Tasba july2014 by Design2Pro

INAUGRAL EDITION

ISSUE 1 July 2014

Corporate Giving

FOUNDED IN HOBART

The Business Plan

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DARK MOFO alive

Giving away any hard earned cash to a charity, even the most noble of charities, feels to many as a waste. But that could all change!

No business should be without a business plan. But what should be in it? There is one problem: Someone has to read this thing and make sense of it!

Dark MOFO is now well and truly wound up for 2014. Find out what Creative Director Leigh Carmichael thinks about what’s in store for MONA and MOFO?

See Page 16

See Page 28

See Page 4

LARA’S NEW LIFE PURPOSE

Exclusive interview with a reflective former Premier By Courtney Drew Former Premier, Lara Giddings.

t has been an exceptional last four months politically in Tasmania and Lara Giddings in her own words – has taken her metaphorical “backpack off ”. She is no longer carting around the Tasmanian Premiers’ sense of responsibility, no longer bracing for criticism and having her outfit choices talked about like a constant red carpet event. Lara is coming to grips with being in opposition – not an easy task for anyone. Will has got ‘down to business’ lately – but someone else on the other side of the fence is also getting on with the job. It is definitely not all lattes and long lunches for Lara now she has gone through the revolving door of Parliament house. Lara still has got a fair bit on her plate – just not as in the spotlight as before. “I am doing as many hours – but I now don’t have to face a constant oral exam!” she said. “There has been time for family and friends – I can have a coffee without having to brace myself for constant criticism. It’s nice.” Lara has found herself wearing a number of hats (and of course scarves).

(“The scarves” she says “it is me and I like a scarf!”) Ms Giddings newly appointed roles include Shadow Attorney General, Shadow Minister for the portfolios of justice, the arts, women, planning and local government. She has also found herself readjusting to a different workload and responsibility back in the role of electoral officer (gearing up already for the next election) – as researcher, speech writer, and with only one member of staff in the new office – getting the job done is now a little different to before the campaign and parliamentary digs of old. But Lara has been there before. It is not always beer and skittles – and she now has had the chance to really dive back into the community. It is a huge driver for Lara – who “still wants to make a difference in the community, making life better” for those here in our state. Lara’s sense of purpose still is very much to rebuild Labor – to set out what she started many years ago. “Fight the good fight” she says. “People can see the differences (in the parties) so where do your personal values lie? The values of the party – what makes it tick?” And, for Lara it is that sense of community and contributing – whether it is new legislations or passing of bills – legalising medicinal marijuana, opposing the anti-protesting laws, supporting assisted dying (like 80% of Tasmanians) or even attending a local event or morning tea – action still needs to be taken. Continued page 3

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Run your own race, says Lara

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“It’s a sense of social justice, doing what is right for the community. It’s why I got into politics originally.”

partook in ‘dinner table Wimbledon’ – a staunch Labor mother and a rural Liberal voting father – political banter was not far from reach even growing up. (Her father is now her number one supporter!) Having the opportunity to work with many great and in some eyes legendary figures – Lara has never had far to go to hear words of wisdom from a number of mentors including – the late Jim Bacon, Judy Jackson, Paul Lennon, Duncan Kerr.

Lara sees the strengths in so many – “picking the brains and observing” those around her she says. “For women” she says “to some extent is still a glass ceiling – but you can achieve whatever you want”. For herself when the door of parliament house closed behind her several months ago, she still has an amazingly positive attitude.

Continued from page 1

Lara had the privilege of the experience of growing up in a foreign and extremely poor country – Papua New Guinea. She saw from a young age a divide between the rich and poor – and has hoped (and has had the opportunity to achieve in some cases) to help this bridge this divide in our own state. Agree or disagree – Lara has been a trail blazer in many cases. The youngest person at 23 years of age to be elected into Australian Parliament and the first woman Premier in Tasmania – she is not doing too badly. When asked about motivation, inspiration and influences – her answers are simple and heartfelt. Coming from what she describes as a family who

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“The glass is half full – never half empty,” she says “and other doors open up to you – you take the opportunities.” Lara is in full swing for the next election – without a doubt. Her advice to young people in business and in politics is to “get involved” and “never say no.” “Never let doors close on you – you never know what is on the other side.” She says. “Run your own race none else can do it for you; judge only against yourself.” And, as for start up businesses here in Tasmania – the advice from Lara is; have a business plan and make sure you have a mentor. This state – has definitely not seen the last of Lara Giddings – 44th Premier of Tasmania.

WELCOME to Tasmanian Business Access COMMENT

By Iain Bayly Publisher–Editor editor@tasba.com.au

hen my wife and I moved to Tasmania in August last year, we arrived with our car and a few possessions. We left everything behind in Melbourne and chose to start our new married life right here in Tasmania. Actually, since we migrated via the Spirit of Tasmania, does that make us “Boat People”? Anyway. Like most new migrants to Tassie, we wanted to live simply and enjoy the process of starting a new

life together and do that in a new state. As soon as we arrived, we started to look for ways in which we could contribute in a positive way. One of the first things we noticed was that in the established media there was a gap, okay more like a canyon but who sweats the small stuff ? The gap we saw was the “Optimism”, the glass half-full mindset. The established news solely focused on just the negative stuff even if it was a good story it had to have a negative twist somewhere. What about investment? growth? and prosperity? If you open up any publication (except this one of course) everything is doom and gloom, one would think the world is about to end, industry has fallen and the world would never recover! The world is right there for us to explore and live life to the fullest. Take the opportunity of a flat market and turn it around. Just this month, Tasmanian Business Access (TASBA) was born. It came from the idea that we wanted to demonstrate this states untapped opportunities and potential. Not just because we started a business to business publication, but others like you and I who have done amazing things despite being the poorest and most underprivileged state in the country. People like Polly Venning from CEO Tasmania and Leigh Carmichael from MONA are some examples of people doing amazing things for this state.

You will updated about the MYER development via a monthly progress reports and in these pages, you will learn from columnist who are professionals in their respective fields. Giving sound and constructive advice on issues that affect businesses of all shapes and sizes. You will also note that not one page, not one story, is focused on anything other than positive news. In fact, that is our point of difference… Positive news for a change! There are times when bad news is unavoidable, like the report on the Toowoomba Telegraph on page 23 but our focus will be on what we can learn from that and move forward all the wiser. This report was included because we wanted to show that despite others that have fallen, we are prepared to step up and face the challenges head on. Tasmanian Business Access is the sister publication to “Western Sydney Business Access” (www. wsba.com.au) which faithfully serves over 2 million people in the Greater Western Sydney basin. Wow,

General Trader Easy Terms...............................................15

The ODD SOCK Leader Lives, Loves, and Learns .........................19 Independent media in Australia What can we learn from the fallen?..........24 Indigenous News .....................................25

JULY 2014 Star in Dark MOFO’s Night Interview with Leigh Carmichael................4

Investment returns see Tasmanian Sales outshine the mainland ...................26

Creating a place of work inside your home .....................................10 Women in Bunsiness...............................27 TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

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We wanted to show Tasmania that the world is not about to end.

Tasmania’s whole population is only a quarter of Sydney’s western suburbs! True Story. Each month, Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie are to receive 20,000 copies of this publication produced, printed and delivered all by Tasmanians. You will notice that this is a free publication for the reader. We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to you that we are serious about being here for generations to come so we decided to make it free. Tasmanian Business Access is here to show the way, that it is time to invest in ourselves, invest in our state and invest in our future. Let’s be real… If not you, then who? Our promise to you is to deliver high quality journalism on matters that well, matter to you and your business. We promise to provide substance in the columns so that each reader regardless if you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned veteran in business that you will equally find something right for you. We promise that no matter what happens in our little part of OZ, that we will show you that everything will be okay. No matter how ugly the circumstances, there is always an opportunity to grow and learn from the situation we are in. Life is short, and I don’t know about you but TASBA’s focus is not whether the glass is half-full or half empty, but more importantly, who’s thirsty?

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS “POSITIVE NEWS FOR A CHANGE”

VIEW EACH EDITION ONLINE AT www.tasba.com.au Tasmanian Business Access (TASBA) ABN 22 168 975 255 Publisher/editor: Iain Bayly M: 0409 814 004. E: editor@tasba.com.au Journalists: Courtney Drew, Erin Martin Sales Manager: Gail M: 0418 124 948 Group Editor: Michael Walls M: 0407 783 413 Printer: New Age Printing, Rydalmere Design: Design2pro.com Website: www.tasba.com.au Email enquiries: info@tasba.com.au DISCLAIMER: The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in respect of the copyright of their work. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written consent of the publisher. No person or organisation should in any way act on the information and content of Tasmanian Business Access or www.tasba.com.au without ﬁrst seeking professional advice. The publisher, contributors and agents accept no responsibility for any actions that may arise from the contents of this newspaper or website www.tasba.com.au. The opinions and views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisements are published in accordance with TASBA terms and conditions published in the media kit downloadable at www.tasba.com.au. Advertisers agree to indemnify the publisher and his agents for any actions that may arise as a result of published advertisements.

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Star in Dark Mofo’s night CREATIVITY

By Erin Martin ith Dark Mofo wrapped up for 2014, it’s no wonder Leigh Carmichael, Creative Director of the hugely successful festival, is feeling a little exhausted. “It was ten days of chaos but ultimately fun,” he said. Carmichael has had a hand in the past eight festivals produced by MONA, including the summer music festival, Mona Foma. This year’s Dark Mofo has been the most successful to date and he attributes a lot of it’s success to the hard work of his team. “Festivals are incredibly difficult. They are high pressure, things go wrong, anxiety is high, and we don’t get a lot of sleep,” Carmichael said. “So to be able to roll out what people are saying is one of the better festivals happening in Australia, is just a huge credit to a largely locally based team.” In the wake of this year’s festival, Carmichael reflected on how the initial idea for a winter solstice celebration was created. “Once MONA had been open for a couple of years, just like all Tasmanian tourism businesses, we had a flat spot in winter and running a large marketing campaign wasn’t high on our agenda,” he explained. The idea was to launch an exhibition in the middle of winter and build a celebration around it. It took 18 months to get Dark Mofo off the ground and plan the look and feel of the festival. Carmichael said that while researching the traditions of winter solstice celebrations and feasting, he realised that Hobart had the longest night of any other capital city. “It just felt right,” he said. “It felt like we were actually onto something real and this wasn’t just a festival for the sake of showing some more music and art.” It was MONA creator, David Walsh, who wanted to include large-scale public art and with this, the themes of light and dark came together. “There are a number of different levels and layers, which I think make it quite interesting and absolutely crucial to Dark Mofo’s success,” Carmichael said. Following up the success of the museum and Mona Foma was always going to be difficult and there were the added risks of taking on a winter festival. “We had discussions about whether or not we would actually be able to make it work.” He continued, “There are a lot of grave tombstones scattered in Tasmania in terms of winter events. There aren’t that many success stories.” Although financial risks are less of a concern to MONA, Carmichael still felt pressure to deliver. “Whenever you’re doing anything new, there’s always an element of personal risk. It doesn’t matter

how many runs you’ve got on the board, our how many successes you’ve had, you still have the ability to stuff it up.” When comparing this year to Dark Mofo’s inaugural festival in 2013, Carmichael reflected that this year was more difficult because the expectations were so high. “I found it really difficult in the lead up to this one because there was a lot of talk about whether or not we could do it again. Was it a one off ?” It seems last year was not a one off and Dark Mofo 2014 exceeded expectations. “We definitely need to come to terms with the fact that this is now a festival that attracts 25,000 to 35,000 people on the waterfront as apposed to 3,000 to 5,000 people, which is what our summer festival attracts.” Carmichael admitted that their systems need to be reassessed for next year, “We’ve got to deal with the numbers. It’s not a small boutique festival anymore.” Despite long queues to get in, the Winter Feast is still the heart and soul of the festival and a massive highlight. “It just gets so many people out and about in the middle of winter rugged up. Kids and families are really enjoying the city at night.” Carmichael cannot pinpoint exactly why Dark Mofo has become such a captivating community event for Tasmanians. “You’re never really quite sure why some things fire and some things don’t. That’s the same within the festival as well. Some things just go and some don’t,” he said. “For some reason, the community have taken ownership of Dark Mofo as their own. We’re not celebrating the launch of the exhibition anymore. I think what we’re actually doing is celebrating our environment, our weather, our city, our food and wine, our cultural activity and it’s just captured our imagination as a city and as a people.” Carmichael believes that Tasmania is the right place to celebrate the winter solstice in Australia and that Dark Mofo would not necessarily work in any other city. “The scale (of Hobart) means we can kind of take over the whole city. It all comes alive and you can’t really do that in Melbourne or Sydney.” Coming down from the high of Dark Mofo 2014, Carmichael took time to reflect on his successes and journey with the MONA brand. “Since I’ve been with David I’ve learnt the hard way, when there’s opposition…and when there’s people trying to drag the idea down, it usually means you’re onto something.” He continued, “If they’re not hanging around and telling you it won’t work then they don’t care.” Despite the ups and downs of planning a festival, Carmichael is still very driven by his work and grateful to work at MONA. “Motivation needs to come from within and I’m not sure that the external stuff is sustainable. You wouldn’t get through the amount of pressure and anxiety it causes unless you’re really, deeply passionate about what it is you’re trying to do.” Although perhaps too soon to even mention Dark Mofo 2015, Carmichael gave some insight into what we can look forward to.

