MAGAZINE Our beloved EMAG is going SOLO… The travel bug is ever present in all of us which makes our new & improved travel portal so much more attractive.. ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT This month we focus on one of our Health Based Organisations, The Lung Foundation of Australia
WHAT’S NEW AT AA!
Check out our new organisations that have adopted the new & improved benefits package
Issue 23 - February 2015
AFFINITY
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
What’s In store for you this month… Editors Letter
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EMAG is going SOLO… Association Spotlight
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“Lung Foundation Australia” Affinity PROFESSIONAL
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Corporate Connectors - the story behind… Legal, HR/IR, Insurance, Foreign Exchange, Finance, Business Coaching, Safety In the Workplace… Member Engagement
33
Affinity TRAVEL
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Welcome to our new Travel Portals Exchange Travel Seniors Holiday Travel
Affinity COMMUNICATIONS
43
Affinity LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
47
Affinity NETWORKING
49
Affinity FUNDRAISING
51
Affinity HEALTH & WELLBEING
53
Affinity SHOPPER
57
MEDIA KIT
60
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
Editors Letter Well another month to cross off the calendar and we are well and truly into 2015. With so many big things on the horizon, it is definitely hard to focus on any one thing and remain that way. The EMAG over the next few months will be taking on a new look and feel. EMAG will even have its very own website - to be revealed very soon. Still with the same great content from our dedicated providers but with some surprises added in along the way. Let’s just say it’s going to be great! As we touched on in the last edition, the launch of our 4 programs has been the main focus here at the AA Headquarters and we have been working hard to ensure that they go off without a hitch. Just to recap… Our four programs are all very different as to the kind of target market they are designed to attract. They also have different levels of benefits, but all equally special and each carrying particular qualities that are unique to their specific industry. With all programs fully tailored to each individual organisation, we are sure that we are onto something.
The “Ambassador” Fundraising Program - Schools, Charities & Not for Profits will benefit from aligning with our Ambassador program and with our most recent alliance with Givematcher, our organisations will have the opportunity to double their donations. For more information on any of our programs, Be sure to visit www.affinityallianceco.com.au or call 1300 793 044 for an information pack.
New Organisations A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ORGANISATIONS! • Corporate Connectors • Seniors Holiday Travel • Bay Audio If you belong to one of these fantastic organisations, be sure to keep on the lookout for your new Affinity members card & kit which gives you all the access you need to a myriad of fantastic offers.
New Providers
Affinity Travel
With the launch of our very own travel portal, members will never be stuck for holiday ideas. A dedicated travel & leisure portal, its not just customers who take holidays through Affinity Travel, the prices do to. You will find massive savings on flights, over 200,000 hotels, tours and transfers available across a wide range of worldwide travel destinations with many integration options. travel.affinityallianceco.com.au
• ANYTIME FITNESS
Fiona McTaggart
• OPSM • Lotus Living Designs
The “Supreme” Member Benefits Program - designed for Associations, Sporting Clubs & Networking Groups.
• Seniors Holiday Travel
The “Applaud” Customer Loyalty Program - for retailers and smaller businesses wanting to attract and retain their customers in todays tough economic climate.
If you would like the opportunity to advertise your restaurant/cafe and can offer an exclusive deal to our members, let us know. We are always on the lookout for new providers and our members love it!
• Training Aid Australia
To refresh your member, the four programs are outlined below.
The “Admiralty” Employee Rewards Program - aimed at large corporations and businesses to give Employers the edge when it comes to employee loyalty and satisfaction.
Don’t forget to check out our new site with all the trimmings along with the Dining Out & Entertainment Guide. Not only will you have exclusive access to the finest restaurants in the country with some fantastic deals for our AA members, you will also be privy to the best in entertainment and events. Be the first to book the latest show or concert and show off to your friends and of course don’t forget to tell them that you can only have access through ‘Affinity Alliance’….
AA Managing Director
• Exchange Travel • The Sassy Circle • Biizsearch Thank you to all of our providers who have offered fantastic exclusive benefits for our members, we could not do any of it without you.
DINING,WINING & LIFESTYLE
If you would like to advertise your organisation or business with Affinity Alliance to offer our members even more value for money, please contact our head office on 1300 793 044 or email
admin@affinityallianceco.co m.au for details and a copy of the AA Media Kit.
www.affinityallianceco.com.au
ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT
Start the conversation about your lungs How often do you think about your lungs? Every day we breathe in and out about 22,000 times. However, most of us never stop to think about breathing - it’s just something we do. In fact, we know that more than 50% of all Australians rarely or never think about the health of their lungs. We also know that in Australia, three out of five Australian adults when asked report symptoms or risk factors that put them at risk of possible lung diseasei and at least one in ten people has a lung disease. It’s time that Australians started taking the health of their lungs as seriously as they take the health of their heart, breasts or prostate. The statistics highlight the huge disconnect between the significant impact of lung disease and the fact most people simply don’t think about the health of their lungs. Research has found most Australians believe they have no lung health issues and very few actually gave their lung health much thought. Symptoms of lung disease tend to creep up slowly and people adjust their daily activities to accommodate or reduce their symptoms.
So what can you do to look after your lungs? Do the Lung Health Checklist. Take a couple of minutes to do the online lung health checklist at www.lunghealthchecklist.org.au. These simple questions will help you to recognise symptoms of
lung disease and the need to act promptly if you have any. Make your life a no-smoke zone. Avoid smoky bars and smoking areas in restaurants. It doesn’t seem fair but second-hand smoke can damage your lungs just as much as the smoke from your own cigarette. And, if you are a smoker, quitting is one if the best presents you can give your lungs. Most people who smoke want to quit
and quitting at any age has benefits.
Use the stairs whenever you can. Elevators and escalators might make things seem easier. But exercise that makes your heart beat faster, like climbing stairs, riding a bike, or walking briskly, is very important in keeping your heart and lungs in good shape. Eat healthily and maintain a healthy weight. Healthy eating means choosing a variety of foods from each of the five food groups every day, in suitable proportions including veggies; fruit; grain foods, mostly wholegrain varieties, such as breads, cereals, rice and pasta; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and legumes; and dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese. You can also take steps to protect your lungs by having the annual flu vaccination and by speaking to your doctor about whether you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine. If you’re breathless or answered yes to any of the questions in the Lung Health Check, speak with your doctor about your lung health.
Lung Health – the stats
Find out more
Now stop and take a breath - here are a few facts that you probably weren’t aware of:
We have several other resources and information to support people living with lung disease which you can access by:
• Lung disease includes lung cancer asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, chronic cough, pulmonary fibrosis and many more • Lung disease contributes to more than 10 per cent of the overall health burden in Australia • Indigenous people die of lung disease at a rate three times higher than non-indigenous Australiansii • Mortality due to lung disease is significant with 14%, or one in seven deaths in Australia in 2012 was as a result of lung diseaseii • Lung disease was the cause of 276,505 hospitalisations in 2011-12, or 2.99% of all hospitalisations and more than 1.4 million hospital patient-days, representing 5.07% of all patient-daysii There are things you can do to manage your symptoms.
Making healthy lungs Australia’s future Lung Foundation Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation working to make lung health a priority for all in Australia. We raise awareness, support those with lung disease and their carers and families, develop clinical resources and advocate on behalf of those with lung disease.
• visiting www.lungfoundation.com.au or • phoning our free call Information and Support Centre on 1800 654 301.
