Welcome to our July newsletter!

In this month's newsletter:

News from CEO David Baumgarten
Canon helps small business
Business September
Membership Renewal now due

Is your Home Business a bit messy? Is it reactive instead of proactive?
Lift Off Mentor Program for newstart businesses
Stepping Up: 'Issue Based' Mentor Program - starting SOON
Sydney Business Advisory Service now available in Bankstown

Business Awards
Stress at Work - TV show seeks small business participants
Gut Feeling - it works!
Looking to spoil yourself? Then read on…


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Burwood Breakfast Series - next event 22nd July
Community Noticeboard
Making Fun Work- Workshop 9th August
Small Business Expo: 26th-28th August (Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour)

News from CEO David Baumgarten

Another exciting month has gone by and we now go into the second part of the year - and a new financial year. Will it slow down so that I can keep up? I think not.

This month has got off to a great start with a variety of networking, from Kym Illams Customer Service & Telephone Techniques at Balmain Leagues club to the Australia Post official launch of the Small Business Awards in the City, where we had over 190 attendees, and the Eastern Suburbs launch of the awards where we had over 220 attendees.

As usual a multitude of networking and business opportunities were generated out of these events. This month we have networking events all over Sydney, which are highlighted in our newsletter.

I am also pleased to advise you of two mentor programs we are launching: Lift Off for those entering business and Stepping Up for those businesses with a turnover of $200,000 plus and a commitment to growth. Both of these are profiled in our newsletter.

One of the pleasurable parts of my job is the opportunity to interact with people. This month I caught up with Kim Anson, General Manager, Waverley Council. Kim is right across the business issues in the Waverley LGA and we hope to have some joint initiatives in 2005.

I also caught up with Laura Kinsler from Canon. I am pleased to advise that Canon have sponsored a photocopier for our city office.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Aub Eardley, my counterpart at Botany Bay BEC, all the best on his retirement which takes effect 1st August. A job well done, Aub.

Have a great month!

David Baumgarten, CEO

Back to Top

Canon helps small business

I am very pleased to advise that Canon Australia have sponsored for a 12-month period a fully maintained photocopier for our City office.

As we are a not-for-profit organisation any assistance we can obtain from the corporate sector is very much appreciated. Our thanks to Canon, in particular Glen Norris, Account Manager and Laura Kinsler, State Marketing Supervisor, Business Imaging Solutions, for their support.

I initially approached Canon as I have observed over the past 18 months a focus by Canon on the SME market. In supporting us they are showing their support for this sector.

Back to Top

Business September

We are getting closer to Annual Business September where commonwealth, state and local government agencies, industry associations and Business Enterprise Centres come together to present a calendar of events as a way of saluting and celebrating the contribution of small business to the Australian Economy.

Each week of Small business September 2005 will focus on a different theme:

• Week One: Innovation Technology
• Week Two: Marketing
• Week Three: Finance
• Week Four: People & Business Processes.

We will be offering a number of events based around the above themes. These events will be posted on our website over the next month. Small Business September 2005 is coordinated by the NSW Department of State & Regional Development.

Back to Top

Membership Renewals now due

Boy, does a year go by fast! Yes, it's membership renewal time again. Over the next month we will be sending out renewal notices to current members and invitation to become members and support our organisation.

We have a number of different levels of membership available. Membership fees are dependent on the number of people employed by the organisation wishing to join:

• 0 - 5 employees $15 per month by direct debit or $175 PIF
• 6 -10 employees $275 PIF
• 11 - 20 employees $550 (Sponsor Level)
• 21-100 employees $1,100- (Sponsor Level).

Gold and Silver Corporate Sponsorships are also available: they offer a range of additional benefits, which are suitable for large organisations wishing to avail themselves of significant opportunities to showcase products and services and enhance their corporate/community image.

We are a community-based organisation which relies on the support we get from our members.Without this support we would not have the organisation we have today and over 22,000 clients per annum would not benefit from the services we have on offer.
One of the key ingredients of our membership is the networking opportunities we offer. Over the past 12 months we have expanded our operations and now are able to offer networking opportunities all over Sydney.

Please give serious consideration to becoming a member. Follow the links to the Membership page on our websites:

ESBEC Membership page or Clearly Business Membership page

Back to Top

Is your Home Business a bit messy? Is it reactive instead of proactive?

Is the 'shoebox' filing not working anymore?

The Home-Based Business Better Systems Program will help you get your 'act together' by showing you how to prioritise and organise your business.

This last Action Program of our Home Based Business Program commences on the 14th July. The cost is $165.00 (GST inc.) to approved applicants.

For further details or to book online see our Training Calendars:

ESBEC Training Calendar or Clearly Business Training Calendar



Back to Top



 

Lift Off Mentor Program for newstart businesses

Are you a newstart business and looking for a structured approached to start your business? We have a mentor program designed and individually tailored to your needs. The package includes.

