Inspired Business Magazine Issue 2

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2012

BUSINESS

IT IS WORTH IT FROM WEALTH

TO BROKE

TO WEALTH

15

TOP TIPS TO

SAVE MONEY

FOR YOUR BUSINESS

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE WHO HAS IT? WHAT IS IT?

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Contents

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2012

04 Editor’s Letter 06 Business – it is worth it Stepping out in faith to start a business can be daunting experience but it can be exciting says Jenny Haddad

you Need to Negotiate Effectively Negotiation is a very important aspect to business – this will either secure the deal or bring a negative outcome

10 If You Want Someone to Follow You, You Have to Give Good Directions As a business owner you need to be sure you are guiding your team in the right direction

18 Emotional Intelligence Something that is not always dealt with in the workplace is emotional intelligence. Sally Tobin believes this is of utmost importance

12 Spiritual revelations in the business world Dr Stan Jeffery teaches business owners and corporates how to recognize the spiritual elements that surround our working lives 16 The Tips, Skills, and Tools

22 You’re a WIP (work in Progress) In business and in life there are times we are tempted to think we’ve arrived…Peter Irvine 24 Funding your dream Businesses don’t get off the ground without careful and wise planning in funding the operation, explains Jane Jeffery.

28 15 Top Tips

Controlling costs is an essential business discipline. Here are my 15 favourite ways to save money…Tony Gattari 31 From Wealth to Broke to Wealth It is not where you start but that you start that counts… Zig Ziglar gives a practical example of Carlos who lost everything in Cuba 32 Review of CRE8 Kingdom Business Conference Jeremy Ellis reports on a recent business conference that inspired and impacted many people 34 Sharpen The Business Edge Faith on the edge Some big names take the stage at a business conference in Hamilton NZ recently… Gemma Margerison

wants us to achieve, but only in His way – total trust in Him. Being in business is not always easy – it certainly has its challenges, so we must use God’s strategies. There are some interesting and encouraging articles inside. Have a look!

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

Jenny Haddad says that business is worth it. She tells of And what does the LORD require of you? To act her struggle to actually go out on her own in business after working in justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly the corporate arena. She loves it with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV when a client pays the invoice, but is quick to note that business can be challenging.

You have enemies? Good. That means Dr Stan Jeffery teaches others about you’ve stood up for something, sometime in the spiritual importance and implications your life. of doing business God’s way. He is Winston Churchill involved in a number of ‘high end’

business deals but insists he wants to find God’s strategies for the way to walk.

Welcome to our second edition of our very Sally Tobin talks about emotional informative and enlightening new magazine, intelligence in the marketplace. She is Inspired Business. young and has a team of 400 women Business conducted in God’s ways is the working for her. Sally maintains that as ultimate strategy for success. How does this a business owner it’s very important that differentiate from the way the world looks you’re changing, growing and moving at business? Looking to Scripture gives us forward. insight into how to achieve our goals and Be blessed as you read Inspiring work according to God’s laws. This is what Stories pleases God, along with faith of course!

God wants us to rely totally on Him and He Lynn Goldsmith

EDITOR’S LETTER

With special thanks to our partners...

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 5

Choices

BUSINESS IT’S WORTH IT Stepping out in faith to start a business can be quite a daunting experience but it can be exciting and cause you to lean more and more on the Lord, says Jenny Haddad.

J

enny Haddad is one courageous lady – although she’s not sure whether she would describe herself in this way. As we talked about her transition from the corporate world to branching out on her own in business she reminisced about the difficult decision that was placed before her – should she or shouldn’t she?…. In the end she did… and has not regretted it, although there have been a few unsure moments. Jenny loves the experience of getting new clients being paid for work she enjoys, and helping businesses to succeed.

So, what inspired Jenny to start her own business and why did she decide to take this path? “I had been working for a large Insurance broking company for 7 ½ years, and whilst I really loved it and had a fabulous job I was feeling that my time was

drawing to an end and that I needed something new,” she explains. “I had taken a sabbatical for four months, just to have a break, to travel and get my thoughts together and when I came back from the sabbatical I just knew it was time for me to go.”

This was a time of reflection and decision. Jenny’s options were to go back into another corporate or, go back into consulting, but she didn’t really want to go down either of these paths just yet. The third option was to start her own business, which she actually didn’t want to do at this time. The fourth option was work for a small consulting company. She thought she could work for a number of different companies and have the security and safety of working with people. She got an offer of a job with a small consulting company – so she took that.

6 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

“After seven weeks I knew it wasn’t quite right for me, so I let the partners know that I was resigning and had some discussions as to whether I should stay,” she says. “I felt really quite anxious and sick in my stomach – who resigns after 7 weeks??– but I didn’t feel right about staying either.

“One morning I woke up about 5am to this beautiful sunrise. I didn’t know what to do. Should I stay or go should I give it another go? When I saw this sunrise, I realised that it was the dawn of a new season – it was the first day of Spring. Something inside of me snapped and I knew what I had to do. It was time to step into a new season. I didn’t know what that season would look like; I just knew I had to step into it. So, I started my own business and called it ‘Spring Business Consulting’.”

the inspiring sunrise

I felt like God pushed me out of the boat – which He seems to like doing! He didn’t give me any floaties either!

Jenny’s background is in management consulting, specialising in strategic planning and change management. She has been involved in a lot of projects in her working life both from an industry perspective and in a consulting capacity. She has also done a lot of training in how to be a consultant – she has a very strong background in what she’s delivering.

I asked Jenny how difficult or easy was it to step out – to say, ‘Okay I’m going to start this business.’

“I really didn’t want to start my own business as I didn’t want to do this on my own but when I saw that sunrise, I was compelled - it was like God was pushing me into a new season. It’s not like I chose to walk on water – I felt like God pushed me out of the boat – which He seems to like doing! He didn’t give me any

floaties either!

“I said to God, ‘Fine, but if I’m starting this on my own, then you have to be my business partner. As my business partner, you need to fill in the gaps where I’m deficient. I’m no good at business development and sales, but I’m really good at delivery and having a good client relationship. Your job is to get me the sales, then I will deliver’.”

So, Jenny and God had this little arrangement and in 2011 she sat down and did a reflection on the year. “Even though there had been some really slow times and it was quite depressing thinking, what am I doing, this is crazy, I actually stopped and reflected, and said, ‘Wow Spring Business Consulting has had 13 paying clients plus three pro bono clients’,” she reflects. “Within two weeks of the decision to go out on

my own, a previous colleague of mine – we got connected on Linkedin – called me and asked me to run their strategic planning for them.”