How can you help us to achieve our vision to make lung health a priority for all in Australia? Become a member – If you would like to become a Lung Foundation Australia member, please contact us on 1800 654 301 or visit www.lungfoundation.com.au. As well as your membership being a valuable contribution to continuing the important work of the Lung Foundation, members also enjoy the benefits of accessing the discounts, deals and specials that the Affinity Alliance offers. Donate – You can help the Lung Foundation provide support, resources to and advocacy on behalf of the millions of Australians affected by lung disease. You can donate online here -www.lungfoundation.com.au/ donate or phone free call 1800 654 301.
Late last year, we launched a new, innovative campaign aimed at getting the wider community talking about their lungs. Just One Breath challenges all of us to think about what we can do with our breath. With a focus on positive health and wellbeing, the campaign aims to get Australians who have not previously thought about their lungs talking about their lung health, and includes a series of short films with prominent Australians including Casey Dellacqua and Christine Anu, who share their own personal stories about the power of breath in their professional lives. Why not jump online (www.justonebreath.com.au) to see these champion stories or sign up to the Just One Breath Facebook or Instagram accounts to share the message with your friends. Phase two of the campaign will kick off later this year and will include lots of new content and fun and exciting ways to be involved.
Fundraise –If you would like to raise funds, you can set up an online fundraising page via Everyday Hero. Alternatively, if you would like to hold an event or offline fundraiser you can contact us on 1800 654 301 for more information and our fundraising guidelines. We are so grateful for, and reliant on, the support of the community.
SHOUT A MATE! Small business is Australia’s largest employer. Every community relies on small business and what we need to remember is that farmers are small business operators too.
Help us help drought affected communities. Show your support & Shout A Mate! For more information visit
www.shoutamate.com.au facebook.com/shoutamate
Exclusive offer to
Affinity Alliance Members Only…
What are your concerns as a small-medium business owner? Become a Foundation Member of the SBPA and Affinity Alliance will subsidise your membership fee of $55. Joining Fee of $22 applies. As a Foundation Member you will be the voice for representation in parliament for any policy changes required for Australian businesses to:
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We show you how! If you are not on Social Media right now AND doing it well you are losing business to your competitors that are doing it well. CALL 1300 669 530 or email info@nextlisting.com.au and we will take you to the next level‌ Become a September member. Only 12 left at 43% discount Start getting new listings TODAY.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
YOUR GM Building Better Businesses by Rick Nash - CEO - Your GM
Business owners around the country will identify with a common saying – “you spend more time working IN your business rather than ON it”. We all start businesses with long term success being the goal, but unfortunately most of us lack the all-round capability to do “everything”. Many bosses grow their businesses by being “reactive” and getting a range of costly professionals on board as they go along – accountant, solicitor, insurance, web design, WHS checks - the list gets bigger every year. If the business has a high enough turnover it can eventually bring in a General Manager, CFO or even CEO to run the ship, if not they may bring in someone like a business coach to give them guidance on how to build their business in specific areas. And whilst most are fine professionals who can provide such guidance, they still cannot cover “everything” and need to refer in other professionals to fill the gaps, increasing costs.
What is a General Manager? Traditionally, a General Manager’s role in a business environment has been to ensure that the business: • Has a strategy developed in conjunction with the business owners to compete and grow commercially in its particular market. • Implement those strategies with ongoing financial and other reporting to the business owners. • Sounds simple doesn’t it? In reality a General Manager’s job description really entails being across all aspects of the business that make it viableincluding:
• Marketing
• Web/IT/SEO • Legal /Compliance • WHS • HR and Staffing • Vehicles
• Accounting • Cost reduction • Customer Management • Networking/Promotion • Insurances • Financing • Competitor/Market Analysis • Alliance/Joint Venture Development The cost of hiring a great GM who is an expert across all these important areas is prohibitive for many businesses and therefore those critical tasks often fall to the business owners’ themselves-sound familiar? This leads to inefficiencies and slower growth as time taken to address these issues detracts from the core objective of the business - building the world’s best widgets, software, service - whatever it may be. There had to be a better way - which is exactly why we built YourGM-bringing all of those skills together under one roof to provide a centralized General Manager resource to growing businesses at an affordable cost. By working in partnership with businesses we bring all of those skills to help achieve our clients’ business objectives - at a fraction of the cost of employing even one new member of admin staff - let alone a GM! YourGM is an exciting new model going that one step further by being proactive and improving the concepts of business coaching and temporary CFOs. It bridges that gap between using a business coach and actually bringing a new GM on-board. The cost is minimal in return for the benefits and wealth of knowledge and experience available. The return on investment however, is huge. There are no "lock-in" contracts YourGM works with you for as long as you need it, either a short term project or a long term solution, the choice is entirely yours.
YourGM brings together a group of dynamic professionals who will work as a team for your business. As a YourGM client you have access to all of these professionals via one dedicated consultant. Covering 20 Management Areas, we provide support and advice on - marketing, web/IT, legal/ compliance, WHS, HR, staffing/recruitment, vehicles, accounting, cost reduction, insurance, finance and alliance building-just to name a few.
The benefits of bringing in YourGM? • Cost effective solution – bringing in
YourGM will cost you a fraction of the salary of a full time admin staff member.
•
Range of experience – our team covers 20 Management Areas that encompass all the crucial areas of business strategy. We have over a century of management years’ experience between us!
How We Work
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Firstly we have a no obligation discussion about your business and your ambitions for it. They may be simple such as freeing up time from non-revenue producing tasks through to Global domination of your particular space! Further to that discussion - if we feel that YourGM can add significant value to your business in helping achieve those objectives (and you are passionate about your business) – we will undertake a full review of your business across all relevant issues marketing, IT, Customer/client management, OHS, HR, vehicle management, financials, business planning, your goals and objectives and so on.
One contact – YourGM will assign you your own personal consultant. You only need to deal with one person. They will brief you as often as you want and can even spend time on your site or attend meetings. Your consultant will work with you to build your business.
•
We have a huge network of contacts across Australia – if you wish to develop relationships, build a national brand (or even go international), we can direct you to where you want to go and find you those relationships. No networking and cold calls for you!
•
We have a “can do” attitude and think outside the square – we keep things simple for you.
•
We guarantee a return on your investment and do not pressure you to take us on or lock you into a contract you do not need. We only have clients who want to take action and work with us.
Once that review is complete we will sit down again and discuss the results of that review and prioritize, in conjunction with you, the areas to work on in order to achieve your stated goals. YourGM will work alongside you over whatever period is needed to bring about the outcomes you are looking for. YourGM will take care of managing a significant proportion of the operational issues/relationships that every business has, as well as working on growing the business with you - that’s the exciting part! YourGM works on a ‘fee for service’ payable monthly in advance. That fee will be determined in consultation with each client. We do not ‘lock in’ clients to long term service agreements - we only want to work with businesses that value our services at any given point.
For any further information on YourGM, what we do and how to contact us, please visit our website at www.yourgm.com.au, or contact us at enquiries@yourgm.com.au YourGM is the new, better way to build your business-guaranteed!
Like 12 Management and Business Growth Experts? How about from a QUARTER of the cost of S
99 7 0 0 3 :1
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one full time employee?
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EXPERTISE!
WHY YourGM? MORE THAN JUST COACHING.. YourGM takes the load off time poor business owners who don’t have the time to do “everything”, or the resources on hand to recruit a full time general manager. We provide assistance in areas such as -‐ insurance, finance, WHS, HR, accountancy, car leasing, web & IT, alliance and JV building, marketing and business planning to name a few, all in one centralised service.
email: enquiries@yourgm.com.au
1
Range of experience – our team covers 20 Management Areas that encompass all of the crucial areas of business strategy, planning and develeopment.
