Aspire eMag Issue 1 LDSBA

Aug 2014

L D S B U S I NE SS & PROFE SSION A L N EWS NZ

Effective Networking Self Employment is it Right for You?

EDITOR Mark Fantham . PHOTOGRAPHER Peter Skulodek

ISSUE #1

IN THIS ISSUE:

5 03 LDS Business Association Board, Editor’s Note and Letter from President 05 Launching Leaders’ Graduate finds himself in distant Saudi Arabia

1 ASPIRE . ISSUE#1

7 15 07 Networking is the Most Effective Way to Find a Job 11 Since I was 13, I have wanted to be a Professional Basketball Player 13 Is Self-Employment Right for You?

17

15 How to Get the Main Points from the Best Business Books Without Reading the Whole Thing 17 • Become a Member of the LDSBA • Launching Leaders’ • Friday Night Seminars

lds business association board Laurence Day Chairperson lkday@internet.co.nz

Ryan Harris Executive Member for Finance ryanharris@gmail.com

Jennis Lawrence Executive Member for Membership jennisl80@gmail.com

David McKay Executive Member for Website and Database david@mantravision.com

LDS Business Association PO BOX 48164 Auckland 0600 info@ldsba.org.nz LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Moses Armstrong Executive Member (and LDS Self Reliance NZ Country Manager) mosesarmstrong@ ldschurch.org

disclaimer This eMag is produced by the LDS Business Association in New Zealand. It’s focus is to inform, motivate and inspire. It is not an official publication of the LDS Church, and any news and opinions expressed are those of the authors or editor.

3

aspire . issue#1

letter from CHAIRMAN

I

n 2012 a small group of LDS members trialed an entrepreneurial program (Launching Leaders) developed

by BYU Hawaii business professor Jim Richie on a group of LDS young adults in Auckland and Hamilton.

The experience was a life changer for many involved and a group of those involved in mentoring for the program got together later and formed the Latter-day Saint Business Association (LDSBA). Their aim was to both continue the Launching Leaders’ Program and to expand its scope amongst church members.

They wanted to encourage career, business and professional development, as well as promote financial independence.

Last year Launching Leaders was again held in both Auckland and Hamilton with local support/volunteers.

Seminars were also held in Hamilton on topics such as, ‘How to start your own e-Business’ and ‘How to invest in property’.

This year, to date, we have been quiet but not idle.

The church itself has inaugurated a new program called Self-Reliance with input from Jim Richie, and the church recently appointed Moses Armstrong as its National Director. Moses is also on the board of the LDSBA. Of late we have been looking at ways the LDSBA can be a practical resource to the Self-Reliance program going ahead. As part of the LDSBA’s outreach, Mark Fantham will be producing a regular newsletter for the association and through him we will be keeping you informed of upcoming LDSBA activities and events.

The LDSBA is all about using foundational gospel principles combined with good business and career strategies to underpin a balanced and successful life.

Regards Laurence Day

editor’s note I am grateful to be involved with the LDS Business Association. It’s fun to interview various LDS business people and professionals, to bring these stories to you.

They are ordinary people that serve the Lord and He helps them prosper.

I hope this eMag provides you with the right motivation and resources to help you accomplish success. If you think we should feature someone or something in here please contact me by email.

1 Nephi 4:14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.

Mark Fantham Editor of Aspire eMag editor@ldsba.org.nz

SEND IN YOUR STORY If you think you have an interesting, uplifting story to tell, please email the editor at editor@ldsba.org.nz

Launching Leaders’ Graduate finds himself in distant Saudi Arabia bar. Elye then was given the rare opportunity of studying abroad in Saudi Arabia.

Elye has two desires: the first is to build the Lord’s Kingdom; the second is to be a diplomat involved in the Arab/Israeli conflict. A foundation principle taught in the 12 week Launching Leaders’ course taught him, that to serve more effectively in the Lord’s Kingdom, he would need to be financially independent. This would allow him to leave at any

Elye Parata won a US$100,000 scholarship when he was accepted to study at The King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His 5-year scholarship has him studying mostly Arabic, Hebrew and French. “In Saudi Arabia,” he says, “you can earn high incomes, enjoy a low cost of living and pay only 10 cents a litre for petrol!”

After his mission to San Diego California, which he describes as ‘the most important thing he ever did’, he later went on to attend an LDSBA Launching Leaders’ Program run in Hamilton.

Elye says, “Launching Leaders was the second most important thing I have done in my life so far”.

