C onne xions
Business Magazine Do you stand out from the crowd? My Networking Experience at Networking Chats
Why Property Values keep going up Family Law - Lots of Terms
Is your business flowing or is it in a swamp?
Jennie Gorman
“the people connector�
from Jennie’s Desk Another month has come and gone and we are now officially in spring, and the weather is proving it. As many of you are aware my son Nigel and I have now got new premises …. and AT LAST our doors open for business in our new offices on Monday 16th. I have had a lot to learn about owners, builders and their sub-contractors … as well as being patient and flexible!! We have a Facebook page if you want some info… www.facebook.com/YourOwnOffice We have OFFICES to LEASE if you are interested too. My book launch for ‘Awesome Authenticity’ – Mastermind Business Relationships was very exciting. Having such wonderful family and friends around me made it all the more special. See the photos in Page 6! More information on the website: www.awesomeauthenticity.com.au Getrude Matshe, my publisher and friend will be here in Australia at the end of September and will be running events. There will be a presentation and two workshops in Brisbane with a special pricing for my friends and clients … see the full page inside this magazine for the promo code. All Connexions Unlimited events from now on will be run from these rooms … MasterMind Groups, Networking Chats, Business Ideas Brisbane, Relationships Building and Create workshops, my client meetings and whatever I think up! I AM EXCITED! It has been a long time since I had my own rooms … and the wait has been well worth it. Again this month I thank the wonderful writers for our articles. Their support for Connexions Business Magazine has been gratefully accepted again. Please take the time to read them and look at their sites for more information. Look forward to your feedback.
Awesome Authenticity
Stacey Huish www.generational-change-foundation.org
FOREWORD on Awesome Authenticity
innumerable vignettes that interweave and demonstrate the difference between networking and Jennie’s own term “NetWeaving”.
This book is an enthusiastic celebration of Jennie Gorman’s life; she is a woman who is an artist in relationship building. She has learnt to treat every encounter she has with honour and respect making her truly one of the most authentic people I have ever met.
Although the emphasis of this work is on Mastering Business Relationships, it contains tools and strategies on not only authentic relationship building but also awesome or outstanding techniques that can make every encounter unique. It is a fast read and Jennie has delivered a masterpiece that will help any business person to learn and excel.
It is also a unique tribute to the many business people who have flowed into her life and have been involved in her Mastermind sessions. The many networking events and business encounters have also shaped her business style and etiquette.
The book has 167 pages and every page is crammed full of useful hints and tips that you can profit from. It has been an honour to be Jennie Gorman’s book midwife.
Another element are the many interesting examples, details and an abundance of insightful illustrations. On top of that, there are
Getrude Matshe
Author of ‘Born On the Continent’ 30th July 2013
contents 06 Awesome Authenticity
08 Do you stand out from the crowd? 11 One Minute Per Week ... go get the Business You Seek! Powerful Words
12 Transition from the Mail Room to the Board Room 14 My Networking Experience at Networking Chats 16 Work life balance # 7 Review, Revise, React
Previous Issue : July 2013
18 Are You The Leader Of Your Life? 22 Why Property Values Will Keep Going Up
Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints expressed in Connexions Business Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Connexions Unlimited staff or related parties. The publisher, Connexions Unlimited personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. All information contained in Connexions Business Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, health, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Connexions Business Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
27 Networking for Success
28 Five Skills Necessary To Run Start-Ups and Small Businesses 31 The Importance of GOOD Business Cards 32 Family Law – Lots of Terms 34 Journey of the Heart
37 Growing Great Teams - Management Minutes Weekly Celebrating Diversity 38 Is your business flowing or is it in a swamp? 42 Upcoming Events
Testimonial by Dave Shire “I had been made redundant from a large bank early in the year and decided to start my own business. I started doing the networking groups but I was unclear about my message which meant that my prospects were too. The other problem I found I was experiencing was that everyone at networking events were trying to sell me their products and services. I felt terribly alone and nearly gave up on my business idea. Then I came across Jennie Gorman and started a Mastermind group. I walked into the small group and within 1 month I had my vision and mission statement very clear and found my passion. On top of that I had developed 90 day action
plans and was very quickly becoming a real business. The feeling of loneliness was gone and I loved my team around me in the mastermind group. The accountability was fantastic and I felt proud to be able to let my team know of my achievements. Thank you very much Jennie for bringing me into one of your wonderful Mastermind Groups. I recommend these for any business owner who would like a safe place to work on their business�
www.theCashflowGuy.com.au
Awesome Authenticity Masterminding Business Relationships
Book Launch Photos
Photographs by Kerrin Smith Photography & Fine Art
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Jennie Gorman is proud to be part of B1G1 2013 September
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Do you stand out from the crowd? by Jennie Gorman
To be successful in the business world today, you need to be uniquely different ….. so, what is unique and different about you and your business? Consider these questions below and learn where or if you stand out. As the internet and social media become more prominent we have to find our own niche market. We need to know how to bring it down to such an extent that we are seen as the only one in the marketplace. • So, I ask you …. • Do you stand out from everyone else? • How are you positioning yourself? • Who or what is your target market? • Are you niched correctly? • Do you have competitors or are they collaborators? • Why would I choose you over them? • Are you a key person of influence in your industry? • If your name is mentioned, are you known? • Are you networking in the correct circles for your business? If you can answer the above questions in the positive, you will then KNOW that you are making a difference and are ‘on the money’!
