Keep up the pace as the end of the financial year approaches

November Newsletter

In this month's newsletter:

News from CEO David Baumgarten
BEC Recognised Nationally - 4.5 star ranking out of a possible 5
The BEC National Network
Business Planning does not work

Amendments to Workplace Relations Legislation and Regulations

EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

Business Breakfast 15 November - An Australian success story comes to Bondi Junction: Jim from Jim Mowers
23rd November - Understanding Contracts on the Internet

21st November - E Bay Basis (see Training Calender)
22nd November - E Bay Advanced- ( See Training Calender)
25th November - Import/Export Workshop (See Training calender)

Community Noticeboard

15th November - Olympic Referral Group Workshop - Lance Miller (2005 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking)
27th November - Randwick City Tourism holds its AGM at the Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee.
28th November - Maroubra Chamber of Commerce Christmas function

News from CEO David Baumgarten

I have just returned from Adelaide after attending the Business Enterprise Centres' National Conference. This conference was particularly important as we have restructured our peak body to allow organisations and individuals to join our national body as members.

It was a great opportunity to see what other centres are doing, and to take advantage of ever important networking opportunities. I was particularly honoured to be elected the Deputy Chair of our BEC in Australia. Do you realise that we have over 130 points of representation across Australia ? We are the only non-political business network. Thus we can be the information highway, channelling information to and from the Government and to and from the micro small-business sector. And rest assured, at every opportunity I channel your feedback back to Government.

At the last breakfast meeting in Bondi Junction in May we met Tom O'Toole from the Beechworth Bakery. On the 15th November we have Jim Penman of Jim Mowers telling us about how he started his business on just $24, and how he has built it up to where it is today, the 2nd largest franchise in Australia. As he says, "it's all about customer focus".

On the 12th October we held the last of our Combined City of Randwick Chamber of Commerce Breakfasts. A big thanks to all our sponsors, Randwick Council, the Southern Courier and Walsh Village Pharmacy. Over 70 people attended this breakfast which was held in Maroubra. Watch this space for the 2007 series.

The last in the 2006 Burwood Breakfast series was held on the 17th October. Over 60 people attended to hear Dr Adam Fraser talk about the Ease factor. It is all about creating a balance between home, business and yourself. Our thanks to our sponsors, Burwood Council, RM Gregory Printers and the Inner West Courier. Stay tuned for the 2007 series.

Do not forget to look at our community noticeboard for details of the Olympic Referral Group event on the 15th November and also Leads, Randwick Tourism and Maroubra Chamber of Commerce Christmas function.

Hope to catch you at an event in November 2006.
Cheers

David Baumgarten, CEO

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BEC recognised nationally - 4.5 star ranking out of a possible 5!

The BEC teams in both the city and Bondi Junction work very hard, and I get great pleasure when their efforts are properly acknowledged. As you are aware we deliver the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme on behalf of the Federal Department of Workplace Relations. Our performance is measured on an ongoing basis against other providers in Australia. The highest ranking is a 5 star.

I am pleased to advise that we were recently awarded a 4.5 star ranking. We now have over four consecutive ratings above 4 stars.

So, I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to my team, and to all those clients that come to us and allow us to assist them start, develop and grow their businesses.

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The BEC National Network 

Let me take a few moments to explain to you a little about our national network.

The BEC group has over 130 points of representation across Australia. Each BEC is an individual member of the peak body and we have different levels of membership:

• Full BEC
• Associate Organisation
• Associate Individual

The Board is made up of a representative from each state. For further information about the BEC group check out www.beca.org.au , or contact me at ESBEC.

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Business Planning - It doesn't work for an established business!

Growing your business? Need some help? The traditional business plan format not working? What you need is a Growth Plan .

Our Accelerate Your Growth program has commenced with great success. We have run a number of the Growth Planning workshops and are now putting together specific topic-based workshops that deal with issues that have come up in the planning workshops. 

Testimonials from recent workshops

"Fun, interesting, interactive, and good to hear about other stories and similar hurdles."
(Mary Prim, Graphic Designer, Inner West)

"The tools provided to plan were perfectly timed, it saved me from procrastinating in the planning process. The organic networking was a plus."

