Optus targets small business owners in new campaign with Mark Wahlberg and Ian Thorpe

Optus has announced it will refocus attention on delivering tailored solutions for Australia’s two million plus small business owners, supported by 126 new small business specialist stores, a dedicated Adelaide-based SMB call centre team, in addition to 26 existing business centres.

The operation has been supported with a new campaign featuring actor/producer Mark Wahlburger and co-founder of the US burger chain Wahlburgers. Optus will also kick off its SMB focus with a partnership with one of Australia’s most successful Olympians, Ian Thorpe, as hinted by CB over the weekend.

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Says Rob Parcell, managing director, Optus Small Business: “We are working with Mark on a campaign that encourages small business operators to believe big.

“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 said there is a strong correlation between Wahlberg’s story and many business owners in Australia.

Says Parcell: “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.

The first stage of the partnership will see Thorpe front an Optus SMB campaign, which rewards four small business owners with a trip to the Rio Olympic Games.

Parcell said Thorpe is the perfect choice to demonstrate Optus’ commitment to SMB.

Says Parcell: “With five gold medals under his belt, Ian knows the hard work that’s required to build and achieve success.  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.”

Says Thorpe: “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.

“I’m especially looking forward to forging a strong relationship with Optus as it delivers more sports and entertainment content.”

Says Parcell: “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.”

“We’re also partnering with SMB owners from a variety of backgrounds to show that we’re the small business support network, and that we recognise the biggest ideas often come from small beginnings and we’ll support bringing their ideas to life.”

Parcell said Optus SMB has expanded its team of Business Specialists in retail stores, call centres and business centres; and introduced Premium Support services for small business customers.

Says Parcell: “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.

“Most small businesses owners don’t work ‘nine-to-five’. They conduct their business from their home, the front seat of a van or a shared innovation space. They need access to a reliable, high-speed connection to the world and an expert team who understands their unique communication needs.”