Business course puts player ahead of game

Fri, 26 Feb 10

It wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to say since completing a Business Mastery Course through the National College of Business, life for Ben Baker has been fun and games.

The turnover for this 32-year-old owner of two premier Laserzone centres has increased by 40 per cent during the past year, but interestingly this has been achieved by working smarter rather than harder.

“The course has allowed me to increase my passive income by putting systems in place to better manage from a distance the day-to-day running of the centres,” Ben said.

“I still spend time in both my Brisbane and Sunshine Coast centres, but more in a bigger picture context.

“Right now, I’m investing energy into overseeing a major renovation at our Lawnton centre.

“We’re adding a skate rink and a maze enhanced by LED lighting for laser tag, which is the high-tech sport where players wearing computerized vests or packs score by using handheld phasers to zap opponents or targets.  

“It’s a huge project, but I’m enjoying the creativity behind it.”

Ben’s passion for game-playing was prompted as a university student when he worked part-time at a Laserzone in Northbridge, WA, while at the same time competing as a player on both the national and international laser circuits. He later worked as an accountant, before taking the plunge into his own business.

“I bought the Brisbane centre seven years ago and have had my fair share of challenges,” Ben said.

 “I definitely feel more in control since completely Business Mastery Level 1 and Level 2.

 “Probably one of the best aspects of the course was having access to absolutely amazing mentors.

 “They provided the exact answers I needed to each specific problem that arose.

 “I may never have found these answers if I was on my own like most business owners.”

 As well as accessing inspirational mentors, Ben said his classmates became an invaluable support network.

 “Studying together gives you access to a whole pool of knowledge because the course attracts business owners from a whole range of professions,” Ben said.

 In fact, one of Ben’s classmates was responsible for completely rebranding his entire business.

 “Not only has Mitara Empresa’s new branding enabled us to attract new customers, but it’s also provided us with the opportunity to sell the branding down south, so it’s more than paid for itself,” Ben said.

 “In this industry, you can’t afford to let competitors get the upper hand. We are constantly reinventing ourselves.

 “Our current focus is on multiple attractions in the one venue. We are aiming for a soft-play area for 2-6 year olds, a general skate and laser game for 6-14 year olds and regular DJ-hosted skating events for 14-18 year olds.

 “I’m also campaigning for laser tag to become recognized as an official sport.

 “It’s exciting to feel this level of passion and enthusiasm – I really don’t think I’d be where I am today without NCB.”

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