Ibn magazine spring 2014

Independent Business Network Inc.

Your business growth and support system

Spring 2014

Back to Business Basics 8 Steps to a DYI Website Spring into Mental Health Sustainable Eco-Sensitive Principles How to Spring Clean Your Business

Dehydrate and go Crackers Clever Ideas for a Spring Makeover Travel Tips for Your Spring Vacation 6 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Business Passion

ers b m e rM u o t e Me

Contents

Business How to Spring Clean Your Business Julie Warner 4

Editor’s Letter

Back to Business Basics Robert Cole

6

8 Easy Steps to a DIY Website Angela Mitchell

7

Design It’s “Party Time” at IBNInc as we celebrate our first year of publishing our e-magazine. The past four editions have been packed full of tips, tricks, inspiration, ideas and all round great information in so many vast areas of business.

Our IBNInc members are this month sharing their expertise to help you celebrate the warmer Spring weather and give you fresh, inspiring ideas to rejuvenate your business. Let’s leap into spring together, motivated and armed with new knowledge from our business experts.

Thank you, our readers for your ongoing support as our e-magazine goes from strength to strength each publication.

Until next edition, happy reading.

Clever Ideas for a Spring Makeover Lesley Davies

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Health Spring into Mental Health Pamela Hoy 14 Dehydrate and go Crackers Joy Mozzi

12

Lifestyle Sustainable Eco-Sensitive Principles Sandhya Sunil 10

Networking 6 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Business Passion Julie Warner 8

President Independent Business Network Inc www.independentbusinessnetworkinc.com

Travel Travel Tips for Your Spring Vacation Julie Warner 18

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Business How to Spring-Clean your Small Business Small organisational issues can become the difference between a floundering business and a thriving one.

Whether you need to regain control of your inbox, organise your work space or master some time management skills, here are some tips to give your business a spring-clean.

Email - Send less emails: It has been

Calendar - Have one master calendar:

Choose your preferred medium, either mobile device, email calendar or paper planner - and make sure every commitment is recorded there. If you do plan digitally, you can sync your calendar with others. Schedule everything that needs to get done, whether it’s blocking off time for administrative tasks or a reminder to take a lunch break!

said that for every five emails you send, three come back, taking more of your time engaging in an on-line conversation.

- Simplify email folders: Less

is more. Many people have dozens of email folders, which can make for endless time spent searching.

Try having about six main folders and then break these down with sub-folders.

Name Address Customer ID Invoice No Date

Quantity

Warner Julie yourbusinesshelper Invoice

Description

Unit Price

Total

- Turn off pop-up notifications:

Adjust settings so notifications are not flashing at the bottom of your screen every time there’s an email. These real-time updates can interrupt your work flow. Instead, check at set times during the day, every half an hour or four times a day – whatever works best for your business.

Company Documents - Create branded documents:

Develop company documents listing policies, process and pricing in pdf format so they can be opened no matter what system customers use. When prospective clients make contact, you can reply immediately with the documents attached, rather than repeatedly type out the same information.

Juli

e Warner yourbusin esshelper With Compli

ments

Remittance Name Address Customer ID Amount Due Date Payment Due We accept: Cash, Cheque or Direct Deposit (EFT) Direct Deposit Details: ANY Bank Account: Julie Warner Travel Plans BSB: 345678 Account No: 55557777

Phone: +61 2 8850 4908

Fax: +61 2 8850 3052 Email: julieyourbizhelper@gmail.com

Mobile: +61 414 210

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Work Space - Design a workspace that works: You may colour coordinate in a style that inspires you with storage, noticeboards and stationery, perhaps have on display your annual goals. It is key to organisation, to ensure you have: a shallow tray for everything needing action: bills, mail and todo lists; a desktop caddy that’s only big enough to hold the office supplies you use on a daily basis.

Other items, store them away, out of site to free up desk space for working.

- Have two to four filing systems: one for client information, one for business reference information (permits, zoning, lease agreements) and at least one more for tax documents. Keep this system simple and easy to follow, otherwise people will just not use it.

Taking action on a few of these simple spring cleaning tips could save you hours each week giving your business advantage on your competitors.

Image Source- Pin Interest found on houzz.com

Happy spring cleaning!

