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FEBRUARY 2014
Founder & Editor in Chief Janine Garner | janine@littleblackdressgroup.com.au EDITORIAL Managing Editor Kate Stone| kate@glossmagazine.com.au Contributing Editors Melissa Browne Nikki Fogden-Moore Guest Writers Kate Stone Nikk Seagren Renata Cooper Cassandra Heilbronn Vicki Stirling Zahrina Robertson Janine Garner ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ads@glossmagazine.com.au EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@glossmagazine.com.au Published By: LBDG littleblackdressgroup.com.au MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES AND FEEDBACK www.littleblackdressgroup.com.au info@glossmagazine.com.au Š LBDG 2014 All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of LBDG is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this online magazine at time of going to press, and we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors.
A Message From Me Welcome to the latest edition of GLOSS – which is all about the power of transformation. 2014, according to the Chinese horosope is the Year Of The Horse. The horse is a symbol of strength and power and in business terms I see this year as one to be brave in business. It’s about being prepared to stand out from the crowd; to be willing to put your hand up and say ‘yes I am a game changer’. It may mean breaking some existing business relationships and starting new ones. It may even mean a realignment of priorities. What tools are you going to employ to make you the leader you want to be? The language of leadership has evolved considerably in the last few years. It’s no longer simply about what you say. It’s no longer simply about walking the talk. It’s actually about what you DO as a leader - this is the critical element of the leadership language that people are using to check your crediblity, authenticity and truth. While we can’t promise you miracles, the articles in this month’s edition will provide you with some invaluable insight and inspiration to support you in your own journey on the road to your transformation from ‘great’ to ‘gamechanger’. Ranging from networking skill sets to internal insights, there are paths forward for the brain and the body. a bang across all States and I am looking forward to meeting you all over the coming months. A big shout out of thanks to this month’s contributors. If YOU are interested in submitting an article for GLOSS please connect with me - this is your forum to share your thoughts and ideas. We want GLOSS to be a part of your evolution. We want to know what you would like to read about. Your feedback is invaluable, so please keep the comments coming! Contine to... Connect ~ Inspire ~ Succeed
If you would like to write for GLOSS, or are interested in advertising with us, please contact us via editorial@glossmagazine.com.au
Contents A MESSAGE FROM ME
MONEY TALKS
BODY & SOUL
A Message From Me
Contributing Editors/ Writers
Events Calendar
Janine gives her run down on this month’s issue.
Find out more about our regular columnists and the expertise that they bring to GLOSS every month.
What’s on this month’s LBD schedule...
Growth & Transformation
The Inside Out of Fashion
Y Network?
The best way to tackle a challenge
What makes international designer Henry Roth really tick.
Now is not the time for young professionals to become complacent.
ARTICLES
How Women can Climb the Corporate Ladder Australian women are amazing. Yet very few of us are reaching the same heights in business as men.
NEWS & REVIEWS
Connecting Authentically The how tos of creating a visually compelling personal branding image.
LOIS LANE LIVES
Talking to an Angel Renata Cooper shares how now is the perfect time for a women to invest.
Being Local
News & Reviews
Lois Lane Lives
Vicki Stirling shares her London trip learnings and why now more than ever we need to think local.
The latest in blogs, books and online news.
There’s nothing wrong with high heels in business. Is there? Kate looks at the perception of pumps - and image - when you are climbing the corporate ladder.
Contributing Editors
Melissa Browne
Nikki Fogden-Moore
Melissa Browne is an author, entrepreneur, business owner, and shoe & jumpsuit lover.
Nikki Fogden-Moore is all about practicing what she preaches – and what she preaches is balance. Balance between work, home and maintaining your personal best.
She has two successful, award-winning businesses - Accounting and Taxation Advantage & Business Advantage Coaching and is the author of the recently published to rave reviews business book, More Money for Shoes. Being an accountant, she understands the numbers but as an entrepreneur understands that numbers are only part of the story. She knows what it takes to achieve results that defy the trends and create incredibly robust, successful businesses . She is a tax expert with a particular passion for seeing small business owners develop A regular contributor to the Sydney Morning or visit acctaxadv.com.au
She uses nature as her playground – and wants all LBDG members to do the same. “Ultimately health, vitality and getting the most out of life do not have to be last on the list. It’s support that suit your own goals and needs. We are here to inspire, educate and help people stay motivated, with practical tools and information enabling them to make the best decisions for long term health and wellness – My motto: CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT” The owner of Life’s A Gym, Nikki is a motivational speaker, trainer and all round powerhouse who will help you to bring your body and soul together. Connect with her on twitter @nfogdenmoore or visit lifesagym.com.au
Guest Writers CASSANDRA HEILBRONN Cassandra Heilbronn is a lawyer with a background in marketing. In her personal time, she mentors a number of young professionals with social networking and helping transitioning real world reputation to an online presence ahead of major book launches throughout the world. Professionally, Cassandra is regularly invited to present or appear on panels on social media and marketing related topics and most recently presented at the Australian Young Lawyers Conference. Cassandra devotes personal time to sharing her #lifeofalawyer and #careergirls stories through her blog to encourage young female professionals to move towards their goals and break the glass ceiling. www.lawyercas.blogspot.com.au
NIKK SEAGREN Nikk Seagren is a born leader and entrepreneur, A founding partner and co-owner of she wanted more: more satisfaction, more challenges, more understanding about how someone could be truly happy. Having a thirst for personal development for the last 20 years she has invested well over $200,000 in personal development courses and training. Her core focus is to share with her community how to have authentic, congruency and centeredness in their lives & their thinking. Nikk walks the talk. She is passionate about coaching, and she is a living testament to its results. Now, she distils everything she has learned so that you can use it to create your ideal life. And yes, she is now thrilled to leap out of bed, daily. www.inspiretribe.com.au