Photos by Rémi Chauvin

“I don’t know what you can expect. The unexpected probably. I’m not into the bigger and better at all,” he said. “Sometimes the smaller things are actually much better. I’m interested in different.” What’s your no 1 tip for a startup business? I’d say preparing a solid business plan (that should be used as a working document). Going through the proper process forces you to think about all aspects of a project and setting targets is crucial to understand were you are at, and which areas to improve on.”

What defines a successful person? By Damon Thomas (a passionate philanthropist)

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bove all successful persons feel positive about life; they see opportunity in the moment when all around them there is negativity

or fear. Tasmania’s future is indelibly linked to successful persons that are unafraid to grasp opportunity. I am delighted to have been asked to be a regular business contributor to this new business magazine and congratulate those whose vision saw its creation. I am not an economist by training or a marketing genius but to my mind there would be much to commend an economist who also studied and practised basic community marketing. It is quite true that risk takers are the happiest people around. It’s also true that risk takers who take unnecessary, non-strategic risks are liable to founder upon the rocks of misadventure. The State of Tasmania has had little in the way of risk takers (with some wonderful exceptions) and many would

say that this is the reason for a somewhat negative past and a pessimistic outlook held by many on the state’s economy. That this sentiment is restricted to those who have been in our state for some time has some credence when one takes into account the spotlight that Tasmania’s agricultural, aquaculture and general business arena has for new investment by national business interests and international interests with a focus on Asia, particularly mainland China. With the rapid rise in interest in our state and not surprisingly in our capital city, much of it unheralded there is indeed the chance that local entrepreneurs may miss out on opportunities which presently exist. The new interest in direct International air services by way of an example opens

up a huge marketplace not just for tourism but for wider economic opportunity which the world will accommodate. Are we ready for such a spotlight on our region? The answer is decidedly NO if we consider the need for integration both culturally and economically. Different nationalities have different business strategies and needs. If Tasmania as a whole wants to take advantage of this brand-new set of investors we need to consider how to meet the market head-on and whilst not selling our state short take advantage of what could be an unprecedented level of investment into the state. The gains are enormous and doubting Thomas’ need not apply! Damon Thomas is the Lord Mayor of Hobart and a passionate philanthropist with Tasmania as the only apple in his eye. TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

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Smart Tassie solution goes global ENTREPRENEURS By Erin Martin hen local Tasmanian, Jeremy Grey, was living in Sydney he cycled into the city everyday for work. “I was working for a start-up business and I was in board shorts, a t-shirt and bare feet everyday,” Grey said. After leaving the start-up, Grey realised he had to start wearing a suit to work but still wanted to ride his bike. His cycling friends suggested he do what they do and drive his work clothes in on Monday and cycle the other four days. “I thought, well that’s annoying because I like riding everyday,” said the 34-year-old. Grey’s problem sent him on a mission to create a creasefree bag for transporting business wear. “Originally I was designing it for myself,” he said. “I knew the bag had to be made from fabric like a suit bag and I knew straight away that it had to roll.” Despite Grey having initial success with his first prototype, it was a two-year process until the Henty brand was launched and the first Wingman bag was sold in July 2012. “I didn’t know it was possible to design something like that,” he explained. “I just started doing prototypes, testing them for functionality and it just wasn’t working.” Grey tried to improve the concept but it was a struggle, and so the idea went on the back burner for six months until he left Sydney and returned to Tasmania. Grey said that back in Tasmania he got the concept working again, with the help of his childhood friend, Jon Gourlay, who came on board as a business partner. “Once we’d finalised the design and realised the uniqueness of the product, we knew we had a product of global significance,” said Grey. “When we’d gone through the patent process we realised that no one was actually doing anything like this.” Grey said that having a business partner come onboard was necessary to grow the business and provide an independent, critical eye. “We joined forces essentially,” Grey said. “It’s really hard to get honest, critical feedback from people, and so having a business partner who’s got a vested interest to provide that critical feedback is great.” Today, Grey and Gourlay both oversee every aspect of their growing business, with Henty products sold in over 10 coun-

From left: Jeremy Grey and Jon Gourlay. Photos by Luke Bowden

tries including Australia, parts of Europe and Asia, the US and Canada. Apart from manufacturing, which is done in Vietnam, everything is done by Tasmanian businesses including prototyping, design, web hosting and marketing. “There’re a lot of really good people in Tassie. You don’t need to go to the mainland for expertise,” Grey said. “We’ve kept it local,” he said. “If you’re using a large mainland or international company you’re just a number. Here you actually have relationships with people and people care.” As Tasmanian advocates, the pair named their business Henty, after a remote region on the West Coast of Tasmania. It was Gourlay’s brother that suggested the name Wingman. “We wanted a name that was catchy, unique, powerful and available,” Grey explained. “As soon as it was mentioned we knew it fit.” Since launching their first Wingman, Henty has now expanded the Wingman range to include the Wingman Compact and the Wingman Backpack. They’ve also released the Hold’em range of duffle bags and the Henty Gym Bag, which comes with the Wingman but is also sold separately. “Annoyingly, we get as many compliments on the Gym Bag, which took us about two hours to design, as we do for the Wingman, which took us two years,” Grey laughed. Regardless, it is Grey’s goal to expand the product lines available under the Henty brand. “To grow and become a global brand and a household name you need to have multiple products that appeal to a wide variety of people and so we’re taking that approach.”

Grey continued, “I liken our business to a band. The Wingman is our first hit or first major album and then you’ve got to come up with another cool album. A lot of businesses don’t do it, just as a lot of bands can’t come up with that second song.” The smart duo knows their target market well and the importance of providing quality products. “We’re going after corporates and they want stuff that’s made from high quality materials,” he said. “You’re going to go through multiple suits before you go through one Wingman. You only need to buy one Wingman.” The Wingman has been shortlisted for many awards and was a finalist in a global brand competition for new and innovative products. “We usually do reasonably well because of the uniqueness and it solves a problem,” he said. “I call the Wingman a solution. It’s not a bag, it’s a solution.” Although an international brand, Henty is still available at the Salamanca Market every week and has been for the past 18 months. “We enjoy it and it’s great for Jon and I to meet people and get tips and ideas for other products.” He continued, “It’s a wide demographic that go down to Salamanca. We’re in an industry that’s becoming quite popular and that’s cycling and travel.” As a Tasmanian, Grey said it was a privilege for him to be able to grow his business and secure an income for his family in the state he loves. “It’s weird but I actually used to make sailing bags and sell them at the Lindisfarne Sailing Club when I was a kid,” Grey reflected. As fate would have it, Grey is designing and selling bags again, but on a much larger scale now. “I’ve always had ideas,” he said. “This was the first idea I had the courage to do.” Check out Henty products online at www.henty.cc or visit Jeremy, Jon and the Henty team at the Salamanca Market every Saturday. What’s your number 1 tip for a startup business? Maintain your day job for as long as you can until you are certain you will be able to pay yourself.

Our Transit Centres Tasmania’s own REDLINE is the largest private coach operator in the state. We offer a comprehensive range of charter vehicles to business, schools, clubs, organisations and the individual. bus ess, sc oo s, c ubs, o ga sa o s a Here are some reasons why you should charter our services: sæ Accredited Passenger Transport Operator. sæ Fleet Options from 10 to 62 seats and 2 to 5 star coaches. sæ Five star coaches are ﬁtted with seat belts, reclining seats, air conditioning, toilet and video. sæ A large coach with wheelchair access is available. sæ Our ﬂeet is backed by the company's own workshop and mobile maintenance crews in each of the three major centres. sæ Drivers are fully accredited and we are the only operator who employs its own full-time driver training instructor TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

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Open for business Vita Group’s new Telstra Business Centre here to help SMEs in Hobart NEW BUSINESS asmanian businesses have a valuable new resource with the official launch in June of the new Telstra Business Centre in central Hobart. Providing small to medium-sized businesses with access to cutting-edge technology, from cloud computing to mobile phones, mobile broadband and NBN-ready digital office systems, the Telstra Business Centre has the expertise and equipment to help with all aspects of running a business. The launch marks Vita Group’s first Telstra Business Centre in Tasmania, after the ASXlisted technology company acquired a Telstra Business Centre in north Hobart and moved it to a new, purpose-built facility at 175 Collins Street in the central business district.

Telstra Business Centre Hobart Business Manager, Adam Williams, said his team was committed to being trusted local advisers for the region’s SMEs. “Vita Group and Telstra Business Centre Hobart are here to help Tasmania’s small- to mediumsized enterprises do business,” Mr Williams said. “Effective information and communications technology is the backbone of running a successful business. We are here to help companies in the Hobart region harness the power of new technology, with advice on everything from doing business while on the road to installing the most sophisticated office phone systems on the market.” The vast array of products offered through the Telstra Business Centre Hobart include: • Microsoft Office 365 cloudbased technology • NBN-ready digital office technology • 4G mobile products and services • Technology support services for small business and • Wearable connected devices

The Tasmanian Minister for Information Technology and Information, Michael Ferguson MP, who spoke at the launch breakfast at the RACT Hotel, said SMEs played a crucial role in Tasmania’s economy.

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“This year we’ll be supporting those businesses with programs including the Go-To-Market Incubator, Remote Working strategies, measures to build the ICT workforce and a range of smaller projects to help build our innovation sector,” Mr Ferguson said. “Something else we can do for those businesses is to get out of the way – get rid of the red and green tape for people who just want to get on with the job. This state has a proud history of innovation and we need that inventive spirit to grow and to flourish so the career opportunities for our best are right here in Tasmania.”

DO YOU WANT MORE SALES AND GREATER BUSINESS?

About Vita Group Vita Group is a national, ASX-listed provider of telecommunications, computers and related products through retail and business channels. As at June 2014, Vita Group operated 161 outlets, branded as Telstra and Telstra Business Centres, Fone Zone, One Zero, Next Byte, Camelon IT and Vita Enterprise Solutions. Each of these brands operates in a clearly defined retail segment and they share a common approach towards premium service and solution-oriented sales. Vita Group also operates a fast-growing mobile accessories division under the Sprout brand. The first Fone Zone store opened in Tasmania in September 2003 and today in Tasmania the company has five Fone Zone stores, three Telstra Stores, a Next Byte store and the new Telstra Business Centre Hobart. For further information, visit www.vitagroup.com.au.

DEVONPORT - BURNIE - HOBART LAUNCESTON Have your own sales team all year round for the cost of this newspaper advertisment. BNAA is the fastest growing business networking system in the state. You could be part of it too. Come along to your nearest group for a free breakfast to see what it is all about.