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MasterMinding can support you to achieve the above if you are ready to move to the next level of your business.
www.businessmastermindgroups.com.au
0414 278 344
Aussie App Store
Why go mobile? • Over 8.5 million smartphones are in use in Australia today • 98% of them are used at home, 85% on the go and 73% at work • 94% have been used to research products or services • 78% visit social networks • 74% never leave home without it. • 63% have performed a search on their mobile after seeing an offline ad • 59% make mobile purchases at least once a month • 58% access the Internet every day on their smartphone • 48% look for local info at least once a week, 18% look daily. 43% search Restaurants, Pubs, Bars
1300 494 188 • info@aussieappstore.com.au
www.AussieAppStore.com.au 2013 September 9
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Connexions Business Mag
One Minute Per Week ... go get the Business You Seek!
Powerful Words by Anthony Davis
Three of the most powerful words in our limited vocabulary are:
Can’t;
Won’t; Try.
We use them often and yet seldom understand the effect they have our ability to achieve the outcomes we desire. When you consider each of these words you will realize that only one is truly powerful. The other two are dis-empowering! The word “Can’t”, programmed into our brain from an early age, has the ability to limit everything we are able to achieve. Almost everything is possible given the correct circumstances. One great example is “man can’t fly”! Another example is of a woman lifting a car off her stricken child. Who says you “can’t”? Next there is “Try”. Trying is hard work. If you intend to do it, then do it … don’t just try! As Nike says “just do it!”
So the only truly powerful word is “Won’t”. It is an abbreviation of the words “Will Not”. So now you are talking about your Will. The Oxford Dictionary describes “will” as “expressing a strong intention or assertion about the future”. Anthony Davis and the Brightwater Team Copyright © 2013
Brightwater Business Coaching Pty Ltd
All rights reserved.
PO Box 1329, MILTON QLD 4064 Ph: +61 7 3367 0967 Free 1800 242 366 bizplan@brightwater.com.au
Use Powerful Words for Powerful Results. I acknowledge Bill distinction.
Lee-Emery for this fabulous
For a complete paper on Powerful Words reply with Powerful Words in the subject line.
www.brightwater.com.au 2013 September
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Transition from the Mail Room to the Board Room by Jenny Richardson
Keep your work hairstyle and make up fuss free. This does not mean it has to be boring. Choose colours that complement your skin, hair and eyes. Play up either your eyes or your lips, but not both. Leave the extra long mink false lashes for after work.
Choose a classic timepiece over trendy jewellery to add style to your suit. A strand of pearls or a gold or silver chain accompanied by a pair of matching earrings or a pair of simple diamond/crystal stud earrings always looks great.
Use shirts to add colour and to update your suit. A white business shirt never goes astray. Personally I love a silk business shirt to add elegance. The change in texture between suiting and silk adds variety. Shoes, handbags and briefcases must be leather. If you take care of leather it will serve you well for a long time. Leather will age gracefully while vinyl will crack, peel, and look cheap. Providing your shoes are a neutral colour you can use your handbag to add a splash of colour. If your shoes are not, the colour of your handbag must be either neutral or in the same colour family and intensity as your shoes. Quality leather is not cheap, so, if you can, save up and make your purchases when the item is on sale.
Buy the highest quality business suit you can afford. Some pieces are worth the investment. Draw up a plan to purchase 2 suits to start work and then 2 suits a year for three years. At the beginning of year 4 retire the oldest suit. When buying a suit always buy the three pieces (a skirt, a jacket & pants or two skirts to a jacket.)
Choose neutral colours
so you can mix and match for many different looks.
Buy quality hosiery. Quality does not mean expensive.. Match nude hosiery to your skin tone. Choose a denier up to 20 as anything over 20 denier is opaque. Change laddered stockings A.S.A.P. While the rule of matching shoes and bag has relaxed it has not been abolished. Choose shoes and bags in similar colours. Always wear court shoes with a suit.
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2013 April 31
2013 June 2013 September
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My Networking Experience at Networking Chats by Angela Reed-Wakelam Networking is a skill. For some of us it comes easily, for others it takes time to learn the art of relationship building. Despite years of working in public relations, I still fall into the latter. I’ve only recently started to attend networking meetings in Brisbane, having left the corporate world and established the fabulous wedding and event planning business Unveiled Weddings and Events. By the time I walked in the doors of Brisbane Networking Chats it was my third networking meeting to date and my first with Jennie Gorman’s organisation. Naturally, it takes courage to walk into a room of strangers and make connections. However, the moment I rounded the corner into the room I was welcomed as though I was a regular. My nerves evaporated and I was immediately drawn into a conversation with other members. The room Jennie had chosen was well-lit and
comfortable and the catering was excellent (c’mon admit it, we all remember what the food is like at events!). As we formally introduced ourselves, it became obvious why Jennie is known as the people connector. With lightning speed she identified synergies between businesses that could lead to brilliant collaborative activities. It was poetry in motion. I walked away from that meeting having spoken to truly inspiring people who have been extremely generous with their knowledge. One session – or three in my case – doesn’t necessarily make a networking guru. However, knowledge and resources, not to mention experience, are all helping me develop my networking skills as well as building and growing my business. I’ll be back to this group and while the food was great, the experience was even better.