To Do Lists

- Keep two to-do lists: Have one master list that includes everything that needs doing, then each day pull out the four most important tasks to accomplish that day and put them on another list (block time out in your calendar to complete these tasks).

Julie Warner

www.facebook.com/YourBusinessHelper

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Back to Business Basics.

Do you know what business So how so you find this client? you are in?

Spend the time to create a profile/ description of your ideal client.

Do you know who your ideal client is?

And once you understand as much as possible about the ideal client, write your marketing/ promotional copy as if writing to the specific individual. Let the marketing become a personal message, where you show you understand their personal hopes, fears, wants, desires – all the unspoken emotions and feelings that drive them. Communicate in a way that has them agreeing (even if only subconsciously) with you.

As spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings, I’d suggest it is also the perfect time to sit back and spend some time reflecting on just what your business is and how to determine who your ideal client is.

In Business, you’re the Chief Salesman.

Create a sense of demand, rather than waiting for demand.

Barbara Cocoran All of us are ‘practitioners’ in one form or another, whether as bricklayers or doctors, but in reality, the business we are all in, is the Marketing of the business we are practitioners in – our main role is to get clients for our business – without a client we don’t have a business

“Business has only

two functionsmarketing and innovation -Milan Kundera

Well, the first step is to actually understand the ideal client (the ‘avatar’) that you want to target for your business so well, you can give them a name – can you identify and describe their: * * * * * * *

age bracket; gender; hobbies and habits; feelings; what they want; what they respond to (or not); what triggers them to action.

Markets change, tastes change so the companies and the individuals who choose to compete in those markets must change.

-An Wang

Do you know where they congregate (whether in person – say at a club; or electronically in forums, groups, etc; on Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; LinkedIn) and how to get involved with them and understand the conversations they are already having with each other or in their own minds?

The golden rule for every business man is this: ‘Put yourself in your customers place.’

-Orison Swett Marden

By the way, defining and targeting an ideal client doesn’t mean you ignore the rest of the prospects, nor that others won’t look to buy from you, but just that it makes it that much easier for you to create a marketing plan that is more likely to be effective. www.thesmallbusinesswizard.com

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8 Easy Steps to a DIY Website

Need a website for one of your hobbies or a new business venture, but don’t have the funds to invest?

Perhaps you should consider a DIY website, it really is a lot easier than you probably imagine.

A couple of steps to consider before you start:

If it is a new business,

* Have you registered a business name with Asic or Fair Trading?

* Do you already have an Australian Business Number (ABN) ?

You will need this number for taxation purposes and it helps to let your customers know that you are a professional. When registering a domain name you may be asked to provide an ABN. If you simply want to blog then you can ignore the above

Here are a few simple steps to get you on your way with your DIY website: 1. Secure a domain name, depending if your site is for Commercial use or Personal.

2. Register that domain name. , the initial cost for that is fairly reasonable, for a .com.au it can be as little as $12 for a year, minimum two years currently.

Be aware that when you renew, the price rises substantially it could be as high as $59 for two years. To renew your Business name with Asic will add a further $76 for three years.

3. Buy some hosting space.

I would not recommend building a ‘free site with

hosting’ as sometimes is on offer, you may find that your domain name is not owned by you, and then you don’t have control with your content management system.

Tip: Take a look at netvirtue. com.au, they offer very reasonable start-up fees (currently $5.90 a month, no lock in contract and superb support) and they are Australian based!

Another Australian host, Crazy Domains offer some very reasonable hosting especially if you elect to pay for 3 or 4 years up front ( relates to around $2 a month) Take a bit of time and do your own research!

You can also ‘Google’, for hosting and domain names, but be aware that most cheaper hosting is ‘shared’ and American based and beware the time difference! They will maintain their servers in their downtime and your site may be down because of it!

supply you with their address, complete with captcha code to try to stop those nasty spam email address harvesters, as well as. Plug-ins giving cool features for displaying images or, for connecting to your Social Media pages - , the list goes on.

6. When searching for Plugins, go with the popular ones not the untried, most are free but you can pay for some if you want tech help and more features.

7. Wordpress does not have to be just a blog, if you search on the net there are tutorials on how to create a full bodied web site.