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TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

BRANDING

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How to create a brand on a budget IMPROVEMENT

By Tony Eades Creative Director The Brand Manager

NDIVIDUALLY small business doesn’t have much of a voice in mainstream politics but collectively we are a little more noticeable. When it comes to branding however small businesses are really on their own. Creating a brand, let alone building one, can sound like a mighty expensive task for any small business and something that should left to established firms with deeper pockets. But branding itself has changed and is no longer the measure of how often your logo is displayed on giant billboards, splashed across TV screens or featured in full page press ads. Nowadays branding is about owning your space in the market place and that can be as small as the 5 km radius that surrounds your business or as big as the globe itself. Thanks to our digitally connected world you can now own your niche more cost effectively than ever before. So let’s explore the six P’s to ‘branding on a budget’ that if implemented could make your small business the market leader in its space.

1. Purpose. For a brand to survive and thrive it has to have purpose and that purpose has to be shared and supported by both the organisation and its customers. Innovative thinker, author and adjunct staff member of the RAND Corporation, one of the most highly regarded think tanks in the world, Simon Sinek talks about the Golden Circle – a three ring circle with the outer circle named ‘what’, the inner ‘how’ and the centre ‘why. He says that

businesses need to discover the ‘why’ they do what they do and then formulate this into the true meaning of their brand so that it will inspire others. Jim Collins, author of the best seller Good To Great adds to this theory by stating: “The next wave of enduring great companies will be built not by technical or product visionaries but by social visionaries – those who see their company and how it operates as their ultimate creation and who invent entirely new ways of organizing human effort and creativity.” So step one is to get together with your team, an outside strategist and a creative agency to delve deep into the heart and soul of your business to uncover the ‘why’ you do what you that can empower others to follow.

2. Positioning. As a business you need to decide where you are right now and where you want to be in the future. The McDonald’s brand has changed somewhat over the years from just another takeaway, fast food outlet to more of a family restaurant. They identified that

Australians were fast becoming the ‘coffeeset’ meeting and socialising at caf?’s so they introduced their McCaf?. You need to decide what part of the market you want your business to own – we call this ‘creating your space in the market place’. It’s not about being the number one brand for the mass market unless of course you’ve struck gold and have an unlimited marketing budget. It’s about owning your local market – the five kilometres around your store by being the best at what you do, or creating a niche product offering that people can’t easily get elsewhere or identifying an industry ‘performance gap’ and filling it with your service. An eatery in Birkdale, Queensland decided to create a niche by offering authentic English style, fish and chips. They imported the traditional fat fryers and fly in Atlantic Cod, Plaice and Scampi direct from the UK – not to mention the cockels, muscles, mushy peas, traditional pork pies and even deep fried, English Mars Bars also on the menu. Chumpley Wumley’s is not just another fish and chip shop – they’ve created a point of difference that now

enables them to franchise into other parts of Queensland and New South Wales. What do you do differently to others in your field that can set you apart from your competitors?

3. Promise. In a market that’s increasingly more competitive than ever before it’s vital that you not only identify the single reason why customers would choose your business or product over that of a competitor – but you promote it too through a single tagline called your USP (Unique Selling Proposition). We call this your ‘brand promise’ and it needs to be measurable, memorable and mean something tangible to the customer. As customers we often value our time even more than our money. Time is really turning out to be money because one who has time has money. If your product or service can save your customers time it can make a big difference in their lives. Visit www.thebrandmanager.com.au for information.

www.tasmaniaforeveryone.com.au

Your Comprehensive Online Guide to Where to Stay, Where to Eat and What to do In Tasmania LIST YOUR BUSINESS: We’ve got the readers you want, You’ve got the services they want. A Premier Listing will bring you both together. See website for details or call 1300 753 517 8

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NEWS FEATURE

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The Artisan MUSIC

By Ricki Butler he music industry is a big business. A very big business, with a plethora of investment opportunities. That said, it is not without its risks, yet the rewards can be quite substantial. Most looking for investment in this area have a somewhat limited view of the opportunities that are available to them. So, with this in mind, over the coming months we will endeavour to explore this mostly untapped potential and highlight many avenues that may not be immediately apparent at first glance. Many people have the view that the music industry contains four main groups. These are the musicians themselves, their manager, the promoters and the producers. All veiled in the popular mythology of sex, drugs and rock and roll. To a certain point this is somewhat true, however what lies beneath this fa?ade of illusion and debauchery? Firstly, where do the musicians get their instruments? The growing trend in today’s industry is moving away from the traditional, major brands, and is being directed towards smaller, specialty brands. From classical musicians with items valued in the tens of thousands, and quite often much more, to today’s modern rock musicians looking for that one special piece that’s tone and playability, perfectly set the grounds for new exploration and expression. This in turn opens the market for timbers of exceptional quality, and beauty with which to build them. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. An iceberg of Titanic proportions. The instrument is far from complete. Every single component of an instrument is made by someone, somewhere, and sold by someone, somewhere, before it eventually lands in the hands of the artisan who makes it. Being in Australia, and particularly Tasmania, poses both problems and benefits. For the artisan making the instrument, there are many problems to be overcome. For a potential investor, it opens up a Pandora’s Box of opportunity. The ancient code of supply and demand. It has always been the case, and will continue to be the case, for as long as people need things. Supply poses the biggest problems for the artisan, particularly in the area of components for modern instruments. Almost everything is made overseas, and has to be purchased direct, or through an Australian licensed dealer in the product. Local music stores can only stock a limited range of brands and components, and mostly rely on the sale of pre-made instruments, the service and repair of existing instruments, and sale of consumables. As for the importation and sale of instrument components, there are very few places within Australia, and none in Tasmania, that perform

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

this service. The tools used to make the instruments can only be found overseas, and again Tasmania has not a single outlet for these. All this despite the fact that our beautiful island is not only world renowned for the exceptional tonal quality and beauty of its timbers, but also the number of artisans crafting instruments of exceptional beauty and quality. Thus, even a small city (by world standards) like Hobart can support many music stores, each a supplier of particular brands and licences. Now let us cast our mind back to our original musicians for a moment. Where do they play? Where do they rehearse? Where do they record? As anyone involved will happily tell you, the area of promotions (where they play), particularly in Tasmania can be a nightmare, if you don’t understand the market conditions. We have all heard others ask “why don’t the really big acts come to Tasmania?” The answer, more often than not, is the fact that Tasmanians are notorious for not buying tickets until the last minute, and in a market that demands good ticket pre-sales before the event; the shows do not go ahead. But what about down at local level? It has only been in recent years that live music has been making a huge resurgence. Some hotel or club owners will cater to certain clientele, and others will showcase a broader array of talent.

“

“why don’t the really big acts come to Tasmania?” The aim of the venue licensee is closely linked to the promoter. The promoter, trying to get his act to play, the licensee, endeavouring to have only the best acts to guarantee door sales and of course consumption of beverage. Musicians also need a place to practice. At this present time these also are limited. Depending on the quality of the space provided, whether or not it has a P.A. system, and other equipment, and of course rate per hour to hire, will determine the success of such a venture. There are many other aspects of the music business at local, national, and international levels that I have not yet even alluded to. Next time you pass a music store, or a place where music is played. Perhaps the world renowned TSO or the Theatre Royal. You may begin to realise that the music industry really is everywhere, and it is full of potential for investment. Myself ? I am the artisan in this picture. A self-taught luthier, who only uses Tasmanian timber. Very much a niche market. However on a global scale that niche market explodes into a world of other niches and markets as yet unexplored. There is a growing trend towards instruments with more, sometimes many more strings than are traditionally required. The emergence of many companies making traditional three string cigar box guitars. Harps, violins, any stringed instrument for that matter is the domain of the luthier. Yet there are other artisans as well. Makers of pianos, drums, woodwind, brass, and many others again, but how many of these are situated here? How I crave a one stop shop for everything a luthier could desire in hardware and components.

BUSINESS MATTERS

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How to define your workspace A dedicated Office

WORK SPACE

The best scenario is that you have a dedicated office in your home in which you use solely for your work operations. This clearly establishes your Place of Work as a physically defined area; somewhere separated from all your other personal spaces... which is essentially everywhere else in your home (except, of course, for the “man cave”).

An exclusive use Area

By Jesse Brojorvski know that I’m not alone in admitting that, as a Virtual Assistant who works from my own dedicated virtual homebase, the line that separates my role in the home as opposed to that in my place of work is, in all truth, completely invisible and something that I’ve needed to mentally establish. Even with a dedicated office in the home, or a space set out exclusively for business operations, you are still grabbing your morning work cuppa from the same kitchen you drink red wine and make messy spaghetti dishes on a Friday night. In the next few monthly columns, I’ll share some tips about how you can help separate home and workplace — and, more importantly, the benefits of doing so! The importance of creating a Place of Work inside your home is that you know, when you’re in that defined space, it’s down to business! Similarly, when you exit that space, you’re essentially “knocking off ” for the day, which means you’re not letting any work-related pressures, stresses or problems seep into the enjoyment of your home life.

If you don’t have a dedicated home office, don’t be discouraged. The next best thing is to establish an area within the home in which you’ll set up exclusively for use as your Place of Work. In my case, I have a split-level entertainment room. The upper level is small and is sectioned off by a built-in bar. I’ve cleared everything out of this area and have created a comfortable exclusive-use Place of Work for my business operations. It does not matter that the rest of this room is used for entertainment, as I’ve chosen an area that is visually identifiable as my Place of Work.

A portable workspace If you’re finding that there are no free areas at home for you to claim as your Place of Work, there are still ways to achieve a defined work space. First, choose an area in the home where you’ll be free of disruptions and able to sit comfortably for an extended period. The most logical choices are at the dining table or the kitchen bench. Next, you need to make your workplace 100% portable — meaning, at the end of your work day, you can pack up your office and return that space to a personal living zone (and vice versa). It’s safe to assume, if you don’t have a dedicated home office or exclusive-use Place of Work, then you’re most likely

operating on a laptop which, of course, is a portable device. It is worth noting, however, that Virtual Assistants still rely on physical items such as office stationery, computer hardware, peripherals, manuals, etc. For these items, you should buy a couple of storage boxes/containers. Try and organise your work items into different containers depending on what they are for easy access.

This will help you create your own portable office; a space that you can clearly define as your Place of Work. When you start work in the morning, pull out your laptop and ALL your storage boxes. You shouldn’t ever have to go into another room to get something for work. Jesse Brjozovsky [My Virtual Real Estate PA] is a home-based business owner and Australia’s first exclusive Real Estate Virtual Assistant.

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PROFILE

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The rise of MYER REBUILD or the first time in six years the “MYER hole” is no longer just an eyesore in Hobart’s CBD. Understandably, Hobart retailers could not comprehend why work had not started on the redevelopment until now but that’s all changed, they now just want it finished! It’s been about three years since developer Emmanuel Kalis told the world of his vision – a $130 million, 12-storey tower block incorporating MYER and dozens of specialty stores along with first class accommodation complex. Basement to ground level is scheduled to be finished by Christmas 2014. The main facade is scheduled to be finished by May/April 2015 ready for MYER to commence trading by 1 December 2015. The developer promises a new two-floor Myer super store at the Liverpool St site, with three floors of

Hobart will benefit from the jobs created through new and busier stores as well as the tourism boost as both locals and visitors find a new reason to head to the Hobart CBD. “There might be issues in the short term for businesses in the CBD during the store’s construction, however businesses will reap the benefits in the long-term, and it makes it an appropriate time for councils and the State Governments to get together and work out how they’re going to help retailers and ensure their future viability,” Thomas said. Hutchinson’s Michael Connolly said that they will keep the city informed by

premium retail space below and a hotel above. (see artists impression) So how does the redevelopment look? • Stage one: Building the first four floors to house MYER and the basement. • Stage two: Demolition of existing MYER store on Murray street • Stage three: Construction of Accommodation on the Murray Street site. Edward Harry, owner of menswear store Les Lees, said the empty site is blocking one of Hobart’s main shopping TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

way of leaflet drops, emails, Chamber of Commerce and print media throughout the entire project. Hutchinson Builders is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned building and construction companies. While the company’s primary focus has been in Australia with the establishment of a presence on a national scale they have also undertaken projects in New Zealand, Japan and Canada. Kalis Properties Pty Ltd is a wholly Tasmanian, privately-owned development businesses that have successfully traded for over 40 years, right here in Moonah.

arteries but is keen to see the development progress as fast as possible while minimizing the impact to trade on Liverpool street and weekend foot traffic. Many Liverpool St businesses have done it tough over the last 6 years, up to three tenancies are empty, and store owners are now excited to see the opening in December 2015. The Lord Mayor Damon Thomas said the stunning success of the adjacent Cat and Fiddle Arcade revamp also suggested that the economics of the Icon Complex proposal stacked up.