(Senko Vesic, Commodities Consultant, Eastern Suburbs)

'Accelerate Your Business Growth' addresses broader business development and management issues and provides a cost-effective mechanism to meet the needs of early growth businesses.

The initial package comprises:
- 1 x Growth Planning Workshop
- 1 x Growth Issue Workshop
- 1 x Brains Trust

Once you have attended the Growth Planning workshop you can participate in unlimited Growth Issue workshops and Brains Trust sessions. We understand that business owners need flexible pathways.

We are offering the program across metropolitan Sydney. For dates, or to download a brochure or application form, visit our website at www.easternsuburbsbec.com.au/esbec/esbecservices/AccelerateYourBusinessGrowth or contact david@clearlybusiness.com.au

This is an Australian Government funded service under the Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business Program.

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Want referrals? List your business with us today

A new feature of our monthly e-newsletter is a summary of new listings in our online business directory.

This month we welcome the following businesses to our directory:

• David May - Print management company
• The Hi-Fi Trader - Independent specialist hi-fi and home theatre retailer
• Mr Pilates - Pilates Practitioner
• Oxford Selection Pty Ltd - Recruitment, HR Consulting, Staff Employment
• Adventure Tours & Travel Pty Ltd - Travel Agent
• A to Z MIGRATION- Migration Services
• Louise Shaw Jewellery - Jewellery Designer and Manufacturor
• kymedia - web designer, website designer, domain name registration, domain name, domain names, web hosting, email hosting, ecommerce designer, ecommerce
• MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre - provides all information, advice and support you need to train your staff through Australian Apprentieships
• Bottoms Up - Natural/organic baby skin care products
• KC Books and Business Management - Bookkeeping to Trial Balance, BAS, IAS, PAYG, Cash Flow Analysis
• The HR Practice - human resource consulting for SME's, psychometric testing for recruiting the right staff
• Sunlinemedia - graphic designer, graphic, design, designers, graphics, art, web site design, photography, sales promotion, direct marketing, advertising
• With source - fitness supplier,computer networking, web design, web development, programming development, timber, flooring, solid wood flooring, exercise equipment
• Paul Marsden & Associates Pty Ltd

Remember, one of the benefits of being listed on the directory are our referrals. We receive a lot of calls to the city and Bondi Junction offices for referral to a particular industry or professional. As we have an extensive network we find it easier to refer to our online directory.

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Business Thursday

City of Randwick Combined Chambers of Commerce Breakfast

On the 17th October we held the final of the 2006 City of Randwick Combined Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast series. Our Speaker was Jack Fraenkel and his message was about customer service, "Repeat, Repeat, Repeat; you'll be Sweet, Sweet, Sweet".

The message was one we should all know, but we often need to be reminded.

I must again thank the Combined Randwick Chanber Of Commerce, Walsh Village Pharmacy, Southern Courier and Randwick Council for the support with this breakfast.

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Women in Business Program

I am hoping that we will be offered the opportunity to deliver the Women in Business program in 2007. We will deliver this program on behalf of the NSW Department of State & Regional Development.

Results of our 2006 program were 58.3% increased their business turnover, 14.3% advised that they had increased their numbers of employees, 100% increased their business skills and 71.4% increased their business networks.

Some of the comments received reflect the powerful impact of the program: 'It was an incredible experience, much more than I ever expected…' 'After many hours mentoring meetings, I now have a clear step by step plan to growing my business…' 'Very good for idea generation and encouraging me to think outside the square'.

For further details contact leona@easternsuburbsbec.com.au .

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Congratulations Terrill Riley-Gibson - NSW/ACT Champion of Champions New Business of the Year

What a lady… what a great news story!

Terrill Riley-Gibson of BalconyLIVING in Concord, a beneficiary of business support from the BEC, has capped off a hugely successful year after the announcement that BalconyLIVING has been awarded the prestigious Champion New Business of the Year award.

"I'm ecstatic," says Terrill. "To win this award on top of the awards we've already won this year really acknowledges the work we've put into growing our business and the great support we've had from our customers and the local community."

