At some point, we all need some extra inspiration in our lives. Thinking about the London Olympic Games starting next month and the finish line for this financial year being even closer, I realised that successful small business people and top athletes have much in common.

Whether you’re trying to run a business or striving for gold in an Olympic swimming final, the people who succeed are the ones who have set ambitious goals, who do the hard work, day-in, day-out to build their capabilities, learn and continually look to how they can be better at what they do. Above all, they are motivated – and stay motivated – even when the going gets tough.

That’s why I’m excited that Telstra Business is backing an exciting competition for small to medium businesses to showcase their ability as motivators and get into the Olympic spirit.

Telstra Business “Go For Business Gold” is open to all Australian residents over 18 who own or operate a business with 200 or fewer employees. Here’s Australian swim coach and master motivator Laurie Lawrence to tell you all about it.

As Laurie says, all you need to do is scroll down and upload a short video, or tell us in 100 words or less, how your business excels at motivating employees or customers. Entries close at 5pm AEST on 9 July.

Two-dozen finalists – that’s three from each state and territory – and their partners will be brought to Sydney for an exclusive small business Master Class on 19 July to work with leaders in business management and marketing. The finalists will also receive a Samsung Galaxy SII 4G smartphone (excluding a Telstra Mobile plan), so they can get connected to their businesses, while hearing how they can grow their business.

That will be followed by an Olympic themed Business Gold cocktail event with Telstra Australian Business Awards alumni and other leaders at the newly-refurbished Museum of Contemporary Art, overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Laurie will pick eight winners and they will be announced on the night. Each will score a visit to their workplace from an Olympic or Paralympic athlete and professional PR and marketing assistance to market their event.

Of course, Telstra’s been a long-time sponsor of the Australian Olympic team and Telstra Business was instrumental in a massive technological re-fit of the MCA with the latest in high-speed broadband and multi-media facilities.

You don’t have to be a small or medium business to be inspired by one – If there’s a small business that inspires you, share Laurie Lawrence’s video and urge them to Go For Gold. You can also stay inspired by the great stories of Australian Small Business – keep coming back to check the entries being showcased on Telstra Exchange. Offer a comment and even share them on social media when you feel motivated!

Telstra Business ‘Go For Gold’ Competition

Fill in the form below and either upload a short video or tell us in 100 words or less how you motivate your staff or your customers in your business and you could be in the running to win some fantastic prizes! Prizes include a visit by an Olympian or Paralympian to your business, flights and accommodation for two to Sydney to attend an exclusive business Master Class, a guest pass for two to a Business Gold cocktail event and Telstra merchandise including a Samsung Galaxy SII 4G.

Terms & Conditions apply.

This competition has now closed.