SPOTLIGHT

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Craig Howard – preservation and design PROFILE ess than 20 minutes from the city of Hobart is a rarity. A family run business – where exceptional and (mostly) distinctively Tasmanian timbers are lovingly manufactured. Welcome to Craig Howards ultimate man cave – an enterprise that has had him create unique, high quality and rare furniture for 30 years. Craig Howard is one of Tasmania’s finest timber furniture craftsmen and works with world renowned Tasmanian special species timbers including Huon pine, blackwood, blackheart sassafras and myrtle, as well as selected imported timbers such as cedar and mahogany.

Craig Howard, above and examples of his work, left and right.

From untouched logs (some as big as a small car) Craig and his son mill the timber themselves and then carefully rack and store the timbers (harvested from sustainably managed logging coupes) to then create stunning, one-of-a-kind furniture for customers – from all around the globe.

Not dissimilar to the ‘paddock to plate’ concept – the Howards work with their customers from original concepts pictures / drawings through to finished product. Either traditional or contemporary in design, the furniture is meticulously handcrafted. A combination of traditional methods are used such as hand dovetailing while using ultra-modern machinery to precision machine, dress and dry the timber before the piece takes shape. “The consumer – their input is everything” says Craig “We are heavily influ-

enced by and our focus is on the customer completely.” An exceptional selling point for the Howards is simple. Fine furniture could be seen as an excellent investment. The appreciation in value over the years is highly attractive and this will only increase as these speciality timbers become more difficult to obtain. From bookcases through to coffee tables, office desks and hand cut chairs – Craig and his son Jack have done it all – and have won several awards in the process – notably Salamanca business award, Business East – awards for excellence (twice) Tasmanian Apprentice of the year. Craig and now Jack, have skills and knowledge for this art – taught to them through family and honed with recognised qualifications here in Tasmania. Vallance and sons “The amount of hand craft that we do – sets us apart – it is again quite unique” says Craig. Catering for both corporate and private customers, Craig has been commissioned to complete works on a local level, up the eastern seaboard of Australia and through to clients in the US and the UK. “Mostly high end – niche client base – who want a rarity” he says. He is keen to branch out further – with China in his sights. However – Craig and Jack are one of only a small few furniture makers in the state. Craig believes that investment is needed to keep the industry developing and urges the government to get on board. “Please don’t waste this massive opportunity. So many other industries have had the chance to receive funding to develop them further” he says. “We don’t need big players – we just need small players doing the right thing.” He says. “We need education in how to make better use of Tasmania special timbers – not to waste such prized commodity. There is a skill and product base here in Tasmania that is so unique”. The distinct and fragrant aroma of Huon pine, the warmth of golden and amber wood piled up around you – rustic, quaint, yet grand (and almost museum like) – is truly magnificent, and the recreation of old world charm, intricate detailing of a bygone era – is the kind of customisation that is a favourite for Craig. Each piece of timber tells a story. Each piece of furniture carries that on. If you would like to learn more about Craig Howard – please head to: http://heritagefurniture.com.au/ Heritage Furniture 54 Piper Road Geilston Bay, 7015 Tasmania (03) 6243 5386 info@heritagefurniture.com.au http://heritagefurniture.com.au TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

Strong exhibitor demand for 2014 Hobart Show ust three months out from the Royal Hobart Show, commercial and exhibition space is selling fast. The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) says demand is growing each year as businesses embrace the unique marketing environment the Show delivers. Last year, the Royal Hobart Show attracted crowds of nearly 50,000, which was an increase of more than 5% on the previous year. Follow up surveys by the RAST showed that exhibitors taking out commercial space found they had a very useful marketing tool in the Show. “Businesses see the Show as a unique way to exhibit and promote their products and

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

services to the show going public,” said Scott Gadd, Chief Executive Officer of the RAST. “They tell us that the Show makes a great launch pad and allows them to test their products, and public opinion and attitudes towards their products. It’s a more dynamic way of engaging with the public than traditional retail, because exhibitors can chat with potential customers in a more relaxed holiday environment, build rapport, gauge ongoing interest, build data bases based on potential customer interest, and provide samples.” Each year, showgoers are exposed to a wide range of services and products. They include new cars, food products, clothing,

marine products, jewellery, gardening and horticultural goods, beauty products, mobile phones and communications equipment, homewards, and much more. Many businesses and exhibitors from last year re-booked space immediately after the 2013 Show and new bookings were occurring as early as January this year. Indoor and outdoor options are still available for exhibitors in premium areas – big spaces, small spaces, food spaces, and trade spaces; and a prospectus is available to view online at http://www.hobartshowground. com.au/show/. This year’s Show runs from October 22 to October 25.

Growth in the Show’s appeal has been underlined in 2014 with – for the first time – the RAST agreeing to accept a major naming rights sponsor. BBX “The sponsorship will allow us to invest strongly back into Show entertainment and other attractions to make the Show bigger, brighter and better than ever before”. BBX manages the buying and selling of goods and services on behalf of its account holders, utilising the BBX global cashless payment platform. Established in April 1993, BBX is the largest cashless payment platform in the world.

BOOK REVIEW

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Leadership and self decption getting out of the box by the Arbinger Institute Review by

Michelle Swallow Director â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Leadership and Change Consultants Pty Ltd Graduate of the 2007 Tasmanian Leaders Program www.tasmanianleaders.org.au

t a meeting while discussing our leadership experiences, a colleague I greatly respect recommended this book to me. Its focus is that self-deception determines every aspect of our lives. Written as a parable, the character â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who is in a new managerial role at the fictional company of Zagrum, is taken on a journey which demonstrates how we view and treat others as objects rather than people. It demonstrates how we tend to overestimate our own qualities and justify it by finding fault in others. As a result we tend not to focus on

results, but on making ourselves look good at the expense of others. We view people as objects that help us achieve our goals, which the book calls being

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, rather than as people with their own hopes and dreams (being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;out of the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). If we are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; it limits us, and our organisations from the ability to reach our potential, and results in us not seeing people as they are. The book highlights how self-betrayal is the basis of self-deception, and how selfdeception blinds us to the true causes of problems. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It obscures the truth about ourselves, corrupts our view of others and our circumstances, and inhibits our ability to make wise and helpful decisionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In business our efforts are focused on results. If weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; however, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not really focused on organisational results; we are focused on our own results. The problems that arise when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; include: lack of commitment, communication issues, lack of accountability, conflict, stress, poor teamwork and lack of trust. When we are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; we see things in terms of the self-justifying images weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created. We see those that challenge these images as threats and those who reinforce them as allies.

To get â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;out of the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; we need to assist others to succeed and achieve results. We need to worry less about whether others are helping us, and more about whether we are helping others. Success as a leader depends on being free of self-betrayal and creating an environment of openness, trust and teamwork, where people work hard for the collective good, not individual achievements. Key lessons from the book for business leaders include: encouraging our people to follow their passion and dreams aligned to our business values and strategy, not blaming others and creating an environment of transparency, trust and openness. Tasmanian Leaders Inc is an independent, notfor-profit organisation that facilitates leadership enhancement opportunities for aspiring, emerging and high potential leaders. Our signature program, the Tasmanian Leaders Program is currently accepting applications for the 2015 program. www.lacc.net.au Leadership and Change Consultantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mission is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;making a differenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by value adding to organisations, businesses and individuals. They specialise in leadership and mentoring, change management, facilitation, organisational & team development, business planning & efficiencies and governance. Providing a suite of interventions which can be specifically tailored to a single issue or designed to utilise a number of comprehensive strategies for systemic change.

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NEWS FEATURE

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Creative corporate giving is easier than you think PHILANTHROPY

“

“Encourage your staff to fund raise or volunteer for charity.”

By SHARN HITCHINS t’s no surprise that it’s tough out there in the market place for small and big business. The flow on effects of funding cuts, job losses, an aging population, and the continuing impacts of the GFC, have left businesses nationwide operating in safe mode. The question of giving away any of that hard earned cash to a charity, even the most noble of charities, feels to many as a waste that could soon see the giver becoming the receiver. So what can you do if you’re wanting to give back to your local community, without hurting your cash flow? Believe it or not, there are some simple ways to help you to help others whilst helping yourself: • Volunteer your time and expertise with a charity of your choice. Chances are, you have more to give than you realise. Charities and notfor-profits worth their salt run with very low administration costs. They do this by employing volunteers and maintaining low staff numbers. Perhaps you have a skill they can use? Examples could include accounting, legal, business development, marketing, sales, office administration or fundraising on their behalf. You could even send junior employees on your behalf if your time is in high demand. • Offer stock that you can’t move at cost price for your local charity to auction off or sell. Do you have stock sitting around that you can’t seem to move? Why not offer it to your preferred charity to auction off at their next charity event or to sell. You will

still get your money back, but as a sponsor, your name is aligned with a good cause and accordingly the goodwill that comes from your generosity is magnified. Who doesn’t love a business that looks after others?! • Use your networks and work together. If you have colleagues in the same industry as you and do not believe you can do something on your own, work together as a team and contribute as a group. • Encourage your staff to fundraise or volunteer on behalf of a chosen charity. This could include holding regular morning teas, second hand book sales, or give staff a day to volunteer for a charity of their choice. Many large corporate businesses have Passion or Impact Days (community service days) where staff are encouraged to volunteer with a charity either as a team or as an individual for one day each year. Some of the tasks carried out by these teams include painting offices, gardening, or being involved during large events such as Christmas gift distribution to local children in need. The list of tasks to undertake is limitless as many charities let these jobs go whilst focusing on their chosen service. For minimal outlay to your business, you can support a local charity in a way that will help them to “get on” with what they do best, whilst your business is given the kudos and goodwill that comes with minimal outlay to your bottom line. Next time a charity calls you to request support, don’t just tell them no; think outside the box and offer them something that will leave your competitors wondering why they hadn’t thought of it first. If you don’t ask, you don’t know. Go on, get creative and give something back that you’re not going to notice. You will be rewarded in ways you never dreamed possible.

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Cnr Elizabeth and Bathurst Street Hobart 7000 Tel: (03) 6234 6333 Fax: (03) 6231 0898 www.hobartmidcity.com.au 16

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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

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The leadership formula The art of leading your team to success with confidence EDUCATION

of the big picture. Your own vision should ideally fit into that of the organisation, giving you congruence in how you speak, act and behave.

2. Confidence

By Nic Stephen

Know yourself As a leader you must be confident in yourself. Know your strengths and identify the gaps that need work. Never be afraid of asking questions or finding a coach to assist you in this. Your level of self-confidence can show in many ways: your behavior, your body language, how you speak and what you say. Self-confidence is about balance. At one extreme, we have people with low self-confidence. At the other end, we have people who may be over-confident. Looking at your role, identify the skills you need to achieve success. Look at how you can acquire these skills by looking for a solution, a program or a course that gives you the knowledge and understanding to grow your skills and abilities.

o you’ve landed yourself a promotion, taken a step up in the pecking order and finally made it! Everything feels like it’s coming together, and as you drive home that night after another long day you’re feeling the anticipation of things to come. On your way in to work the next day it finally hits you… what have you got yourself into, “I can’t lead others, I don’t know where to start” Thousands of people in the Tasmanian workforce are promoted into positions of leadership without any real direction, support or formal training. In many cases it’s the individual that performs best in technical work that is promoted into a position leading others doing that technical work. As a new manager and leader of people the role might seem overwhelming and daunting, there is however a simple formula that if followed will mean you can lead your new team to success with confidence. In this series of articles Nic Stephen will share the secrets of confidence & choice, how to leverage and influence your team and the 7 reasons why new leaders fail. You’ll go from reactive, pressed and stressed to controlled, confident and creative.