8. There are also FREE Wordpress templates (you can change the look and feel of your website with a click of a button) or those that you can purchase, that may offer tech support and advice.

Happy hunting!

4. Build your site. There are a few free options out there available!

Once you have a host then you can easily access and build a free site from within the Cpanel area.

5. Check out Wordpress, this gives you a free, robust website, where you are in control of writing your content. There is a huge community of Wordpress buffs who offer you templates for the look and feel of your site. , Plug-ins (php scripts written to give you lots of little extras) are easy to install.

They give you features such as: email that asks for the user to

Angela Mitchell www.meamdesign.com.au

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Networking 6 Ways To Rejuvenate Your Business Passion Most small business owners work tirelessly to make their businesses successful. They rarely take a break and they wear many different hats doing whatever it takes to get the job done. To achieve business success, this is often necessary, but it can also lead to burnout, lost motivation and overall unhappiness.

The good news is there are simple things you can do to restore your passion and revive the excitement you feel for the work you do. Here are six ideas to get you started.

3. Become a Regular Networker 1. Do What You Love There will always be parts of your work you love doing more than anything else – you wouldn’t have started your business if this wasn’t true! But as you grow your business, the mustdos can outweigh the things you love. Whilst you can’t ignore these necessary tasks of your business that you don’t love doing, you can make sure you leave enough time to focus on the things you do.

2. Delegate Many small business owners have a difficult time accepting that they don’t have to do everything in their businesses on their own.

Delegation is a powerful skill to learn, which will save you time and increase your overall level of happiness leaving you to focus on those areas you love and are good at.If there is something you are not so skilled at that you can outsource, then you can use the time saved on these tasks to focus on what you really enjoy doing.

Being a small business owner can be isolating, even more so if you work from home.

This is why it’s so important that you create your own opportunities for networking and interaction. Look to join local business organisations or your Chamber of Commerce and commit to attending their regular meetings and events.

4. Set Aside Time for SelfImprovement Working so hard and often in isolation on your small business can sometimes make you very complacent with the day to day tasks required. If you break your routine, make time to improve your skills or learn something new, this can give you renewed motivation and inspiration.

Routines can be good for productivity but not so good for overall happiness.

5. Remember the “Why” How often do you think about why you started your business? You decided to start your business because you believed in your ideas and you were motivated

to take the risk. That “why” can ground you and help keep your eye on the prize and remind you why you are working so hard. This is the place you’ll find the most happiness and satisfaction in your work, so visit it often!

6. Take a Break When was the last time you took a break without checking email, answering your phone, or peeking at your computer? As a small business owner this doesn’t happen very often, if ever! But it should.

You don’t need to schedule an actual holiday and ignore work entirely (although this should be a long-term goal!); as little as an hour “off duty” can do wonders for your level of happiness in your work.

Next time you’re feeling a little melancholy and start to question if you are cut out to be a small business owner, try a couple of these tips to get back on the happy track. www.independentbusinessnetworkinc.com

Julie Warner

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Lifestyle Sustainable, Eco-Sensitive Principles

When it comes to Spring, almost everybody will think of it in ‘garden’ terms. They easily associate flowers, blossoms and foliage as the essence of Spring, in fact as a defining part of the season.

Stepping Lightly – is the underpinning of Earth Matters Consulting garden designs which attempt to demonstrate ecosensitivity without any design compromise. This is achieved by employing principles of recycling, retaining rain water on site, gabions filled with site debris, using rubber tyres and furniture made from recycled rubber tyres or using bamboo for decking which is a highly renewable material and finally, by strengthening the habitat with planting appropriate plants.

‘Destination NSW’ has made the

Australian Garden Show in Sydney as the first Spring event this year from the 4-7th September at the Centennial Parklands. As one of the privileged invited designers, I was excited as well as nervous with my first foray into a competition of this sort. To design and implement a display garden would be such an honour and challenge, where the all-important sustainable and eco-sensitive principles could be showcased.

With my chosen garden theme of “Rain Garden” there was an opportunity to demonstrate sustainability and recycling as an integral part of landscape designing where consciousness about our natural resources takes centre stage.

The key elements in sustainable gardening are: rain water harvesting, correct plant choices and edible gardening directed towards food self-sufficiency.