“Launching Leaders helped me plan out the rest of my life,” explains Elye. He then pursued a law degree majoring in political science and after that gained a masters degree in governance law, and was admitted to the 5 aspire . issue#1

time to contribute to the Lord’s work at various stages of his life.

Elye advises,

“The Launching Leaders’ Course could possibly be the most influential milestone in a Returned Missionary’s life. He adds, “You will learn that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. You really can follow your dreams. You really can accomplish great things!”

“Don’t ever think that you are not smart enough, not rich enough or not intelligent enough, because the Lord will bless those who serve him. The course allowed me access to not just one mentor but to lots of them and they all contributed to my journey.

How grateful I am for that.”

He also adds, “We all make sacrifices and then we learn that our sacrifices really aren’t sacrifices at all.”q Elye Parata eparata@hotmail.com Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

RIYADH - DECEMBER 06: Kingdom tower on December 6, 2009 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Kingdom tower is a business and convention center, shopping mall and one of the main landmarks of Riyadh city.

Source:

Networking is the Most Effective Way to find a Job A “network” consists of people you know and the people they know. When you talk to people you know about your job search, find out who they know who can also help you with your job search. This is “networking.”

Besides meeting in person, use other effective methods of communication, such as letters, notes, clippings, and other positive interactions. Any honest effort can yield positive results.

Networking is the most effective way to find a job; approximately 70 percent of all jobs are found this way. In addition, it allows you to find out about jobs that are never advertised—the “hidden job market,” which accounts for 80 percent of all available jobs. Networking can also help you identify or find financing for self-employment or educational pursuits.

Begin networking with the people you know—family, friends, neighbors, church groups, social groups, volunteer organizations—and build your network to include:

Through networking, you develop the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of people.

This skill is fundamental not only to a successful job search but to your overall job success.

Methods The word work is part of networking. It is not easy work because it challenges you to reach outside your comfort zone.

7 aspire . issue#1

Who is Most Helpful in Building a Network?

• People who know something about your chosen career.

• People who know others who have influence.

• People who know a lot of other people.

Remember that to achieve quicker, better results, you should: • Contact at least 10 people or resources per day.

• Get 2 new referrals from each contact.

• Set up at least 2 face-to-face meetings or interviews each day.

Guidelines It takes practice to learn how to network well. The best way to learn is by roleplaying in a small group or workshop.

It may take a while to feel comfortable.

Here are some guidelines that can help you: Before meeting with someone, determine what you want to find out or accomplish. • Make a good first impression. Within 10 seconds, we form a detailed and persistent impression of anyone we meet. Researchers conclude that the impression we make when speaking to others comes largely from these three categories: - What we say - 15% - Tone of voice - 35% - Visual cues - 50%

Source:

Effective Networking ...continued What impressions do you give when speaking to others about your job search?

• Briefly describe what you are seeking and how you are qualified.

Use a “Power Statement”.

• When meeting someone for the first time, be sure to introduce yourself.

Use a “Me in 30 Seconds” statement.

• When appropriate (usually at the end of your conversation), exchange business cards and the names of other people you should contact.

• Ask those you meet with about themselves, and then listen. Ask about their work, how they got into their field, what they like about it, what is challenging, and so on. Remember that they may be networking too. Share information you have that may be useful to them.

9 aspire . issue#1 13 aspire

• The entire dialogue—introduction, discussion of your background, and agreement for further contact—can take place in as little as 2 or 3 minutes. After 8 or 10 minutes, move on.

• Although the exchange should be brief, avoid the mistake of trying to “sell” yourself prematurely. Those who are most successful establish a rapport first. Don’t rush it.

• Keep all commitments. The key to networking is to follow up. If you say you will call someone, do it soon after your conversation.

• Keep in contact with people in your network. While great benefit comes from new contacts, the best networking contact is someone you interact with more than once.

• Always send a thank-you note.q

11 aspire . issue#1

SINCE I WAS 13 YEARS OLD, I HAVE WANTED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER

“Since I was 13 I have wanted to be a professional basketball player,” says Alyssa Hiriwani.

Alyssa is 17 and goes to Hamilton Girls’ High School.

She was selected to play in the NZ Under 18 Women’s Basketball Team called the New Zealand Stormers and the LDS Business Association is giving her a $400 scholarship as a contribution towards her costs for her travel to Las Vegas.

