Michael just how important building a network is to career success.
The one thing that can't be automated or replaced by AI is relationships, networks and community. All those things still require a human touch.
Backing people, not just potential
It was through this community-minded outlook that Michael first encountered Peter McMullin AM – a prolific businessman, humanitarian, and law and commerce alum.
The pair were both connected to Western Chances, an organisation providing scholarship support to talented young people in Melbourne’s west – for Michael as a scholarship recipient, and Peter as a long-time philanthropic supporter.
“About seven years ago, I had posted something on LinkedIn about the work I was doing in Melbourne's west and Peter shot me a very nice message saying, ‘you're doing great work, keep it up,’” said Michael.
For Peter, a mantra that has guided him through many successful business decisions and philanthropic endeavours is ‘back the jockey, not the horse’. He took this approach once again with Michael.
“Michael didn't actually have a track record, but I could tell that he was going to have one. I was impressed early on by his enthusiasm and capacity that he clearly displayed,” said Peter.
“My long-term association with Western Chances also gave me a clue to what he was like because I knew he had gone through an intensive process to get into that.”
From there, Michael and Peter’s fruitful mentoring relationship began.
One stand-out memory for Michael was meeting the President of Timor-Leste unexpectedly when he accompanied Peter on a trip to the Southeast Asian country.
“Meeting José Ramos-Horta was a bit of a surprise,” said Michael. “Peter mentioned we may have a dinner with someone, then when we arrive at the house and I’m introduced it happens to be the president of Timor-Leste.”
Peter also supported Michael’s appointment to the Young Entrepreneurs Group Asia Pacific (YEGAP) as a Vice-Chair representing Australia, an opportunity that has enabled Michael to connect with fellow entrepreneurs globally.
“Through YEGAP, I have met entrepreneurs from Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan – from right across the Asia-Pacific and around the world,” Michael said.
“It's been a world-changing experience to get that perspective of my world expanding and understand that Australia has an important role to play across the Asia-Pacific.”
Another smaller scale, yet equally impactful, way that Peter has shaped Michael’s success is by sharing his 42 years of experience with Michael in their ongoing conversations.
“I am getting access to someone who's an entrepreneur, former politician, philanthropist, businessman, investor and more,” said Michael.
“The knowledge and wisdom that I get, even just in off-handed comments or observations, has made me understand difficult and complex topics in a much more nuanced way.”
Growing into partnership
Recently, Michael and Peter’s mentoring relationship has transformed into a partnership through the establishment of the Good Business Network – a community supporting purpose-driven businesses around the world who want to do good and make money.
The pair have also gone into business with their long-time friend Stuart Mkojera-Thomson. Michael noted that the trio represent three distinct generations and bring unique perspectives accordingly.
Michael Lim, Peter McMullin and Stuart Mkojera-Thomson (L-R).
“The three of us working intergenerationally has been something that has progressed quite naturally,” shared Michael.
“Over the last six or seven years, we've worked on various projects together, whether it was through Western Chances, the Good Business Foundation, and now the Good Business Network.”
The network aims to provide connections to business owners who are hoping to establish a profitable business while also having a positive impact on the world.
“We are seeing more and more young entrepreneurs coming through who don't see doing good and making money as distinct, separate things,” said Michael.
“The message with the Good Business Network is – we’re not just that, we're not just this, we are bringing both philosophies together.”
Peter knew that his relationship with Michael could transcend mentorship and turn into a business partnership when he felt a solid foundation of trust and open communication was established.
“It's completely open between us and we can sort issues out. We've formed an effective partnership over time.”
Echoing Peter’s sentiment, Michael knew that going into business with people he trusted and admired would be a net positive.
“What we both agree on is people are everything, and the relationships that you share with mentors, clients, customers – whoever it is in your life – they are what make life meaningful.”
Imparting knowledge
Having reaped the benefits in his own career of building a strong and reliable network, Michael has advice to help others find the same success.
“I would encourage anyone who is a student or alumni of the University to think beyond just your degree,” he shared.
“The University of Melbourne has a global reputation – but also a global network of mentors, alumni and students – that you can tap on.”
Peter also urges those in their early career to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to community and connection. “Don't speak to the usual people, extend your reach.”
What’s happening next?
Together, Peter McMullin and Michael Lim will be launching the Australian Young Entrepreneurs Group (AYEG). This group will feed directly into the Chambers of Commerce across the Asia-Pacific. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact Michael on LinkedIn.
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