Unveiled Weddings and Events
unveiledweddingsandevents@gmail.com
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Cartoonist Ryan McDonald-Smith
www.awesomeauthenticity.com.au
2013 September
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Work life balance # 7
Review, Revise, React by Caroline Miall
The last instalment in our 7 part series, on seeking that elusive balance between our work and home life, encourages an examination of whatever practices and systems you decide to set up for the success of your work. To continue to run effectively, they really require revisiting over time to ensure everything is still serving you well. Review and revise and react. Whether you do it annually or as the need arises; and especially if your business is growing or evolving in any way, chances are things set up to suit you five to ten years ago may be totally inappropriate for you now. You could be spending more money than you need to, not have the insurance coverage that you should, not attracting the work that you could be, or not spending the time with your friends & family that you might have, if your business were running more optimally. There are obvious parts of a business up for re-evaluation, including your advertising and marketing (is it working? Should you be trying another avenue?) also good word of mouth (if you’re not getting it, or repeat business is rare, why?). Expenses, staffing, accounting, insurances etc., Assess how these have changed for you, if at all. Review suppliers and service providers for better deals - phones, internet, insurance, paint, tools. Be upfront about what is working and what is not. You could save loads by just changing a few to suit you better.
Particularly focusing on where your time is going, consider these suggestions proposed over the past seven issues and ask yourself where you could do some things differently to help create the balance you want. • Prioritise – book in the important stuff first, especially your family and friends. • Use technology wisely – don’t let it be your ball and chain. Ensure it allows you to reduce the time you work, not increase it. • Delegate and outsource what you can. Monetise your own hours and work out where you’re spending it. • Set goals for yourself and your company. • Be conscious of balance in your everyday life and plan for it. • Facilitate organisation by employing systems; and do it now, delegate, delete or file. • Review and revise and react. Assess and address what is working and what is not. Hopefully you’ve gained even one small idea from our series that may help you in succeeding in your day to day; whatever success looks like to you. I’m sure that there’s a great amount of peace and comfort to be found in knowing that you will one day be able to look back on your professional and personal achievements, and be satisfied that you gave priority to the things that are most important, both in work and life.
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2013 September
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Are You The Leader Of Your Life? by Josie Thomson
Do you call the shots in your life? Or are you led by others who lead the way, or by old habits you can’t seem to shake? Do you step up when it counts, or do you shy away – preferring the reassurance and direction from a significant other, or some safety blanket? You may not think of yourself as a leader, but we are all leaders: not least…. leaders of our own life. As a leader, be it for yourself or a team (even a family)… you have a responsibility to show up as your true and authentic self and ‘lead’ by example. I’ve had many times when I’ve been called to step up – for myself and for others. In times of change or challenge, we can draw on skills and talents we never knew (or appreciated) we had. At all times we must be the ‘captain’ or key decision maker in our own lives.
sense of knowing who they are and what they stand for. I know no greater gift than that sense of personal responsibility for my own happiness as well as my unhappiness. This is also the journey I take participants on in my full day empowerment and resilience program: How To Have It All For those people unable to catch up with me for regular coaching sessions, this day is jam packed with practical tools and techniques for sustainably assuming command on your own life and re-connecting with your true self. It’s a truly transformational day and an honour for me to share my personal stories and experiences for the enablement and fulfillment of others. Don’t take my word for it – listen to what others have to say about it:
For me, being the leader of my life means that: • I know who I am • I know what I stand for • I know what my values are; and • I intentionally go about my days in alignment with those core values.
When you have that level of certainty about yourself and about what really matters to you, decision making is simple. No longer do you sit on the fence, second guess yourself, doubt yourself or worry about making the ‘wrong’ choices. Life is a journey of ups and downs, and this is when we grow and learn about ourselves and about life. It is in our darkest and most challenging moments that we discover our truth – that we discover who we truly are. This is the ‘gift’ I bring to all my coaching sessions – a platform for people to tune IN and discover, connect and empower their every day with the deepest
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How am I focusing on being the leader of my life right now? Each morning, after greeting the day with a ‘thank you’ for life, living and a genuine acknowledgement of the blessings of my life, I tune into my core values. My values are: joy, truth, love, harmony, making a difference and integrity. These values are my ‘blueprint’ for living my life every day in congruence and full expression of my own truth.
We cannot change our past, our mistakes, our regrets… what we can do is live consciously in each moment to create the most fulfilling experience of life today. As a consequence of living in alignment with my values, I have certainty and authority about my choices and how and to what I commit myself and my time to. This brings greater freedom, ease and flow to my life.
Quick check…. Are you being the leader of your life? Answer these questions: • What does being a leader mean to you? • How do you lead? How do you want to lead? • How can you begin to take greater command of your life? • Are you ‘creating your life’ or reacting to events and letting life or others lead you? • Who do you lead? Who looks up to you and looks for guidance and support? What are you modelling for them? • Are you ‘leading by example?’ If you want to become the leader of your life, I will show you how in my powerful one-day workshop in September where you will learn the 7 simple steps to put you securely in the ‘drivers seat’ of your life – to be your own leader.
Here is an overview of the 7 steps: Step 1: Know Who You Are – the foundation. When you know who you are and what you stand for, making decisions is easy! You will walk out of this day with clarity and certainty and a clear map for making the ‘right’ decisions to create a happier life – maybe even for the first time! Step 2: Know What You Want - This step usually involves shifting focus from what you ‘don’t want’ to what you ‘do’ want. A significant piece of neuroscience is covered which gives understanding about how to rewire your brain for more adaptive thinking and habits.
worthiness, fear or allowing. We create a window of possibility for a new life, a new beginning. This includes being alert to the risks of old thinking, and creating a pathway for mindset shifts with practical techniques to manage those risks, and an introduction to Dr Jeffrey M Schwartz’s work: You Are Not Your Brain (Deceptive Brain Messages) and my F.E.A.R. model Step 4: Pave The Way – Time to shed the old thoughts, habits and beliefs that have held you back or prevented you from living your best life. Introduction to mindfulness with other highly practical tools and tips to pave for a new way of creating, living and experiencing life. Step 5: Prioritising You – Now we make the most of the mental/emotional/physical resources you can access – we look at effective strategies for supporting what you need to sustain your new life reality. Step 6: Show Up and Take Action – How to step up and deliver on your desires and promises to yourself. Helps to assign a deep level of commitment to following through and valuing yourself enough to do it, and keep it going with taking personal responsibility and spirited action. Act – get into it and do things differently, implement the plan with confidence and if it takes a couple of shots, learn from it, be grateful for the learning and keep moving. Step 7: Attitude of Gratitude - a new beginning. Recognising and appreciating the opportunities to learn and grow and develop and strengthen ourselves for future work and service. The benefits of gratitude are still being measured but what we know so far is that this is powerful. Powerful in results neurologically, physically, emotionally, psychologically. Make it a habit.
Josie
Step 3: Know It’s Possible – There can be a big gap between wanting something and actually believing you can have it i.e. thoughts about
2013 September
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Your Higher Calling Brisbane with Getrude Matshe Friday, 27 September 2013 from 7pm - 9:30 pm Getrude Matshe will share some of her own story of how she followed what was important to her and stepped up to take the call. You will be moved. You will be inspired. You will be motivated. Learn how to be sustained from the inside out and find the courage it takes to hear the call, step into your purpose and follow through to success. • Ground your purpose and make it real. • Reverence of money, and the energy behind it. • Remember who you truly are. • The power of listening to The Call.
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• Be reminded there is more than enough. • How do you find your life purpose? How do you find it for yourself? • Money and your calling. Practicality. Business-wise, how do you implement it? • Certainty, how do you connect to it? Bringing the head and heart together. • Where does faith come from? Also introducing Getrude’s workshop “How to Write a Book in 40 Hours” the next day where you will be able to start stepping into your purpose as well as launching books of current group members.
BOOKINGS:
http://highercallingbrisbaneeorg.eventbrite.com.au/
Check out the next page for more details...
Connexions Business Mag
2013 September
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When people ask me why they should invest in property, I always tell them to look at the history of Australian property. In almost every capital city in Australia there are a few inner-city suburbs full of what they call ‘workers cottages’. These are small little dwellings usually squashed together. Have you ever wondered why they are called ‘workers’ cottages? Well it is because when they were built, ‘workers’ lived in them! (No offence intended to all the hard working doctors, lawyers and business executives now living there). You see, once upon a time these areas were where the low-income battlers used to live. But as the population has grown, they have been pushed out. Now an increased number of high income earners are competing for them and that’s why they are worth such high prices.
Below is a map of Australia in 1960 showing a population of 10,392,000, and a map of Australia showing a population of 22,532,000. Can you notice what remains the same, and what has changed? The answer: same amount of land - more people! It really is that simple! It is all about supply and demand. It is an age old phenomenon that has been around since trading of the most basic commodities began. If something is in short supply people will pay more for it. As our population continues to grow, so will property prices. Even during the Second World War, Australian house prices rose. During the ‘recession we had to have’ in the early 90s, house prices rose. The force of population growth is too great for any other countering force to ultimately overcome. Now you will hear some theories going around that Australia has a house price bubble that is set to burst at any moment. The most compelling argument for it is that the difference between the average wage and the average house price is now greater than ever before. While this sells a lot of newspapers and cites a factually correct situation (the difference between wages and house prices is indeed greater than ever) it ignores one key fact.
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You see, about 20 years or so ago you could only get a 15 year mortgage. But now you can get a 30 year mortgage and in some cases even longer. So now, on the same wage, you can borrow more money, and thus everyone can afford a relatively more expensive home than they could before. This is because they have longer to pay their loan back. The same repayment amount can service a greater amount of borrowings. As such everyone’s buying power has now increased dramatically, relative to their wage. So when they compete for the limited land and housing stock they are prepared to pay more. Another theory is that we will experience a market crash similar to the ones that occurred in the United States and the United Kingdom. Now it is important to note that those crashes occurred in those countries due to the ‘GLOBAL’ Financial Crisis, but no price crash occurred here. The short answer as to why this occurred is ‘irresponsible lending’ by banks in those countries. Their banks had such a huge supply of money to lend that they started lending it to anyone and everyone, including people who really couldn’t afford to pay it back. When all those people started to foreclose on their mortgages at once, the market was flooded with houses for sale under mortgage foreclosure
and supply then exceeded demand and prices dropped dramatically. Why did that not happen in Australia? Because our boring old banks decided not to lend money to just anyone. We didn’t have a wave of foreclosures and our market stayed nice and stable. The true heroes that saved Australia from the Global Financial Crisis are actually our banks (Not, contrary to popular belief that Kevin Rudd and the $900 he gave everyone!). So you see there is no price bubble. Our banks simply do not lend money to people who can not pay it back. Whilst I like to beat up the banks a little bit, they at least deserve credit for that. If you’d like to chat more about what options you have to invest, give my office a call on 1300 372 677. I offer personal 90 min Property Investment Coaching Sessions and/or Portfolio Reviews. Aside from this, I host complimentary property investor training days around the country, so please give the office a call if you’re interested in finding out more. Daimien Patterson is Australia’s leading property investment strategist and CEO of Integrity Investment Properties. Want to know more? Visit www.integrityproperty.com.au Get Daimien’s book for FREE Visit his website today!
www.propertyinvestmentmentor.com.au 2013 September
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Four, brand new, never before leased, furnished offices in Brisbane’s South, less than 10kms from the CBD
Your Own Office 4/1311 Ipswich Rd., Rocklea, Queensland, Australia 4106 For more details, visit www.facebook.com/YourOwnOffice/
Coming from the city:
Coming From Ipswich:
Travel down Ipswich Rd to the Muriel Rd/ Sherwood Rd exit. Also signed as Brisbane Markets. Veer Left and keep in the right lane.
From the Ipswich Motorway take the Fairfield Rd exit.
Turn right at the lights under the motorway.
Turn 2nd left into Sherwood Rd, then take 1st left into Abercrombie St.
Continue through the next set of lights and take 1st left into Abercrombie St.
Turn into 2nd drive way and find a park in the complex.
Take the 2nd drive way and find a park in the complex.
You will find us on the Ipswich Rd side of the complex closest to Sherwood Rd.
You will find us on the Ipswich Rd side of the complex closest to Sherwood Rd.
2013 September
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NEW MASTERMIND GROUPS STARTING SOON
INTERESTED?
• Do you wish to move your business to the next level for 2013? • Would you like help to generate a large number of ideas for solutions to any challenges you are experiencing?
Only six people will get the opportunity to be part of this group, so you need to act now if you are interested.
• Are you wishing to have input from other business people into your business? • How would you like to have your business dissected in a creative way? • Are you looking for new contacts to support you? • Do you have ideas you would like to share with others? • Would you like to have your business brainstormed by other business people?
Click on the application form or Visit our website
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businessmastermindgroups.com.au
Connexions Business Mag
Networking for Success by Jennie Gorman
I have realised that people generally “don’t know, what they don’t know”. Have you found that in what you do? We all think that we know about a subject or industry until we actually take the time out to learn about the subject, and I know that it is never what I think it is! I have found that this is very true when it comes to networking. People generally think that they know what they are doing and why they are at an event without really understanding what good networking practices are all about. So, consequently, they don’t the results they were looking to gain. I believe there is a formula that will support anyone wishing to network their business to success. One of the main reasons for most people networking is to gain ‘referrals’, but to do this, we need to develop good relationships. This doesn’t happen without you taking some action. What actions do you take in your networking? Do you know who you are looking to meet and who your prospects actually are? We need to know and understand our niche market to know where and when to networking.
Networking is not just about attending events and hoping that something magic will happen in your business because you gave people your business card. It is about creating relationships with the people you meet and liked and maybe whose businesses and yours have some synergy. You need to take action to make the first move, because, if you wait for them, it won’t happen! I ask people to consider firstly WHY they are networking, as it is the ‘why’ that helps you understand what you need to do. Different ‘whys’ mean you will network differently. Once you have the ‘why’ you need to consider what and where your niche market is and then look for the type of events that will support you to meet the people you need to achieve your outcome. Once you know ‘why’, ‘where’, ‘what’ and ‘who’, then you need to learn the ‘HOW TO’ skills to achieve the advocates you are looking to find. Your ‘raving fans’ are the people who will bring you in your business!
If you want to learn the ‘how to’ of networking,
contact Jennie for more information.
www.connexionsunlimited.com.au 2013 September
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Five Skills Necessary To Run Start-Ups and Small Businesses by Alex Faubel
A great idea does not guarantee success. This is learned the hard way by many in the world of entrepreneurship. An idea may seem great on paper but it comes down to execution. Execution is one of the biggest competitive advantages that startups tend to overlook. To effectively execute an idea and run a successful startup there are a number of skills that are necessary. We’ll cover five of the most important ones.
1. Communication
All entrepreneurs must be able to communicate proficiently. In modern times, communication takes many forms: emails/blogs for written form, presentations, networking, vocal (via phone), and visual (designs, diagrams, infographics). While it is not necessary to be “world class” at all of these, a solid competence is required. An entrepreneur that is unable to communicate ideas or issues sharply and concisely, give a good presentation, or close a sale successfully will not get very far.
2. Networking
While networking may be considered more of an activity, it’s still a very important part of running a startup or small business. There are varying levels of skill among entrepreneurs when it comes to networking and not everyone gets the same amount of value out of a meet-up. Networking abilities can be improved over time, as the skills take practice and a persistent deliberate approach. Projecting confidence and engaging with people goes a long way. To work with high-level clients you should know how they think, speak, and make decisions.
3. Financial Control/Management
When it comes to running a startup, money isn’t always available in abundance. As a matter of fact, bootstrapping is a part of the game. Overall, managing money effectively is a necessity.
Keeping cash flow positive is one of the major responsibilities of someone running a small business. There may be times when you have to cope with low cash flow so smart management of money is a key skill in addition to the ability to raise money from investors and other sources.
4. Recruitment
Recruitment is a crucial part of management. The ability to recognize not only talented people but with the right work ethic, and then convince them to be a part of your business, is a considerable skill for entrepreneurs. This is not something that can simply be outsourced or delegated in the early stages of a startup or small business.
5. Versatility
Startups and small businesses are typically constrained when it comes to resources. This means that those in charge usually have to juggle multiple roles and tasks. These tasks may cross the fields of finance, marketing, operations, and customer service. In the early stages of a startup, the owner’s ability to play multiple roles is often a determinant of whether the company will sink or float. There will come times when it will be best to lessen the juggling and hire the appropriate experts to help. Until then, learn how to identify, analyze, and rank priorities. Successfully running small business or a startup company can involve challenges and taxing work. With the aforementioned skills however, the chances of success are greater, since execution is key in bringing an idea to life. Communication, networking, financial management, recruitment, and versatility are part of entrepreneurial life, especially in the early stages of a startup. Alex Faubel enjoys writing about topics related to business and technology in career-focused education programs.
Jennie Gorman is proud to be part of B1G1
A great idea does not guarantee success. This is learned the hard way by many in the world of entrepreneurship. An idea may seem great on paper but it comes down to execution. Execution is one of the biggest competitive advantages that startups tend to overlook. To effectively execute an idea and run a successful […]
Hi, my name is Mark Harai and I help
entrepreneurs get their ideas out of their head and into the marketplace. I share real life tips, knowhow, lessons I’ve learned, inspiration and insights I think might be helpful to you. I hope you’ll join me! You can connect with me here: Personal Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter, LinkedIn and Mark on Google+.
www.markharai.com
With instant messaging, status updates, member feeds, video dating, dating diaries and more, there are plenty of ways to get to know some of our two million members!
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“Depression is anger turned upon itself” - Sigmund Freud
By working together
we can change the world! You can make a difference…. It is as easy as a click on your computer. 30
Connexions Business Mag
The Importance
of GOOD Business Cards cont. by Jennie Gorman
Over the last four issues I have mentioned four of my 7 Tips on Business Cards. Here now is my take on the fifth one. • ALWAYS have your business cards easily accessible • NEVER run out of cards • Have your PHOTO on your card if you are a small business • Make sure all your information is CORRECT • Give RELEVANT information about your business • Make sure the WRITING on the card is easy to read • Understand other CULTURES in the handling of your cards.
Give RELEVANT information about your business
As mentioned before, your business card is your ‘shop window’. For many it is the first time anyone gets to find out a bit about you. If this is the case, it is IMPORTANT to make sure that you give them some information about what you and your business do. This needs to be in very few words so make sure you give enough that will create enough curiosity so that they want to talk with you or check out your website. For more information on getting your new cards created NOW … Call Stu below on 0414 622 401. You won’t regret it!
2013 September
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Family Law – Lots of Terms by Kym-Marie Bush
So, you find yourself having to consult a lawyer because either you are going into a relationship and want an agreement or you are coming out of a relationship and need to sort things out.
Here’s a brief “dictionary” of the words you might hear: Cohabitation Agreement or Pre-Nuptial Agreement – these are formal documents, which require each party to obtain independent legal advice. They seek to exclude the Court from being involved if there is a subsequent relationship breakdown. The Pre-Nuptial Agreement is conditional on marriage taking place. They are potentially complex documents, however, they are not to include lifestyle clauses such as how much weight a party can gain/lose. Separation – when one party communicates to the other that the relationship is over and the parties start to live separate lives. (Certificate of) Divorce – is the formal end to a marriage breakdown. A Certificate of Divorce issues from the Federal Circuit Court of Australia,
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once an application for divorce has been filed, heard and granted. Property Settlement – the negotiation and resolution, whether by agreement (consent order) or court imposed order, which sets out who receives what part of the available assets, liabilities and superannuation. Trusts and companies are not exempt from this process. Lives with – is the current terminology for previous “custody”, i.e. where a child is their time.
Spends time with – current terminology for “access”, i.e. when a child will see a parent with this time to be significant taking into account all relevant circumstances of the case such as where the parents live, the attitude of the parents towards one another and the child(ren) Equal Shared Parental Responsibility – is the sharing of guardianship responsibilities or the long term decisions concerning the child (e.g. education, surname). Once this aspect has been decided, then consideration is given to whether it is appropriate on a given set of facts to make arrangements for equal shared time or significant time with a parent. There is no automatic presumption of 50/50 time with each parent Knowledge is power. Informed knowledge is even more powerful. Take the time to see a lawyer about your situation and obtain advice first hand. The time you spend may be the best investment you make at this difficult time.