Listen, Direct, Support and Motivate Listening with the intent to understand is something many people struggle to understand. The late Stephen Covey coined this phrase, and provided the contrast in stating most people ‘listen with the intent to respond’. Always take an interest in understanding what your team has to say. Learn what policies or problems are hindering your team from doing its job effectively, & efficiently. Listen carefully to better understand quality of life and work/life balance issues and then encourage employee-driven solutions. Be Supporting Team members develop at different rates. Each individual in your team will need a different level of direction (often task based) and support (feelings based). If you provide all direction without the support required, your team won’t perform at their best and this will reflect poorly on your leadership brand.

Creating Good Habits

4. Motivation skills

If you were asked to play for the Socceroos at the World Cup would you do it without any guidance from the coach? If asked to present a speech on personal development techniques to 800 paying delegates in Sydney — would yyou ggo it alone and hope for the best, or get some direction from someone experienced? Many leaders fail because they try to go it alone and do everything themselves. They have a fear that others will judge them for asking for direction, advice and their opinion. Smart leaders ask and follow the advice of people more experienced than themselves, they make a choice, they commit to doing this on a regular basis, and they act. Creating the habits and rituals of an effective leader is as important as maintaining your ability to perform the technical tasks in your job. Let’s look at 6 of the key soft skills that will assist in you developing the habits that lead to success.

Encourage, Engage & Inspire A strong leader has the ability to inspire, motivate and engage their teams. Be a mentor and coach, focus on bringing out the best in people, p g their talents and encouraging them developing to use their initiative and jjudgment. Most leaders are aware that the way they coach their teams plays a big role in ensuring their team’s success. Unfortunately, w when it comes to giving feedback, many don’t kknow how to coach, and simply resort to telling others how to improve. A hand-written note (not a sticky note) congratulating and thanking a team member for a job particularly well done will earn loyalty, trust and respect. When things go wrong, never criticize an employee publicly. Do it quietly and constructively and, unless you’re building a case for dismissal, point out something positive as well. Being a leader doesn’t automatically mean people will follow you. You need to show that you’re going to back them. Understand the needs of your team. Leadership ability doesn’t automatically come with the title of Manager, Supervisor or Team Leader. It is an ongoing learning process, and requires you to decide to learn, ask questions, follow those you respect, and implement things every day. Next month, read about the science of persuasion, and how to influence your team ethically with confidence.

1. Vision Have a strategic view of things You need to understand how the work your team performs fits into the bigger picture and success of the company. Plan long-term strategies for your area and communicate them to your team regularly. Set purposeful and specific individual and team goals, and communicate your expectations in the context TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

3. People skills

OPINION

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The changing face of business – staffing to outsourcing OUTSOURCING

By Adrian Clark t seems like yesterday that you would look out of your office and see printers, accountants, secretaries and sales people all busily working and reading memos pinned up on the notice board over the water cooler. Now we have words like paperless office, virtual assistant, serviced offices, being emailed and discussed around the barista quality, automatic, coffee machine.. So much has changed in the way we do work, even the hours we work. A lot of businesses now offer “Flexible Hours” with their staff choosing the hours they work. In some cases two people sharing the same job description in the one organisation.

Work model that gives the employee or now the contractor, who is not working for only you but could be working for a hundred businesses, more control? That is easy, cost! The dollar! As we move to a model where we contract out to people or organisations for specific contracts or as we need them, it’s reflected in our bottom line. You are only paying for

either the specific contract or the number of hours worked. No more time off sick, annual leave, Superannuation or Parental Leave. The contractor or organisation of how much easier budgeting will be, let alone organising your payroll. I see businesses moving to a model where almost all, if not all, of the labour force, the consultants and

maybe even management will be outsourced, leaving you to manage a team of contractors assisting you to run your business. This allows the possibility of more businesses being birthed that are labour hire or Business Management organisations to handle this new need. Just like the paperless office, it can potentially take businesses to the point of being a “staffless office” with people

Another benefit maybe less space. With a lot of people now preferring to work from home or in the case of sales staff, be totally mobile, this could mean you need less space and where you once needed a whole floor, you may now only need an office in a building. Think of all the money that could be saved in rent. Just like once there were whole floors, totally air sealed and climate controlled holding banks of reel to reel computers we now have all that information and more, held on a chip within your home personal computer. These are some of the ideas that helped birth Clark Business Solutions. It and businesses like it are set up to help you find the contractor to do what you need, when you need it and then leave allowing you the satisfaction of knowing the job is done and then not having a staff member knocking on your door asking “What do I do now?” Are you ready to embrace the change and become a staffless business? I look forward with eagerness and embrace the journey head on. Bring it on! Adrian Clark is Tasmania’s Head Business Concierge with Clark Business Solutions based in Hobart. adrian@clarkbusinesssolutions.com.au

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

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You’re not selling what you think you’re selling ART OF SALES By Ian Lowe CEO Go Givers Australia

HERE are plenty of takeaways in and around our neighbourhood and quite a few of them sell fish and chips. Being of English heritage we enjoy a regular portion of this most famous of our homeland’s contribution to world cuisine, with lashings of salt and vinegar of course. We’ve tried just about every fish and chip outlet at various stages but there’s one we return to over and over again, even though it’s further away than a couple of others and a little difficult to park. It goes without saying that they make great fish and chips, but are they worlds apart from the others? No not really. In fact if we were to do a blind taste test I think we would struggle to tell one from the other. All of the takeaways are really good on that front. So why do we keep going back to this one particular shop? Well this might sound strange but they always seem to be having so much fun. The shop has about five or six people serving and cooking and they all seem to be high on life. There’s a great energy that comes from them and how they interact. They sing loudly, usually in an operatic style, one guy is actually a really good baritone. There is always plenty of friendly banter going on between the team members and quite often with customers.

When your order is ready they call or sing out your name and they always seem to remember who you are. I was picking up my single order earlier this week and the chap said: “Only one order tonight Ian?” He remembered that I usually buy two portions and we had a quick chat about my wife being away and me being home alone for a while. He made a joke we had a quick laugh about it and off I went with a big smile on my face neatly wrapped package of hot and tasty fish and chips in hand. So sure, the great fish and chips are important but we could get the same quality at a few places. What I love most about this shop is that they understand they’re not really selling fish and chips at all. They’re selling an experience. Watching the performance while you wait is great fun and they make you feel good. It’s not the product, it is what’s going on around the product that keeps us coming back time after time. Here at Go-Givers Australia we would say that the fish and chips are a MacGuffin. In fact whatever your product or service, you’re not really selling that at all, it’s a MacGuffin. Our founder Bob Burg and his co-author John David Mann write about this in Go-Givers Sell More. In the book they explain that “a MacGuffin, so dubbed by the late British film director Sir Alfred Hitchcock, is the object around which the whole story focuses. In the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark for example, it’s the ancient Ark of the Cove-

nant that Indiana Jones is racing to prevent the Nazis from obtaining. But here’s the funny thing, when you get to the end of the story you realise, that thing that the story’s about? That’s not what the story’s about. As Burg and Mann explain: “Indiana Jones succeeds in his quest, but the Ark itself is quietly buried, stored away in a warehouse under lock and key. The characters themselves are devoted to their pursuit of the MacGuffin – but the Sure the great fish and value of the story lies not in the MacGuffin itself, but in chips are important but the process they go through. Your MacGuffin may be we could get the same the best in its class. It may quality at a few places. “ even be life-changing. You may have testimonials from people who declare they So whether you’re selling fish and chips, would never be without your MacGuffin, that insurance, financial services, real estate or they’re alive today only because they found out about your MacGuffin. But the MacGuffin IT solutions you’re not really in the business of selling any of those things - make is not what your story should be about.” sure your story is about adding value to “Remember the sales process isn’t about you, and it’s not about your product or service. your customers by touching their lives and Then what is it about? It’s about adding value to your success will be assured. your customer’s life. Your product or service Ian Lowe is the CEO of Go-Givers Australia, a may be one vehicle for doing that, one among sales training, coaching and consulting ordozens. Yet a person may never actually buy ganisation offering a unique culture-defining your product or service and still have her life philosophy and framework that makes giving changed by meeting you and getting to know value the cornerstone of a refreshingly open you. And that person, even though she never and authentic approach to selling. Visit www. actually becomes a customer, will refer many thegogiverway.com.au others to you.”

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The ODD SOCK leader lives, loves, learns and achieves! LEADERSHIP

Sharyn Hill Organised with an S he Odd Sock Leaders focus is on achievement of the vision, goal, plan, task that has been assigned. They focus on who is needed to get the job done and how they can help those people to fulfil the plan and achieve success. If it is going to take time to find a pair of socks, they will just go with odd ones, they have more important things to focus on. They do not get caught up in the things that do not matter. Sure they still experience the things that test us all, however the 12 Keys to success of the Odd Socks Leader assists them to stay focussed and on target. They are creative with their time. They have high energy. They understand people and love working with a team to get the job done. They see challenges as an opportunity to solve a problem and deliver a result. They are encouraging, Inspiring, capable of leaping tall buildings (nah just messing with you, however if they are working as a stunt person, this could in fact be true)

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

We all get distracted by things that do not matter. Being able to refocus yourself and not get caught up in all these things is the challenge. How often do we hear the phrase “I am too busy” or “I do not have enough time” We can come up with all sorts of excuses for not getting the job done. Fear of failure (or Success) and Procrastination are sent to test our abilities to achieve. The question is…… Do you have what it takes to deliver the vision, task, job, activity? If the answer is yes then you need to be prepared. Being a Leader is a tough gig (small deviation……A Leader is not defined by title or position. It’s by how they inspire and lead others to achieve a common goal, vision, task, activity.) The Odd Sock Leader works with people, inspiring them to action, continually reviewing and changing strategies as needed, putting in the time that is needed, always being one step ahead of everyone else. The first three keys to success (of twelve) in being an Odd Sock Leader relate to personal habits and behaviour. As a Leader people watch you and can actually use your behaviour as an “excuse” for how they behave? Is that OK? Doesn’t matter, you know it happens so you have no excuse for not behaving in a way that you don’t want those around you to follow. “Do as I say and not as I do” has never worked. Regardless of what it is that you are leading in, ALL of your behaviours impact on the delivery and authenticity of what you teach.

1st Key: Your Body This is your machine, you need to keep it running at optimal level. Your ability to think and move is determined by the health of your body. Everything you eat and drink

effects how efficiently your body operates. Observe how foods effect you and your behaviour and change your eating habits accordingly. Exercise…….I can already hear some of you saying “I don’t have time”, That’s your choice…just like the choice you make to Lead or not to Lead.

2nd Key: Your Mind Our thoughts influence our feelings, influence our actions…….Same as the body, what you put in is what you get out. Learn techniques that help you to have the right mindset or give yourself a reset if your thoughts are not helping you to achieve. Take time every day to put yourself in the right “Frame of Mind”. Continual activity in this area will keep you focussed and efficient.

3rd Key: Your Soul Your Soul is about influencing your energy levels and making sure that you can rest for recharge. Take time for your hobbies or things you enjoy. Its time for stepping outside of your high activity, high achieving world for a time and recharge for even greater achievement. Do something that makes you smile, do something that makes you laugh, gives you that warm fuzzy glow. Remember people follow the leader. If they see you healthy and happy and achieving, they will say “I’ll have what she’s having”. Wouldn’t it be great to have a team of high achievers around you? And speaking of Soul…I am off now (7.30am) to get ready for a day of sliding, jumping and whatever else you do with 6 kids on school holidays!