In the short space of one year BalconyLIVING has demonstrated its award winning formula, receiving accolades such as:

• 2006 Small Business Awards Champion of Champions - Champion New Business of the Year
• 2006 Inner West Weekly Business Achiever Awards - Winner Gift Shop
• 2006 Inner West Weekly Business Achiever Awards - Winner Best Employee of the Year
• 2006 The Business Awards - Inner West Winner Most Outstanding Home Furnishing/Electrical Store

Click here for a full press release

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Peter Switzer 2GB Sundays 3.30pm to 4.00pm

Our very own Peter Switzer is now available to assist your with great business tips every Sunday between 3.30 pm and 4.00 pm on 2GB.

Switch your dial to 873AM and phone Peter with any business questions you may have.

This is a great opportunity to ask a business expert the questions you need answering. Feel free to mention the BEC!

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You are invited to join the TCFWA Australian Buying Mission
Hong Kong Fashion Week, World Boutique Hong Kong, January 15-18, 2007

During the year we have run a number of workshops for the fashion industry through the Small Business Centre Belmont (WA), managed by Carol Hanlon.

Carol has written to advise me of the following offer:

TCF WA Inc is hosting a Buying Mission to Hong Kong Fashion Week & World Boutique Hong Kong on behalf of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.  The buying mission is suitable for:

• Retailers - looking to source new fashion and accessory labels
• Manufacturers - looking to locate off shore manufacturers from Hong Kong, China, India, Taiwan etc
• Designers - looking to source CMT factories, trims and accessories
• Industry looking for new TCFL business opportunities, looking to attend new trend direction seminars, and develop new agency or distributorship agreements
• New business - those wishing to start a new fashion label and looking to undertake market research, sourcing and supply chain requirements to establish a business in the textile, clothing, or fashion industry.

Register now to receive YOUR free VIP privileges as per attached HKFW & HKWB information sheet and you may also be eligible for 3 nights FREE hotel accommodation sponsorship in Hong Kong!

Register Your Interest In Hkfw & Hotel Sponsorship By Completing The Hkfw Booking Form Attached And Fax To Hktdc (02) 9261 8966 Or Fax To Tcfwa (08) 94793888

Any queries contact Ena Zhou Ph 08 94793777 or email ena.zhou@tcfwa.com

TCFWA is also co-ordinating additional benefits for those joining the TCFWA Buying Mission to Hong Kong , notably the opportunity to book a local HK based TCF Sourcing / Shopping Guide who speaks Cantonese/Mandarin  and can:-

• accompany you for 1/2 day or full day for shopping and sourcing of product at HKFW, Hong Kong / Kowloon trade districts (& bargain for you!)
• accompany you to visit Shenzhen , China for a day sourcing/shopping trip to the Chinese markets (30mins by train)
• assist an individual or group guided shopping tour (max of 4 persons).

Prices AUD$150 full day private escorted guide or $AUD$50 day in shared group of 3 or more persons (your travel/visa costs are not included)

PREBOOKING AND PREPAYMENT IS ESSENTIAL - Limited spaces available

Once Confirmed With The Tour Guide Cancellations Within 7 Days Of The Event Cannot Be Accepted .
Register Your Interest In The Tcfwa Escorted Sourcing Tours Of Hong Kong And Shenzhen , China By Emailing Tcfwa,  ena.zhou@tcfwa.com or contact Ena Zhou at (08) 94793777.

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Business Breakfast Burwood

Dr Adam Fraser was our guest speaker at the last of the 2007 Burwood Business Breakfast series.

What a dynamic speaker! Adam delivered an intrinsically important message, that of a life balanced. He guided the audience to an awareness of the importance of taking time for yourself and always considering your own importance. He placed into perspective the roles of family, the business, and, ultimately, the self.

Our 2007 Breakfast series starts in February with an important message that will hopefully support all our New Years Eve business resolutions! The topic is Dynamic First Impressions .

I must give a big thank you to the Inner West Courier, Burwood Council, and Hassan from RM Gregory Printers for joining us in this great initiative.

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Amendments to Workplace Relations Legislation and Regulations

Follow the link below to Kevin Andrews' DEWR home page to read more about the amendment to the WorkChoices/the Federal IR system: