Michelle’s technology career started at QIT (now QUT) learning to program mainframes with punched cards.  Within 3 years of entering the work force as a Systems Analyst, IBM launched its first Personal Computer (PC) and Michelle wanted to be on that journey.  She was passionate about helping businesses get the most from the software that ran on the PC (PS: Her favourite app was Lotus 1-2-3).

Facilitating businesses to use PC applications better has enabled Michelle to travel the world.  Everyone loves learning how to do things smarter and faster.

In 1994, Michelle setup PC Smart (now Smart Advice).  Today she support clients with education and optimisation of their software applications, as well as assisting them to get the most out of the everyday productivity applications of Office 365 and Evernote.

In addition to running her business, between 2002 and 2012, Michelle joined USC in part-time tutoring and then lecturing roles for the subjects of Organisation Skills, Strategic Management, and E-Marketing Strategy.

In the meantime, Michelle has continued with her education and holds an AICD Graduate Diploma, a Masters of Online Education (USQ), a Certificate IV in Financial Services and several other qualifications.

Michelle has been a long-time mentor of a multitude of professional women, spread throughout Australia and overseas, and is someone who has truly made her mark by SHINE’ing the Spotlight on others and encouraging others to be the best version of themselves. Today, we SHINE the Spotlight on Michelle…

Michelle, what motivated you to start Smart Advice and tell us about its objectives and how it can help people in business?

Smart Advice started when I wanted to return to the Sunshine Coast to be with family.  Its objective was to facilitate business owners using PCs and the Microsoft applications to obtain the productivity improvements that were promised, and I knew could be achieved.

You’ve always been hugely involved with your local community and many local business programs, often in a volunteer capacity? How important is this to you and why?

I strongly advocate volunteering and invest at least 5 hours per week in this capacity.  Volunteering helps to strengthen our community and it widens the opportunities for others.  I also believe it extends your personal growth (especially as a small business owner).

Tell us about your role as the SCBWN Awards Judging Chair and how this has shaped you personally?

This role, and my 20+year involvement in the SCBWN community has been a privilege.  It has given me the opportunity to hear incredible and humbling stories of business women who just didn’t realise the impact they have on our local community.  The lesson in this, everyone has a story and it is important to listen to their story (and not to interject with your own).

What decision changed your life?

In 1994 while working in a national role in Sydney, I decided to return to the Sunshine Coast to start my business.

And what’s next on the agenda for Michelle Hamer?

I have a couple of projects on the go, but a recent one is to help people understand what and the potential of ESport, as my nephew has just become a professional ESport person.

Most interesting person that you have met?

I found this to be the hardest question of all when you consider I have heard over 500 business women’s stories through the years of judging with the SCBWN Business Awards.

Favourite movie?

Sliding Doors (1998) with Gwyneth Paltrow

What do you love most about your job?

Sharing with people one keyboard shortcut that saves time (and often dramatically reduces their frustration).

To find out more about Michelle head to:

http://smartadvice.com.au/

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