2
Cost effective -‐ The cost of using YourGM is a quarter the cost of bringing in a new staff member -‐ let alone a General Manager!
3
All under one roof -‐ you have one dedicated consultant working with you, addressing hotspots, forming alliances and giving you time to focus on more important things.
web: www.yourgm.com.au
phone: 1300 799 946
NETWORKING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WITH A BIG DIFFERENCE
enquiries@corporateconnectors.com.au www.corporateconnectors.com.au
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Membership Service Excellence Are your Member Services Team “Double Baggers”? by Kevin Cahalane - Membership Growth
I was born in London, but moved with my parents to New York ... where I grew up, went to high school, started work at IBM and ... got drafted into the US Army (a career halter, that one)!
After a while, management decided I would be excellent as a cashier. No one tipped cashiers. My feelings as expressed to management? No, I would not be a good cashier. Management won.
When in high school, I had an after hours job at a supermarket in my home town, Mount Kisco, in Westchester County.
Now, a cashier would total up the amounts and load the bags into the trolley or into the bin and onto the conveyor. That was pretty much it. No warmth...no sense of service.
I started in that job as a packer – groceries were put into a bin, placed on a conveyor belt and pushed through to me. Customers would drive up, present me with their ticket(s) and I would load their groceries into their car boot (or ‘trunk’ as I called it then). My little brain worked out pretty quickly that if you smiled and were friendly and loaded the shopping bags carefully, you got a tip ... everything from 25 cents to $1. By the way, Betty White and her late husband, Alan Ludden, used to shop at my supermarket every Friday night. They drove up in their lime green Cadillac and Alan Ludden would get out of the car to help, but I also assured him that I was happy to load all the groceries in the car for him. He appreciated that (they all did) and Allen Ludden was a buck ($1) tipper! I also loved when Betty White would be sitting in the front seat, give me a dazzling smile (it has not changed, even today) and a wave. She did this every time they turned up. They were a lovely couple ... she smiled and waved ... he was a buck tipper.
Not me. I was friendly to every customer, I talked to them about their kids, their holidays (vacations) ... anything they liked. I gave them double bags, yep, one (paper) bag inside another ... packed the bottom layer with cans or drinks and lighter materials on the top. Cold and frozen items always went into a double bag. Management discouraged double bagging because you used, well, twice as many bags. Didn’t bother me ... if they had heavy items they got one or more double bags, in order to ease their load when they unpacked their car at home. That really impressed a lot of mums, on their own, who had to unpack at the other end. Some Thursday or Friday afternoons/evenings, I would have a line of people waiting for me to serve them ... they preferred to wait rather than be served by my fellow employees, who did not understand the concept of service (hey, we were all young and probably our hor mones were pointing in other directions ... but my
thoughts were – when you are at ork, work). Is your member service to a ‘double bag’ standard? What is the foundation of every member service or member loyalty program? What is it that will induce your members to become your advocates? What really wins ‘members for life’? The answer, although obvious, is often overlooked in our high tech world. The answer is – YOUR PEOPLE. Your people are your greatest resources for achieving member delight, member retention, member advocacy and long term member satisfaction. Conversely your people can be the major causes of relationship breakdowns, nonrenewals, disharmony and lack of trust on the part of members (current and ex). Let’s look at how you can create Excellent member service. Read, analyse and respond to surveys – from other internal team members as well as your own people. Don’t be afraid to make the difficult decisions, including taking a cold, hard look at your management style and that of other team leaders/supervisors within your member services centre. Communicate to your people that your organisation is the paymaster – the member actually pays their salary (thanks to Henry Ford for this little gem).
People who know what they are doing, why their job is important and where they are heading (team wise and career wise) are usually a lot more switched on and self motivated than people who consider themselves to be ‘mushrooms’. The answer is feedback, and it is every employees’ right, in every organisation, to be given feedback. Constant, positive reinforcement allows people to re-focus their attitudes in a more dynamic way, to change their behaviour to a more desirable style and to become a more productive team member. Reinforcement of desired behaviour (and striving to change undesirable behaviour) is one of the best ways to promote better member service. It is also one of the least used management tools. People need to understand and accept that there is no difference between internal and external service. Everyone in an organisation is serving someone else. If they are not, what exactly are they doing there? Little things count. Volunteering time to help an overworked colleague, answering another’s telephone, arriving at work a little earlier, staying a little later. Reward these little things and they will become habits. Your members will benefit from these habits as well! Is the term ‘ownership’ a reality in your organisation or just another buzz word? Can your people solve problems and make on-the-spot decisions relating to a member’s needs? Are they encouraged to take the initiative when dealing with other departments? Or, is your organisation totally rigid, inflexible and a slave to paperwork and forms? Is teamwork and team building encouraged within your
organisation or do you play departmental mind games? Is support and recognition the norm or is rudeness and isolation more in vogue within departments? Is there a company wide information flow or inter-departmental blocks? Finally, every internal survey I have ever observed has (a) lack of leadership and (b) lack of communication very high up on the negative side of the list while ‘I’m currently doing a wonderful job’ is usually very high on the positive side. Somewhere, there is a balance but the reality is most people think they are doing OK from a service perspective, managers included. Sorry, that’s not good enough. Your service to your members is not great because you think it is, it is great because your members say it is. If people in organisations, large and small, were more tolerant, understanding, friendly, supportive, appreciative, respectful, encouraging and co-operative, there would be a lot more positive (and rewarding) focus on the needs of members. If training and development programs were to reflect the above issues it would lead to record results in terms of productivity and response to the needs of your members. If managers made the above issues part of their organisation’s culture and if they worked together to make their departments more open and their people were encouraged to communicate freely just imagine all the benefits this will bring. One final thing, encourage an atmosphere of fun. It works! “A good leader inspires their people to have confidence in him/her ... A great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves”
Contact Kevin Cahalane today for a frank discussion on your membership growth needs in key areas such as membership sales training, team building, member service excellence training, telemarketing training and coaching your team to s u c c e s s : kevin@membershipgrowth.co m.au or 03 5976 8966 (Australia)
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WE A WO RE MA ODE K N P ERS O DOG F ET P ROD HIGH BIRD BEDS, QU UC CAT TREE TS, SU ALITY R A B PL AY ST B S CH AS C A B I T H U T ANDS, , NEST C B I BRO N E T S , H E S A GUINEA OXES, ODE N PA R RS. R O T D B R E E PIG/ DIN & P G OU LT RY •We a AFF •We re the m IN anuf only DISC IT Y ALLI actur •We use p AN C OUN er ca et sa EM P RO T OF fe m as lo n make EM DUC F AL ateri anyt ng a TS, I L AN BERS R als hing •We s it is N ECE IMA for ca CLU m PRES IVE LW DIN idea n make ade from any ani E A 10 N O G T s into our d O m S Y w U a % D ALE OUR l ood PON WO esign a rea I R T A E O X s F MS… lity RDE F or tu RIN G INIT Y A rn yo L ur . LIAN CE C ARD
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Affinity FINANCE New Year, New Start, Plan for Success in 2015… by Ian Birtles-Crute, Wealth Manager and Principal, Yellow Brick Road, Browns Plains The Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to drop the official cash rate to 2.25 per cent is a wake-up call for people who sat on the sidelines of the property market during 2014, convinced that property prices were too high. With interest rates dropping – and another reduction probable this year – consumers have to focus on what they can control, rather than concerning themselves with huge factors such as RBA decisions. The components of the property market most people can control is loan affordability and buying well. Let’s start with affordability: there haven’t been interest rates this low for half a century and consumers shouldn’t ignore the opportunity, even if low interest rates come with rising property prices. When you consider the alternative – the 19 per cent mortgages that my generation paid for their first homes – it’s amazing that people are baulking at the current mortgage market. Within the broader argument about affordability is the question of whether you’re in the right mortgage. Some of the big advertising that came after the rate cut, emphasised which lenders had ‘gone’ first and their cuts. But there is already a range of variable rate mortgages stretching from around 4.6 per cent to more than 5.6 per cent, with big banks in that higher interest rate range, and the lenders outside the Big Four are down around the 4.6 per cent mark. This means you start with a big range of home loan interest rates. If you take a home loan of $400,000 over 25 years at 5.6 per cent, it will cost you around $234 more per month more than the same loan at 4.6 per cent. When thinking-through loan affordability, and your ability to repay a loan if the rates rise by – say – two per cent, remember that by shopping around now you can already build-in a 1 per cent buffer on the expensive lenders. This is entirely within your control and the options exist. And what about the other component of the property market, buying well? When people have an approval from a lender they can become carried away; perhaps they missed out at a couple of auctions and don’t want to be gazumped again? Perhaps they are panicked about rising prices? I suggest you take your time, do your homework and don’t become bogged down in the property indices. Develop your own criteria and stick to it. Do your own research, talk to real estate agents walk around suburbs and talk to people. As for worries about rising property prices – and the potential for a correction – remember that Australian residential property prices may rise by around 6 per cent a year, but these figures are averages over 10 years. There’s always corrections, but over the full decade most owners make gains. The Reserve Bank has set the low-interest rate environment for 2015. Now it’s your turn to take control: focus on loan affordability, and buying well. In all property markets, these are still the basics of getting it right.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