Steadily the phone would ring. That’s not to say Jenny just sat behind her desk and did nothing, she made a real effort to contact and speak to people and go out and network. She stresses that she is really so grateful.

“I feel God has brought a lot of those business opportunities along when I wasn’t expecting them. I feel really grateful.

“Friends have said, ‘You’ve had it too easy.’ But I had a good business partner.”

Jenny saw her Accountant a few weeks ago and he was stunned and remarked how unusual it was to do so well in your first year of business.

She explains how she carried out the marketing for her business. “Very

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 7

Choices

Jenny Haddad

poorly, I must admit. First of all I defined my services and then I needed to get my public profile right – Linkedin was a key channel for me. It was just letting people know what I was doing. My marketing is done primarily through personal relationships. I’ve got a very diverse range of skills and people who have worked with me understand the value that I can offer. I really try and focus on the people I have worked with in the past and just continue building relationships with them and the referrals they send my way. That’s been my main way of marketing.”

Regarding what Jenny would say to people who are thinking of starting their own business she has some interesting things to talk about, and she said to me, “When you get to the end of your life you don’t look back and think I shouldn’t have done that – you think I wish I had done that.

Project yourself into the future and think – in 2020 if I look back on my life what do I hope that I would have given a go?

And if it’s on your heart to start a business then jump out of the water and do it.

Jenny maintains that in this process you should have 8 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

When you get that new client when that invoice gets paid, it is way more exciting than the pay cheque you get from your employer every month people around you who will back you, support you, encourage you and pray with you, pick you up when you fall flat on your face – because there are times when that will happen. You should go into it knowing there will be times when you just can’t get out of bed because it is so depressing but then equally have people around you who will pop the champagne bottle to celebrate the successes. Constantly thank God for what He’s doing and remember that we rely on Him for our security and value. “Yes, I believe we have to work really hard – it’s our responsibility to work hard and use the talents that God has given us, but our sense of worth and our security comes from Him. We have to put our trust in that and not in another human.”

Jenny’s parents were migrants and as a result they came to this country with nothing and they worked incredibly hard to build a good life for their family. They had businesses and her parents were really partners together. The main thing they really taught her was the value of hard work and education.

So, how exciting is this now for Jenny?

“When I look back and think, can I go back into corporate – the door is not closed, there is always that possibility, but there is a little bit of me that sinks when I think of it. In starting my own business, what I found is that the lows are low but the highs are high. When you get that new client when that invoice gets paid, it is way more exciting than the pay cheque you get from your employer every month. The possibility of what opportunity I can provide to other people is exciting. The opportunity to bring on three subcontractors in a very short space of time is wonderful. I am excited to be able to do that even more down the track. I feel excited about the flexibility and diversity of my life as a result of what this can afford me. I don’t deny it is a massive faith journey and it requires me to really engage with life and really engage with God and not be dormant on the inside from daily routine.”

Lynn Goldsmith Editor-in-Chief

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Guidelines

IF YOU WANT SOMEONE TO FOLLOW YOU, YOU HAVE TO GIVE GOOD DIRECTIONS As a business owner you need to be sure you are guiding your team in the right direction, and supporting and encouraging them

“Good leaders make people feel that they’re at the very heart of things, not at the periphery. Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organization. When that happens people feel centered and that gives their work meaning.”

- Warren Bennis Whether you are a high powered executive, manager, entrepreneur, or president of a volunteer organization, your success will be defined by two things: 1) Letting people know they matter and : 2) Setting clear expectations for them to follow. If you don’t have both of these principles in place before your employees/volunteers start a project, I can guarantee you that you’ll soon hit a brick wall called ‘Lack of Communication’.

A lot of executives ‘assume’ that their department heads or higher managers automatically know

everything they need to know to carry out instructions without actually telling them what needs to be done.

Well, we all know the outcome of how things will be if we use that lovely word ‘assume’, don’t we? Somebody is going to end up with egg on their face because a ball got dropped somewhere along the line!

You, as the person in charge, know what you want, but it’s up to you to clearly define your expectations to your team right from day one. The outcome may be crystal clear in your

10 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

mind, but if not translated into clearly defined steps and written on paper, your message may be as muddy as the good ol’ Mississippi!

If you want to enroll others in your vision and get maximum participation, you have to write out the context of the steps for others to follow. There’s a reason why we call this a ‘clarity’ statement – it not only defines your desires, it also opens the door to another important step called ‘communication’.

Here are some steps that will help

You, as the person in charge, know what you want, but it’s up to you to clearly define your expectations to your team from day one your original concept. (There’s that word ‘communication’ explained.)

3

. Be sure to set clear guidelines for who is responsible for doing what and when you expect it to be finished. Make sure that team members are clear about their roles so you won’t hear ‘I thought Mary was taking care of that’ when something doesn’t get finished.

4

. Be sure you have a verbal commitment from your team that they’re on board for the project. Schedule follow-up meetings and weekly check-ins to keep the project on deadline.

And speaking of deadlines - be specific about the date you expect to have everything completed by.

5

. Lastly, offer your support and then get out of the way and let them do their stuff. No one likes to be micro-managed or feel as if their leader is breathing down their neck all the time! Words of encouragement go a long way to you ensure the teamwork, productivity, what, when, and where and how fostering good personal relations and positive end results you need it will all come together at the end. and they go down a heck of a lot to create success in your business. easier than words of condemnation

do. Remember, success is building . Meet with your team to discuss relationships, not tearing them down. . You have to get real clear your proposed new plan and about where you’re going and tell them how it is going to All of the great leaders of our time what you want the final outcome work. Have a detailed agenda in had a clearly defined plan. In to be before you ever present it to place so as not to waste your time addition, they had an innate ability your team. If you’re not sure about or theirs. Scheduling meetings with to communicate that plan to others where you are going, do you think your key players creates a synergy in order to receive the results they they are going to follow you? I and allows them to freely offer ideas desired. It just makes good business don’t think so Alice! Get the “W’s” and possibilities that you might sense that you, as the leader, do the down pat beforehand – Who will do very well not have thought of in same.

1

2

Insights

Spiritual REVELATIONS in the BUSINESS world

W

Success in business is not just a matter of hard work – although this is important. Dr Stan Jeffery (pictured left) teaches business owners and corporates how to recognize the spiritual elements that surround our working lives…Lynn Goldsmith

hen talking with Dr Stan Jeffery you feel you are entering into a different dimension – not that it’s a difficult situation – but it’s just different…

Stan’s mind thinks big and he thinks multi-dimensional. He teaches business people to understand the spiritual realm in which they are working and to fight the good fight of faith to succeed so they can be influential within governments, community, families – in fact every sphere of life.