RENATA COOPER Renata Cooper is a multi-faceted businesswoman, entrepreneur and angel investor. She is the founder and CEO of Forming Circles, one of Australia’s leading a social and ethical investment companies that has invested in over 100 local and national businesses, individuals and organisations since its inception in 2011. Through her angel investment portfolio, she is also the Director of iVvy, an online event management and registration software that works with Flight Centre, Westpac, Queensland Government, BMW and other leading brands. Renata is a passionate advocate for women in business, literacy and youth empowerment. In her role, Renata pioneers change in Australia through community engagement; education, mentorship and grants for small businesses (especially women entrepreneurs). One of her key accomplishments was the launch of Written Portraits, an annual national creative writing competition for high school students that reached thousands of students across Australia. Her business model is founded using tools of the 21st Century such as social media, crowd-funding campaigns and innovative thinking and the more traditional method of driving positive word-of-mouth through impactful actions. She is also an accomplished artist, living in Sydney with her husband and two children. www.formingcircles.com.au
Guest Writers VICKI STIRLING Vicki Stirling runs Sunrise Junction, a Brand and Business Consultancy for fashion & lifestyle folks! We merge Style with Strategy to achieve Creative and Considered business results. Vicki spent 18 years forging a path through some of the World’s largest fashion and career spans everything from Product Development & Marketing to Sales & General Management. Vicki has a philosophy of authenticity and honesty; a no-bull approach to brand & business improvement. She has a high energy “Why-Not” attitude and a passion for creative thinking. “Some have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why-not?” Picasso www.sunrisejunction.com.au
ZAHRINA ROBERTSON Zahrina is Australia’s leading, award winning and personal branding portrait photographer with over 8 years experience. Zahrina produces high-end portraits that inspire, position and engage audiences. Her signature branding images cover the famous to industry thought leaders, game changers and entrepreneurs. Zahrina is the host of self-titled Zahrina TV, a speaker, author and media commentator.
www.zahrinaphotography.com
Events FEBRUARY
FEB-APRIL 2014
1 2 3 4 5 6 EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - SYDNEY 7 8 9 10 11 12 EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - SYDNEY BUSINESS PLANNING MASTERCLASS - SYDNEY 13 14 15 16 17 18 EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - MELBOURNE BUSINESS PLANNING MASTERCLASS - MELBOURNE 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - BRISBANE BUSINESS PLANNING MASTERCLASS - BRISBANE 27 28 29 30
Calendar MARCH
APRIL
EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - SYDNEY
EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - SYDNEY THINK TANK - SYDNEY ONE ON ONE WITH JANINE (PLATINUM) EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - SYDNEY ONE ON ONE WITH JANINE (PLATINUM) ONE ON ONE WITH JANINE (PLATINUM) ONE ON ONE WITH JANINE (PLATINUM)
BUSINESS VITALITY RETREAT - BRISBANE BUSINESS VITALITY RETREAT - BRISBANE BUSINESS VITALITY RETREAT - BRISBANE BUSINESS VITALITY RETREAT - BRISBANE EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - MELBOURNE BUSINESS REVIEW (PLATINUM) - MELBOURNE THINK TANK - MELBOURNE EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - SYDNEY BUSINESS REVIEW (PLATINUM) -SYDNEY
EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - BRISBANE BUSINESS REVIEW (PLATINUM) - BRISBANE THINK TANK - BRISBANE EXCLUSIVE DINNER SERIES - MELBOURNE
How women can climb the corporate ladder Janine Garner, Founder, Little Black Dress Group
Australian women are amazing. We are well educated, highly capable and ambitious. Yet, very few of us are reaching the same heights in business as men. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australian companies have the lowest percentage of women on Boards and in top executive roles compared to other developed countries including the United States, Canada and South Africa. than men, with 50 percent more women graduating from University, their careers do not progress at the same rate. Something doesn’t add up. Through the Little Black Dress Group, I am lucky enough to know hundreds of incredible women who have found success in business or are working their way up the corporate ladder. By breaking through obstacles and taking ownership over their career, many Australian women are defying the odds and reaching new career heights. There are many things women can do to make the climb up the corporate ladder an easier one. Promote yourself authentically Promoting yourself is essential to getting your work noticed, getting that job promotion, or taking your business to the next level. However, often women feel uncomfortable with the idea of ‘selling’ themselves. The key is promoting yourself in an authentic and honest way. Unless you put your skills, ideas and achievements out there, no one will know about them. Don’t let self doubt and fear paralyse you We can be our own worst critics. It can be easy at times to succumb to self-doubt, fear be debilitating and can stop you achieving your dreams or trying something new. It is important to shift your perspective and remind Celebrate your achievements Too frequently I hear women being overly humble, downplaying their achievements or
Men don’t do this near as often, nor should they. Celebrating your achievements gives you pride which equips you for the next challenge. Women are used to being responsible for the needs of others. We tend to give too much to others and not enough to ourselves. We need to learn how to recognise and prioritise our own needs. Without putting our own needs someone else’s prospects or helping build their career, rather than our own. Ask for what you want Women are often reluctant to ask for what they want. We may feel like we don’t deserve it, or by asking we are being pushy or overbearing. We need to speak up and believe in ourselves voice must be heard. Seek the right support Successful women seek support from an extensive network of other women, mentors and sponsors. These are the people who will help your career grow. Successful women network and create valuable and fruitful relationships. They don’t shy away from asking for help and are happy to support others in return. By taking control over our lives and careers, we as women can progress up the corporate success.