The “Rain Garden” design demonstrates that aesthetic solutions can, and are to be found in sustainable landscapes.

Using materials like aluminium, rubber, recycled timber, recycled glass mulch and harvesting rain water, the consumerist appetite is inverted.

Sandhya Sunil

www.earthmattersconsulting.com.au

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Health Dehydrate and Go Crackers!

What have you got hiding at the back of your kitchen cupboards along with the bread maker? What about in the hall under the stairs or maybe stuck high up on a shelf in the garage along with other boxes? de·hy·dra·tor; A device, apparatus, or appliance that dehydrates food for preservation.

Photo: green pea burgers

As we return to wanting fresh produce, planting fruit trees and growing our own veggies, dehydrating is again becoming popular. And if you’re still only

dreaming about gardening, your neighbour, work colleague or local markets might have a few extra bucket loads of produce to give you.

Yes, it’s one of those big pieces of equipment that is hard to hide away when the novelty of drying your own apples wears off. After reading this article I hope you will be inspired to use it again or to buy one. Drying your own fruit is easy and provides healthy snacks for people and especially children with allergies and food intolerances to synthetic preservatives.

Before electricity there was sunshine. Fresh produce was laid out on trays with netting to keep the birds and bugs off the food. Strips of meat and fish were hung in box like dryers until leathery. Today we can enjoy a more comfortable experience working in our kitchen filling the trays, switching the unit on and walking away till ready.

ingredients for green pea burgers

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Crackers, fruit roll-ups, sweet treats, crumble mixes can all be on hand for: * * * *

School lunch boxes Take to work Travelling Snack attacks and cravings

Choose a day to get yourself organised. Once you have dried a few batches of goodies, it will get easier and quicker to prepare delicious fruit roll-ups. Banana and walnut are my favourite!

Photo: buckwheat crumble with fruit salad Photo: apple and nut cookies with agave syrup

What type of unit should I buy?

Photo: banana & walnut roll-ups

This depends on what kind of drying you hope to do. Before buying, try to attend a dehydrator workshop and learn more about the things you can do. There are round and square units ranging from the really cheap $30 (not recommended!) to the medium range $200 and up to the larger size $500 or more varieties.

Electricity costs are not high and

I tested the Ezidry model that is one of my favourites. Using a voltage meter to measure power consumption on high for 2 hours worked out to 12 cents an hour!

Joy Mozzi from Fruvenu runs dehydrator classes for groups of 5 or more in people’s homes or at the Narara Ecovillage where she lives on the Central Coast.

Make sure you have the ingredients.

Some will need soaking in advance.

Pitted dates are an economical and suitable alternative to processed sugars but need to be soaked 1224 hours in water to soften.

Where are you going to put your dehydrator, decide on the spot where it won’t be in the way or annoy you with the slight humming sound. The kitchen is first choice followed by on top of the washing machine in the laundry or the bathroom. You could even sit it on a chair next to a power point out of your way.

Photo: kale chips with ‘not cheesy’ topping

Joy Mozzi

www.fruvenu.com.au

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Spring Into Mental Health

Spring is the perfect time to celebrate your life and to activate any changes you may have been procrastinating about.

longer hibernating, may be the motivation you need to achieve those changes for a happier and fulfilling life.

Have you ever hidden the fact you are not managing your daily challenges the way you really wish you were?

* There are many reasons for emotional and mental illness, and like any illness there are varying degrees of severity * However with a caring professional, most people respond very well and lead productive, happy lives.

To de- clutter your home, work, relationships and most importantly, to de-clutter When you delay taking action to Times are changing, the stigma improve your emotional wellbeing, associated with emotional and your mind.

When your mind is overwhelmed with constant negative self talk and doubt, it becomes difficult to concentrate, to make informed decisions and to generally enjoy your life.

Spring has “sprung� and there is no time like the present to improve your physical, mental and emotional health. Just one step at a time. Becoming more active after the chilly winter season and no

you may run the risk of the negative feelings progressing to a mental illness.

Looking after yourself with some of the tips listed below is a positive first step.

mental illness is decreasing as the general population becomes better educated as to the reality of emotional and mental illness.

The myths and fiction that once surrounded the illness is lifting.