I asked Stan to explain how he does this and what methods he uses to inspire and encourage Christian business people to move forward into their destiny.

What has been your training in the area of business and finance?

I started off in the UK doing work in Electronics and Computing. My first degree is a BSc in Electronics.

I worked for ICL Computers in the UK in hardware and software development systems and then I did an MBA in Monash University in Victoria working with Telstra, which is business finance focussed. When I later moved to Ballarat I completed my Doctorate in Technology in the area of startup businesses and investing and looking at strategies for business growth, together with investments.

What led you into this area of finance and business?

I worked in the technology area and I could see there was a great need for the funding to be linked with the early stage of businesses. When I went to the Australian Technology Park in Eveleigh (Redfern in Sydney) – I had an incubator program to set up start-up businesses – and I had training programs, but I didn’t have any venture funds. So the start up company spent so much time looking for investments that they found it difficult to get on with the company development.

I had an opportunity to set up a venture fund in Malaysia where I had $200 Million to invest, and that was an excellent opportunity to take the incubator program and the investment and put them together. Then I had an opportunity to be director of the University of Ballarat Technology Park where I had the incubator program which is the early stage then growth into the main technology park, which is the later stage together with a venture fund, which could link them altogether. So, I have been trying to link ideas and investments in a way that people don’t seem to be able to do.

How is it important for God’s people to conduct business according to His ways and laws?

We have to ascertain how to grow the body of believers – how to facilitate God growing His Son

12 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

Jesus Christ’s body on earth. We are looking for principles that you find in the Scriptures. Obviously there are many that you can draw on for business and we are using these to train people how to implement them. Admittedly there is an adversary in the world that is trying to stop us doing that – we know the Devil is trying to make the Body of Christ not fulfil God’s plan for it, so we are trying to turn that around and kick the Devil out of our business and focus on Christ‘s principles.

Can you explain what you are doing now with business and finance and trying to bring people together?

We have two approaches – one is at a very high level where we are looking at Directors and Chairmen of Boards. We have a group called ‘Board Room Prophets’ which is established to help business Christian Directors to hear from God for their businesses and get the wisdom from God and therefore will be more successful and use that as a competitive advantage.

At the smaller end, the early stage, I am working with start-ups – sometimes out of university with new technologies, but it doesn’t have to be – something that’s investable, more than just lifestyle, more successful businesses that can grow. We have some research from the UK and other places

The power of our words are creative because the Creator our father created the universe from His words

that indicate one in ten of us are potential entrepreneurs throughout the population. I believe that in the church that also applies – they can create the jobs and the other nine can be employees, if that’s what they want to be.

So, it’s really growing the businesses so that God can bless them financially and with a good career.

How successful has this been for you?

We have been running Board Room Prophets (BRP) for six years – we have groups in Sydney, Melbourne. We’ve had a couple of meetings in Africa, in the UK and Perth. There is a lot of interest in it. We have written to 100 ASX 100 Chairmen saying we need you to look at the true source of wisdom which is God our Creator for our corporate guidance and Christian directors would benefit from attending BRP. At the other end we have been looking for investors to invest in early stage companies.

We are moving down that track more slowly.

It’s sometimes difficult for Christian investors to recognise the value of the Body of Christ as an investment opportunity. The first thing we have to do is get to the point where they trust this asset class of early stage Christian owned investments as opposed to the other non-Christian owned investments.

There is a tendency to put your money into the banks of the world thinking that’s where it’s safe, rather than in the Body of Christ where in the past the Devil has run rings around us. We’re in the early stages of the entrepreneur growth. We’ve achieved results in the world system very successfully.

I have worked with 150 start-ups and early stage companies investing and training them. It is often more difficult to do it in the Body of Christ, but I believe we can do it.

I am bringing what we have learnt of the world’s systems and techniques into the Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 13

Insights

Body of Christ so we can have a new phase of Christians in business growing from other Christian investors and not just looking to the world for our resources, but looking to God within our companies for our resources.

Is it part of that Scripture – “The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just?” Are you moving towards that and getting Christian business people to see that God is transferring wealth?

That’s an important point. Yes, God has been revealing to me that we are going to be involved in the final wealth transfer. We believe it’s happening already. We see opportunities in the world that are not seen by others that we can take advantage of. This is where a word from God is worth a fortune because He can tell you what’s going to happen. There are a few significant Scriptures that talk about wealth transfer and people in the Body getting words from God about the future. See John 16 12-15 for example.

If we get a word from God and act on it then we are going to have a competitive advantage, particularly in these economic times where the world markets are going up or down depending on what day you’re looking at.

I think if we can get our people to move in that direction, get them to understand that God is really trying to bless them – He is actually trying to bless us more than we are wanting to be blessed. We just need to be in a position to be honouring Him, trustworthy, give God the glory, we need to stop trying to take credit for ourselves, and if we honour and worship Him then I believe the world’s transfer will come to us.

How important is it to get the strategies from God as against what the world would give us?

I think God expects us to use the gifts and talents He has given us.

I think we have this combination of doing the best we can in the world and add His guidance to this. God gave us analytical tools, He gave us the banking system, He has given us everything and we can use God’s wisdom to our benefit. What we can do is if we are able to use the tools we have to look for the best opportunities, some of the world’s ways – you’ve got to look for a good team, look for a good product, good marketplace, and good political environment and then add prophetic insight to finalise the God guided opportunity.

We have to stand out as business people and show the world we are doing it God’s way?

When we are doing it God’s way we will stand out. Certainly He is wanting to get the glory. He’s not doing it for our benefit; He’s doing it to extend His glory over the world. That’s one of the reasons we are here. We’re not in the direct evangelistic space , we’re in the body building space. So, we want to build the Body of Christ in a way that can give glory to God and attract people into His kingdom.

You are teaching business people to get all that God has for us - all that is stored in other dimensions - that you wrote about in your latest book - to bring into our lives here on earth?

The business dimension is interesting. We can speak into the spirit world but we can’t see at this stage. How does this benefit business? In many different ways!

The wisdom of the ages is drawn through this dimension so it is more than just a product – the ideas come from this realm as well. Every creative idea on earth came from God, whether it comes to Christians or non-Christians.

How can business people pull out of other dimensions what is needed, into their dimension on earth?

