Plus:

Community Noticeboard -
Other networking opportunities in various Local Government Areas.

Business Assistance Workshops -
Workshops on a range of topics including:

Trade Credit Insurance - are you insured against bad debts?

All companies see the value in insuring against financial risk of damage to plant and equipment. Not all perceive the risk associated with providing credit to customers.

The accounts receivable of your company is a significant proportion of its current assets. A bad debt can have the same significant effect on your company as broken equipment. Both can devastate your company's cashflow.

Trade Credit Insurance is simply a policy that provides coverage for the financial loss resulting from an unpaid account given on credit terms. The policies usually provide coverage for insolvency of the debtor and protracted default by a debtor. Individual policies will vary but most policies allow payment of 80-95% of the debt owed.

The benefits of Trade Credit Insurance to your company include:

Types of Trade Credit Insurance include:

The costs of Trade Credit Insurance will vary between providers and on the value of turnover, the debtors insured and the type of policy. Whilst Trade Credit Insurance will not be an option for all companies, it is an aspect of debt management that should be considered if you are providing terms of credit to your customers.

Both ANZ and QBE provide this type of insurance. More information is available on their websites:

www.anz.com.au/business/insurance/INS_tradedebtor.asp
www.qbe.com/australia/trade/index.html

(Please note: we do not endorse either of these providers.)
Story provided by Peter Townsend.

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Windows virus threat - SMH report 31st January 2006

By Louisa Hearn

The countdown is on for a new virus called Nyxem which on February 3 is expected to unleash a nasty surprise for many PC users in Australia.

The virus affects users of all versions of the Windows operating system and is now spreading around the world via emails touting adult-related material.

On February 3 the virus will be activated to destroy a wide range of files including Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Acrobat on infected machines. If it is not removed, it will attack again on the third day of each month going forward, according to a Microsoft blog.

The virus, which goes under a number of names including Blackmal, Kama Sutra and MyWife, was first detected on January 16. Computer emergency response team AusCERT has been tracking its frequency in Australia and is warning computer users to batten down the hatches.

"We expect a good number of Australians to be affected based on the high instance of the virus appearing in our filters," said MacLeonard Starkey, an Auscert security analyst.

AusCERT advises applying strong passwords to all user accounts, updated anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and the use of a firewall.

"One of the best ways of avoiding the virus is to operate a PC under a limited account rather than administrator account because this means the malware doesn't have access to the privileges needed to spread and execute," said Mr Starkey.

Also tracking the frequency of the virus is a website set up by its creator to display the total of infections worldwide via a counter. As soon as the virus spreads to a new computer, it reports back to the counter, which is now registering millions of hits.

However Auscert said it was likely that some unprotected computers were being hit more than once, creating a false total. It has warned PC users against attempting to locate the virus counter site.

"The same site could be used to distribute other pieces of malware," Mr Starkey said.

Sample of virus email subject field phrases:

crazy illegal sex
real show
give me a kiss
school girl fantasies gone bad
Funny :)
My photos

Source: www.smh.com.au

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It's official! Independent contractors are happier than employees

What a great way to start 2006! Research from the University of Zurich has discovered that the self-employed/independent contractors are happier at work than employees even though, on average, they earn less than employees

The reason for increased happiness is the greater independence the self-employed exercise over their work. The researchers state that this has important implications for economic theory and government policy.

For more about the research and a copy of the original paper, visit: www.contractworld.com.au

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Women In Business Mentor Program - February information sessions

We have now offered this program on behalf of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development for over five years. Each year I am amazed at the enthusiasm of participants and very grateful for those who volunteer to be mentors.

Our 2006 program is now open and we are accepting applications. Information sessions are happening throughout February with the program commencing in March.

If you would like to be involved as a mentor we would love to have you on board. For further details contact Ketrina on 9212 0555 or ketrina@clearlybusiness.com.au or visit our web pages:

ESBEC - Women in Business web page
Clearly Business - Women in Business web page


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Home Based Business Action Programs - starting 28th February

Did you know that home-based business is the fastest growing sector of small business in Australia?

In acknowledgement of this, we are offering on behalf of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development three action programs in the Inner West in 2006.

We are also offering a home-based business program in Waverley in 2006. This program will be launched in Home-Based Business Week, which is the first week of May.

For further information contact David Mcleod on 9212 0555 or dmcleod@clearlybusiness.com.au or visit our web pages:

ESBEC - Home-Based Business Action Program web page
Clearly Business - Home-Based Business Action Program web page


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Growth Programs - commencing March 2006

In 2005 we tested the market with a number of workshops focusing on those businesses which were three years plus and committed to growth. You told us what you needed and we learned a lot.

We have gone away and developed a program that offers you choice, flexible pathways and deals with issues that you have told us will help you to grow your business.