Protect Your Assets from Debt by Adam Pile from Your Risk Adviser Many responsible Australians ensure that their families are well provided for in the event of their death. However, what many fail to consider is the personal debt they incur in their lifetime and what would happen if they become critically ill. In Australia, many small business owners take on individual debt as start-up capital or to expand the business. About 74% of these business owners offer their home as security against the debt. This means that failure to settle their financial obligations would risk the loss of both their business and their home. This is a frightening scenario but many business owners willingly take on this risk. Think about it. Businesses are insured against fire, flood, and theft, while most business owners also have some for m of life insurance in place. However, the majority of business owners do not have a contingency plan in place if they become ill, especially if the illness would take them out of the picture for an extended period of time. If the business owner plays a major role in the operation of the business, the ability to make debt repayments can be seriously compromised. Minimising the Risk with Critical Illness or Trauma Cover Illness or injury can happen to anyone and it is good business sense to make sure that a contingency plan to cover this is put in place. The most practical
solution to protect against this risk is a trauma insurance or critical illness cover. This is easier said than done. First of all, most business owners try to control liquidity or cash flow of the business. Premiums for critical illness coverage can be really expensive and many start-up businesses can’t make this a priority. Many bankers and accountants also do not recommend it because the capital gains tax (CGT) on proceeds from critical illness and trauma insurance claims can run as high as 30-46.5%. The traditional practice in small businesses, particularly where partnerships exist, is for the company to own insurance policies or guarantees against the partners’ debts. In case one of the partners become ill, his critical illness claim can be taxed by 30%, and not enough could be left to pay for his debt. To solve this problem, they may increase the insured amount which would also mean higher premiums. A new approach to debt protection is to take a level premium on part or the entire cover. This will make it possible for a business owner to pay a premium based on his age, minimizing the risk that his policy would lapse. In addition, a Risk Specialist Network has also partnered with legal entities to come up with more practical solutions that provide for: • no capital gains tax on insurance proceeds; and
• greater control given to the owner or his beneficiaries regarding the release of assets used to secure the debt This way, the business becomes the owner’s creditor rather than a lending institution which is really a more positive and favorable position. Don’t risk losing your assets in the event of illness or injury. Learn how you can gain a more favourable advantage with debt protection. Right Choice Financial Services are insurance experts, assisting both individuals and businesses to address their insurance needs. For your cost and obligation free consultation please contact 1300 558 374 or email sales@righcfs.com.au to see how our staff can help protect those you love. Right Choice Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 49168595033)is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 455286) of Dover Financial Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 87 112 139) AFSL 307248 General Advice warning This article contains general information only. It does not take into account any of your personal circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your personal circumstances and seek proper advice prior to acting on this information.
FREE Retirement Review
Right Choice Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 49 168 595 033) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 455286) of Dover Financial Advisers Pty Ltd (ABN 87 112 139 321) AFSL 307248
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A New Advertising Platform in your email signatures
PCO’s Advertise your business and services with interactive adverts on every single email your staff send, daily. CORPORATES Promote your upcoming events/functions/ launches with interactive adverts on every email your staff send. Recipients can easily click through to your registration or info page.
VIEW MORE → www.Wizids.com or contact us at info@wizids.com or +61 07 5530 4375
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Affinity HR/IR Interpretation of Terms of Employment Contract by Sharon Collitt from Employment Tool Kits What do you mean by an employment contract can be signed by the employee employment contract? An employment contract is basically a kind of agreement between the employee and employer in which an employee agrees to work for with an employer for a specific time span and most importantly for a specific job.
with a clear statement that he or she intended to work for more number of years specified on employment contract. After signing an employment contract, an employee will lose his right if desire to quit the job before that agreed time frame.
Here are basically two types of an employment If talk about employment prerequisites in United Arab contract i.e. 1. Undetermined Employment Contract 2. D e t e r m i n e d E m p l o y m e n t Contract
Under Undetermined employment contract, there is no fix duration regarding employment whereas in case of a determined employment contract, both employee and employer agree to work for a specific yet fixed time frame. Employment contracts may be called a forced labor contract as both employee and employer agree for a specific contract between readily and most importantly with extreme level of willingness and commitment. However, under a default forced labor contract, an employer and employee fix for duration in long run and it is mandatory for an employee to stick with the employer for that agreed long term time span. He or she can’t leave the employer before that specific duration. However, if an employee desire to continue with employer after that agreed specific time span then an
Emirates then we can easily inspect that all pertinent rights and obligations are itemized in its affluent constitution. However, these pertinent rights are only for the nationals of United Arab Emirates. For rests of people who reside in United Arab Emirates as emigrants have to majorly focus on an employment contract. In this article, we present a few common grounds itemized for repealing of the employment without any initial notice: In case the employees presumes a fake recognition or nationality, or apply for a set of false documents. If the worker is employed under probation period and dismissal is occurred at the end or during that probation period. If the employee reveals any of the secrecy of the organization where he is employed If the employee condemned in a final manner by the knowledgeable court for a misdeed activity related to public ethics, sincerity and honor.
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AFFINITY TRAVEL Have baggage - will travel? Longing for an overseas trip or just simply a weekend getaway interstate or planning a honeymoon? With Affinity Travel, you have your very own concierge who will handle all the details and all you need to do is sit back and relax. We take the stress out of holiday planning and all while saving you up to 70% on flights, accommodation, airport lounges and car hire‌. What are you waiting for? Use your Affinity Alliance membership today and get on your way! Call 1300 793 044 for details.
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Experience something special on your next car purchase.
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AustrAlAsiAn VEHIclE BUYING SERVIcES
Call 1300 76 49 49 or visit www.avbs.com.au Personalised Service
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This is a free member service endorsed by your association and is available on all makes and models TDAVBS0001
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Save up to 70% off by booking with Affinity Travel‌ Here are some of our valued partners. Check out our exclusive RESORT SPECIALS - Call 1300 793 044 travel.affinityallianceco.com.au
Asia is high on the list of travel destinations for Australians. It’s exotic, energetic, alluring, and most importantly, easy to get to. You can jump on a flight at any major airport and be in the midst of it all in as little as eight hours. Affinity Alliance is excited to introduce travel deals for members to key Asian destinations, Thailand, Bali and the very popular Vietnam. We’ve sourced some amazing deals with special member only inclusions and a sharply discounted exclusive rates. Read and get excited about your next holiday!