What they have to do is recognise

14 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

the power of their words. Words make a difference. Our environment is created by the words that we speak. Even in business. We can say, “We are a business that is going to succeed. We are going to draw on so many customers, we are going to finish a product,” whatever it may be. The power of our words is creative because our father and the Creator created the universe from His words. We have to recognise we are not just flapping our lips around in our mouths, the words that come out of our mouths, go into our ears, and our spirit hears the words we say. When we say a negative thing about ourselves we actually damage ourselves. When we speak positive things the angels go to work. Unfortunately we don’t always recognise all these aspects.

You’ll see the differences in businesses where people speak positive things and they have a positive result, whether Christian or non-Christian. We have to speak out to succeed and of course take the appropriate actions – we have to be credible and honourable. However as Christians we have a special relationship with God through His son Jesus How important is it that Christians in business influence the world?

The reason we are blessed is so we can be an influence for God’s plan we are not blessed with wealth just to have excess however good and nice things are part of the blessing. So, we have to be the people who guide the decisions in the country. The government and society is influenced by people who are blessed. We need to take control of wealth and use it to our nation’s benefit and this is done by us receiving all that our Creator has to give us - using this to show God’s power and glory to the fallen world.

Lynn Goldsmith Editor-in-Chief

coming soon

ARK

house

“A must-read book for any business owner, entrepreneur, leader… or in fact anybody living in today’s modern, hectic world. Peter is my own modern day Solomon - an abundance of wisdom of how to live and prosper. Read , enjoy and let this wisdom transform you!”

Tony Gattari, Achievers Group Through practical advice and inspirational examples, this book will help you grow your business and brand to heights you may never have thought possible. But the man who helped steer the phenomenal growth of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in Australia warns that success is not just about being the best and making the most profit. It’s also about taking the people around you--your family, staff, customers and community--on the journey with you.

“A must-read book for any business owner, entrepreneur, leader… or in fact anybody living in today’s modern, hectic world.

Peter is my own modern day Solomon - an abundance of wisdom of how to live and prosper. Read , enjoy and let this wisdom transform you!”

Tony Gattari, Achievers Group

Peter Irvine integrates deep life truths with personally-proven business principles to enrich your business, your people and your life. Peter unravels the myth that business and family don’t mix. He challenges you to a more rewarding life by involving your family in your business and vice versa.

www.arkhousepress.com

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 15

Mediation

The TIPS, SKILLS, and TOOLS you need to NEGOTIATE Negotiation is a very important aspect to business – this will either secure the deal or bring a negative outcome

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egotiating skills are a non-negotiable requirement for success, but few people understand the structures, techniques and approaches available to them in an attempt to gain successful results. Effective negotiation means more than just getting what you want. It means arriving at a solution that satisfies all parties and creates future opportunities. Fine tune your communication style. Listening is a key part of effective communication.

What is and is not said is the key during negotiations and in building professional relationships. Establish an assertive approach, communicate in a clear fashion, remain professional, be patient, try to avoid aggressive behaviors. Neutralize objectives presented by the counterpart and negotiate with confidence.

Being aggressive means standing up for yourself in ways that violate the rights of others.

Aggressive behavior is typically punishing, hostile, blaming, and demanding.

It can involve threats, name-calling, and even actual physical contact. It can also involve sarcasm, catty comments, gossip and ‘slips of the tongue’. Negotiation training will give you the crucial negotiation skill, strategies, tools and techniques you must have to effectively handle negotiations ranging from sales, contract, labor and business negotiations, to international negotiations involving business and political conflict to all varieties of personal negotiations.

Strategic thinking and planning is pivotal to your success in this business climate.

Mr. Zangrilli

16 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

EFFECTIVELY

Negotiation tips and goals for your business 1. Improve personal and professional profitability.

2. Achieve desired outcomes and create synergy while fostering relationships.

3. Maximize financial returns and value in negotiations.

4. Avoid being cheated.

5. Neutralize difficult negotiators and their tactics.

6. Enter into and conduct negotiations with confidence.

7. Know when and how to walk away from a negotiation.

8. Improve personal relationships with colleagues, clients and loved ones.

Fine tune your communication style. Listening is a key part of effective communication

9. Build leadership and team building skills.

10. Turn cultural differences into assets rather than liabilities.

Emotional INTELLIGENCE 18 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

Business Acumen

Something that is not always dealt with in the workplace is emotional intelligence. SALLY TOBIN believes this is of utmost importance – to come alongside her team and mentor and nurture them

S

ally Tobin has a unique mindset towards her business activities. She is one motivated lady and believes that if she changes within herself then her team will follow suit. This is one aspect that makes Sally so successful in all she is setting out to do at a young age.

She achieved an MBA at the age of 23 and said it is the best thing she has done in her business life.

Sally started in business with her mother. In fact she started well before that when she was about 12 and she always had a job. Her mother encouraged her from a very young age that if she wanted pocket money she had to go and work for it. She made her pick up the phone for her first job. Sally was asked how much she wanted to be paid and she had the faith to say $5 an hour.

Sally is currently working as General Manager for a company called Test Drive which is an experiential sampling and activations business – they design campaigns for clients in the grocery and pharmacy industry and she hires brand ambassadors to sample and educate shoppers for various household brands. The role is challenging and requires hiring a lot of really skilled people so she may be managing a field force of up to 400 ambassadors at any one given time.

What is it about business that excites Sally? “The thrill of the deal!” she explains. “And the people! I see my workplace as my family. It excites me to go to work and see the people

who I love, and talk to them and come around they can easily share the excitement of the highs overcome those challenges.” and lows of the business.”

Emotional intelligence is just Mentoring others is what Sally as important as IQ, and attitude loves in business – coming alongside according to Sally. “Particularly with people who are looking at starting Gen Y, I see that their emotional a business or those who have just intelligence is quite lacking - they come into business to help them haven’t spent the time developing grow, achieve and be successful. that. It seems all about the now “At the moment I am working and not developing the strategy on with a team of young girls who are how to deal with complex situations very talented people, but they don’t emotionally. In a job like ours where always have all the confidence they there is a lot of stress and a lot of need to get where they want to go. sudden changes, the people who They are very capable of going a long haven’t developed their emotions way, and walking on that journey with certainly come down in those them is such a privilege. I don’t know scenarios. That’s where we spend if they start the role with me with the the most time nurturing them – confidence and right attitude to get understanding how to deal with there, but what I enjoy is working those emotions – understanding how with them. In our workplace, we take to combat them and look at it from the attitude to nurture the team and a higher perspective so that they’re try and get them to the place where not coming from that hurt place and they can achieve more than they taking things so personally. That is would have achieved prior to working important in business.” with us.