SHARYN HILL SERVICE, STRATEGIES AND SYSTEMS = SUCCESS 0409 855 880 EMAIL: SHARYN@SAYTHANKYOU.NET.AU

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Head in the clouds: understanding the benefits of cloud computing TECHNOLOGY

rollout, internet connections are faster and more reliable, creating ideal conditions for cloud-based services. There’s no need to trek in to an office to access information: users can see what’s happening from across town or across the state, with real-time updates on all connected devices.

Accessibility

By Adam Williams loud computing is the latest buzzword in technology circles but what exactly is it, and how can it help Tasmanian small businesses? In a nutshell, cloud computing means shifting your IT services or programs online. There are cloud services for email, data storage, web-based phone systems, application hosting and more. The benefits for small businesses are vast. Using the right provider, cloud computing is cheaper, faster and more reliable than traditional in-house IT systems. It also has the potential to improve collaboration between colleagues and promote innovation. Here are some of the main advantages of cloud technology explained:

Cost savings Unlike traditional IT systems, cloud computing doesn’t require expensive programs or equipment. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a new server, for example, businesses pay an external provider to use their data storage services. Cloud services are scalable up or down, depending on requirements, and they do away with the burden of expensive upgrades and time-consuming technical issues. With less to spend on personnel and training expenses, there’s more time — and money — to focus on what really matters: growing your business.

Hold virtual meetings, stay in touch with offsite employees, share files with staff on the road, or do business in your pyjamas: it’s all possible with cloud computing. Staff with an internet connection can work on their computers, tablets or mobile phones. The technology encourages collaboration and innovation by making it easier to work together, unrestricted by physical location.

Reliability Using offsite servers to instantly back-up information means if there’s a problem at your premises — a fire, theft, power outage or technical failure, for example — you can still access information from another location. This could mean the difference between being able to stay open or shutting down until the problem is fixed.

Security Cloud services can be more secure than older technology, using a combination of identity authentication and data encryption. Selecting the right provider for the needs of your business is crucial, and Telstra Business Centre Hobart can provide information about the best way to protect sensitive information. With the right advice, the sky’s the limit for Tasmanian small businesses embracing cloud computing. Adam Williams is the Business Manager for the new Telstra Business Centre Hobart at 175 Collins Street, Hobart, phone (03) 6208 8400.

Speed Tasmanian businesses are well-placed to take advantage of the time-saving benefits of cloud computing. With the state’s advanced NBN

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

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Be true to yourself: How to reclaim your OWN power SELF DISCOVERY

By Anya Haldey Positive Coaching & Therapy HEN a sprinter turns around to look at the competition he loses speed which can cost him his victory. Listening to the opinions of others more than ourselves is like looking behind your shoulder. That is when we lose our personal power leading to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. According to the palliative care records published by the Hay House, amongst the top regrets of people who are about to die are: the wish to have the courage to live a life true to themselves, not the life others expected of them; the wish to express their feelings and the wish to let themselves be happier. Why not make the decision now to reclaim your life? Being true to yourself can often be hindered by worrying about what other people may think of you. Have you been making too many compromises? Have you been trying to take care of everybody at work and at home forgetting about yourself?

In our desire to be accepted and fit in we often suppress our needs and true feelings as the internal sensor eats away at our personality. We think that we should be happy and we are not, the long awaited holiday comes and goes without giving us the satisfaction and excitement we expected. We feel powerless to change the important aspects of our lives. To understand what needs to change we sometimes have to trace back to what we learned about ourselves in the past. Somehow we give our power away. When we are born into this world we are winners – we made it here and we feel great. Then we start our journey where our parents tell us what we did wrong. They have the best intentions to correct the mistakes and support our learning but often contribute to our feelings of not being worthy. Furthermore, when we go to school teachers again point out our mistakes, often with a red pen, which we may interpret as us not being good enough. Our personal power escapes us as we believe other people especially those in authority, more than we believe ourselves, and allow the opinions of others to influence how we feel and what we think about ourselves. Listening to feedback and developing our personality are necessary steps on a long journey of growth and personal evolution. There is a fine line however, between taking it on board and accepting their opinions unquestionably because any opinion is just that – a subjective point of view. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion in today’s world, are they not? Our perceptions are coloured by our unique experience, thoughts and feelings. What people think of you can reflect more about them than you.

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For example, when you watch a movie with a group of people and talk about it at the end, have you ever noticed how each person may remember vividly a theme or a scene that totally passed you by as if you have watched a completely different movie? Following what other people expect of you does not allow you to be true to yourself which in time creates the feeling of discontent. The journey of reclaiming one’s own power takes time as you learn to recognise the signals of discontent. When something is not working right go inside and connect with the core of your being. What makes you who you are today? What gives you joy and satisfaction? Many successful people struggle to fully enjoy their success because they feel not

worthy, not good enough, like a fraud, or numb their feelings to such an extent that they become similar to robots adding to the dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Very early on in life we learn to hide our true emotions and become masters of suppression – “I am not angry”, “ I am not upset”, “everything is fine” are some of the defences we adopt. On the opposite side, uncontrollable emotions express themselves as aggression, inability to compromise and discomfort. The true balance lies in the middle. When you can be honest with yourself and recognise how you feel it becomes so much easier to centre yourself and relate well to people. Expressing your needs is another key to empowerment. You can start by simply telling the people around you what you need. Our needs to be loved, listened to, included and connected, are all essential and legitimate needs. If you never expressed them how would people around you know what you are missing? Asking for a hug from your kids may seem strange but if it is missing from your life how powerful would it be to receive what you desire and what would give you that happy feeling? Explaining to the colleagues why you are saying NO may seem scary at first but once you try to be honest with others, they would understand and respect your request, and if they don’t – maybe something needs to change. The journey of reclaiming one’s own power may be uneasy and painful but when you finally arrive at a point of understanding and being true to yourself in all aspects of your life, the rewards and satisfaction are immense. Contact Anya at: change@positivecoaching.com.au

+DYH D VHDW Call us today, and arrange a FREE in home demonstration and quote.

03 6331 6899 www.masterlifts.com.au

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BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Hands up who travels for business? Hands up who would like to?

igh flying Executive....the sound of it is exciting, professional, edgy and important right?’ The words ‘frequent flyer’ ‘priority boarding’ ‘upgrades’ ‘status credits’ ‘business class’ have a certain charm and elusiveness...Agree? Personally I used to think of dudes in suits — toting the latest gadgets perhaps with a copy of Business Review Weekly under their arm, on their mobile and checking their watch. These gents do still exist — however, the ‘corporate traveller’ is now somewhat an exciting variation and mishmash of so so many industries and people.

board to pick up the Tassie traveller... Not. So. Glamorous. I have found a few silver linings — some little rays of sunshine and high fives. Where there is travel — there is innovation, where there is innovation there is growth, and this growth — it is so important in this economically awkward time. This in many cases means leaving the familiar shores of the Mersey, Tamar or Derwent. Businesses here in Tasmania both private and public, often have no choice but to do the Bass Strait stint, in order to bring in, ship out or promote a new an amazing product or expose other clients and customers to our own wonderful and unique goods, services or ideas. I am sure with all the late nights, early mornings and delicious plane food options — a trip is made that little bit sweeter when you fly back in over the home state — it is a pretty amazing view. Tell me then — my high flying friends — what is it that you adore about life spent often in the sky? What bits and pieces make it an experience you enjoy? Is it sitting back and closing your eyes at take off ? Is it the ability to get some work done in a space where you are virtually unable to be contacted? (Unless you’re on a flight with THAT

My company deals with these people every day from business class to ‘cattle class,’ economy, 3 star motels to the world’s most unbelievably lavish properties. Every client is so different it makes it so exciting. This high flying executive now comprises of sales reps, scientists, farmers, teachers, coaches, miners, engineers and of course still management and CEOs — but across so so many industries — the list goes forever. Many of you would know having to travel for your job is a whole different experience to a two week holiday stint on the Goldie or a family trip to SouthEast Asia. (Admittedly, these trips can at times have their own undesirable moments...Bali belly anyone?) It is not all it’s cracked up to be — families who miss their mums, dads, boyfriends and girlfriends, the birthdays and other important events that get declined, the sitting in lounges or (god forbid) at gates while planes are slowly making their way down the eastern sea

colleague who divulges in a few too many G & Ts...) I want to hear the amazing a positive anecdotes and tales of you frequent flyers — what makes your jet setting life just that little bit more easy to endure? Is it the people you meet — priests, underbelly gangsters, other fellow business travellers? I am sure that you all have a story to tell. I know there are so many bitter moments in the sky (or worse still on the ground due to delay after delay) but I want you to share the ‘mile highs’ (PG rated of course). Let’s get positive — let’s share a laugh or two — or maybe some awesome travel trips that help you pass the time? Over the next few months let talk about what you LOVE about corporate travel. Send your stories and ideas to me courtney@tasba.com.au I look forward to sharing the tales from the sky.

TRAVEL

By Courtney Drew

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

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Exhibitions at Art Mob t was April 2002 and Art Mob launched as a gallery in Castray Esplanade with its exhibition “Balgo Hills 2002”. Few of those attending would have visited the remote community of Wirramanu in the Tanamai Desert so it was a new experience for most. And the experiences continue! Since then Euan Hills and his staff have curated over 160 exhibitions covering many aspects and regions of indigenous Australia. If one follows these shows it is apparent that the knowledge imparted by these artworks is truly immense. Not only is it knowledge but it is also commercial reality. Artists need money – par-

ing one of Cliff Reid’s paintings as “peeling off a layer of the Dreamtime”. Cliff Reid and his wife Ruby visited Hobart in November 2005 for Cliff ’s first solo exhibition. In fact, it was the very first solo exhibition for any artist from the Gibson Desert region. This far Western Desert area is now attracting strong interest from institutions and art collectors alike. So, there’s a connection with culture that stimulates the desire to own a piece of the Dreamtime. There’s way more than that too. Art has aesthetic qualities – maybe also sometimes anaesthetic! We all love to have nice things about us in our dwellings and offices. Art is very collectable!

Paintings by Family Lyons Image: Art Mob

Heather Umbagai’s first Australian Aboriginal art gallery exhibition “Slowly the Horizon Unfolds”. Highlights from subsequent years include the seven Pink exhibitions that were inspired by gallery assistant Simonne’s pink shoes. These exhibitions were a real hit with pink champagne helping the audience along! Indigenous Night Sky exhibitions opened the eyes of Art Mob’s fans to how astronomy has been here in Australia for perhaps the past 50,000 years. Many solo exhibitions have helped establish the careers of many artists including Kudditji Kngwarreye, William Sandy, Sally Gabori, Sam Jupurrula Wickman, Pansy Napangardi, Jock Mosquito, Barbara Weir, Dennis Nona and Alick Tipoti.

from Kevin after having had a smoke outside with clear blue skies above. Euan doubted that the Bureau of Meteorology’s web site mapping of the ash cloud on the computer was convincing to these two brilliant water colourists. Sometimes the timing of exhibitions can be perfect. April 29th 2011 was the wedding day of Prince William to Catherine. It was also Art Mob’s launch of an exhibition of 17 paintings by the late Alexander Nganjimirra “The Queen in Arnhem Land”. This show sold out creating history for the gallery. Art galleries all have a responsibility to encourage local artists and this has always been

Yidumduma Bill Harney (left) & Euan Hills (right) Image: Art Mob

ticularly those who live in remote areas where the cost of basic commodities is often four times what we would expect to pay. The sales of these artworks contribute very positively to these communities and since 2002 well over $12 million has been sent back to these artists. But why do people buy indigenous art? Euan recalls Tim Carty from Australian National University in Canberra, in Hobart to Open Art Mob’s Canning Stock Route exhibition, describ-

Laurie Nona (Left) & Alick Tipoti (Right) Image: Art Mob TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