Vietnam
Thailand Where can you go where the exchange rate makes you as rich as a Princess (or Prince!) and treated like one too? In Thailand you get extraordinary service that you will never forget from friendly people who enjoy making your holiday special. The country is famous for its beaches, smiles, food and friendliness. Patong Beach in Phuket is popular for all the right reasons. Shopping, nightlife, amazing eateries, and of course a great beach. You can get to Patong Beach from the Airport in 40 minutes by bus or taxi, and Phuket Airport from most Australian ports is around seven to nine hours. Avista Resort is located in the popular Thailand holiday destination of Phuket. The resort offers guests 4.5 star private luxury accommodation set amongst a peaceful backdrop but still only 2 minutes by car from the areas night-life, restaurants and the world famous Patong Beach.
Vietnam is the new hotspot for Australians looking for the seminal Asian experience travel. This amazing country offers old world appeal with splashes of sublime sophistication. The cities bustle with street markets, artisans, merchants and two wheelers. Architectural vestiges of a fading colonial past evoke the imagination. The beaches and islands that stretch along its long coast offer up postcard perfect scenery. Nha Trang is the beach capital of Vietnam and a must see destination. The high energy city of Nha Trang enjoys stunning setting, ringed by mountains, and a sweeping 7 mile long crescent beach, the city's turquoise bay is dotted with tropical islands. Amiana Resort is located at one end of Nha Trang Bay and only a short distance from Nha Trang city. This luxury resort looks over a private edge water pool, the bay and mountains.
Deal: Buena Vista Location: Phuket, Thailand Guests: 2 Nights: 6 nights Was: $1999 Sale price: $1105
Bali
Deal: Deluxe Villa Location: Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam Guests: 2 Nights: 7 nights Was: $2799 Sale price: $1745
Have you been to Bali too? Just a short hop away bustling Bali is a great place to find yourself somewhere different quickly. It’s a great place to party or to relax. It’s a small island with the most popular places accessible from the airport in under an hour. Shop, go to nightclubs, hang out on the beach all day, unwind by the pool, or spoil yourself with a massage and spa. Villa Kayu Raja Bali offers luxury accommodation ideally located in the heart of Seminyak, just 18 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Affinity COMMUNICATIONS
Awesome Graphics Software by Lauren Perrow from Creative Ground & iPressAhead Manipulating graphics is a fun pastime and can even become a profitable venture if you know where to find the right tools. Today, there are so many different software applications to choose from. You can find anything from high-end and expensive graphics software to fully functional but free graphics software. Here are a few to try out: pixlr.com This is a completely free photo editor that lets you do all kinds of things to your graphics and photos. You can even use this software on your phone or tablet computer. It takes a bit of practice to get it to work, but it’s relatively simple so that anyone can figure it out. You can even make up a picture using the different features on Pixlr such as overlays, stickers, and more. FotoFlexer.com The pop-up ads can be a distraction here, but FotoFlexer.com is a very advanced online image editor. You can use it to edit images that are already on Photobucket, in Facebook, Flickr, MySpace and more. So even if the image is not on your computer to upload, you can get to it and make it shine. There are a lot of effects, fonts, shapes, etc.
You can get rid of red eye, improve skin tone and more. You have to kind of understand what you’re doing to use FotoFlexer well. gimp.org This is a fully featured graphics software comparable to Photoshop. It’s free open-source software that has all the features that any professional editing software should have. It can be used with Windows, Mac, and Linux. There are many different plug-ins available, such as a Photoshop overlay in case you’re used to working with graphics software that looks like Photoshop, along with the ability to use Photoshop plug-ins. Plus there is plenty of documentation and help available within the Gimp community. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite If you use a Windows PC then this software will work fine for you to edit images and vectors. The suite has a vector and illustration program, as well as photo paint for editing images. Along with the website creator, screen capture utility and a few other features, this graphics software is for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles that is involved in Adobe. There are many video tutorials that come along with this software.
Adobe Creative Cloud By signing up for a membership plan, you can have access to any creative tool that you will ever need. Through creative cloud you’ll have full versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Muse, and more. You can work from any computer, from any place as long as you have an internet connection. But, you can also use the programs on your desktop when you don’t have a connection. There really isn’t anything you cannot do with Adobe Creative Cloud. It is not free, though there are membership plans that start with a free 30-day trial and go up to 75 dollars per month. There are even plans for teams and businesses. If you need to edit graphics and create graphics, try out a few of these different graphics software options to see what works best for your needs. Don’t be afraid of “free.” Sometimes free can be the best of both worlds. But, if you are a graphic designer, also don’t be afraid to spend money on what you need to ensure you get great support and products that are always available to you.
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Affinity LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
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Affinity DINING Choose from over 6000 Restaurants across Australia & New Zealand….
Some exciting news… The exciting news is only the beginning, with the continued growth of our Dining & Wining Directory, Affinity Alliance is certainly expanding in leaps and bounds.
Adding up to 6000 more restaurants to our Dining Directory Thanks to our dedicated team members, Affinity Alliance has been able to offer our members more value for money than we could ever imagine. The new Dining & Wining Directory is available in your Generic Member Directory or to view via your allocated login details. With so many additions, it has been a work in progress, but we know you’re going to love it!
About the Dining Directory Restaurants, Cafes and Bistros from all over Australia & NZ have become involved in what we can only describe as colossal. It has been a huge work in progress but
we can now start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Members will be able to show their Affinity Alliance Membership Card or Virtual card at participating restaurants and venues to receive their discounted offer. The online directory will make it easier for members to search state by state and dine at their favourite little bistro, cafe or fine dining venue.
Become Involved If you own a restaurant or venue and you feel that this is an opportunity not to be missed, then you would be right. The Affinity
We will even set up your webpage and directory page if required. Not only will you receive a full page in the AA Dining & Wining Directory, you will also receive a full page on the Affinity Alliance website www.affinityallianceco.com.au and regular monthly advertisements in our Affinity EMAG and infinite exposure to our 500,000 strong member database. This is a FREE offer and one that is ending by April 1, so best you get in early as submissions will be closing at the end of March 30..
“Add your Restaurant to our Dining Directory and get more exposure” Alliance team is awaiting your submission. The requirements are simple and the return is great. There is no cost involved. All that we ask is that you can offer an exclusive discount/benefit or service to our members upon dining at your venue. It really is that simple.
For more information on how you can become a part of the Affinity Alliance Dining & Wining Directory, Contact our head office on
1300 793 044 or email your request to admin@affinityallianceco.com.au and we will email you the requirements.