How does Sally handle this?

“I think the approach is different She just says it’s what you know. “I for each person. But it’s about can only share what I know so it’s understanding who that person about working on me all the time is and where they want to be and and making sure that I am always giving them the opportunity to do learning and growing. I think that’s that. But then I think nurturing them a bit emotionally as well is very important. Giving What is it about business them advice when they are struggling or stressed or not that excites Sally? “The coping with the workload and giving them tools and thrill of the deal…and the techniques to deal with those situations better, so that next people… time the same circumstances Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 19

Business Acumen

Sally Tobin a constant journey and unless I am making those changes in that way then they’re not going to learn anything from me. So, it’s often by being an example, Sally happily confesses. “I’m sure they see my faults; but I hope some of them see good things too. Overall as long as I’m being true to myself it doesn’t matter if they see the flaws.”

Sally maintains that as a business owner it’s very important that you’re changing, growing and moving forward. Unless she is making the hard decisions for herself how can she expect someone else to do this?

When it comes to having to make decisions on business in a moral and scriptural context Sally says, “I think it’s all about knowing who you are and what you stand for. If you don’t know that upfront then you’re not going to be able to make the decisions for the

day that align with those morals and those values. If you spend the time investing in yourself in your quiet time and knowing what it is that you value and you want, then it makes it really easy to say no to a moral dilemma in the workplace or to walk away from a business when you don’t agree with the way they operate.”

Sally was offered a very high position in another company prior to her doing her MBA. But after three weeks she realised business wasn’t being conducted in the way she wanted to operate. “I couldn’t look someone in the eye and say we were doing a good job for them or an honest job for them – so I walked away and I think that is extremely important to know who you are and what you want out of your career, otherwise you’ll never be able to stand on the

20 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

ground that you wanted to,” she says.

Sally states that she doesn’t think you have to convey this to others; you just have to be yourself. “I don’t think you have to make an effort to convey it to others.

As long as you act in a way that’s in alignment with your values then I don’t need to make a statement out there. You just need to do the right thing.”

Sally Tobin loves to work with people in the area of emotional intelligence to create success, integrity, confidence and encouragement within each person she is close to.

Lynn Goldsmith Editor-in-Chief

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You’re a WIP

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Life is a journey, not a destination

Learning and growing into the next stage of life, keeping the drive and commitment going

22 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

Journey

In business and in life there are times we are tempted to think we’ve arrived. The day you start a job, open a business, get promoted, win a new account or buy/sell something significant is the day you have just STARTED the journey!...PETER IRVINE Dangerous time There is the danger of drawing back, settling down, relaxing standards or letting things go. We think we have arrived, we stop and lose momentum. It stops growth which means we effectively die.

How many times have you seen a business gain a significant win, only to lose the momentum that earned the win in the first place? All the teamwork, creative thinking, and time put into winning the business are gone when the euphoria dies and the everyday hard work begins. People relax, lose enthusiasm and eventually the win becomes a loss!

4. Apply at least one idea– from whatever you read or hear to your business, career or relationship.

5. Sow positive things into each day – look for things that are encouraging rather than the negative, bad reports that are all around.

Don’t compare yourself with others “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” St Paul

Celebration should be followed

by Education Learning and growing into the next stage of life, keeping the drive and commitment going.

Paul’s advice is wise - some people will look like they are doing a better job and you will get disheartened. Others won’t be as effective in some areas so you can develop an arrogant attitude. We are all on a journey, remember - all the apples on a tree don’t ripen at the same time.

Learn & Grow 1. When you hear a speaker, take notes – you may only get one good point but it gives you ideas. Even if you disagree, start noting down why and what you would do, it’s amazing how much you will learn!

Don’t neglect what is most important in life Remember, there is more to life than a successful business or a well-paid job. If we fail to learn and grow in our relationships and our own character, nothing we build is likely to stand – don’t neglect your spirit, learn to grow in every aspect along your journey.

2. Use your car as a university – listen to CDs on areas you need help, leadership or business principles.

3. Read and learn – look for books and materials by those who have done it, people who have achieved in life, not just self-help or motivational books.

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.”

Proverbs 3:13&14 Peter Irvine Peter is Co-Founder of Gloria Jean’s Coffees, author of “Win In Business”, business consultant and speaker.

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 23

Finance

Funding your Dream Businesses don’t get off the ground without careful and wise planning in funding the operation, explains Jane Jeffery.

There are many who dream of having their own business. It is easy to become star struck by the success of some of the entrepreneurs of the last 30 years. However after the first rush of excitement has worn off a little, reality sets in. It may be your own thinking taking its course or it may be others trying to be helpful and save you from disaster.

The important issue of funding is one that has to be thought through at a very early stage. It will affect the way in which you work and the speed at which the development can progress. Funding is also the area which has the greatest potential for conflict, heartache and fills the coffers of the local solicitors. Deal with this issue well and it increases the potential for God to bless you. Do it badly and there is potential for ruin both financially and also your reputation This area is so vast that it will be dealt with in three separate issues The first (this one) deals with early stage funding, where the funds came from, their purpose and the expectations of investors and investees.

Secondly the issue of venture funds will be covered. These are the larger late stage funds from well-established organizations. Their aim is to make money for their clients through investing in others.

Lastly the vision of believers investing in each other will be covered. This is an area of investment that currently has a very bad reputation. Many investors have had bad experiences and are not keen to risk it again. However, with the accurate frame work and infrastructure the time may be right to try again. The vision is for more people to grow 24 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

their investments and increase the tithe for our God’s use.

Funding issue 1 - getting started Once a budding entrepreneur has decided what area the business will be in the second big question and the one to which needs to be answered, is ‘how are you going to pay for this?’ This is especially vital to those who are dependent upon the entrepreneur such as partners and children and those with a special sense of concern like parents. This can often be the point at which the entrepreneur fails to take up God’s calling, fails to achieve God’s best for them and fails to fulfil a life-long dream. As Proverbs 13:12 tells us, ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick, (NRSV) or as The Message describes it, ‘Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick.’

There are two very simplistic answers to these questions. The first is that if it is God’s plan He will pay for it while if it is your plan you will pay for it. The second answer is the one that partners and parents will receive and the answer in that case is that it is probably YOU (parents and partners). While these are in many cases the right answer, they are as already stated simplistic. That is - that if we are expecting God to fund a project we may well sit round forever waiting for the cheque to arrive if we do not actively seek out the funds He wants us to have. While if it is the partners or parents who do the funding it is quite possible for both to lose everything if the process of developing the business is approached in the wrong way.