Kym-Marie Bush | Associate Quinn & Scattini Lawyers
au.linkedin.com/pub/kym-marie-bush/6/464/317
Cartoonist Ryan McDonald-Smith
www.awesomeauthenticity.com.au 2013 September
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Journey of the Heart by Rhonda Brown
Life is a journey that we are all on. Even though we each travelling on a different road, sharing that journey brings you joy and fulfilment. Today we tend to live in a state of constant movement that is backwards, forwards and roundabout. This leaves you no time to reflect on what it is you truly want. Missing out on this sacred time of reflection you are often left with the nagging ‘unfulfilled’ feeling. Are you having those conversations with yourself ‘What about me?’ What’s next for me? Where do I go from here? A space to have these conversations is on the pages of your creative journal – private messages for you that are meaningful and colourful. Creative journaling is something you can easily do with no artistic experience. When you enter your sacred place for creating, your mind and body is calmed. Just allow the process and be guided by your inner wisdom. It is a gentle journey that is powerful, healing and transformational. The beauty of it is that anyone can be creative on the journal page. Art is a great way to bypass the chatter that is constantly in your mind. Also art allows you to go to deeper spaces of your unconscious. It is in this magical space that the truths are revealed. The journey of your heart, what’s truly important for you, helps you reveal what truly exists in your life and empower yourself by gaining strength through identifying what’s true for you. Often you find certain areas of life are going really well for you. Yet other areas maybe causing you stress. Maybe some areas of life are causing stress or a challenge for you. Sometimes it’s all too difficult to face and we put it in the ‘too hard basket’ in the hope that it will all turn out fine in the end. You may feel certain areas of life are fulfilling
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while other parts feel as if something is missing and you’re not quite sure what. A good way to go on an exploration journey is through art on the journal page. It is a fun and creative way to tap into your wisdom. To begin spend a few minutes in quite meditation and then allow the colours to choose you, let the pencil flow. Maybe you will find you are drawn to cutting and pasting and making a collage in your book. Often the images evoke a response and the words flow. Writing about your images adds another dimension. During this time of exploration discover what’s missing or what you need more of. Inspiration, excitement, reflection and healing are all part of the journey. Each page is different. Your inner self knows the truth and reveals this to you. It is by looking at all areas of life you become a different person, empowered to live life as your true authentic self.
Trust your intuition and go with the flow allowing your own unique artistic self to grow and blossom.
* Donate your old bras and just $1 with each bra, at any one of the few hundred businesses around Australia. * If you are a business owner or just a crazy individual like myself that would like to become a “Bra Collector� for the next 18 months, simply send me a message and I can send you a vendor kit with all the details.
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Call Jennie to discuss how this works for you 0414 278 344 36
Connexions Business Mag
Growing Great Teams - Management Minutes Weekly
Celebrating Diversity by John Milne
In a few short years our local area has welcomed six restaurants to offer food lovers a brilliant choice.i.e. Indian, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Chinese. Today’s business, school and family environments are composed of teams of multi-disciplined specialists from many countries. These blended teams have the opportunity to embrace this rich diversity to reach shared goals. It is like travelling for pleasure or for business. Indonesia one of our nearest neighbours with 250 million people has as its motto,” Unity in Diversity”.
# Immerse yourself in the local culture. There is in humankind an innate desire to be with people like ourselves. To actively seek difference takes a particular world and personal view. Be open to the richness around you. # Give respect. Respect for people, customs and ways of approaching life and work is the beginning of building productive partnerships. Observe the local etiquette when visiting schools or business colleagues. Well I remember the Japanese Professor of Agriculture going out of his way to take my wife and me to the right station to catch the bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima. # Draw out proven strengths. Talent management is more art than science. It involves seeing how people react in different circumstances and how they tackle complex tasks. Deftly it draws on observable strengths to complete team tasks. Seek to structure teams with complementary high task and high people orientation individuals. Carefully structure projects and tasks to match each person’s skills.
# Develop common understandings. Listen for the things you share in common. Engage in lively dialogue to clarify meaning and to check for understanding. Start with a modest list of agreed understandings. Enlarge the circle of success, as relationships warm and trust builds. # Move from tolerance to celebration. Respecting the views and values of others has long been held up as a good thing. Acknowledging special days and customs is a sign of recognition. Celebrating a workforce’s vibrant diversity takes it a step further. In hiring and promotion policy we see how real this diversity is. Dealing with misunderstandings and conflict in a sensitive way requires high level mediation and communication skills. In the Asia-Pacific Century our future wellbeing and economic prosperity depend on it. The good news is that the possibilities are endless.
