I had always stated whilst coaching sport or encouraging staff, 85% of success is in the mind. Now it was up to me to practice what I preached. I think with advertising you either have the flair for it, or you haven’t, just like sunglasses and fashion. With advertising you have to virtually be a psychologist, immediately knowing how to communicate a message to your viewers or audience, and inexpensively to be successful. Luckily, I haven’t been wrong with any brands yet, knowing immediately whether it will work or not, and exactly how to market to the targeted audience most effectively. One of the most important things in any marketing, is businesses should cost in their advertising to results – that is, do not pay for any advertising that does not work, only paying a certain predetermined percentage on sales. After 4 years achieving for various advertising brands, I was approached by Saatchi and Saatchi to assist them as a Director to become the No. 1 Ad Agency in the World. To be part of this was very rewarding. TLP: You’ve now established PointZero5 in conjunction with som e leading personal injury lawyers Peter, how did that come about and what’s that all about? Peter: I became a Quadriplegic in 2002 when I slipped running for the mobile phone at home in Noosa. I was there on the floor for 2 days which was a nightmare in itself, not knowing what had happened and not being able to move. For the first 2 months my partner was told I may not live, for the next 6 months I was told I may not move any limbs whatsoever. It was demoralizing, depressing and soul-destroying. It was after about 9 months I thought to myself I have 2 alternatives, one to mope and be negative for the rest of my life like some doctors were, or become motivated and positive about beating my injury against all odds. I had always stated whilst coaching sport or encouraging staff, 85% of success is in the mind. Now it was up to me to practice what I preached. To proceed I simply used my previous comments to others over the years, to apply to myself – that is, if you believe you can do something, you know you can achieve whatever
you wish, and you can see yourself doing it, you will realize and accomplish whatever you wish. I now can freely move my arms with the help of acupuncture and strong massaging, and recently with the help of an amazing natural therapy specialist in Wangaratta, I `can slightly move my legs. I know, when the time is right, and when I wish, I will walk again. Whilst at the PA (Princess Alexandra) Hospital for 12 months, I “ran” into a cheeky lawyer across the road from the hospital with a sign boldly stating “Spinal Injuries Specialist”. His name, Jim Grevell, who has proved to be the leading Personal Injury Lawyer in Queensland. He hasn’t lost a case which speaks for itself. After criticizing him immensely for his sign and lack of automatic opening doors to his office, he stated he was sick and tired of Lawyers being seen as vultures, so we jointly set about giving the Law Firms throughout the Country a chance to give back to the Community. Now, all good Legal Firms give Point Zero 5, “the legal limit”, of their profits back to assisting people walk again – some of the larger firms donate .05%, but whatever the amount, they feel good about themselves giving to the less fortunate. Since commencing a national www.PointZero5.com TV Campaign via Channel 9, we now encourage all businesses to give similar amounts too for those who can’t afford it to purchase wheelchairs, proper beds, hoists, computers, IT courses and the like. There really are so many People with a Disability hurting in the Community, because the Government does not adequately assist them, it is heart breaking. I urge all those who can walk, run, swim, kick a football, jump, ride a bike and the like to give to the disadvantaged who cannot accomplish these small gifts of life – it doesn’t matter how small the donation, or how much, everything counts in the long run. TLP: Have you found life as something that can be directed through attitude? That we can achieve if we focus on what it is we want?
Peter: Everybody can achieve anything they want if they desire it enough. TLP: Can the mind be trained? In other words, did the discipline of sport help you adopt an attitude that was positive when it was called apon and can people become more positive if they’re open to it? Peter: Most certainly the positive mind set that can be gained through training, motivation and winning at sport, can overcome the most serious disability in most cases. I have recently created a list of the Top 20 Motivational ideas which I give at various public speaking events. TLP: Well, PointZero5 I believe, distributes it’s money towards spinal research and directly towards those that have suffered spinal injury. Does this give you a feeling of achievement, knowing too that there’s more ground to be covered? Peter: I have lived a gifted life until I had my accident, and things really do happen for a reason. I must admit, giving even a microwave a few years ago, to someone who couldn’t afford to have a hot dinner in his home for 7 years, was just as good, if not better, as winning a Grand Final. TLP: What is the future for PointZero5 and people with spinal injury’s Peter? Peter: There are 3 exciting things in the future to assist all People with a Disability Worldwide. Firstly, stem cells assistance is be coming closer with Professor Alan MacKay-Simm from Griffith University performing a safe way to inject stem cells into the spine, however this assistance still has many years before direct assistance will be forthcoming for humans. The Bionic Spine could be available within a shorter time – this has been an extension of the highly successful Bionic Ear by Professor Graeme Clark at the Latrobe and Wollongong Universities. Finally, there will be an International major fund raising Event initiating from Australia, and similar to the Olympic Flame 2000, registered as the Wheel-A-Thon, which will direct substantial funds towards all People with a Disability. Worldwide exclusive sponsorship opportunities are available now. TLP: Well, you’re living in a nice part of the world and you are certainly busy and working towards a better future, not only for yourself but for other Australians. A final message for readers Peter and how can people help? Peter: As for the future, I have been very proud to be asked by former Howard Government Disability Minister Mal Brough, to stand for Federal Politics in the seat next to him. He is applying for pre-selection in the Sunshine Coast seat of Fisher, and suggested I do the same for the seat of Fairfax, with possible senior positions for me in the Disability portfolio arena if successful. Additionally, I am looking forward to assisting more Businesses at Board level achieve maximum results via creative, inventive, original and imaginative advertising and marketing for their products or services.
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