October is Mental Health

* If a few weeks pass, and your negative emotions deepen, it may be good idea to seek the assistance of a trained therapist

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month in NSW. Perhaps you could check out the planned activities where everyone is welcome. The activities are varied and held in many locations.

The Mental Health Association of NSW has “10 STRESS LESS TIPS� you may find helpful. * Focus more on the things you can control. * Have the courage to be imperfect * Take time for yourself.

Pa

ess Str

Dep Para re sc

ssion Anx noia iety nic Att acks ophre z i h ni a

* Sign up for that course, join that club.

* Be active every day, in as many ways as you can. * Spend time with people who make you feel good. * Laugh out loud each day.

* Invite your neighbour over for a cup of tea. * Do one thing now that you have been putting off. * Remember, this too shall pass.

Celebrating emotional and mental health, as well as understanding and managing emotional and mental illness is a huge positive step forward. We can all play a part in helping ourselves and others to reduce the fear and misunderstanding of this illness by asking questions and listening to the answers.

If you need urgent assistance, please phone:

Life Line 13 11 14.

If you would like more information, see my details on the back page of this magazine www.hypnotherapyandcounselling.com

Pam Hoy

15

Design Clever Ideas for a Spring Makeover

It’s that time of year again, spring has sprung! The flowers are all blossoming, birds are singing, baby animals are roaming and there is a hint of the warmth of summer in the air…..

Perfect time for de-cluttering, cleaning and re decorating your home…there is a reason they call it a ‘spring clean’ everything gets refreshed and reinvigorated.

Why not start the new season off with some brighter colours? A redecorate does not need to cost a lot of money, it’s amazing what a difference a coat of paint in a fresh new colour can make.

Add in a few new scatter cushions and some ornaments or accessories in a complimentary colour and voila! You have instantly transformed your room – minimum cost and minimum effort.

You can also try adding some key art pieces or some wall decals to accentuate various areas in the home. Wall decals in particular are affordable and easy to put up and take down – however if you do decide to add wall decals to a freshly painted wall it is best to wait a week for the paint to cure before sticking anything to it.

Just a few ideas to give your home a mini makeover this spring!

Lesley Davies www.2beecreative.com.au

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Decals by 2 Bee Creative

17

Travel Travel Tips for Your Spring Vacation

There truly is an art to travelling well and having a successful holiday. The more experiences you have, the better a traveller you become.

I have decided to save you some learning time and share some of my best travel tips.

1. Get travel insurance. It’s obvious, but probably one of the most important items on this list.

2. Register your details with www.DFAT.gov.au , this one is obvious but surprisingly so many of us don’t actually do it.

In case of an emergency, your family will

3. Scan your passport and travel documents. Keep a copy in your suitcase, give copies to family/friends and email them to yourself.

4. Get your vaccinations if you need them. Yes they are expensive and in most cases you will stay healthy. But, if you do get sick, you will kick yourself if you could have easily prevented it and you didn’t.

6. Learn how to pack light and pack smart. The less you have to carry, the happier you will be travelling. Must have – a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

5. G e t f o l d e r s f o r t r a v e l documents and itineraries to keep everything organised.

Tip: Put necklaces in straws so they don’t get jumbled, use a button to keep earrings together and take a look at this Packing List to help you.

7. Always pack spare plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes and shoes.

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8. Take a well-stocked medical kit.

Some items are unavailable in other countries and different food can play havoc with your stomach.

9. Keep an emergency stash of money. If you lose your wallet you will still need to eat.

11. Rinse your clothes in the basin or shower. Take a little travel sized bottle of laundry detergent with you or washing powder in a zip lock bag.

12. Carry baby wipes. This can be used to feel clean when there are no showers or before eating to clean hands.

13. Learn how to say “hello”, “yes please”, “thank you” and “do you speak English?” in the local language. People really appreciate you making an effort.

14. Know approximately how much it should cost in a taxi to your destination – don’t get conned! Make sure they are legitimate taxi drivers. Always carry a card with your hotel address on it and a map.

15. Always carry a hard copy map of the city you’re going to. Save your phone charge for when you really need it.

10. Keep a change of clothes and basic toiletries in your carry-on.

If your luggage gets lost you will be very glad to have these.

Tip: An empty Chap Stick is a fantastic secret hiding spot.