Funding for the development of a new business takes place in a number of ways and in a number of stages. Each must be approached in the correct way, with the required documentation and legal agreements in place. From the very earliest stage even when dealing with family and friends, it is vital to ensure that everyone involved knows clearly what is expected. This

should be in the form of a written document, preferably checked by someone with a legal background and should include such things as goals, share of expected returns, when the returns will be distributed and reporting. It should also state the amount invested and the amount of equity this represents. It is a common experience among start-up companies for failure to occur when the company starts to make money.

When there is no longer a cash flow problem, founding partners start to disagree.

Where does funding come from?

There are three ways in which funding of a new business venture can take place. They are: Self-funded—the entrepreneur uses funds that are available from a personal source such as savings or a termination payment. There may be additional funds from a working partner.

Debt—the entrepreneur takes a loan from a bank or other institution or from family or friends.

In this case, property such as the family home or some other form of security is required. If the loan is not repaid the security is forfeited. The entrepreneur is left with nothing but a large debt and a bad reputation.

Equity—is a way of funding a new venture from funds dedicated to funding new businesses. The funder requires ownership of an agreed proportion of the company and in exchange for this is rewarded with returns from the profits in proportion to the equity in the company. The funder also shares in the risk as the investment is lost if the company fails.

The choice of funding source is largely a personal one and one that is affected by circumstances and personal beliefs. Some Christians believe that it is not right to go into debt while others prefer not to but see no other way out. Each must make their own choice but a wise person listens to the advice of others especially when venturing into new areas.

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 25

Beginnings

The important issue of funds in exchange for a share of the company.

When funding comes from an organization, the be thought through at a aim is to make money to invest in other start-up very early stage companies or to provide a return for the investors.

Before funds can be There is much to be said about not allocated there is a selection process having loans and the arguments and known as due diligence. This is a Scriptures are familiar. This is especially process, which examines every true when starting a new business. aspect of the company, the product There are many unknowns and many or service the people involved and risks. Add to these - to prospect the the market prospects. Only those lender demanding a controlling stake in companies with the best potential the direction the business and not being for success are allocated funds. The willing to allow the business owner to return to the investor is via a share take direction from God. A loan for a in the profits through the periodic new business is different from a house distribution of profits. This may be loan, which is given to a person with for an agreed period or for the life of steady regular employment in a well- the company, as agreed at the time regulated business. Business loans the investment is made. A careful require security with the risks described investigation is made of the prospect above. The best choice is between self- for success. There are interviews funded or finding an equity partner. with the company owner as well as a review of documentation submitted.

Self-funded As the name suggests the founder Types of equity funding of the business through available Seed funds personal funds, is able to cover the As the name suggests the funding up-front costs, development costs and is a seed, a very small amount that living expenses of the early stages. is in a fund specifically designed to These funds may come from savings, meet the needs of companies at a termination payment or other source very early stage. One of the reasons of funds, which are available. This that the amounts are small is that enables the entrepreneurs to follow the the risks of failure are very high. dream of having their own business. The entrepreneur has very little The whole of the business development experience and the fund manager and growth may be able to be funded has very little to work with to assess through cash flow, which is the income the prospects for success. The idea from the product or service that is to spread small amounts of funds provides sufficient funds to pay wages, as widely as possible to capture a expenses and the costs of developing wide market in the hope that at least further products or services. As the some will be successful. The attitude available funds may be limited, they is to give as many people as possible may only cover the very early stages a go.

Seed funds, are often established and other funds must be sought later on. However, by using personal funds by governments to encourage to a proof of concept stage it is possible specific sectors of the community to to obtain a better deal as the prospects start their own business as a way of reducing unemployment. There may are less risky. be business development programs associated with these funds.

Equity funding As already described, equity funding comes from a person or funding organization that wishes to assist start- Pre seed funds (PSF) up companies by providing them with These funds are established by

funding is one that has to

26 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

the government to support very early stage start-ups. The idea is to assist researchers in developing commercialised outcomes.

The PSF are targeted at federally funded research institutions that have commercialized Intellectual property.

Angel funds These fund established by individuals or groups of individuals who often have an interest in assisting entrepreneurs beyond the desire to make money. They often are willing to invest in ventures which are too risky for the venture funds. Angel investors use their own money and often take a ‘hands on’ approach to assisting startup companies. The amounts of funds are usually small. The mentoring the investors give and the development that the funding allows entrepreneurs can become more attractive to venture funds.

Venture funds Venture funds are larger funds that invest in companies with high potential for success. The investments they make are usually substantial and they require a sound business model and market potential. They expect to make a return on their investments in three to five years so the companies they invest in have a track record a proven idea and a customer base with potential for substantial growth. The aim of the venture funds is to make money for those who have contributed to the fund.

The area covered so far helps the entrepreneur get their idea off the ground. It is important to establish good ground work and documentation. This should include records of what has been done and how much time has been dedicated to the project. Be honest and clear about what has been put in. Vague meetings with friends are clearly not part of the equations. Always keep in mind that the business being developed should give glory to God as well as sustaining the entrepreneur and their family.

Jane Jeffery MEd is from our CiB program ‘Live your dream’

business resource

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This hard hitting, no nonsense book is a must read for all those in business who desire to accelerate their sales and profits immediately! Marketing Success is esential reading for Christian business owners and not for profit organisations.

Win in Business PETER IRVINE Business RRP $24.95 If you would like to create a remarkable, standout business, then Win in Business provides the essential framework to thrust you to the front of the line. This book provides comprehensive, step-bystep guides to activate your vision, help you overcome the challenges along your journey, and squeeze the most out of your vast potential.

www.arkhousepress.com Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 27

Stratgegy

TOP TIPS

TO SAVE MONEY IN YOUR BUSINESS Controlling costs is an essential business discipline.

Here are my 15 favourite ways to save money… Tony Gattari 1. Good processes – When setting up your business system ensure that your processes don’t create one way to update business records and another way to do things like comply with accounting and taxation regulations. Have a system that works for the business by touching each piece of paper once and use electronic interactions with banks, suppliers, customers so that manhandling of documents isn’t required.

2. Be on time – Time is money to everyone, both management and entry-level staff. So if you say you are going to meet someone at a certain time, be there. If you can’t make it on time, ring them to reschedule and stay honest.

3. Book your own flights – The cheapest flight is not always the most convenient flight, so always book your own flights so you can make the decision about convenience vs. cost. On average you will be well ahead.

