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Newsletter August 2006 |
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Welcome to our August 2006 newsletter! In this month's newsletter: News from CEO David Baumgarten
Home-Based Business Action Program Information Session - 15th August
News from CEO David Baumgarten Change is an important element of operating a successful business. Sometimes we orchestrate the change, other times the market demands change, sometimes we do not realise we are changing our business direction. The BEC is about to go through another change - I have lost count of how many changes I have had. We are about to appoint a Manager of the Bondi Junction Office. This will allow me as CEO to work 'on the business' as opposed to 'in the business'. It will also allow us to expand our services in the Eastern Suburbs and Inner West/Bankstown, and to focus new services on particular segments. This shift will be good for myself and the organisation as it will ensure we have the correct mix of services and diversity of income streams. July was an exciting month: our Business Thursdays continue to be in much demand, and with the City of Randwick Combined Chambers of Commerce we hosted a successful business Breakfast at Matraville. Over 90 people heard Robyn Henderson talk about the 'Power of Networking'. It was great to see Paul Pearce, Member for Coogee, and Ted Seng, Mayor of Randwick, attending the breakfast. On 12th July I attended the Wentworth Courier business awards at the AJC. It was a splendid evening and the overall winner of the Awards was Ella Bache, Bondi Junction. Congratulations to Neridah Hoawerth from the Courier. The third and final breakfast of the Burwood Breakfast series for 2006 took place on 11th July. Over 80 attendees heard Paul Wilson from Hot Chilli Media discuss how to develop a brand. However we will be launching the inaugural Inner West Business Breakfast Series on 19th September in Five Dock. Plus on 12th September we have the second of the Marrickville Business Breakfast Series. See our Networking Calendar for more details of these events. In July we also held two workshops on eBay, one for beginners and another for the more advanced eBay user. Both were well attended which reinforces to me an increased business awareness of online trading. About five years ago, my wife decided that I needed a new study desk. Not finding the one I wanted we came across a furniture manufacturer in McGrath Hill (www.grandchesterdesigns.com.au). Not only did he make the desk, we have been back for bedroom suites and china cabinets. Over the years his business has moved from manufacturer/wholesaler to a mix of wholesale/walk ins and yes, eBay combined with his own web page. We are going to repeat the eBay workshops in September. For networking this month check out our Networking Calendar and also our Community Noticeboard. Have a great August and we hope to see you during the month. David Baumgarten, CEO
ANZ Wins Best Business Bank ANZ this month won the award for Best Business Bank from Australian Banking and Finance for 2006. Now that's two years running. If you have any borrowing needs or would like to refer a business colleague please feel free to give me a call on 9212 0555.
Clearly Offices website launched We have just launched our new website for these services so please take a look at www.clearlyoffices.com.au
Women's Business: managing the law in your small business Congratulations to ESBEC member Maureen Noonan on the launch of her new book Women's Business: managing the law in your small business. The launch is being handled by another ESBEC member, David Longueville from Longueville Books. This book will be a key resource for women in small business. Its structure is unique in that it encourages women to think of their legal issues much like they do their financial balance sheet: that is, a balance sheet of legal assets and legal liabilities. The author, Maureen Noonan, is a lawyer and member of ESBEC. She regularly conducts workshops for small business and presents for the NSW Department of State and Regional Development's Women in Business Program. The book's coverage is designed to satisfy the Establish Business and Legal Requirements module of the national Certificate IV (Small Business Management) course. There are also sample materials and reference website addresses for further information.
Burwood Breakfast Series 2006 finishes for the year We have now completed our 2006 Business Breakfast series in Burwood. We will be back in Burwood next year with our 2007 series. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our co-sponsors for these events, Burwood Council, RM Gregory Printers (Croydon Park) and The Inner West Courier. The series is a joint effort of all these organisations. We all hope we have made a difference in the Burwood municipality.
Business September 2006 - 'Open Doors for Your Business' Open doors for your business at Small Business September 2006! Small Business September 2006 supports the thriving small business sector. It's a time to improve your marketing skills, discover how to use the latest innovations, expand your networks and grow your business. The wide-ranging events of Small Business September 2006 are designed specifically to assist you in achieving your business goals. Small Business September will help you develop strategies to deal with everything from skills shortages and succession planning to exporting and the forces affecting local and international markets. We at the BEC have a number of events during September and will keep you informed. Many are already on our calendars. A dedicated website www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/sbmonth/ lists all events across NSW.
BECs working together - Mosman Women in Business Network A number of years ago, with the support of Mosman BEC we ran the Women In Business Program in Mosman on behalf of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. I am pleased to advise that out of this initiative the Mosman Women In Business Network group was formed and still continues to operate. We will promote their upcoming events in our Community Noticeboard. Details of the group's August events are as follows:
Go for Growth Program for service businesses 3 years plus
In a two hour workshop we will Identify where you are in the growth process The criteria for entry into Go for Growth are as follows: Your business must be 3 years plus or showing the pains of a growing business Information sessions will be held throughout August. To register your interest to either attend an information session or receive further information email david@clearlybusiness.com.au
Reserve Bank of Australia raises cash rate 25bp to 6% The Reserve Bank of Australia has just announced a 25bp increase in the official cash rate to 6%. The move was widely expected, and follows a stream of data suggesting the balance of risks to the economic outlook has tilted in the direction of higher inflation in recent months. To find out more download the full RBA Rate Decision article Research can also be viewed on the ANZ website: www.anz.com/go/economics Article by Mark Rodrigues - Senior Economist, Australia
Can you afford not to invest in your business proposal? Before you spend large amounts of money on commercial leases, stock, websites or financial planning advice, talk to our business facilitator about our Pathway Program - it's the way to get started. We have had many clients, just recently, spend $2-3000 on accounting fees, poor websites, deposits on commercial leases, etc, all ending in tragedy, - no customers, no business. The opportunities and resources available to start a business in Australia are as endless as there are websites. But it can be a nightmare to find exact information. So where do you find good accurate information and practical assistance? Clearly Business has the answer. We listen carefully to every client and point you in the right direction. We are offering our services in one user friendly package: the Clearly Business Pathway Program is the ideal investment to meet your needs and if you actually start the business, all expenses would be tax deductible as well. Just 1% of your startup capital i.e. $500 from a $50,000 micro business, would be a good starting point to self-educate any enterprising person and take the first step towards creating your dream business. Plus if the new business generates up to $75,000, you could offset your investment with the 25% ATO Entrepreneurs' Tax Incentive. Clearly Business, a local community non-profit organisation, delivers the Sydney Business Advisory Service under contract from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, as part of our Pathway Program. It is your entry point into our local BEC Network, where you will find specialist business events and functions to find new customers, a business mentor or just learn the latest business tips from our specialist industry speakers. Please email Daniel Boland at daniel@clearlybusiness.com.au to find out more and discusss your needs. We look forward to meeting you soon.