http://www.littleblackdressgroup.com.au/
Connecting Authentically with your Target Market – A how to Zahrina Robertson In order to create a visually compelling image that represents you in your business, it not only needs to look fantastic, it also needs to engage or “talk” to potential clients with credibility and authenticity. This is where knowing your target market is paramount. Here are a few of my top tips to assist you in conveying the right visual message: 1)
Your corporate branding strategy is unique to your business.
2) people will not engage with you. However, if the demographic that you’re marketing toward calls for a more casual style then don’t necessarily wear formal clothes or business attire. 3)
4) 5) decision whether to work with you or not within one minute so your online branding images must be a strong representation of your competency and character. 6) 7) Find the right professional to take your branding photographs - one who is willing to help you understand your business goals and your key messages. A do-it-yourself approach can be very damaging and no-one wants a corporate “mug shot”.
LBDG’s First Seeds Fund brings together its members and friends to support the lives of women and children with a focus on education and employment. We are currently funding an educational scholarship and programmes supporting Year 6 to Year 12 children in the disadvantaged NSW community of Warwick Farm. “The power of the First Seeds Fund comes not in the strength of the individual but through collaboration, the creation of a singular strong voice and a strategic approach to philanthropy,” says Janine Garner, founder of the First Seeds Fund. “Together we can all become architects of change.”
To make a donation to the First Seeds Fund please click here.
Talking To An Angel: The Year of the Female Entrepreneur Renata Cooper
Australia has been a hotbed for female entrepreneurs for a while now and is only getting better. The Gender-GEDI report ranked Australia as the second best place for women
Entrepreneurs with a desire to grow their portfolio will recognise that angel and VC funding not only brings in much needed cash capital but also gives them access to experience, networks
100 businesses started by men in Australia, 85 businesses are started by women – the 4th highest out of 17 countries. And, testament to the strength of this market are statistics published by AWCCI that suggests the number of women starting businesses has doubled since 2007 and there are around one million women trading in Australia.
paying heed to the strength and force of female entrepreneurs. Forbes recently highlighted that
These one million women know that in any given lifecycle of a business, there comes a time when the next level of growth and expansion can only be achieved by investing in research, people, products / services, infrastructure and
female entrepreneurs in Australia and the need to recognise and support more women-led
female entrepreneurs in Australia, an increase in the number of women seeking capital injection for their businesses should be expected. However, in a stark contrast, GEDI highlights that women receive only 5% of Australia’s venture capital (VC) funds.
performed better than all male-led businesses. This could be linked to other reports that women are better money managers than men. I recently started my foray into angel investment
for me as, after a couple of years of building Forming Circles as an umbrella organisation to support start-ups founded by women, I took the step to grow laterally as an angel investor and open the door to other women investors who would like to join me. which to invest is often daunting. What really shaped my decision were factors that had Circles: global growth potential, disruptive technology that challenged the traditional models, a solid business plan that can only be realised by a capable team led by visionary leaders and the ability to deliver return on investment within a reasonable time frame. I’m hoping that 2014 is the year that more women venture out and take the brave step to starting their dream venture. It is the perfect time for women to invest their emotional,
Most female entrepreneurs get early funding at start-up phase through networks of family and friends, personal investments and bank loans. As businesses grow, they can choose to expand and diversify or be comfortable with what they have achieved and maintain steady income. The choice is dependent on the ambitions and vision of the entrepreneur. But, for businesses wanting to branch out, accessing capital through angel investors or VC funding is one of the most viable options – and, as the numbers point out, an option that has not been accessed.
dream business. Dream big – Think big and be the new gamechanger that everyone is talking about.