4. Fire fast – Stop procrastinating about removing poor quality staff. ‘Free up their future’ and save a heap of money.

5. Ask your team to fight waste – The best scrutiny of costs comes from employees who see any abuse or wastage of valuable resources – especially money.

Assistants, clerks and accounts payable staff can be resentful of obvious abuse of company funds by their managers when they are denied the little things that help them do their jobs. Consider a policy of allowing 28 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

“The best scrutiny of costs comes from employees, who quickly pick up on any abuse or wastage – especially money.” any employee to present a business case regarding any wastage of resources, including alternative solutions and the cost savings that will result from a change. Give your team an incentive: 10 percent or 20 percent of the cost savings they generate works well. This kind of scheme also pays off with increased employee trust.

6. Ask your team for better ways to do business – Ask your employees whether they know of a better value way to do something. Ask for ideas that aren’t just cheaper, but also more efficient. Give your employees hints and tips on marketing every now and then. This inspires them to think on their own.

7. Cut IT costs – Two of your biggest expenses are hardware and software. You can save a bundle on both by exploring free software and second-hand hardware. You’d be surprised at the quality and variety of no-cost or low-cost alternatives out there.

8. Always behave like a start-up – Remember your start-up phase.

When just starting in business you juggle money and find alternative ways around spending all the time, as your budget is so small. Reliving those days and practices can save you at any time.

9. Write your own training courses – A great way to save money is to bring development of training packages in-house. By harnessing expertise from your own team, you can develop others’ skills without paying extra for it.

10. Set terms of trade up front – I have found people say they have constant cashflow problems. We have always been up front with customers by setting terms of trade, as this helps to spot potential slow payers before you start doing business.

11. Make your own website – Instead of paying someone to create a website for you, try to do it yourself first. There are many DIY websites out there, get one with a free trial so you can get the hang of it before committing and if you don’t like it, it doesn’t matter as you haven’t spent a cent.

12. Don’t read irrelevant email – Don’t read email promotions that do not contribute to your ability to service your customers’ needs.

13. Work from anywhere – Set up remote access for all your employees and provide them with a salary sacrifice laptop purchase plan. Employees will be happier and more productive with the flexibility a laptop computer provides.

14. Sign your own cheques – Don’t delegate cheque-signing and electronic payments. Fraud is prevalent and losses can be significant, not to mention unpleasant to deal with if is someone you trusted perpetrates a fraud.

15. Sell more to your current customers – Use the sale of one product to sell another. Every first sale is an exercise in, and proof of, trust development. Once trust has been established, follow-on sales are far less expensive. Get two sales over the line and you have a client, not a customer. Spend time creating attractive special offers to buyers and have your despatch team pack the offer tailored to what the new customer bought. Remember when you got a new gizmo in the mail? It’s the moment you want to consolidate and hold on to the joy of acquisition.

It’s also the time people are most apt to repurchase, so make your offer time limited, make it attractive and make them feel special as only you can with a new customer!

Tony Gattari is founder and Chief Energy Officer of Achievers Group. He is a much-in-demand, passionate professional speaker, business educator, author and corporate, business advisor. He has worked with over 140 businesses around the world.

Website: www.achieversgroup.com.au Email: tony@ achieversgroup.com.auPhone: 02 9025 3716 Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 29

The time has come for an ingenious, CHRISTIAN CREATIVE AGENCY whose passion is to unite with likeminded enterprises and together build breakthrough leadership brands.

Encouragement

From WEALTH to BROKE to WEALTH It is not where you start but that you start that counts… ZIG ZIGLAR gives a practical example of Carlos who lost everything in Cuba When Castro and his Communist regime took over Cuba, the socialist system replaced free enterprise and many successful people were devastated. Carlos Arboleya, an accounts officer for one of the largest banks in Cuba, was one of them. In 1960, shortly after Castro took over, Carlos arrived at work and discovered that all private banks had been taken over by the Communists.

Three weeks later he was able to get himself, his wife and his small son out of Cuba. The only problem was that Carlos arrived in America with only $42 in cash. He was unemployed, had no place to stay,

and did not know a single person in Miami. He sought employment by going to every bank in Miami but all of them turned him down. He finally found a job in a shoe factory, taking inventory.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Carlos worked with enthusiasm and with enormous energy as he put in countless extra hours. Results were spectacular and within sixteen months he was manager of the shoe company. A short time later he was offered a job at the bank where the shoe company did business. From there he moved into the presidency of the largest chain of banks in America.

Carlos Arboleya did what he had to do (provide for his family) by taking a job he was over-qualified for and eventually landed the job he desired. He proved that it is not where you start but that you start that counts. Speaker Joe Sabah puts it this way: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Carlos’ story is simply a vignette in the overall picture of America, the land where anyone who will apply him or herself, and strive for that education, can move forward to unique successes.

This is evidenced by the fact that 80% of all millionaires in America are firstgeneration Americans. Think about it, give it your best shot, and I really will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is known as America’s motivator. He is the author of 29 books and numerous audio and video recordings.

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 31

SHARPEN THE BUSINESS EDGE Faith on the edge Some big names take the stage at a business conference in Hamilton recently… Gemma Margerison

R

ecently we saw the brand new Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton host 170 delegates from across the nation for the Sharpen the Business Edge conference.

Entitled ‘Faith is Spelt R.I.S.K’ the conference involved headline speakers who all take calculated risks in their everyday lives and businesses. There were also times set aside for networking. Amongst the big names were Graham Burt, CEO of Lonely Dog Group and chair of Laidlaw College, Guy HowardWillis, owner of Torpedo7 and 1-Day, and champion of the Superbike racetrack Andrew Stroud.

But for event organizer and Business Edge general manager Phil Strong, it was the relationships formed that really made the day special.

The conference began with connection time in the foyer of the centre where people from a diverse range of businesses were encouraged to mingle before being ushered into the hall. “As far as we

know this is the first Christian event to be held in this new building,” said Coralie Clark, co-founder of Business Edge, who opened the event. A time of communion then ensured that God was the focus of the day before the speakers took the podium.

Mr Burt, who took the morning slots, spoke on the Lonely Dog project and ‘Christian Creativity,’ before another chance to mix and mingle over a buffet lunch.

In the afternoon the range of speakers began with Stroud, who shared the heart-stopping video of

32 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

him being flung from a bike travelling at 240 km/h, the story of his special friendship with Kiwi legend John Britten, and having faith in the face of incredible risk. “I go into a place and I know God’s there,” said Stroud.

“When I’m out there on the edge there’s no option but faith.”