The Secret to Hiring a Consultant Bob Bidder casts light on the mysteries of hiring a consultant by providing sound advice on how to instruct (brief) them. From the beginning it should be made quite clear that there is no mystery to hiring a consultant - it's not magical, and it's certainly not arcane. It is simply a mixture of a bit of knowledge, a bit of science, a bit of art and dollops of common sense. Now don't be put off by the jargon some consultants like to throw around. They are there to help you and the biggest hurdle they often face in delivering a good result at a fair price is understanding what you need. BriefGuide gives you a simple checklist to get your thoughts clear so you can brief the consultant on your needs. Use this to prepare a short (2 to 4 page) written brief which the consultant can price and you can use to test the results that are delivered. BOB BIDDER
Acknowledging the Photographers at our Breakfast Functions We are fortunate that we have a number of photographers who supply their time at no cost to take photos at our functions. We apologise that the photos on last month's newsletter were not properly attributed and would like to thank Moshe Rosenzveig from 4D photography (mosher100@fastem.com) for giving his time and talent to take photos at the breakfast functions held in July.
Home-Based Business Action Program Information Session - 15th August An information session for our next Home Based Action Program will be held on15th August. Our next program is on Business Planning and commences 22nd August in Concord. This is a great opportunity to write your plan for the year ahead. The Home Based Business Action Programs are short comprehensive workshops for existing business operators to update their management skills and improve business performance. The program is delivered on behalf of The NSW Department of State and Regional Development through the Sydney Business Advisory Service. See our Training Calendars for more details and to book your place:
Business Lounge: An Invitation Only Event - 15th August The purpose of the Business Lounge is networking. We run the lounge at our city office every month and invite people who we believe operate in a common industry or may be able to do business with each other. We are offering business lounge events by industry sector, geographic locations or for a particular project. Events last no longer than 2 hours and take the form of a cocktail function but with a limited number of people. To register your interest in attending one of this events or offer suggestions for a theme/industry sector, please email daniel@clearlybusiness.com.au On your email please put 'Business Lounge' as the subject heading and specify the theme /industry sector you are interested in. For more details see our Networking Calendar: Clearly Business - Networking Calendar
Profitable Decision Making Workshop - 15th August We all want to maximise the profits of our business. How do we do this effectively? Come to this workshop and discover the decisions that will lead to greater profits for your business. This workshop covers the following: What is Profit? To find out more and book online see our Workshop Calendars:
Marketing Today Workshop - 17th August This workshop aims to provide an overview of marketing and selling concepts (including new technology) and help participants evaluate their markets to develop a marketing plan. At the end of the workshop you should be able to: Understand the process of evaluating the market to develop a marketing plan. To find out more and book online see our Workshop Calendars:
Business Thursday: Sell more... Spend less - 24th August A broader skills base Come along to this Business Thursday and learn some cost-effective methods to increase revenue and reduce time spent on the phone. To find out more and book online see our Networking Calendars:
Business Thursday: Spilling the secrets of big marketers - 31st August Did you know there is a system to marketing that all successful big businesses follow and which you can use? This system can save you time, money and make marketing your business easier and more effective. As any successful business will tell you, great marketing starts with knowing who your customers are and what they need and want. Communicating to the people who matter to your business and doing it better than your competition will ensure you maximise your marketing spend and achieve long term success. Using the marketing system of big businesses, this workshop will show you how to: Select the best markets to compete in Bring your business cards and an open mind! To find out more and book online see our Networking Calendars:
Inner West Business Breakfast Launch - 19th September On 19th September we will launch the Inner West Business Breakfast Series. It is our intention to hold these quarterly in different locations in the Inner West. Our first location is Marrickville and our speaker is Detective Inspector Peter Baines. Peter is a Detective Inspector of Operations within the Forensic Services Group of the NSW Police Force, and offers a rare insight into what it takes to lead powerfully, with integrity and compassion, in the most extraordinary of circumstances. He has led both national and international Forensic and Disaster Victim Identification teams following the Bali Bombings, the Waterfall Train Disaster and the Boxing Day Tsunami His presentation takes his audience on a journey through the experiences that have seen him witness more death and destruction than many care to imagine. Peter demonstrates that within disaster management there are many valuable lessons for business and individuals alike. He shares his many heartrending stories of dealing with bereaved families and meeting prime ministers and will provide you with a measure for clarity of purpose like no other you have heard before! You will be moved, inspired and leave knowing that you can achieve a whole lot more with a whole lot less. This is a breakfast not to be missed. See our Networking Calendar for more details.
Newsletter edited by Charmedia Back to Top |
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