• Business Facilitation x 6 one hour sessions
• Networking x 2 events
• Business Skills workshops in Marketing, Business Planning, Pricing
• Business Resource Kit
• Trial software: MYOB, ACT
• Small Business Magazine: 12 month subscription.
• Listing on our online Business Directory
• Membership of professional support agency
• Discount vouchers (3): 25 % of carded meeting room rate.

Come to our next information session. Contact David McLeod on 9212 0555

Back to Top

Stepping Up: 'Issue Based' Mentor Program - starting SOON

Yes, it has finally arrived - a mentor program for the next level of business operators. The Stepping up program consists of:

The Stepping Up Workshops

The Stepping Up Program includes up to 10 hours of small group workshops and seminars on topics such as cash flow management, pricing and costing, marketing, risk management, strategic planning and innovation planning.

The specific topics will be determined prior to commencement of the program, to suit participants' needs.

The Stepping Up Mentor

You will have access to an experienced business person as mentor who has been screened and assessed by the NSW Government's business development agency, the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD).

These mentors will be available to your business for up to 10 hours over the course of the program to help you develop strategies to overcome a business hurdle or pursue an identified business opportunity or market.

Your Stepping Up mentors can act as a sounding board to test or bounce ideas off. They can help you focus on the "big picture" issues that face your business, a task that is difficult when you are busy running a company. What the Stepping Up mentor does not offer is professional advice or consulting services.

Focused Help for Your Business

The Stepping Up Program is not a "feel good" personal coaching program. It is designed to help you resolve an identified business issue or pursue an identified opportunity. It will provide the opportunity to develop new skills that you can apply after the program has ended.

Eligibility Criteria

To be a participant of this program you must meet the following criteria:

• NSW-based
• Business owner has operated the business for at least two years and no more than five years
• Able to provide financial accounts and reports for at least two financial years which show the business is profitable and has a positive balance of assets over liabilities
• Have sales turnover of between $200,000 and $10 million per annum.
• Employ at least one staff member in addition to the owner.
• Able to identify a business goal or hurdle suitable to be addressed through the program.
• Be prepared to enter into an agreement with DSRD to progress the recommendations flowing from the Stepping Up Program
• Be prepared to respond to DSRD monitoring and evaluation surveys each year for up to two years after the project has been completed and cooperate with promotion opportunities for the program following participation.

Not all eligible businesses will be accepted into the Stepping Up Program. Our program will start late August. To register your name for our information session email ketrina@clearlybusiness.com.au

Back to Top

Sydney Business Advisory Service now available in Bankstown

Are you in business or looking at going into small business?

The Sydney Business Advisory service is available via a face-to-face business consultation, telephone or email. This service is provided free on behalf of the New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development.

At present we offer this service at Bondi Junction and our Castlereagh Street facilities. The good news is Bankstown Council have agreed to provide us with meeting room facilities to allow us to provide this service in the Bankstown area on a regular and ongoing basis.

We will have this up and operational in August. For more information and to book a consultation visit our Sydney Business Advisory Service page or email dmcleod@clearlybusiness.com.au

Back to Top

Business Awards

We have told you all about the Australia Post Small Business Awards. Hang on to your seats, we have more awards to tell you about!

My Business Awards

The My Business Awards are on once again and I strongly encourage you to submit an application form, which can be found at : www.mybusiness.com.au/awards

Some past winners have been members of this organisation. So go for it! Entries close 9am, Friday 29 July 2005.

The Randwick Small Business Awards 2005 (Randwick Council) 

Our organisation has been associated with these awards since their inception. I am very proud to be involved as a committee member together with Kensington, Kingsford, Coogee and Randwick Chambers of Commerce and The Spot Business Association. The Southern Courier is again a sponsor of the Awards.

I strongly encourage all businesses located in the Randwick Municipality to make themselves aware of the awards and submit an entry form. Further information can be obtained at Randwick Business Awards

Back to Top

Stress at Work - TV show seeks small business participants

I do not know what is with TV shows and our organisation but we have again been approached, this time by Mint Pictures who are producing a TV series about stress at work.

The series will feature Professor Niki Ellis, a physician, management consultant and internationally acclaimed expert on well-being in the workplace. In the films she will analyse work places and create a specific program to make a company less stressful and more efficient. The process would be filmed from start to finish. Professor Ellis' services would come free.

The producers are keen to feature some small businesses in the series. If stress is an issue for you and your staff and you're interested in discussing the possibility of working with Professor Ellis and appearing on television please contact:

Alan Erson Associate
Producer, Mint Pictures
Email: erson@bigpond.com

Back to Top

Gut Feeling - it works!

I am often asked what is the secret to operating a successful business. Guess what, there is no easy answer to this question. On reflection and being honest I would have to have as one of my answers 'Running on raw gut feeling.'