in Business Nikk Seagren
VISION As leading women it is clear we are adept at navigating one version or another of the traditional corporate path leading to a senior position or the small business path leading to a successful SME. There are some amongst us who will be able to say “I was born to do what I’m doing now”: from day one the path was clear. And then, there are those of us who will take a little longer, slightly more Through the use of mentors, the time and the angst invested to arrive at this space was less than it
The idea of constantly compressing the time taken to arrive at a particular level of personal ability and self-awareness is a driving force for me. Not because the success of our life is to be measured by how quickly we can pass through it but because the idea of using every ounce of potential we are born with and therefore being able to contribute to the growth of our generation and those beyond us is an inspiring vision. OPENNESS The most important trait to take into a career is openness. This quality comes from the willingness to be curious about everything we come across, the desire to challenge ourselves and the status quo and our ability to give and receive raw feedback. Curiosity led me through a range of diverse career choices: From an engineering degree through to sales and even to teaching English in Japan. It took me wide and far and I spent over 10 years to
captivating. There was so much energy and passion that I’d creep out of bed at 3am in the morning eager to jot down notes how to improve the business systems or the perfect solution to a complex Book after book on business and personal growth was consumed – anything that would assist to speed up the path. I worked the hardest & longest hours I’d ever worked and my average hourly rate And then, around year four, the business hit a plateau. I hit a plateau. Openness had all but gone ramped the business up to the next level while keeping my hours the same and gaining more time for me outside of work. The business required just 45 hours a week of my time. By now I was highly skilled and a recognized top performer in the industry. There was an 8:30am start, a 6pm dinner with the family every weeknight, weekends were all mine – it was virtually unheard of in the broking industry. I was on a good wicket. INSPIRATION But there was a gap. An omnipresent feeling of lack.
In the eyes of most of my friends this was the ideal set up. In many ways I agreed. Logically & reputation well earned. In hindsight everything was pointing to a crossroad. But, the signs were ignored and a new home the same point again. Albeit with a lovely home to live in. General happiness with life. I couldn’t point to any area that was ‘bad’. But I couldn’t’ point to much that was awesome either. It seemed that all that I had was awesome but it was not for me, Enter the world of NLP coaching. With the assistance of Yolande Hobby, fellow LBD member Helen Treloar and a number of other mentors, I learnt about true responsibility, personal congruency and the art of being centered in any situation; about openness, freedom and internal inspiration. Delegation was suddenly simple. If I didn’t enjoy it, I didn’t do it. If it could be done by someone for less than my hourly rate, it wasn’t done by me. Now lighter, freer and much, much happier, I was working just 10 hours a week. chaining me to a very good business – 9 years in an industry, a wealth of experience and expertise BUT there was no desire & no passion in it for me. I had started my business journey with openness, but I’d failed to evolve to internal inspiration: the key to personal greatness and business success. I now understood the ability to be raw and on challenges turned inwards becomes a willingness to challenge one’s language, thinking and
20 years ago, I may have skipped over the last paragraph. Read through it quickly to get to the key, missing that it is the key. the keys to personal greatness which is the key to success in any area of our life - not in the eyes of others, but in the eyes of one’s self. move from a successful business to a totally new and very untested one, Inspire Tribe. My days their team the clear how to changing their mindset so they can take themselves to the next level, whatever that is for them. I now love what I do and I love my life. self: Owning that is the tough bit, from there it’s easy.
The Inside Out of Fashion Kate Stone
If you are looking for someone who embodies the spirit of being a gamechanger, then look no further than Henry Roth.
But, we just have to keep being creative, take business into our own hands, and keep juggling the balls...and look after each other within the industry. It’s the only way forward.’
He and his sister Michelle took their parents’ traditional tailoring business and turned it into He has changed his own business game this an international phenomenon- and along the way year by opening a direct to public outlet in Surry turned himself into somewhat of an international Hills – complete with DJ, hair salon and runway phenomenon too. so that there is no clash with his ‘amazing retail If you are interested in fashion, you would no doubt have heard or seen Henry commentating engagement, and compensates for the economic at some point on TV or in the media. He is pretty straits Australia is experiencing within the retail much – well, everywhere! But more to the point, sector. if you are a bride to be in either Australia or the US... He has also based himself back in Sydney after 15 years in New York to focus on the Australian Then Henry and Michelle Roth are two of the end of the business, with Michelle focusing on biggest names in the business. And it is a the US. I asked him if he missed his life there, challenging, competitive – and having seen it from and he was characteristically forthright – ‘there’s the inside – cut-throat business. And yet Henry no point in living in one country and dreaming stays alive in it by not only adapting, and seeing about another one. I am loving my life here, trends before they are even trends, but by staying mainly because the Australian spirit never true to who he is; and staying true to the ethics changes. We are still at heart, pretty kind to each that his parents instilled in him as a person and as other. Mind you, I do miss my niece and nephew a business owner. desperately’. I am very fortunate to have spent a great deal of time on the road with Henry – in front of real brides, in the studio, at TV appearances, and with the media; and he is exactly the same wherever he goes. He treats people with respect and is thoughtful. But the key to his success, and why he is so beloved by brides everywhere, is this. He listens. This is a large part of what makes him a gamechanger, and this is also what sets him apart from so many others within his particular industry. He listens to his clients. He listens to what they want, to what they love, what they hate about themselves. He designs for them, rather than for what he thinks will look good on them. This may sound simplistic but as many women will know, it isn’t – there are a lot of designers who approach clothes from a purely aesthetic point of view.
What I have observed in all the time I have spent with Henry, and what I admire most about him as an entrepreneur – and as a designer – is his passion for what he does. Again, I bring this back to being a game changer, and transformation. If you are looking to make a change in your business, then I personally think you could do worse than follow these Roth Rules: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Be passionate Listen Focus Be open to new ideas Have people around you willing to tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear Understand the limitations of your industry Accept nothing less than your own best all the time.
Oh – and yes, that is me in the dress.