Taking a trip back in the past 12 years or so will bring back memories for those who have visited Art Mob. In June 2002 Allan Mansell from South Bruny Island showed his first pen and ink miniature works followed in April 2004 with his seminal “Change in the Weather” exhibition of prints and paintings after he was commissioned to produce what is possibly Tasmania’s largest public artwork at 188 Collins Street. In that first year Art Mob brought their first visiting Aboriginal artists from the mainland – Gertie Huddlestone and Angelina George – both from Ngukurr – for an exhibition “Sisters”. They were terrified being taken up Mount Wellington! Too high! Quite a number of guest artists came to the gallery in 2003 including the Warlpiri women, Audrey Martin Napanangka and Rachel Jurrah Napaltjarri, Wardaman elder Yidumduma Bill Harney, Bardi elder Roy Wiggan and the indomitable Warlpiri artist Lorna Napurrurla Fencer. Lorna’s exhibition was perhaps the wildest of all. It was a Sunday afternoon opening. Lorna had gone walkabout. Half an hour after scheduled launch she wandered back in and tolerated the opening speeches. On being asked if she wanted to talk she commanded Euan to take “that painting off the wall and put him here”. That meant on the ground. She wasn’t finished though until all 15 painting were flat on the gallery floor. Then she called the convenors over by their skin names and said “Women’s business”. So around the back went Napurrurla, Nangala and Napanangka to be got ready for dancing. The first two came out with body paint on faces, arms and breasts while the demure Napanangka carried a coolamon. For the next hour or so Napurrurla danced and sang the dreamings of each of those paintings, going across the floor from painting to painting. What a special occasion! 2003 was also Art Mob’s first prison art exhibition, Pitjatjantjarra artist Ruby Williamson’s debut solo exhibition, Tasmania’s first exhibition from the Tiwi Islands and Worrorra artist Anjolu

(from left to right) Sally Brown, Stephen John Last, Simon Barcza (Ci Simon) & Tim Donnellan Image: Art Mob

A fascinating exhibition “Wirri Mob Watercolours” in November 2009 happened to coincide with the volcanic ash cloud drama that affected air travel severely. The late Kevin Wirri was painting with his son Elton Wirri at Art Mob initially for just 2 days but that got extended to a full week. “When are we going home?” was a regular question

an attribute of Art Mob. Mick Quilliam from Bicheno has had eight solo exhibitions and Julian Oates from Mountain Creek has had the one. Both continue to be very popular artists with global sales of their works. All of Art Mob’s exhibitions can be reviewed online on their website www.artmob.com.au under the Schedule button.

Issues with lending for business start-ups FINANCE

By Allan Faint ave you a business or are you thinking about starting one? Have you been to the Bank or your Mortgage Broker and found getting finance is much more difficult than you imagined? How can it be that the owner of a business in most instances has to wait for 2 years worth of financials to be entitled to try for a home loan, where his/her employee may only have to wait 6 months? Also there is the problem that your accountants job is to legally minimise your income but the higher your taxable

income, the better your loan eligabilty with the banks and Mortgage insurers will be. As Franchises statisicaly have a greater success than a business starting up with out the structured support, so you can often get finance for those, so maybe worth considering? Finance to buy a small business is hard to get, often the business is the original owner. Once he goes what is left? Does the new buyer realise that he is going to have to work harder than if he was employed. What about if you are going to start from scratch? How long will the start up money last. The amount of money spent each year on shop fittings, only to be pulled out again to be replaced by another when the businesses go bust, would be astronomical. Often by the time you are able to get a loan or if you must, an over draft, you probably don’t need one. Lenders are understandably very cautious about lending when a business is setting up. As you may be aware over 50%

of businesses go broke in the first 2 years, with 50% of those left going broke in the next 2 years. Why? Often it is as simple as poor management. Often because some people feel as they own the business they don’t have to work, so the put staff on to do their work and wonder how things went so bad. Sometimes it is just lack of initial start up money. The lenders need income and equity in security such as your home, to give you the best loan amounts and rates. Once you have left your PAYG job and you are relying on your new self employed income, it will be difficult to get any loans.

It is expected when applying for a loan that if you have any definite plans, such as when you are leaving your job etc., that the lenders be advised because they will be calculating your loan eligibility on your current income. They could be considered negligible if they gave you a loan based on an unknown future self employed income. What can you do? Plan ahead. I would suggest if you ever think you may someday want to go into business, pay your existing home loans down as fast as you can, keeping the extra funds available in the loan redraw. Increase your existing loans as high as you can, keeping the available funds available as a Line of Credit or interest only portion of your loan, you only have to make monthly repayments on the increased amount, when you draw down on the funds. If you decide in the end not to go into a business, you could use the available funds to start an investment property portfolio. At the worst, you will have your home loan paid of early. Did you know that if your $250,000 home loan repayments were $1500 per month over 30 years but instead you were able to pay $1500 per fortnight; your homeloan would be paid in approximately 8 years, saving you about $200,000 in interest. Good luck if you do become one of those brave few who strike out on their own. What ever happens it will be an exiting road. Remember if you spend your time following others they will make it hard to get past but once out in front you will know where you are going. Allan Faint DipFBFM is owner and director of Home Finance Centre Hobart. 313 Elizabeth st Hobart 0362315255 A MFAA accredited Credit Advisor/Mortgage Broker., ASIC licence number 390540 Free phone apps, android — ‘Home Finance Centre’. iPhone — ‘HFC Hobart’

Tassie sales outshine the mainland INVESTMENT

By Stuart Whyment ith at least half a dozen suburbs in Greater Hobart with gross rental yields greater than the cost of mortgage repayments, investors are flocking to Tasmania and this has seen a significant increase in activity, according to LJ Hooker Glenorchy Principal Stuart Whyment. Tasmania has become a focal point for property investors, with LJ Hooker recently recording a 73 per cent increase in sales across the state – a spike not seen in the mainland states. While Tasmania may be a late bloomer in the property growth stakes, we are now well and truly in the race. In spite of the State’s economic under performance Tasmania’s property markets are poised to improve – thanks to historically low interest rates finally having an impact and the general affordability of property in most areas.

If we measure the State’s property market performance against its 2009 peak – we have been as low as 8% off our peak and now we are just 3% off and things look set to continue to improve. While there has been significant interest in our State from mainland investors, I would encourage Tasmanians to seriously consider moving into the investment property market. According to suburb statistics commissioned from RP Data, the appeal is enhanced because, in some areas, rent is increasing every year, too. Low interest rates are another reason it’s a good time to get into the investor market. Both fixed rates and variable rates are the lowest they have been in years, with interest rates below 5 per cent. Housing prices in Hobart are at historic lows so now investors can earn rental yields between six and eight per cent in some areas. Top areas for gross rental yield in Greater Hobart (source: RP Data) include Chigwell (7.6 per cent); Risdon Vale (7.5 per cent); Primrose Sands (7.2 per cent); New Norfolk (7 per cent); Warrane (6.8 per cent); Bridgewater (6.7 per cent). We are seeing significant interest from mainland investors who can see the advantages of a Tasmanian investment. Thanks to these investors the LJ Hooker Tasmanian offices achieved unprecedented sales results that have outshone growth patterns across the country. Sellers have recognised the surge in property interest, leading a 25 per cent increase in property appraisals and 33 per cent lift in listings when comparing results from April 2013.

The April results outshone all the capital cities on the mainland. LJ Hooker Tasmanian had huge year on year growth for April that were incomparable to any other state, with a 25 per cent increase in appraisals, 33 per cent increase in new listings and 73 per cent increase in settled sales. These results are reflective of a number of key things including great rental yields in Tasmania at the moment, historically low interest rates and a shift in house prices trending upwards. At a local level we are seeing an increase of buyer interest, both over the phone enquiry and numbers through

open homes. However, a strong marketing campaign remains of paramount importance in this current climate to ensure we capitalise on the strength of the economy. According to RP Data Southern Tasmania, Northern Tasmania and greater Hobart have experienced a 9.3 per cent, 0.3 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively, increase in home values in the 12 months from March 2014. For further information: Stuart Whyment LJ Hooker Glenorchy M: 0418 884 019 E: swhyment.admiral@ljh.com.au TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

CEO Tasmania - Polly Venning

Polly and the land of opportunity PROFILE olly Venning is an adopted Tasmanian and a terrific one at that. Hailing from Victoria – Polly has had a varied career path. From factories, fashion, food and beverage – through to technical development roles at both Telecom and National Australia Bank, Polly has been exposed to several industries and levels of management. After getting to the end of her tether – (“I felt like I was dying just a little bit every day” she says) a newly eloped Polly and her husband jumped on the boat and landed on the shores of Tassie – and settled in our beautiful Huon Valley. “I was looking for a place I could take a deep breath, evaluate who I was and what I had become and yet still craved some sense of community.” She says. Tasmania was the perfect place to be able to do all this. So 15 years ago Polly became a resident. Since this time she has contributed to our business community quite

TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

significantly. Working in various roles and then opening a small business early on – Soup ‘n’ Juice; Polly learned quickly the quirks of the way Tasmanians do business. “You will hear it all the time but it really is so true. We do business differently here in Tasmania.” She says. “There are so many brilliant concepts, ideas and start-ups, so much expertise and vast knowledge. Honestly – it must be something in the water.” She says. Several years ago Polly started another venture – this time with the focus on the ‘lonely at the top’ – establishing the successful CEO Tasmania. CEO Tasmania caters to all types of leaders – providing a mix of positions and experience from within the business community that will provides support and the opportunity to share experiences. Polly is also involved in Rotary and is the State President of Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (WCEI) amongst many other things, working alongside influential women like Di Thompson – Polly’s friend and mentor. “I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing generous and caring people.’ She says. Tasmania is lucky enough to be hosting the WCEI National Forum on 10th October in Hobart: Women leaders in Food and Wine – another positive event for the state. (For more information please head to http://www.wcei. com.au). Polly believes that Tassie is home to something special. “ We cannot even begin to fathom what our future opportunities and developments there may be in this beautiful state of ours.” She says, There has certainly been a positive shift – but Polly believes that creation is the key.

“To achieve sustainable growth... there needs to be creation. Creation around new industries, new developments, new ideas and a strong social awareness.” She says. For fellow business people – on any level – the idea on mentoring or sponsorship is high on the development agenda for Polly. “It’s really important when you are starting out. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you want to be but having someone who will speak on your behalf, make introductions for you and pull you into line if

required is the most amazing gift you can ever have.” To women especially, coming through the ranks her advice is simple: “Have a plan, be true to yourself, don’t do stuff because it is what people expect of you. Expect to get it wrong sometimes; if what you are doing makes you unhappy – stop and finally – find your smile.”

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No business should be without a business plan, but what is it? PLANNING

By Paul Ostaff any would quickly point out key elements like the overall vision, and the individual elements that you need to accomplish the overall plan. Like — the Marketing Plan — the Sales Plan — the Finance Plan, and — the HR Plan And there are many businesses with staff who can grind out each of these elements in considerable detail. But there is one problem: Someone has to read this thing. Flippant? Well, sorry, I don’t intend it to be. I realise that it takes a lot to put one of these things together.

But that’s the problem. You see, those especially with technical backgrounds, can put a lot of detail into the what and the how. Quite often, what is missing — is the WHY. You see, above all else, the Business Plan is a SALES document. With it, the company is selling the vision: — to your investors — to your partners and customers, and — to your management and staff. Your investors want to know why it makes sense to trust you with their funds. Remember, they often have other choices they can invest in — why should it be you and your idea? Make sure that they quickly understand: — how and why the business generates cash — and how much — when they can expect it, and why they should believe this will be the case — what the investors will receive in ROI and payback Remember, they will have made plans for the money you have promised to generate for them. Your partners and customers want to know why your proposal is so impor-

tant. What needs will it serve? What problems will it address? What are you going to be delivering that is so exciting that the customers will be asking for it by name? If you can answer these questions, your partners will be happy to stock your products because they will be flying off the shelves. Finally, your management and staff need to know why the vision is such a good idea. After all, they are the ones that will

be working the hours to deliver and service this promise. Not only that, they are often the first encounter your prospect has with your product or service. How important is this? Well, one design firm in Melbourne specialises in making sure that everything within the company reflects the brand: from the obvious logos and signage through to office layouts and furnishings, and the way people answer the phone. They leave nothing to chance. The whole point of the Business Plan is not the plan itself, but the ACTION that it generates. This means that all of your audiences need to believe in it and support its implementation. Addressing the needs of your three key audiences:! — your management and staff — your partners and customers, and — your investors will motivate them to help you generate your desired level of business success. Reignite Consulting is a successful and rapidly growing business consultancy focussed on identifying and implementing sustainable solutions for your business growth. You can contact Paul at paul@ reigniteconsulting.com.au.