16. Make sure your bank cards work before you leave home.

17. Carry tissues that can double up as toilet paper along with a hand sanitiser. Use public transport. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s cheap and you mix with the locals. Get a map, learn the different ticket types and look for any travel cards to purchase in advance.

18. Ask the locals for advice, tips and where the best places are to eat. The best beach probably isn’t the most popular one.

The locals can help you find those secret spots you will rave about.

19. Be aware of the local laws and customs and be respectful. Pay attention to how locals dress so as not to offend.

That’s our list. Hopefully these tips will make your next trip a little more successful and allow you to relax and enjoy!

Happy Travels

www.juliewarnertravelplans.com

Julie Warner

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Independent Business Network Inc Business Directory ACCOUNTING

FINANCIAL SERVICES

LIFESTYLE

Sydney Taxation Services P 9873 4139 M 0411 695 151 E janice@sydneytaxationservices.com.au

The Investors Club P 9626 2655 M 0418 447 815 E robyn@atkinskr.net.au

Margaret King - Enjo P 9862 9966 M 0418 166 016 E margaretking3@optusnet.com.au

ARTIST/HOME DECOR

Tag Financial Vivecka Sripathy P 8884 7444 M 0423 413 210

www.sydneytaxationservices.com.au

2 Bee Creative P 9629 2136 M 0409 962 921 E lesley@2beecreative.com.au www.2beecreative.com.au BUSINESS

Julie Warner Your Business Helper P: 02 8850 4908 M: 0414 210 979

www.facebook.com/YourBusinessHelper

Robert Cole The Small Business Wizard M 0419 011 638

www.thesmallbusinesswizard.com

COMMUNITY SERVICES

My Local Guide M 0401 718 374 E claire@mylocalguide.net.au www.mylocalguide.net.au

CONVEYANCER

Tracey Warden M 0414 640 205 E tracey.warden@hotmail.com EDUCATION TUTORING

Advanced Education Solutions 48 Meryll Av, Castle Hill P 9686 4289 M 0413 100 655 E sharleen@aestutors.com.au www.aestutors.com.au

Dyslexia Matters 24 Lightwood Way, Beaumont Hills. NSW 2155 P 8064 7248 www.dyslexia-matters.com.au

www.memberlink.tic.com.au

www.facebook.com/MargaretKingEnjOpreneur?ref=hl

Gary England M 0450 200 500 E gary@HotBeverageHealth.com

vivecka.sripathy@tagfin.com.au

HOME REPAIR & IMPROVEMENT COMMERCIAL DESIGN

Mirren Property & Finance Rene Marzinger T: (02) 8814 5997 F: (02) 8814 6003 M: 0402 361 396

Cassie and Cassie Building Design P 9651-5198 M 0423-344-283 E Kalene@cassieandcassie.com

GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGN

Inspired Spaces P 9894 7548 M 0401 068 670 E robyn@inspiredspaces.com.au

www.mirren.com.au

Meam Design P 9636 1254 M 0414 604 979

www.meamdesign.com.au

HEALTH

Heal with Hypnotherapy Divine touch Massage Therapy M 0410 584 591 E vickibon@bigpond.net.au www.healwithhypnotherapy.com.au

www.divinetouchmassagetherapy.com.au

Fruvenu Healthy Food Workshops Gluten/Lactose/Egg Free M 0428 582 258 www.fruvenu.com.au

Pamela Hoy Clinical Hypnotherapy and Counselling P 9634 6262 M 0409 772 015 E pamhoy@bigpond.com

www.hypnotherapyandcounselling.com

Rosanna Haynes Massage P 9889 7699 M 0425 217 049 www.rosannahaynes.com.au

www.cassieandcassie.com

www.inspiredspaces.com.au

Colourbright Pty Ltd M 0407 080 155 E rockey@colourbright.com.au Earth Matters Sandyha Sumil M 0439 332 998

www.earthmattersconsulting.com.au

RECRUITMENT

Debra Manson Recruitment P 8883 2163 M 0433 227 601 E debra@debramanson.com.au www.debramanson.com.au

TRAVEL SERVICES

Julie Warner Travel Plans P 8850 4908 M 0414 210 979 E julie@juliewarnertravelplans.com www.juliewarnertravelplans.com