I did mention he’s incredibly determined, didn’t under, as Henry himself says ‘the worst challenges I? in the economy we have ever experienced – it’s like eating glass for breakfast!
Social Services: The Need For Gen-Y to Network Cassandra Heilbronn
GFC, now is not the time for young professionals (I am looking at you fellow Gen Ys) to become complacent in terms of networking and marketing. As a young professional, the most important thing I took from the GFC was that I needed to take steps earlier on in my career in terms of business development and creating a network for the future. Fortunately for me, at the same time a few new social media platforms were starting to make their mark in Australia - LinkedIn and Twitter. Generally, young professionals have the safety net of those more senior bringing in the work and our main priority was making sure we produced our best work for our bosses. With the GFC and social networking the goal posts have shifted. Hiring freezes have meant little to no movement in terms of employment and those looking to move either need to be highly specialised or have that “little something something” to add. Make a decision now to promote and set yourself apart from the rest of the pack. Learn how to use social networking to your advantage. I am not talking about Facebook, I am talking about Twitter, LinkedIn, and if you dare - blogging. We can no longer rely on traditional methods of marketing such as word-of-mouth, Many people, even young professionals are opposed to using social networks. But the harsh reality is that social media and social networking is unavoidable and it’s here to stay. Take a look at these statistics: • • •
social networking has overtaken pornography as the number 1 use of the internet ; over 57% of people talk more online than in real life ; there are more iPhones sold per second than babies are born worldwide .
I decided to start sharing my knowledge with other young professionals after I received advocate for young professionals using social media platforms to generate business and develop business development skills from an early stage.
worked at arranged for me to be mentored by Adrian Dayton , an American lawyer who specialises in training lawyers to help develop their online business. Janine’s article in last month’s GLOSS had a great article on mentoring and sponsoring which I recommend you read to help you determine what is best for you. For me, having a mentor when I started really helped me achieve what I wanted in a shorter time frame. • • •
what do you want to achieve through social networking, ie your purpose; how are you going to achieve your purpose; and who are your main competitors and how are they doing it.
If you are nervous about entering the online world, use LinkedIn as a starter. You can successfully transition networking in real life to online (but it should in no way replace face-to-face meetings). Look through your business cards and determine who you could appropriately connect with online. My pet hate is receiving the generic LinkedIn request messages. You barely know me, we have met once, how am I a person you “trust”! Personalise your message. Remember the follow up thank you notes (which later turned to emails) that used to be sent. Use the same process - refer to the event that you met possibilities for future business relations. For young professionals your target market should be your Friday night drinking buddies on the path to a COO or other Executive position. Use this opportunity now to build a professional relationship. You want to be the name they remember when they are at the top of their game and you are looking to bring on board new clients. The worst time to market is when you need to. The best time to market is every day!
1. 2.
Have a plan and know what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. Brand yourself - choose a Twitter handle that associates you to your profession and
3.
or wedding photos. Regularly login and update your content. - redundant and out of date information can of work and articles of interest, with the remaining 20% about you. One new client I obtained through Twitter was referred to me because someone had read my tweet
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
was made! Don’t plagiarise - source articles and quotes where you can (which leads to greater engagement). Keep it shorter - Twitter allows 140 characters, but only use 120 to allow for people to respond to you while keeping your original tweet. Use your time wisely - I use Hootsuite to schedule all of my online content before the start of the workday. Don’t be controversial - limit your opinion on topics, which will see you quoted (most likely in a negative light) on various new sites around the world. Have fun - be yourself and let your personality shine through.
Social Media and Small Business Marketing, S Wilson. Alex Trimpe via Ogilvy, February 21, 2011, ThinkQuarterly, http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/quarterly/people/quantify-people.html Sydney Morning Herald “More iPhones sold per second than babies born” http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/more-iphones-sold-per-second-than-babies-born-20120216-1tbx4.html www.adriandayton.com
Being Local Vicki Stirling
I’ve been in London for almost a week now and I do not ever remember feeling as nostalgic about my country of birth as I do on this visit. I am lucky enough to travel as part of my Street behind Selfridges (imagine my delight!) and I am constantly exposed to the pleasures consumers. The impact of major events in the UK in recent years has had an enormous impact on the country as a Brand. The British or London kudos has escalated at such a rate that it is impossible to see a brand in the UK which does not shout about its connection to Britain. Even the Iconic American labels like Victoria Secrets scramble for a piece of it.
dotted around the British Countryside. Some businesses have been around for hundreds of years; John Smedley for example began making British Lambs-wool knitwear in 1819. Others such as Cheribi in The Lake District have been in existence since just 2009, but have purposefully gone back to their roots, rediscovering traditional techniques from the local area and using them to develop innovative and beautifully handmade products. These are the brands of the future; brands which look to the past for inspiration, and to the future for innovation. These brands are both relevant to local people and aspirational to global brands.
Figure 2 Cherchbi - Union Tenter Workbag I am looking forward to a future where consumers favour localisation over globalisation.