Affinity NETWORKING
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5 Tips to Build A Brand in 2015 Owen Shapiro - The Networking Business Directory For the past seventy years, business branding has been largely guided by principles developed in the 1950s and 1960s, when there were only three television networks, messaging through advertising was easy to control, and information flowed from a few "trusted" news sources to millions of people. This one-to-many model of information flow has been upended since the advent of the Internet and social media. Now, information flows in millions of different directions at once—to, from, and by people all over the globe—in an all-to-all free-for-all for eyeballs and market share. Some of the well-established rules of branding still apply in this new, hyper-connected environment. But that doesn't change the fact that building and differentiating a brand is harder than ever and will only prove even tougher in 2015. In the coming year, the technological connectedness of everyone on Earth will reach a level never before experienced by humanity. The old rules don't apply in this world. New rules must be developed. Here are a few to start with:
Challenge—and goes viral. Modern marketers spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to create successful memes. Some work, but most don't, because the nature of memes is that they are spontaneous and unpredictable. So-called meme-marketing is still in its infancy, but it is already giving way to a more me-oriented form of messaging: the sort of super-targeted, hyperpersonalized messaging that is becoming possible with the convergence of Big Data, artificial intelligence, and ubiquitous mobile and personal devices of all kinds. There will always be a place on the Internet for absurd humor, but Big Data allows companies to understand and connect with each individual customer in ever more intimate ways. In turn, each of those customers has unprecedented control over the messages they receive. Memes may work for a long time to come, but more "me" is what people really want. Learn how to give it to them.
Comfort The Afflicted
At its core, effective branding is about a consistent connection between a company, its products, and its promise to customers. No matter what physical product or service you sell, your true product is trust. On the Internet, trust in a brand can be destroyed in an instant, so safeguarding it is of paramount importance. The good news for serious brands is that, because the Internet is so full of scams, half-truths, and outright lies, people will continue to look to brands as a trusted resource. Earn their trust—then work every day, as hard as you can, to keep it.
The speed of technological and cultural change people are experiencing today isn't just mind-boggling—it's disorienting and, for some people, quite scary. The world they used to know is disappearing, and the world that is replacing it isn't always reassuring. Time-tested brands can often serve as psychological anchors in turbulent times. People are creatures of habit, and they seek out comfort, particularly when they are uncomfortable. Brands that can provide that comfort (Campbell's, L.L. Bean), or serve as signposts to a better future (Charles Schwab, Apple) will continue to attract loyal customers even as the retail marketplace continues to fragment and choices multiply. Sometimes, the tried and true is the only thing people will try.
Don't Just Avoid Evil—Do Good
Share, Don't Sell
Google's infamous tag line, "Don't be evil" is not the same thing as "Do be good"—and the latter is a much better motto to live by. Young people, particularly Millennials and the generation after them, Digital Natives, like their consumption to reflect their values. More often than not, they make buying decisions based on what certain brands stand for, whether it's environmental friendliness (Prius), fair-wage pay (Costco), LGBT equality (Kellogg), sustainable energy (3M), or whatever. Spin will only get you so far, though—at some point it has to be backed up by honest, well-intentioned action. The world is full of cheaters and liars. Don't be one of them.
All social-media platforms in existence today rely upon one basic principle: people like to share. Brands, too, can benefit from sharing—but many are still too focused on selling. Sharing, for brands, means connecting customers with information, ideas, and resources that can help customers improve their lives. The "selling" is done by associating the brand with related networks of information that may or may not have much to do with the brand's products. The term of art for this approach is "curated content," but it's really about offering help to people in ways that don't feel like a direct sales pitch— because they aren't. They're just useful pieces of information that you gave them, with no strings attached —and for that, they will remember you, all the way into 2016.
Be Worthy Of Your Customer's Trust
Fewer Memes, More Me Because messaging can no longer be controlled by the messenger, brands have had to figure out how to get customers themselves to spread the word. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a "meme" that grabs people's imagination—such as the Ice Bucket
Affinity FUNDRAISING
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“AMBASSADOR”FUNDRAISING Affinity Fundraising introduces “The Ambassador Program” Affinity Alliance has now introduced a Fundraising Program which is suitable for Schools, Sporting Clubs, Charities and Private Fundraisers. Why Affinity Fundraising? We are the new Rewards program with massive incentives with the potential to profit $3,500. There are no upfront costs and your campaign is easy and provides a 66% return. PLUS $500 bonus for every 100 memberships sold. PLUS for every membership sold, members will receive 1 entry into the end of year raffle Prizes •
1st prize – $2,000 travel voucher
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2nd prize – $1,000 Woolworths voucher
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3rd prize – $500 Caltex Petrol Voucher
Affinity Alliance has partnered with Givematcher which enables Charities & Non-for-Profit Organisations the opportunity to double their fundraising efforts with our program. Givematcher will match businesses and philanthropists to your Charity or Non-for-Profit which will double the $30 your member has donated. Our mission and Givematcher’s mission is to help charities acquire new donors and corporate donors, and to drive higher donations. How does it work? Affinity Alliance will support your fundraising campaign with promotional material, fundraising tips and continued support to help your campaign be successful. All you need to do is promote the campaign to your database. Memberships are only $45 with $30 going towards your fundraising efforts. If 100 memberships are sold, your campaign will receive a bonus of $500, potentially raising $3,500. Memberships can be purchased online which saves your volunteers the stress of organisation. It’s a simple program with massive rewards. The Affinity Fundraising program is an online directory offering members exclusive deals to over 3,000 plus providers Australia wide and in your local area. We have thousands of dollars worth of deals for our members and the number of our providers are increasing monthly.
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We have thousands of dollars worth of deals for our members and the number of our providers are increasing monthly. Some of our current providers include Woolworths, Caltex, Hoyts, OPSM, Dick Smith, Coles, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Zanui, Petals Network, Qantas Club, Virgin Lounge and much more. We have chosen providers that offer exclusive benefits from selected professionals to bring your clients (members) the best products and services. We offer brand name benefits without the brand name price tag! Our program offers something for everyone. No coupons and the majority of our offers continue throughout the year. Members will gain: •
Discounted Travel & Accommodation up to 70%
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Discounted Shopping Facilities
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Discounted Fuel Offers
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Car Acquisition Services
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Discounted Dining and Entertainment
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Discounted Health Insurance
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Discounted Professional Services
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Discounted Merchant & Financial Services
and so much more… Our Mission is to assist you with all facets of fundraising. • We will provide you with your own personal account manager who will create all promotional material tailored to your fundraising event. They will help you with sales tips and direct you to make the most out of your fundraiser. • You will have your own personal website page so your clients can purchase a membership under your fundraising event. • We will promote your fundraising event on social media. • Our discounts are offered by either shopping online or by showing your Virtual Membership Card to the retail provider. Shopping online, all members will need to login before they start shopping. • Our search engine will also assist members in locating the product or service they need Australia wide or in their local area. To REGISTER your interest, please call Danielle on 0409 968 831 or email danielle@affinityallianceco.com.au. AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Does your business donate to support your Community? Become an Ambassador for the Affinity Fundraising Program and be rewarded whilst supporting your Community? As an ambassador you will be sponsoring 100 fundraising programs throughout Australia with schools, sporting clubs or charities. Your logo will be placed on potentially 30,000 Reward Cards, the Affinity Alliance website and the Affinity Emagazine distributed to over 600,000 plus social media exposure. Reward cards are purchased for $45 by members of the community who are supporting a school, sporting club or charity with our fundraising program with $30 returned to their fundraising cause. If a fundraising cause sells 100 cards, they receive a bonus of $500. This program could potentially help raise over $3,500 for each fundraiser. You cannot miss this opportunity to be promoted to potentially 30,000 reward card holders. To become an Ambassador, please contact Danielle on 0409 968 831 or email for further information.