Never give up the fight to market your brand ing space which means you can pick up very competitive discounts. 3. Generate: as you continue to market and promote your product and service, indirectly you are generating interest and a top of the mind thinking that keeps your company at the forefront. People are continually in preparation to purchase mode. They want information and they want to know why they should purchase your product or service over the others, so keep informing them and giving them reasons why. This will help you survive the tough times and put you in a good position in your market when the economy improves. Investing for tomorrow will always allow for the business channel to be full and looking healthy.

MARKETING

By Craig Hingston

Surprise me

Brand & Communication Strategist Modemedia

he first word of advice is…don’t stop. Brand building, advertising, incentive campaigns, lead generation and public relations often become casualties when a business owner is looking to reduce expenditure. But it must be remembered these are the activities which are building your profile, positioning you ahead of your competition and preparing people to make a buying decision. Keep your guard up and punch on!

Don’t waste what you have already achieved! There is enough evidence to show that businesses which continue to promote themselves in the tough times experience better long-term growth than those which do not. Marketing is a long-term activity and it is important that you maintain momentum. Consumers need to see and know a brand and its message multiple times before making a purchasing decision. It is more cost effective to continue your campaigns – even at a reduced rate – than it is to pull back or stop altogether and then have to work extra hard to re-establish yourself at

the same time as your competitors come back from their hiatus. Rather than see these tough economic times as a negative, consider them to be an advantage; a time when, as others in your market “take a back seat” on their advertising and special offers, you can accelerate your presence and market share.

Evaluate, valuate and generate 1. Evaluate. Don’t panic about a changing market; instead take the time to understand where it is going and what the key drivers are. Sometimes in a depressed economy consumers will change their expectations and their buying habits. Know what they want. Is it still the same product or service as before? Is it a variation of that product or something totally new? How much are they willing to pay for it and how often do they need it? You can find this out by simply talking to your customers –

you’d be surprised how helpful people can be when you ask for their input, an online question- naire, via your social media followers or by asking Modemedia to conduct focus groups or market research. The worst thing to do is blindly continue as you were before the market slowed down. 2. Innovate. If your research shows that the market wants a different solution…go and create it. A quiet market is a good time to announce a new product or service when there is less “noise” coming from your competitors. It shows consumers that you understand their needs and you are an innovator – which is a strong brand building statement. Also, be innovative about your marketing. Look at different ways of maintaining your awareness activity for less spend. For example, the Internet provides low- cost opportunities such as responsive websites, e-newsletters, apps, social media, videos and webinars. Publishers find it harder in tough times to fill their advertis-

Often during tough times the levels of customer service drop. The mentality seems to be that if the consumer is going to spend less they don’t deserve the same degree of care as before. This is a big mistake. We are all emotional beings. People like to be treated professionally and respected. They want the purchase to be pleasant and enjoyable and if you take good care of them there is a very real chance they will refer you on to their friends. Surprise your customers; be the business offering more incentives and specials than anyone else; when they arrive to make their purchase “love on them” even more.

Find a friend Consider collaborative marketing with a complementary business. It could be a dress shop combining with a shoe shop, or a car mechanic combining with a tyre business. This way you share the costs and, by combining your incentives, the consumers have a bigger reason to buy from you. Remember, even though the amount of money being spent by consumers is less when times are tough there are still a lot of products and services that people want. Clothing, 3D TV’s, travel, cars and houses and many thousands of other items are still being sold. TASMANIAN BUSINESS ACCESS JULY 2014

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TECHNOLOGY

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Common sense ideas about IT INNOVATION

Dean Knowles A regular column of tech innovations, information and general chit-chat to make our computing lives easier!

ell, here we are! It’s been quite a while since writing a “column” for a printed publication, so no doubt you can feel the RSI in the words as you read

them! I’ve been asked to put together a regular “Tech Talk” column for this fine publication, an honour that I jumped at. There is so much changing in technology these days, that its easy for the media to gloss over the fact that background info would be... hello?... VERY HELPFUL! So I promise to make a lot of that available, especially if I end up delving into a deep area of tech A quick background check on myself in case you’re wondering “who is this clown?” Born and raised in Tassie (Burnie), and tertiary educated in Hobart, where I’ve lived ever since. I’ve had my own IT business for nearly 20 years now, albeit with a couple periods of it being “on hold” while I pursued a side angles (such as a couple consulting years at Deloitte, and more than a couple years as a trainer working at various RTO’s). In fact if

IT is the technical passion, training has to be the heart-felt passion. So what to look out for in this regular article: plain common-sense ideas about how to grapple with modern IT issues, so you can make better personal and business decisions. Because whether we like it or not, IT is a front-of-house discussion topic, and no longer a back-room utility like the power or the water bill. And so, onto our first topic!

“ RIP XP!

You’ve heard the moans. You’ve heard the groans. Perhaps mostly you’ve hear the deafening silence of indifference. No matter what you heard, the truth is that the Microsoft Windows XP operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft. Various harbingers of doom will purport various consequences for sticking with the defunct operating system, but here’s the truth: it’s still going to work fine today, just as you managed a day’s hard slog in the home or office without a flu shot. And that lovely analogy would remain very close to the truth except for one thing: in life, there aren’t scumbags out there deliberately trying to infect you with the flu! Sadly with IT, that is not the case. So in a nutshell, Microsoft have decided 13 years of fixing bugs for you in their own flaky software is plenty, and they recommend you upgrade to their next imperfect operating system, where they will continue to furnish you with bug fixes for several more years! Ok, that’s a little cynical, many of the “updates” that come thick and fast are often enhancements or improvements in the way something works — not just bug fixes. And to be honest it doesn’t just happen with computers. Look at unleaded petrol. Or Analogue TV. All cases of being politely told to “move on, it’s for your own good”.

So what does it really mean? And what are the options? Well there are three aspects to both those questions. Firstly, the consequences: 1. Vulnerability. Any vulnerabilities or limitations currently in your WindowsXP machine will now stay there. So if a hacker discovers a juicy loophole tomorrow that enables access or malicious abilities, it’s there forever. Like a broken side window in your house that builders are now telling you can never be fixed. 2. Liability. So you’re fine with technology, and can protect yourself (and your XP machine) for years to come. That’s great for you... but not necessarily satisfactory in your industry or business area. Many industries require that you are “doing the right thing” regarding managing, storing and protecting customer information. Unfortunately, using XP machinery is no longer considered “safe”, so you may have issues ranging from disapproval right up to legal implications if you persist with XP. 3. Software. Not only has Microsoft deserted the XP user, so have they “defuncted” Office 2003. This I don’t have a problem with, as MANY technology advancements have occurred in desktop office applications since then. Same goes for Windows Server 2003, which is critical if you run an office network. This is also a green light (or red light depending on your perspective!) for external companies to halt production of compatible software for these systems, such as anti-virus makers, and printer manufacturers. Ok, so onto the options. What can you do? 1. Upgrade. A rather obvious one maybe, but not as simple as it sounds. The upgrade path from XP, was first to “Vista”, then to “7” and now we have “8” (or 8.1 more specifically) Windows 8 marks a radical change to user interfaces, and has caused much angst with the disappearance of the very thing that XP helped make ubiquitous: the Start Button. But Microsoft

relented amid much backlash and brought back a “Start Button-ish” arrangement in Windows 8.1 But if you really truly miss the whole start button and start menu thing there are actually free tools which will bring back the nostalgia (and the workplace productivity!) very effectively. 2. Go off the reservation. The last few times this happened in history, there was little option but to stick with Microsoft. Nowadays we have the Apple resurgence with their MacOS, and a range of other solutions, including Linux. Or you might want to try Google Chrome, especially if you live 99% of your working life inside a web browser! If these operating systems sound a bit foreign, it might be worth getting professional advice to weigh up their benefits and effectiveness over Windows, but at least you have options! 3. Ditch Computers! No we don’t mean go off and join a commune and start looking at property just outside Nimbin! We mean perhaps investigating mobile technology options that actually don’t fall into the “computer” category. Tablets are the obvious implication here. We don’t know many people that can yet fully claim their entire business can be run from a tablet instead of a computer, but plenty of people are excited by the notion! And once fully entrenched in tablet computing, can’t we do away with the notion of traditional desktop operating systems anyway? And so there you have it! My first article for this excellent publication. Stay tuned for other hot topics this year, including, Q&A on solid state drives, virtual computers, remote working and any other issues that you may have! Feel free to contact me if you have a burning questions By for now Tassie, and keep smiling, even through the fog (it helps with visibility!) Dean Knowles is our resident tech guru, and can be contacted on 0400 959 177 or dean@techwise.it

Fertility and mobiles in men’s trouser pockets HEALTH

By Alexander Lerchl Dean for Life Sciences and Professor of Biology

at Jacobs University Bremen NEW study has claimed that keeping mobile phones in trouser pockets can damage a man’s sperm count, affecting his chances of becoming a father. While the possibility that mobile phone radiation could adversely affect fertility is understandably of great interest to the public, there is no new information to be found here. The question about whether non-ionising radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RFEMF) that come from mobile phones are harmful or not is as old as the technology itself. Decades of research in this highly controversial area have led to two conclusions. First, that the thermal effects from this type of “radiation” – often confused with the ionising radiation you get in X-rays – below the exposure limits adopted by almost all countries, are around 0.1°C and therefore far too low to cause any adverse biological effect. Second, that no so-called non-thermal

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biophysical mechanisms, for example the production of oxygen-derived radicals, have been identified. Because of this, the World Health Organisation recommended no further research initiatives in this direction in 2010. The new research, published in Environment International, is based on a meta-analysis of 10 (or nine, this is somewhat unclear since in the text nine are mentioned, but the tables and figures show 10) previous studies. But it repeats the mistakes that are typical for this kind of review – the quality of the review depends on the quality and criteria of the studies chosen. It appears to me that the studies analysed in this meta-analysis represent a patchwork of greatly diverse methods, quality criteria and biological outcomes which were squeezed into something which looks like an overall analysis, but is in fact mishmash. The authors themselves admit that the studies they have chosen are very heterogeneous; this only serves to limit the overall conclusion drastically. For example, there are Forest plots – a way of graphically presenting figures in meta-analyses – of studies based on research conducted on cells in the lab (in vitro) and others based on people (in vivo). Putting these two kinds of studies together simply doesn’t make any sense. They are entirely different, both in type of study but also in the dosimetry – the calculation made to show how much of a radiation dose the body or the cells have received and which is only available for the in vitro studies. The selection criteria for the selected studies also appear to be somewhat arbitrary and lack the criterion of whether they were done in a blind design fashion (that is, the persons doing the experiment or the analysis were

not aware of whether the cells/humans were exposed or not in order to prevent a biased view on the results). Most studies included in the meta-analysis do not fulfil this important quality standard and thus may not be entirely unbiased, to say the least. It is also worrying that the authors cite a study which allegedly demonstrated that DNA in rat and human cells were damaged by exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones. But evidence suggests this study was based on fabricated data and I have argued elsewhere that it should be retracted. The speculation about mobile phones carried in trouser pockets near the reproductive organs could hamper “spermatogenesis and sperm production” is telling.

On the one hand, readers will of course agree that something emitting “radiation” must not be carried near the testes or the ovaries. But mobile phones do not emit anything while not in use (standby), except for a brief signal every hour or so to signal the base station its status. In other words: carrying a mobile phone does not mean constant exposure. All in all, this study doesn’t provide any new information that should lead to panic. The result certainly doesn’t justify “further studies … to determine the full clinical implications for both sub-fertile men and the general population” as the authors suggest. At best, this study highlights the need for educating scientists on how to do proper meta-analyses.

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