Figure 1 Pink: Regent St, London In this last week I have begun ask; how local is the global market? London is as much a mecca for Global travellers as a home to local commuters. Does all of this reference to Britain, the Union Jack, and the Wellington Boot really appeal to Brits, or is it just a retailers’ quick win for the constant stream of Global Tourists? Step outside the London Buzz and into other British towns and cities and you will start to understand what local feels like. Local heritage in towns around the UK has had a true revival. Celebrating local delicacies and fair is what connects the community and creates a commonality. This is where the British Brand is really King. I am, and always have been, a huge fan of the traditional textile and clothing Mills which are
of connecting with locally made products by locally grown talent. Nike recently launched the Poler collaboration, a local brand from Portland Oregon. Poler produces much of their products in the USA, unfortunately the collaboration did not stretch far enough to produce Nike locally, but it is a nod in the direction of global brands supporting local talent. Perhaps one day the Brand could return to its roots and produce some inspirational items in the local area. In the UK Marks & Spencer are currently promoting The Best of British, a collection of garments which are all sourced from traditional Mills and Factories from around the UK and a recent Bright Young Things campaign in Selfridges supported British-ness in a way only Selfridges can. The impact of these campaigns certainly strengthens the brand position as a brand which supports local young talent. But this is really only the cherry on top of the icing of our locally baked cake.
Figure 3 M&S Best of British Consumers have become conditioned to low priced, high volume fashion. There needs to be a demand for locally produced food. My home now is Melbourne and I love to shop in my local area. I am surrounded by incredible talent and wonderfully unique brands and shop owners who make garments on the premises themselves. These retailers work hard for every sale and then they work harder to sell more. It is instant production is, I believe, the future of fashion around the world. As a Brand owner we can learn a great deal from the work of independent retailers. They have the luxury of consumer feedback delivered direct to the designer, and instant reaction on pricing which can be immediately adapted in store. This is the feedback that big brands pay millions to receive. We need to use it to our advantage and take action. Whether you are a consumer or a brand owner, now more than ever we need to think local. Change comes from us; brands will supply what the consumer demands. Demand Local!
Money Talks:
Paint by Numbers
Melissa Browne
Shoes was launched in November 2012. Now writing a book is a big deal for anyone but this book is also a little Money for Shoes was launched. Now writing a book is a big deal for anyone
Last year I underwent a website/social media audit in my business. Seems fairly straight forward right? Wrong. It was a complete lesson in humility for me. Firstly, it was like someone was speaking an at some points in the conversation I’m fairly certain the auditor did start speaking Greek, or at least that’s what it felt like to me. I think I must have said ‘I’m sorry, can you repeat that’ at least defence mechanism for when I don’t understand something or don’t feel in control of the information being provided: my walls instantly go Not really helpful I know. I’m sure none of you do anything like that. Secondly it made me feel incredibly vulnerable because I was so reliant on the person giving trust them when I didn’t understand half of what they were saying. Of course when I don’t trust someone, my walls go up even higher and I shut
do need to develop is a basic understanding of the numbers as they apply to your business. So what did I do about it? Well, I am slowly learning about google ranking, SEO, SEM, key words and a whole host of things that still have the capacity to make my head spin. Not so I can become an IT guru but so I can understand how best to spend my time and dollars. Of course I still engage experts to help me however I at least have a basic understanding of what metrics I should be tracking and why they’re important. What about you? Perhaps, like me, you need to start by telling yourself to stop acting like numbers side of your business. Yes acting like a easier to just ignore that side of your business but unfortunately it doesn’t help you grow as a business owner or help your business succeed. I know because I had to grow up with the technology side of my business too.
So where do you start? By deciding to change your mindset and telling yourself daily that a tantrum. Again,not helpful or useful. you can understand the numbers side of your business. Then talk to your accountant, business All of the above was a complete lesson in humility coach, enroll in a course, read a book or do for me. To be so reliant on someone else, to be whatever you need to begin understanding so vulnerable and to have to admit that I knew the numbers side of your business. This might absolutely nothing about what they were talking include learning about things such as your about. In fact even when they did explain it again I needed to ask them to explain it again, which numbers that will help you make good business was yet another lesson in humility. As I said, decisions. Not so that you can become an technology is not my strong point. accountant, but so that you can create a business that has been designed to be the most successful What I did experience through this exercise is how my clients must feel sometimes when I am running. Just as computer-speak is like a foreign language feel exactly the same for many business owners. I know because they tell me. The problem is that, as I discovered, sometimes you have no choice but to work out what it being said, what is being recommended and what it means for your business. That’s because if you want to take ownership and control of your business, you simply have to learn how to create a website, write code or build a computer. In the same way you don’t need to become an accountant and know how to create
I encourage you to make the journey from toddler to adult with me and to decide this year to grow up as a business owner and understand the numbers in your business.
Need more help? My online 12 week Business Makeover Series starts on February 26 and my 10 month series of Business Masterclass workshops begins end of February at locations in Penrith, North Sydney and Melbourne. For more information head to http://www.byata.com.au/3/events
Run Your Body Like A Business: It’s Time to Get Focused and Fabulous Nikki Fogden-Moore
My New Year’s Resolution? Is to make more TIME for myself. I think it’s sold out?