Affinity HEALTH & WELLBEING
Don't “FALL” behind with the change of season by Michelle O’Hara - Your Corporate Lifestyle Autumn (the beginning of March) represents a new season, a transition period. It starts to get dark earlier and the temperature begins to cool considerably. From a business perspective, statistics show that sales tend to slow during the cooler months (unless you sell winter clothing of course) in comparison to the summer months. Based on this, here are some tips our Sassiologists can give you to boost yourself and your Staff up to ensure you sail through the cooler winter months rather than “FALL” flat on your face business wise. Different Choices - Different Results from our Pocket Rocket Coach - Debbie Hogg
the way we want to, unable to be the role model we want to be to our children and more. Is it possible to move on from this unproductive space? Yes it is. It is a little challenging to do something different to change our behaviour? Yes it can be. Will it be worth the effort to make different choices to have a result that is aligned with what we want from life? Yes it is. Now the next step is choosing to do something different! If we truly want to have a more positive and productive attitude that will serve us differently, creating healthier behaviour giving us better results in our life there are many things we can do to start our journey. Some of these may include the following: • Make the choice to make a change; get support from a friend, partner, neighbour and/or coach, • Surround ourselves with positive, supportive people. ‘Birds of a Feather Flock Together’, • Listen to inspirational people, Wayne Dyer, Sonia Choquette, Louise Hay, Gregg Braden etc, • Seek medical help if we feel this is what is required, • Work with a coach for focus, support and accountability, • Do workshops, outdoor activities, a weekend retreat , meditation or something new, • Take time out for ‘ourSELF’, reconnection is important,
“The choices you make in life will make your life” Michael Josephson We may find ourselves struggling at times and feeling alone. We may even consider where we went wrong, if indeed we have gone wrong or wonder if this too shall pass. We contemplate our thoughts about wanting to have a life where we just want to be happy, content and have things run calmly in life. We can find ourselves sometimes tackling the thoughts of being trapped in the sameness of every day. It is when we are caught up in these thoughts that nothing will change and we continue to go around and around, day after day, month after month doing what we always do. We can feel tired, drained, annoyed, upset, sad, frustrated and often lost. We then look for things to blame, we sometimes even blame other people and this pushes us further into a state of ‘poor me’. Choosing to stay in this state of unhappiness will not serve us and we are well advised to consider turning our attitude around; if we don’t we will get sick. If we are sick we are unable to do our job to the best of our ability, unable to support our family
• Call a long lost friend and say hello, • Go for coffee with a friend, • Purchase a bunch of flowers, this will lift our spirits, • Hire a cleaner, gardner or someone who can help us out to take the pressure off, • Book a weekend away or a holiday - alone or with the family, • Arrange a date night and reconnect with our partner - get intimate, • Join a membership club for support, • Start a bucket list. • It’s important to get clear on what we truly want to have in our life. By taking one small step in doing something different it will start to change our way. Enjoy the journey.
“You can make your own choices”. Eating your way into the new season from our Personal trainer - Kaylene Gray
During these cooler months, we do tend to exercise less, eat more, feel a little down and of course that means that when we look in the mirror, we are not particularly happy with what we see. I would like you to go away and do one exercise for me for the next 30 days. Every day I want you to look in the mirror and I want you to concentrate on something fantastic about your body. Whether it be your knobbly knees, your gorgeous smile, your wobbly, bobbly belly, it doesn't matter. Look in the mirror and tell yourself 3 times how absolutely beautiful it is. You will find after the 30 days that you will look at your body differently - I promise you.
Autumn is an exciting time for fresh produce. The treats that need a long ripening time over the warmer months are at their best early in the season. Watermelons and rockmelons are sweet and juicy. Tomatoes are everywhere, in colours from black to yellow, and sizes from mini to massive. Pumpkins and eggplants are readily available and this is the best season to enjoy olives. Autumn's fruit basket is varied and delicious. Apples are fresh and at their best. The harvest starts in mid to late summer with royal galas, and continues until May. Pears are also at their peak, with a variety of flavour options, from the early-season, soft, goldenhued Williams and the ugly, bumpy, flavour ful packhams. Figs and grapes are also still really good. As autumn cools, lovers of citrus can get sticky fingers over new mandarins, grapefruit and the early varieties of navel oranges. Lemons are plentiful again. Areas to watch out for to avoid weight gain during the Winter months: 1. We tend to feel a little down due to the weather not being the best. Don't get out the chocolates and sweets, prepare some hearty soups 2. I'm cold, I feel like a hot pie. Avoid these fatty foods and opt for healthier hot options. 3. We tend to make excuses to not exercise as much during the Winter months. Ensure you set your routines in place and you KEEP THEM, this will also help your eating patterns. Consciously change your behaviour during this time of the year can help you to keep off those extra kilos providing you with more energy. Keep your foundations strong (garments that is) from our Professional Bra Stylist - Michelle O'Hara I can tell you that I have seen over 6000 women in the last 8 years with completely different shaped bodies, different ages, different heights, different weights. And not one of them was exactly the same as any other. This is the beauty of the human body.
Now whilst you are getting healthier, getting more organised, getting warmer, you are still going to want to feel sassy EVERY Day. Firstly, if you are not the happiest with your body right now, you are certainly not alone. For centuries women have been trying to squeeze it in, squash it down, push it up, that’s nothing new. What needs to be looked at is what undergarments can we utilise to do the job for us whilst we are in the process of getting healthier, whilst learning to love ourselves, whilst we refresh our wardrobes.
Here are some tips: 1. Shape wear used to be an occasional piece in our wardrobes, it's now a staple, get some suck me ins. Note that shape wear does not have to leave you breathless and is so hard to get on that you break an arm. Find something that's perfect for your body. 2. A full slip is a given. Ensure your material is a microfibre so it breathes for you 3. Get your Bridget Jones' undies - they support you, they disperse everything and give you a wonderful smooth line 4. Utilise smoothing camisoles under your workshirts for warmth and smoothing
Go from Oh NO, oh WOW!
Spice up your black wardrobe from our Colour and Clothing Stylist - Moana Robinson
black staple jacket or pants. Choose a colour and accessorise your black. Even in a corporate environment people want to see a bit of colour.
I used to work in a legal office and remember one of my daughters asking whether my uniform was to wear black clothes. If you have the right colouring black can look amazing but it can also become boring and uninspiring. I said at a recent talk at a gym how everyone would feel if they walked in and EVERYONE was wearing black outfits and all the equipment was black. How motivating would that be for anyone wanting to put their all into a workout …not very! This is why energetic colours are bright colours.
The Sassy Circle comprises of 4 independent, savvy business women who are passionate about giving over 1200 women their Sassy back this year. The team offers online products, 1/2 and full day workshops to provide women with the tools and strategies to regain
Are you trying to ease out of the “everything in my wardrobe is black” syndrome? Sometimes when we don't know what to wear to work it is just easiest to have that all black outfit or suit as it seems to look smart and professional, keeps clean longer and is just… well, practical. A way to put more energy and vibrance into the workplace is to introduce colour that suits your skin tone and still looks professional. A great way to also expand your “all black” wardrobe and even create some new wardrobe capsules is to utilise your black staples of skirts and trousers with a new seasonal colour which will update your wardrobe. Add a colourful jacket, scarf, tie and other accessories in any of the latest colours as a feature. Be careful to not “feature” too many items at once – either have an overall look of black with subtle touches of colour or feature a top or necklace in the contrast colour. To really be on trend and fashionable you could add Lucite Green or Marsala touches to your working corporate wardrobe or the very latest colour “Spiced Pumpkin” which ties in perfectly with the upcoming Modern Seventies trend.
Spiced Pumpkin would look amazing with black as it is high contrast for those who suit high contrast and can be adapted to suit depending on your own preference. If you are someone who cannot wear orange definitely keep this away from your face but you may want to just add a touch of spiced orange for fun – The best way is to have a slight black pattern on your orange garment if it is a skirt or top to tie in to the
confidence, create a fresh look and feel energetic and healthy once again so they can step forward into their spotlight and shine. We have just released our Sassy Express 1/2 day workshop. Perfect for Women who are time poor and require that quick fix, for Mums returning to work or requiring a pick me up or Entrepreneurs simply starting out and wanting to freshen their presentation.
