In 1970 Michael purchased a one-third share in a computer service bureau (Compudata Pty Ltd) and was its Marketing Director until he negotiated the successful sale of the business to Computer Resources Limited 18 months later.

Following the sale of the business Michael toured Australia and relocated to Adelaide. In 1972 he entered the life insurance industry with Security Life Assurances Ltd specialising in the design and implementation of human risk management strategies for public companies and high net worth individuals.

In 1980 he established Lumley Harrison Limited in partnership with the UK based Edward Lumley Group. The business, which was based in Sydney, specialised in the design of executive compensation programs for the public company market. He sold his interest in 1982. During this time Michael received international recognition as one of the world’s top salespeople. He achieved life membership of the Million Dollar Round Table and qualified for the Top of the Table.

In 1985 he founded Australia’s first private bank, Harrisons Australia Limited, which he owned jointly with NZI Securities (Western) Limited, part of the New Zealand Insurance Group. The company ceased to trade in 1990.

In 1992 Michael established Strategies Plus Concepts Pty Ltd, a business consultancy that designs growth strategies for businesses operating in the services sector, principally in financial and professional services.

Michael is the author of Ready, Aim, Sell!, the Consultants Toolkit, the Mini Guide to business series, Diamond Selling, How to Turn Questions into Cash and numerous articles about business. He has been invited to present his sales and business strategies as a keynote speaker to audiences in Australia, New Zealand, Asia the United Kingdom and the United States.

Communal

Current – Board Member, Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce – SA
2006/08 – Board Member, Association of Financial Advisers
2005/06 – Board Member, Port Adelaide Football Club Foundation
1983/91, 1993/95, – Elected Member, Adelaide City Council.
1985/86, 1990/91, 1993/94 – Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide
1991/95 – Board Member, Australian Formula Grand Prix Board
1990/93 – Deputy Chair, Adelaide Convention Centre
1988/89 – Chair, Paralympic Appeal (South Australia)
1987/91 – Trustee, Adelaide Festival Centre Trust
1983/85 – Governor, Adelaide Festival of Arts
1983/85 – Board Member, Adelaide Convention and Visitors Bureau
1982/85 – Board Member, State Theatre Company of South Australia