At the start of the year it’s time to take a
energy and stamina to run your day, look your personal best, have toned muscles for good do, when you need it most. Much like business vitality you need to adapt with new situations, grow and have a good base to weather the storm. The same goes for our health. We need a great set of healthy habits, a strong immune system and a healthy respect age. This year with Gloss I’m going to run a small 12 week challenge. I like to come up with fancy names for programs so let’s call it #ChallengeForChange Welcome to month 1: This issue: take stock as to where you are at. the 3 basic tasks: Record the date and your results. 1. How many crunches can you do in 1 minute (note please use the classic crunch from the American Council of Exercise - make sure your eyes are up to the sky and the weight of your head is in your hands, avoid tucking your chin into your chest and go for perfect technique) 2. How many push ups can you do in 1 minute (note start either on your knees or a full push up - but your nose must touch the ground and the technique must be correct - see my Wakeupworkout on push up tips at www. thevitalitycoach.com.au. 3. How long can you do a wall squat (note feet must be hip width apart and thighs parallel to the ground. Palms up resting on the knees so you do not push down as you do this. Shoulders back against the wall) Step 2: Keep A Food Diary Yep! Old fashioned but SO useful. Wherever you choose to record your daily food and doesn’t matter. What’s important is you record everything and you’ll start to see patterns,
where you can improve and when you’ve done well. Step 3: Get back to basics. For month one we are going to work on your core – the powerpositivity and awareness. If you are not engaging your abs throughout your day, you are missing one of the most simple workouts around. Did you know by just pulling your belly button to your spine while you are working, driving, walking, talking etc it is working out, and engaging your abs. It starts there. Step 4: Plan your meals and snacks ahead. You won’t be running your business without planning, so don’t run your body without planning. DO your farmers market or grocery shopping on the weekend, pack your snacks in your bag the night before, make extra healthy dinner and take some for the next days lunch. Eating out a lot for work – then chose light, fresh and simple dishes that are not rich in creamy sauces, dressings or starches. Step 4: Do something to do with moving, EVERY DAY. Even if it means 10 minutes meditation or stretching. I have included 2 morning or after work express session - no excuses. A little bit a day, goes a long way. Combine this with longer walks and cardio sessions that build a healthy heart and you’ll never look back If you would like to have a complete workout for this month then CLICK THE HEADER HERE and sign up to my free 4 week program which will give you recipe tips and easy to implement exercises. (I can’t take over Janine’s entire magazine so this is a great way to get more info) Step 5: Find a challenge charity that you feel would help motivate you to do more by raising funds/awareness and Sign up with a friend for a fun run, cycle or an event your family can do too? You’ve got more chance of sticking to a new goal if you team up with a friend or book an event in your agenda to aim for. Maybe it’s time to try something
Let go of the ‘should do and could do’ and get stuck into some exercise you love to do and some exercise gear you love to wear.
head down as well for the extension.
Enjoy these express sessions. I would love to hear from you on the challenges you have selected and I am here to help you reach your goals. Happy training! PS I have put my email address there for a reason – email with question’s post your results, tag photos etc. I’ll be your extra support team! nikki@thevitalitycoach.com.au Nikki x Want the WAKEUPWOROUT please CLICK HERE as part of my VIPFIT news this is a free download. - NEXT MONTH 5 EXCERCISES THAT WILL HAVE YOU FEELING LIKE A SUPER HERO & MY SMOOTHIE OF THE MONTH FOR PART 2 OF #CHALLENGEFORCHANGE Exercise Tips: Warm Up and Interval Options. (Interval sessions between the exercises are great too as you can combine cardio as some high intensity training). Do some light jogging, cycling, skipping or on the cycle if you are at the gym. Only got 15 minutes then jump straight into it with high reps to get warm while working out.
Exercise 2: Push Up With Knee Tuck (You can do exactly the same motion if you are doing push ups on your knees – bringing one knee forward engages your obliques. I thought I would throw in one of my favourites. I actually like to do this exercise as a push up knee tuck on suspension straps (will be adding those in month 3) – but here’s one you can do with no equipment necessary. Start in a push up position.
Complete one push up then add a single knee tuck on right knee before you do another push up – repeat with the left knee single tuck and so forth. Start with 2 and build up.
Exercise 1: body engaged. Slowly roll your body weight forward resulting back to the start position and it’s one rep.
Once you’ve aced it pick up the pace and put a jump in between from one foot to the other so you do a left and right knee tuck then a push up.
This exercise is not about speed but about the keep the abs engaged throughout the whole movement. Take your time. Keep your head in line with your spine as well at all times.