Find us at www.thesassycircle.com.au or call Michelle on 0438 765 718
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
Up to A first in the hearing health market!
Introducing...
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$ 9.99
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/day
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The complete hearing health package
A combination of affordable repayments for the latest hearing health technology through SmartPay and the additional benefits of our Protection Plan and Maintenance Package*. The simple choice to get back to living life at full volume with peace of mind. SmartPay Payment Plan
Protection Plan
> The latest technology available for a simple low monthly repayment > 36 month payment term available > Allowing you to be fitted with the latest hearing technology of a higher value that might otherwise have been out of reach. > At the end of the term simply return your devices with no further obligation and get connected with the latest hearing technology.
> Covers all Bay Audio - Hearing Experts fitted devices up to 3 years from original fitting > Provides automatic peace of mind for your hearing technology investment from the moment you walk out of the store > Offers unlimited claims for customers.
*Conditions apply, for selected devices only, see in store for details.
**Please see in store for maintenance services covered.
The complete hearing health package
Maintenance Package
> Includes everyday maintenance required for your devices** i.e. tube replacement and wax removal > Free batteries for the life of the plan.
PROTECTION PLAN
REE ATTERIE & MAINTENANCE
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
HEALTHY WEIGHT
BALANCE ENERGY IN AND OUT FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT BUpA. FIND A HEALTHIER YOU
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
REACH OUT FOR HELP FOR BETTER EMOTIONAL WELLBEING BUPA. FINd A HEALTHIER yOU
Make today the day you do something good for your health. A new year comes with new resolutions and often a determination to lead a healthier lifestyle. Now is a great time to consider Bupa hospital and extras cover.
Bupa corporate cover benefits include: Access to our national network of hospital and extras* providers helping you to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses. Get 60% – 100% back (depending on the level of your extras cover) for selected services at Members First providers.**
Get Bupa hospital and extras cover by 28 February and choose one of three gifts.^
Call 134 135
Visit a Bupa store
corporate. bupa.com.au
bupa.com.au /callmeback
*Dental, optical, physio and chiro. **For most items covering general dental, physio, chiro and selected optical services. Yearly limits, fund rules and waiting periods apply. Includes major dental in VIC and SA only. Excludes orthodontics and hospital treatments. Available on selected packages and standalone extras covers. ^Only for new customers on hospital and extras cover policies available on your corporate health plan and issued by Bupa Australia Pty Ltd ABN 81 000 057 590 on direct debit and payroll deduction (if available) who join before 28/02/2015. Not with other offers. New Balance and Bupa Optical vouchers valued at $100 for singles or $200 for couples or families. Garmin vivofit™ valued at $129 for singles, or $258 couples or families. New Balance vouchers can be redeemed online only. Bupa Optical vouchers can be redeemed in store only. Other conditions and supplier terms apply.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
Exclusive Anytime Fitness Corporate Offer
Join now and receive our Welcome Pack (valued at $95*) with the
50% OFF JOINING FEE*
Plus $59.50 monthly fee* 1. Join our secure payment portal https://secure11.clubwise.com.au/afcorporatewellness/pos.asp 2. Enter your unique code: AFAAWP1 For more information, please go to page 2 of this flyer.
feel something better ™ *The Welcome Pack will contain some, but not all, of the items displayed above to the minimum value of $95 RRP. Not valid with any other offers, not redeemable for cash. Not transferrable. While stocks last. Price of an individual 12 month membership is $714 plus $59.95 for Gym access key and $45 joining fee (usual cost is $99), total cost $818.95. The terms of the Anytime Fitness Membership Agreement also apply. Please expect your Gym access key and Welcome Pack at your business address 3-5 business days after successful online registration. Billing will start 5 days after. Offer expires 11/11/15.
AFFINITY
ALLIANCE
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
MEDIA KIT PHONE: 1300 793 044
W W W. A F F I N I T Y M A G A Z I N E . C O M . A U
MEDIA KIT AFFINITY ALLIANCE MAGAZINE Affinity EMAG is a niche market magazine produced monthly by Affinity Alliance. It is a professional, full colour digital publication distributed exclusively through membership to over 600,000 individual businesses and professionals across Australia & New Zealand.
Our reader is dynamic, switched on and 25 plus. They are always looking for new and interesting and exciting opportunities that stretch both personally and professionally. Our readers typically balance both career and family. 65% of our readers come from the ever-increasing Small Business sector with the balance of 35% being read by those employed in executive and senior management positions. Our research shows that 50% of our readers retain their magazines for one year and beyond maintaining them as a reference point for making future purchasing decisions. It provides an outstanding opportunity for advertisers to showcase their products and services to the very lucrative membership market.
MEDIA KIT AFFINITY ALLIANCE MAGAZINE ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS
Affinity Alliance advertisements are full colour. The prices below DO NOT include artwork design (price on application if artwork is required). A high resolution PDF file is the preferred format for finished artwork and the following must be correct before submitting; size of advertisement is exact, all text is converted to outlines, files are supplied as CMYK process (no RGB or spot colours), all images in the file are 300dpi at correct size. If the PDF file is over 8MB, it will be too large to send through your server, please send your file through yousendit.com (a free service for single files up to 100MB). Maximum ink weight 340%. 5mm bleed is only available on double page and full page advertisements. No responsibility will be taken for problems resulting from incorrectly supplied files.
ADVERTISING RATES
MEDIA KIT AFFINITY ALLIANCE MAGAZINE FRONT COVER OPPORTUNITY $3490
Includes photo on cover, a double page 800 word UPFRONT feature article, one full-page display advertisement and up to a maximum of 500 complimentary printed copies of the magazine carrying the feature.
PUBLICATIONS & DEADLINES Cover Date
Publication Date
Booking Deadline
Material Deadline
January
February
March
20 January
20 February
20 March
1 January
1 February
10 January
1 March
10 February
10 March
April
20 April
1 April
10 April
May
20 May
1 May
10 May
June
20 June
1 June
10 June
July
20 July
1 July
10 July
August September
October
20 August
20 September
20 October
1 August 1 September
1 October
10 August 10 September
10 October
November
20 November
1 November
10 November
December
20 December
1 December
10 December
Web: www.affinitymagazine.com.au Email: admin@affinityallianceco.com.au Phone: 1300 793 044
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
Affinity SHOPPER
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
AFFINITY SHOPPER Big Brands, Low Prices… As you are all abundantly aware, Affinity Shopper is going gangbusters with traffic and sales. Our members are shopping up an absolute stor m on a host of everyday and specialty items. The best part about it is everything is up to 70% off! Non-members can shop as well, so don’t be shy to visit our site, but in addition to the great savings, members get to enjoy additional rewards points which go towards their next spend, so there is even more to celebrate. So dust off that wallet, prepare your credit card and go shopping. If you missed it, the new site is of course aptly named www.affinityshopper.net.au and as previously mentioned, will save you bucket loads on everyday items as well as specialty goods. Take a trip down Affinity Shopping Lane today and see what bargains you can grab. Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook so you can keep updated on daily specials…
Save up to 70% on well known brands and retailers across a huge range of categories including: • Fashion • Health & Beauty • Home & Outdoor • Pet Products • Printer Cartridges • Technology • Toys • Wine & Drink Accessories
START SHOPPING NOW www.affinityshopper.net.au
PHONE 1300 793 044
Phone 1300 793 044 www.affinityallianceco.com.au