John Milne 2013 Coaching by Design for your team: 0448357626 (C)
John Milne is a Coach,Author and Speaker. He encourages aspiring,beginning and mature leaders to peak performance. Book a 6 Star service workshop 0448357626
www.leadershipdownunder.wordpress.com 2013 September
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Is your business flowing - or is it in a swamp? by Jan Muir Is your business flowing - or is it in a swamp? What does that statement say to you? Consider this, life is either flowing for us or we feel the pressure and can be positioned in a swamp. Business is much the same. If you have not got your goals down in writing, how can you aim to succeed? After a number of years in the corporate field, I attended many strategic meetings and in some cases I could see that some were looking back on their results to see if that could be improved. Some could see that to aim forward it would stretch their ability, and was that the right thing to do. Again, the corporate bodies had large numbers to deal with and so in many ways only small steps were taken. Some were totally different paths and all were bought into alignment with the end goal in mind. What is different in Small business? What is it that keeps you fired up to succeed? What is it you take action on towards your end goal every day?
then challenged. What way to go is the question? The answer is the one that is aligned to your end result, as success always avoids being pulled off its pathway. I recently spoke with someone, who shall remain nameless, as to what was their vision. They had struggled for some time to get clear clarity on where they saw their business going. It was not until I asked the question. What is your end goal? What date have you set to make this happen? Umm!! was the answer. I drew reference to Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ and shared the principle of setting a date to achieve that goal. No sooner was it done, it was confirmed by their business coach, and now is set in stone to occur. Amazing the speed it has taken and the clarity that has occurred. One could say, they are now in flow. Where are you in business with your goals? Do you have clarity of your end result? Have you a date tied to it so that you reach that goal so the river can open up for you? Or are you in a swamp?
Have you planned your vision? Have you written a goal for the end of the year, towards success? You will know if things are working for you as you will it feel in the flow. You are in the river, and sometimes you may even hit a bump and are
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www.facebook.com/ jan.muir.possum?fref=ts
I am available for 1 on 1 phone or skype consultations across Australia as well as I conduct workshops on a range of topics for employment agencies or private participants. I am available to speak on any jobsearch related topic at your next networking event also.
Call now
www.facebook.com/myjobmentor
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Cartoonist Ryan McDonald-Smith
www.awesomeauthenticity.com.au
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2013 September
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Upcoming Events Business Ideas Brisbane | Facilitated by Jennie Gorman Thursday 26 September @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm We are a group of SME’s getting together to network and exchange ideas, etc. This Business Ideas Brisbane group is for successful small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to connect with other business owners. Are you creating the business you want? Would you like support to create your dream? Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve the reality of your dreams. It is now time to start really looking at where we are going and what we want in the future from nor only our business but ourselves too. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Connexions Unlimited, 4/1311 Ipswich Road, Rocklea
NEW SME MasterMind Group | Facilitated by Jennie Gorman Commencing Friday, 2 October 2013 @ 9.30 am - 12.00 pm Start ups and SME’s looking to connect with a group of business owners for help and support them to move to the next level of their business. This is an opportunity to learn new skills, find people to collaborate with and be kept accountable. By developing their own independent board of advisors they can bring in the skill sets that are lacking now in their business.
BENEFITS: • • • • • •
your own ‘Board of Directors’ business accountability business advisory board personal & business development achieving a ’90 Day Action Plan’ specialist speakers on subjects you want • being with like-minded people • maximum leverage • unique process of MasterMinding
• design goals with passion and legacy • develop your Business Vision and Mission • better business focus • never alone in business • access to specialist trainers/ speakers • support to solve your challenges in one session
Connexions Unlimited, 4/1311 Ipswich Road, Rocklea
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Upcoming Events Networking Chats | Facilitated by Jennie Gorman Tuesday 8 October 2013 @ 9.30am – 12noon Networking Chats is now a MasterMinding for Networkers group. It is an OPEN group (not closed like my other mastermind groups) and will be a different forum, which will give everyone the opportunity to use this space to develop networking expertise and knowledge, using some of the techniques my MasterMind Groups use. These groups will be Limited to 20 people per month and will be on a first in, first serve basis. The aim of these groups will be to COLLABORATE, SHARE and SUPPORT participants to ACTION their networking by creating a programme that will help them to become not only better networkers but to become stream-lined in their networking.
Connexions Unlimited, 4/1311 Ipswich Road, Rocklea
“How MasterMinding is 10 Times More Powerful than Networking” Tuesday 8 October 2013 @ 6:30pm Registration 7:00 pm Start COMPLIMENTARY Introductory Evening Discover how to use our MasterMinding success formula to: • Gain new business referrals • Triple your business bottom line • Collaborate and create joint ventures • Be kept accountable • Removing road blocks that stop you from growing your business • Grow your business from where you want to be • Share resources • Business coaching/mentoring combined • Learn what to do next when you and your business grow • Maintain confidentiality in your group • Get only the business results that count • Meet past participants who can tell you their experiences.
Connexions Unlimited, 4/1311 Ipswich Road, Rocklea
Directions to Connexions Unlimited’s new venue, go to page 25
contributors Angela Reed-Wakelam www.facebook.com/unveiledweddingsandevents
Editor : Jennie Gorman www.connexionsunlimited.com.au businessmastermindgroups.com.au
Graphic Design : J. Anne Delgado
Anthony Davis www.brightwater.com.au Caroline Miall www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Daimien Paterson www.propertyinvestmentmentor.com.au Jan Muir www.facebook.com/jan.muir.possum?fref=ts Jennie Gorman www.connexionsunlimited.com.au Jenny Richardson www.styleisforever.com.au John Milne www.leadershipdownunder.wordpress.com Josie Thomson www.aexcel.com.au Kym-Marie Bush au.linkedin.com/pub/kym-marie-bush/6/464/317 Mark Harai www.markharai.com Rhonda Brown www.thecreativityqueen.com.au