Follow Nikki’s Blog on www.thevitalitycoach.com.au @nfogdenmoore on twitter @nfogdenmoore on instagram (Nikki’s FAV)
News & Reviews
Featured This Month BOOK: NINJA INNOVATION – Gary Shapiro A fabulous read in to the 10 killer strategies of the world’s most successful businesses drawn from the innovative, goal driven attitude of the “ninja warriors” of ancient Japan http://www.amazon.com/Ninja-Innovation-StrategiesSuccessful-Businesses/dp/0062242326
BLOGS: YOUNG GUN Generation Y entrepreneur Jack Delosa’s blog is a valuable resource for business owners of all ages. The Entourage, and is the youngest Australian in history to sit on the Board of Small Business Development Corporation. His posts contain information on the lessons he has learnt through his short but dynamic business career, including the value of recruiting an advisory board, how to get by without capital and the impending exit of many baby boomers from the business environment. http://www.the-entourage.com.au/category/jackdelosas-young-gun-blog/
WEBSITE: SUCCESS For a seriously smart dose of business insight, interviews and daily inspiration look no further than the SUCCESS website. http://www.success.com
Mark Webber
Lois Lane Lives: Stairway to Heaven? Kate Stone
I am, as many people know, a very, very big fan of high heels. If I were to worship at any kind of altar, it would possibly be that of Saint Imelda, the little known patron saint of stilettos, she from whom Imelda Marcos took her name. Apparently Imelda’s mama took one look at her when she was born and immediately saw destiny written all over her feet, and invoked the saint, who even in the 9thth century was fashioning nine inch heels from her wooden pattens as she trundled around the convent outside Llangoch. the Philippines’ mutual obsession with les chaussures, which has unfortunately got both of us into hot water over the years. Mine admittedly hasn’t involved indictment at a federal level, but all the same, shoes have had
one was expected to dress smartly. This included, it was assumed, one’s shoes. Now, the shoe lust rose at an early age in me (I think I was about six) - so by seventeen it was a fully formed habit. So yes, when I fronted up at my oath-taking ceremony I had on a stylish (but sensible) skirt, a stylish (but sensible) shirt… and a stylish… well. A stylish pair of shoes.
I can still remember the look on the Commanding fallen from the skies. footwear. It possibly should have taught me restraint and humility, and appropriateness. Instead, it taught me that I was not going to driven rugby thugs at all well, and that if anything,
shod. The thing to bear in mind perhaps is that footwear, just like any other part of our outwards persona, is just that - it is outerwear only. But it is you will - which we will be judged on immediately and permanently. Our handshake, our eye contact, our mannerisms, our ability to speak with conviction. Our shoes.
I may not have realised all of these things on a conscious level at seventeen, but somewhere in my hindbrain I was storing it all away - for when need that ruby red slipper feeling in my business future. Why? Because women are consistently judged on their appearance in the workplace. Sadly, it isn’t by other women. On weight, on makeup, on hairstyle, on expensiveness (or lack thereof) of shoes? Why does Z wear such slutty high, high nasty girl heels? I’ll tell you why for all of the above. fact that she is 5 foot 11, and therefore not only also a number of the (more senior) men. Because around her, than her shoes (I hate to say it, but not everyone loves shoes. I can forgive it - not understand it, but forgive it). Z - because she has been judged and found wanting in the past either by her peers, or by men, and now she has judged herself, and she has found the only way to make an impact is through her footwear. Which is not the way to step forward in work, or in life, and it will not end up in a happy ever after, glass slipper kind of way. I use my shoes as a part of my work armour. Just like a little black dress, they are a weapon in my arsenal of self-protection. They are a way for me personally to stand up straighter and prouder and yes, a bit taller (not that this is needed, and challenged male colleagues and ‘superiors’). But shoes do not maketh the woman, and at times, they can almost drill our feet to the corporate
Whether we like it or not, our intellectual capacity strikes people when we meet them. We have 5 seconds to make a lasting impression. Shoes are a part of this. We all look someone up and down part of the sweep? If you are someone who loves to have a bit of luxe on your tootsies - and that luxe is sky high then don’t compromise. Because when it comes down to it, those stilettos are as much a part of your identity as your ability to speak 5 languages, or do complicated transactions in your head. It is all part of your business self. What is essential is a recognition that you need to be prepared for other people to judge you on your wardrobe as well as your wealth of experience, and for it not to hold you back. If you are willing and able to accept this, then watch out Jimmy Choo. And keep in mind that not everyone loves shoes recoil in horror. They are probably a nice person. They may
It’s March... which means we are celebrating all things International Women’s Day and the tide of change. Some fantastic articles from a wide range of contributors to kick start your heart (and brain) and get you thinking. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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LBDG is about community. It’s about business leaders and entrepreneurs collaborating. It’s about creating sustainable, leverageable and successful businesses. Who Are We? Members of the LBDGroup are cross functional and cross industry. Lawyers, bankers, marketing and PR professionals, media, mining, construction, designers, jewellery, fashion, philanthropists, non-for-profit, human resources, fitness, health and well-being, property, sales, speakers and authors to name but a few. And with a fabulous mix of corporates to own business it is the quality of conversations that we have that make us so different. Membership Levels We offer three levels of membership for women that are committed to building their businesses, to fast track their growth and to ensure that they are surrounding themselves with the best in the businesses. BLACK, DIAMOND and PLATINUM membership levels are designed to offer increasing one to one mentoring and group mentoring and business education and training. Depending on where you are in your journey there is a membership level that’s right for you If you are just starting out in corporate, or making the change to your own business, and looking for guidance from those who are already walking the talk, then Black might be the new Black for you. An introduction into all that LBDG has to offer, it’s a great way to find out what we are all about. To find out more, and to join, click HERE. With access to all that LBDG has to offer, Diamond membership means dinners, seminars, and most of all netweaving at its finest. To find out more, and to join, click HERE. With exclusive access to one on one mentoring from the powerhouse that is Janine Garner, Platinum membership is the choice of those who want to make the most of their business - fast. With all of the benefits of Diamond plus Business Masterclasses, the annual LBDG Retreat and complimentary Exclusive Dinner Series attendance in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne as some of the other attractions, Platinum reflects its name. To find out more, and to join, click HERE.