Mr Howard-Willis opened his speech on ‘How To Live With Risk As A Given’ by telling of an epic fall from a cliff he had as a boy. He then went onto explain that, “I take risks in a lot of things, risk is really everything you do, it’s not just in business.”

After taking a risk with buying

Conference

“This was the best of the best Business Edge conferences ever ... well done team”

and selling parts for mountain bikes, Howard-Willis and his son, Luke, now employ 170 staff, send 12 million emails monthly and annually dispatch 1.3 million orders from their Hamilton warehouse. Mr HowardWillis is now looking forward to what the future has in store and the opportunities that will open up. “We have recently secured 32 hectares of land close to Hamilton Airport and will build our high-tech distribution centre that will manage our future growth both in New Zealand and Australia,” he says. “Also if I have the chance, I will speak to anyone about

my faith.”

Taking the stage for women in business was fashion industry expert Louise Grant who talked about how she felt called to bring the kingdom of God into the fierce and competitive world of fashion, even in the difficult times. “He’s shaped my character and in the hard times he’s made me better,” she says. “I’m driven, I’m focused, I have the ability to make things happen but when I let things go, God does it better.”

When the delegates had been served with afternoon tea, they were given a choice of sessions, between a ‘Faith is spelt R.I.S.K’ discussion panel, and hearing how wife of ninetime Superbike champion, Karyn Stroud, lives with a risk taker. Mrs Stroud said Andrew’s racing “drove me nuts at the start but there’s part of him that does come alive as a racer when he’s pushed. When he’s stretched, he’s happy.”

Originally from Australia, Karyn first met Andrew while she was studying to become a doctor at university and then relied heavily on her faith to wait three and-a-half years for him. “I saw him across the room and I heard God say audibly that he was the one,” she says. “We got married in Christchurch and then spent a year touring around America in a motor home. One of us was going to have to lay our career down and I knew it was going to have to be me.” For someone who had been ‘roomed to do my own thing’ this came as a challenge until God told her that her purpose was to love him.

“It changed the way I held the

value of caring for him and loving him,” she says.

Together with her husband, Karyn runs the business side of the racing as well as raising eight children, living a full life of risk and faith.

In the round-up of the meeting, the delegates heard from Denis Clark, the co-founder of Business Edge, and again from Mr Burt.

Mr Burt encouraged the attendees not to be fearful or anxious but to trust in the Lord and experience his peace that passes all understanding.

Excellent event “Just want to say that I thought that the conference was extremely professional in every way. I have been to a number of business conferences and this one was right up there. There is little I could say that you could improve; to be honest I cannot think of anything. I would like to sincerely thank Business Edge for effort taken with the organisation of this conference; Business Edge truly does have the potential to change the world. Be encouraged, God is doing great things through Business Edge,” Mike Marr — Advanced Security Group Limited “This was the best of the best Business Edge conferences ever ... well done team.”

Neil Schroeder — SHARE Life Brokers

Reporting on this conference courtesy Challenge Weekly NZ.

Inspired Business Issue 12 February 2012 | 33

Appraisal

CRE8 Kingdom Business Conference

REVIEW OF

Jeremy Ellis reports on a recent business conference that inspired and impacted many people CRE8 2011 was a two day event held at Sydney’s Hills Centre in Castle Hill recently.

The theme of ‘Your Workplace; His Mission’ proved to be God’s message to attendees and many people were deeply impacted both personally and in their business as they were challenged to bring together faith and workplace in a very practical way – and also to connect with people who have applied this concept with dramatic results.

Keynote speaker Michael Baer, a former pastor who currently runs several businesses and is author of the ground breaking book Business as Mission, captured the audience with his passion for marketplace ministry and his ability to communicate God’s heart for Marketplace Leaders.

Michael’s humility and boundless energy inspired many to think about using their business in new ways to take Christ into countries closed to missionaries, as well as bring solutions to Governments in desperate need.

Other keynote speakers included Amanda Wells, Pastor and Author, plus an inspiring testimony by Professor Graeme Clark about his extraordinary work in inventing the bionic ear. In addition, the conference included an exceptional line-up of workshop presenters including Peter Irvine, Tony Gattari, Tony Golsby-Smith, Craig Rispin, Karl Faase, Wendy Simpson and nearly 20 others.

We had a great response

from organisations interested in sponsorship and our Platinum sponsors (Compassion, Mission Australia and Hope Media) partnered with CRE8 very effectively, along with nearly 12 others. The exhibition area was well supported by attendees and delegates were well looked after by our excellent caterers.

Being our first conference in Sydney, there was a heavy focus on marketing including advertisements on local Christian radio station Hope FM, brochures in Word Bookstore’s catalogue, introductory seminars and our Sydney team’s promotion to their business and church networks.

CRE8 partnered with Transforming Sydney to increase the visibility of the event.

Attendees particularly enjoyed the extensive networking and discussion times which included scheduled roundtable discussions after keynote sessions, a session of facilitated round-table conversations on a variety of topics as well as informal networking between sessions.

Over the two days, 18 different workshops were offered with topics including ‘Tapping into God’s wisdom for your business’, ‘Business as Mission in the Developing World’, “Taking the Gifts of the Spirit to work’ and ‘Power-Up your Marketing to grow your Business’.

Thursday night’s dinner was followed by a keynote sessions with Michael Baer highlighting real stories of Business As Mission and was well received. Amanda Wells

34 | Inspired Business Issue 2 February 2012

led a time of ministry following this, which helped many delegates step into their calling into the marketplace and to be encouraged through various challenges in business.

The feedback from delegates indicated that the balance of spiritual input combined with practical business direction provided encouragement to see their business as their God-given calling and seek excellence in representing Christ in the Marketplace. Ratings for all sessions were well over 80% demonstrating the high calibre of presenters.

The culmination of the Friday afternoon session was a commissioning call by David McDonald, National Chairman of COC Australia, where attendees were ‘sent into the business world’ and received prayer to take up the challenge of going into the Marketplace as ministers to impact those with whom they connect. It was a powerful time and life-changing as many delegates realised how significant this simple action really was.

Ongoing communication with attendees, as well as the Sydney CRE8 team, indicates that there is an excitement about future conferences and a need to extend the input for Christian Business Leaders with other events such as ILGs and single or half day training sessions. AMC is in the process of seeking God’s intentions for the next CRE8 Events in Sydney, Melbourne and potentially beyond!

For more information on the CRE8 conferences please CLICK HERE

The feedback from delegates indicated that the balance of spiritual input combined with practical business direction provided encouragement

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