A couple of quotes from Jane at the AFR Business Sumit...

A couple of quotes from Jane at the AFR Business Sumit  today....  First point is very important, good to see....

Don't dictate from above, because you have no clue

a2's Jayne Hrdlicka says that if you are expanding your business overseas, don't try and dictate from back home to leaders on the ground in new markets what's what. 

Instead, your role is to explain your product to new employees, provide support and listen to their feedback. 

For example, she says, the Chinese leaders in a2's business are best placed to understand Chinese consumers and culture.

"They know how the make the product come alive for the local market," she said.

Get out from behind your desk 

a2's Jayne Hrdlicka says that you can't run a great business from behind a desk.

You have to get out into the real world and get to know your employees and consumers. 

Any excuse to get away from the screens, we'll take.