We hope to be in a position to launch this in March 2006 and it will be a regular on our workshop menu throughout 2006.

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Sydney Business Advisory Service- available now across Sydney

Last year was the first year we had offered this program in ten Local Government Areas in Metropolitan Sydney. Prior to this we delivered a similar service only to the three Eastern Suburbs' LGAs.

We still deliver this service in the Eastern Suburbs. The program is now called The Sydney Business Advisory Service which is delivered by us through the Eastern Suburbs BEC (ESBEC).

In the remaining Metropolitan LGAs we deliver the Sydney Business Advisory Service under the banner of Clearly Business.

If you are in business or looking at starting up a business take advantage of this free service. Call 1300 650 058 now!

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New Pathway Program - tell us what you want 

Following research undertaken in 2006 we have introduced a pathway program for businesses just starting out or in the start-up phase (under 2 years).

We will map out an individual program to suit your specific needs. The components could include facilitation, mentoring workshops and networking. You tell us what you want and we will develop a package to suit.

To register your expression of interest email dmcleod@clearlybusiness.com.au

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Business Assistance Workshops - from decision-making to cash flow

We have a number of workshops that we deliver under the Sydney Business Advisory banner. Some workshops are for start-ups whereas others are for established businesses.

Topics include:

ATO - Free workshops on Taxation and Recordkeeping

These free workshops are held in conjunction with the ATO to assist small businesses with taxation issues.

Tax basics - February 13th
Record Keeping - March 13th

Full details can be found on our training calendars:

ESBEC - Training Calendar
Clearly Business - Training Calendar

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Import/Export Business workshop - 18th March

This workshop teaches you everything you need to know to get your importing or exporting business up and running, from setting up international banking to minimising your commercial risk.

Trainer Corinne Campbell, has a wealth of experience and is author of the Comprehensive Import / Export Manual that you receive for free in the workshop. For more details see our training calendars:

ESBEC - Training Calendar
Clearly Business - Training Calendar

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NETWORKING EVENTS FOR 2006

Business Thursdays - IT Directions for Small Business (9th Feb); Small Business Advertising (16th Feb)

Every second Thursday we hold a workshop on a topical issue. We keep the cost to $20 per person so that it is affordable to most people. The time is usually 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

In 2005 we offered these only in the city. In 2006 we will be bringing them to local areas.

Again if you would like to be a presenter or a sponsor please contact dmcleod@clearlybusiness.com.au

For more details of February's events see our networking calendars:

ESBEC - Networking Calendar
Clearly Business - Networking Calendar

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Chamber of Commerce Bondi Junction Networking Function - 8th February

The Bondi Junction Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with ESBEC, is holding a Business Breakfast on 8th February 2006.

Toni Fitzgerald, CEO of Purpose and one of the top web designers and e-marketing strategists, will give you strategies on how to make your website MUCH more successful.

The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Free admission for new members who join the chamber.

To book contact Stephen Lucas on 0413 672 525 or lucaspharmacybj@hotmail.com or download pdf

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Burwood Breakfast Series 2006 - starts 21st February

Following the success of the 2005 business breakfasts, Burwood Council, Inner West Courier, Clearly Business and RM Gregory Printers have come together to bring you the 2006 series. Put the following dates in your diary:

 21st Feb 2006
Robert Gerrish - Flying Solo
Topic: Starting a referral virus to explode your business

9 May 2006
Jack Franckel - The Motivators
Topic: - Repeat Business Grows Business

11 July 2006
Paul Wilson - Hot Chilli Media
Topic: Creating an Effective Small Business Brand

Further information on the February breakfast can be found on our Community Noticeboards:

ESBEC Community Noticeboard
Clearly Business Community Noticeboard

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Clearly Business /ESBEC Networking Functions - commencing March 2006

In addition to supporting and co-hosting other networking events we will be running our own 2006 networking events. More details in our March Newsletter.

If you would like to be involved as a sponsor please email David Baumgarten at david@easternbsuburbsbec.com.au

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Randwick City Business Breakfast Series - commencing April 2006

The Combined Randwick City Chambers of Commerce and ESBEC are planning a series of Business Breakfasts to be held on a quarterly basis. The first will be early April.

To register your interest email reception@clearlybusiness.com.au with the subject 'Randwick City Business Breakfast'.

We are grateful to the Southern Courier for being a sponsor. We are always looking for more sponsors for these popular events, so please contact david@easternsuburbsbec.com.au if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.

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Community Noticeboard - networking events in your local area

Our community noticeboards list events of interest to small business operators in all of the Local Government Areas that we service. As you can see…it is all about networking.

If you have an event that you would like us to promote please email webmaster@easternsuburbsbec.com.au and we will list it on our community noticeboards.

ESBEC Community Noticeboard
Clearly Business Community Noticeboard


Newsletter edited by Charmedia


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