Dynamic Business

The Kochie effect

So what’s it like when the entire nation knows you by your nickname? “It is a bit weird,” admits Koch. “Sunrise has been a great success for me, but coming to me late in life, in my forties, I take it for what it is and don’t get too caught up in being a TV personality as such. The nice thing is that because Kochie’s a nickname, people feel immediately close to you. They feel like they can stop you and talk to you.

“Sometimes people fear business and finance information like going to the doctor’s. I want them to be able to understand it and feel safe asking questions. Most of it is common sense and it’s not that hard to get your head around. So it’s good if I’m approachable.”

The personal brand is really important thought and needs protecting. “Some years ago when an investor came into a listed company I was working for and I had less than 100 percent control of my personal brand, that was one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.”

Small Business Summit

He’s excited that Kochie’s Business Builders is involved in the Council of Small Business of Australia’s (COSBOA’s) National Small Business Summit. “They approached us because they wanted something different injected into it. We’re hoping to make it bigger and better than ever and make sure it’s really relevant for small business owners as well as being a political and lobbying event. We’ll be talking a lot about technology and how that can help small business.”

The Kochie love/hate

It’s no secret that the public has a love/hate relationship with Koch. “The more prominent your profile, the more people want to have a go at you,” he says. “That’s fine and I think it’s human nature.

“I also have an opinion. I’m not your cardboard cut-out of the typical TV presenter. I don’t look like one and I don’t pretend to be one. With me, why you see is what you get and some people don’t like that.”