Optus ropes in Thorpe, Wahlberg for small business focus

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news Optus is launching a celebrity-endorsed campaign to emphasise its “refocus” on providing custom solutions for Australia’s two million-plus small business owners.

The firm said in a statement that SMBs will now be supported by 126 new specialist stores and a dedicated Adelaide-based call centre team, alongside 26 existing business centres.

Rob Parcell, Managing Director of Optus Small Business, said: “We know that small and medium business operators face a unique set of business challenges and that the products and services available to them are not always tailored for their needs. We’re focusing on changing that.”

Parcell explained that Optus SMB has expanded its team of business specialists in retail stores, call centres and business centres, and introduced premium support services for SMBs.

“Many SMB operators are time-poor and want access to quality service around the clock. Whilst many are happy to visit our stores for a fast transaction off-the-shelf, we know others require a premium level of service to help them grow and we’re committed to delivering that,” he said.

“[SMBs] need access to a reliable, high-speed connection to the world and an expert team who understands their unique communication needs,” Parcell added.

Optus will launch its SMB focus in partnership with Australian Olympian swimmer Ian Thorpe.

As part of the arrangement, Thorpe will head up an Optus SMB campaign which will see four small business owners win a trip to the Rio Olympic Games in August.

“With five gold medals under his belt, Ian knows the hard work that’s required to build and achieve success,” said Parcell. “These are sacrifices Australia’s small-business owners also know all too well – the early starts, long hours and lost time with loved ones.”

“Ian’s SMB involvement is the first stage of a whole of business ambassador program with Optus and we’re proud to have him on board,” he said.

“As a former athlete, I’m excited to partner with the team at Optus as they work to deliver game-changing experiences for their customers,” Thorpe said. “I’m especially looking forward to forging a strong relationship with Optus as it delivers more sports and entertainment content.”

Optus is also planning a campaign with actor/producer and co-founder of US burger chain Wahlburgers, Mark Wahlberg.

“We are working with Mark on a campaign that encourages small business operators to believe big,” Parcell said. “Mark absolutely epitomises what it is to believe big because he has done it. He grew up in working class Boston with plenty of hurdles but through hard work, had the courage to believe big and make things possible.”

Parcell suggested there is a correlation between Wahlberg’s life story and many business owners in Australia.

“No business starts to be small so we’re encouraging our customers to also believe big. We’re showing them that they can rely us for the premium level of support they need to turn their big ideas into a reality,” he said.

Image credit: Optus