I spoke recently with Kiki Paul, director of Access Your Intuition, an organisation that is dedicated to giving people access to their own intuition. Kiki's experience in Public Relations, Human Resources, IT and Management has proven her ability to translate intuition into practical application in the business environment.

Kiki notes that, "As a small business operator, I know that a lot of decisions are made on more than just the facts. Sometimes the cold hard facts just don't give you the full picture and you must rely on your 'gut feeling' or intuition. For many years, intuition has been down and out regarded as silly. However, the tide is starting to turn as more and more managers 'confess' they made important decisions based on intuition.

Among its many definitions, intuition is called 'the act or faculty of knowing without the use of rational processes; immediate cognition.'

Another definition is 'the capacity for guessing accurately; sharp insight.' Precursors include the Latin 'intueri', to look at or toward, contemplate; the Middle English 'intuycion', contemplation; from the Latin and French roots, 'in', inside and 'tuicion', to watch, guard, protect.

Intuition is an unconscious, specialised source of information which thousands of years ago people understood as a source of protection. Intuition is knowing without knowing how you know."

Would you like to know more about this interesting topic? Read more of Kiki's article on our website at Access Your Intuition or visit her website www.accessyourintuition.com.au

Back to Top

Looking to spoil yourself? Then read on…

During the month I visited member Bev Holt at Holistic Harmony, a rejuvenation and wellbeing day spa centre in Rose Bay. I was very impressed with the centre and how inviting it was.

Bev has a team of experts who can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Facilities include a special pampering room with two massage tables, ideal for couples or two friends who want to relax and enjoy the experience together.

Feel amazing inside and out through the use of: Remedial Massage, aromatherapy, sacred stone massage, reiki, meditation, yoga, holistic body scrub, oxygen facial, pure oxygen breathing, manicure, pedicure, naturopath, acupuncture, kinesiology, reflexology, re-birthing & chakra balancing.

There is also an individual oxygen, steam, aromatherapy sauna, which is great for detoxing and loosening tight, sore or injured muscles.

Holistic harmony is currently offering a special for Business Enterprise Centre members and students - 20% off your first treatment!

If you want to know more visit www.holistic-harmony.com.au
T: 02 9388 1487 M: 0418 644 540

Back to Top




DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Burwood Breakfast

On the 22nd July we have the third in our Burwood Business Breakfast Series. Clearly Business sponsors these breakfasts in conjunction with the Inner West Courier and Burwood Council. All breakfasts are held at the Burwood RSL and commence at 7.15am for a 7.30am start.

Our guest speaker this month is Robyn Henderson, global networking specialist. At this breakfast we will look at:

• The do's and don'ts for effective networking
• The psychology of networking — how, why, when and where it works
• Turning business cards into business
• How to continually move out of your comfort zone
• How to enjoy attending networking functions and turn business cards into business

To book for this breakfast phone 90897699 or book online at Clearly Business Networking Calendar


Back to Top

Community Noticeboard

This month on our community noticeboard we have the following:

Bankstown: Torch Newspaper Business Luncheon -15th July
Australia Post Small Business Awards Cocktails, Bankstown Launch - 20th July

Burwood: Business Breakfast -22nd July

Canada Bay: Bayside Business Workshop-19th July
Australia Post Small Business Launch, Business Breakfast -26th July

Eastern Suburbs: Chamber Of Commerce Business Breakfast -  date tbc
Eastern Suburbs Women's Network Cocktail Function 26th July

Click on the links below to view our Community Noticeboards:

ESBEC Community Noticeboard
Clearly Business Community Noticeboard



Back to Top

Making Fun Work- Workshop 9th August

This evening workshop is focused on showing you how you can become more confident in your everyday use of humour and how you can use this in business to profit from the Power of Fun. It is very much a 'how to' presentation full of techniques, hints and explanations.

Dennis H Moore has a unique background travelling Australia's showgrounds with his family's sideshow attractions, where they made a living out of providing fun and entertainment to people. He also had a plastering business employing 22 people and worked as a consultant where he led teams in architects' offices nationally and overseas.

Today his speciality is adjusting attitudes to bring fun into business and life. Dennis, author of 'Making Fun Work' - how to create a funnier you and how to turn humour into profit, will share with you important tools and methods that are delivered in an entertaining, inspiring and thought provoking session. Learn how you can profit from harnessing the Power of Fun!

To book or for further information visit our networking calendars:

ESBEC Networking Calendar
Clearly Business Networking Calendar

Back to Top

Small Business Expo: 26th-28th August (Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour)

What keeps you awake at night?

Are you looking to grow your business, increase your profitability, maximise your current resources, streamline your systems, improve your productivity, maximise the value of your business, increase your sales, reduce your operating costs, generate new ideas or meet with like minded entrepreneurs? Then you can't afford to miss this event!