Alyssa explains that it wasn’t easy for her “When I got dropped from my high school team in 2012, it really upset me being told I couldn’t shoot. I took it in a way that made me believe I wasn’t good enough, and seeing the girls that did get picked above me, took its toll on me.

I thought why? I trained so hard and tried everything I could. It was my first time being dropped from a team in all my years of playing basketball. And it hurt because it was one day before a national tournament.

From that point on, it was a make or break whether to give up or to continue.

At the end of the year I also received news that I didn’t make the New Zealand U16’s team because I didn’t have a strong enough left hand. It really shattered me because I tried my hardest and I was gutted to find

that my left hand shooting was letting me down.

It was also a big year for our family, when my koro passed away. I wanted to make the NZ Team and dedicate it to him before he passed, but I didn’t make it. I felt like I had disappointed everyone and should give up on basketball. Luckily my family and close friends helped me and gave me advice. The Lord gave me strength to carry on.

My love for the game, love from my family, friends and the Lord really helped me a lot.

I started to train harder. I strengthened my left hand and developed a more accurate consistent shot.

Never giving up, allowed me to gain a lot of blessings and this Vegas Tour is one I am most thankful for. I hope to keep my promise to my koro and to do well for the people who helped and supported me.

I am thankful for the trials that have made me stronger and made me who I am today, I am also thankful for my parents who never gave up on me and made sure I didn’t give up on myself.”q Alyssa Hirawani facebook.com/lylla89

Source:

Is Self-Employment Right for You? Many people dream of being their own boss someday. For some, self-employment is the quickest way to turn that dream into reality. But not everyone is cut out for selfemployment.

Why Self-Employment?

The following questions will help provide some direction: • Why are you exploring entrepreneurial alternatives at this time?

• If you could land your ideal job OR start your ideal business, which would you choose today? Why? When compared to traditional employees, entrepreneurs are not necessarily happier, less bored or worried, or even more satisfied with their daily tasks.

No one is there to give you assignments, provide a constant flow of work, or sign a weekly paycheck. Unless you can identify and hold on to what motivates you most, you will not be likely to succeed.

Personal Qualifications Another way to determine whether or not self-employment is for you is to consider your own qualifications and preferences.

While many people think they can turn a particular skill, hobby, or talent into a successful business, the reality is that small-business ownership requires particular

13

aspire . issue#1

business and other skills that are often overlooked.

If there is ever a time to be honest with yourself, this is it. The following questions can help you conduct an honest selfassessment: • What are your qualifications for owning a business?

• Do you have sales and marketing experience?

• Do you have operational, administrative, and general management experience?

• How experienced are you with basic business financial management practices?

• What education, training, or experience do you have to indicate that you will be capable of producing desired results?

• If you do not plan to lead specific parts of the business, who will manage them, and how much will you need to pay them?

Costs of Being Self-Employed While some entrepreneurs earn a higher net income than traditional employees performing the same type of work, the cost of running a business often reduces your income considerably.

It is wise to first determine your personal financial needs. What are your living expenses? How will you cover health care costs? Next, determine start-up and ongoing expenses. What will you be required to pay in additional taxes?

It is critical to remember that in addition to providing services or products, you will also

need to devote time and money to the tasks necessary to operate the business, including: • • • •

Marketing and selling.

Tracking earnings and expenses.

Paying local, state, and federal taxes.

Communicating and contracting with customers and vendors.

• Handling employee-related matters, such as payroll and benefits.

• Complying with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines associated with the industry.

Since learning from your mistakes is both expensive and time consuming, it’s important to take business courses or seminars before starting a business.

Small-business development centers, local schools, and other private companies provide help for those starting a business.

The Church employment resource centers and self-reliance centers also provide self-employment help, including the Self-Employment Workshop.

Other Things to Consider On the positive side, being self-employed may allow you the freedom to make your own decisions. But there are negatives, too. Self-employment can involve stress, unpredictable income, and risk. Think of the pros and cons this way: If you’re self-employed, you can decide when and if to take a vacation day—but no one will pay you if you do.

If you’re thinking about working for yourself, it’s a good idea to talk to other people who have (or have had) a business similar to the one you’re trying to start. You’ll want to do a lot of research.

If these exercises have helped you realize that self-employment is NOT for you, that’s actually a positive outcome. Think of all the time, frustration, and money you’ve saved by not starting a business destined to fail!

On the other hand, if they have clarified your desire to start a business, then nothing should hold you back from becoming your own boss.q

l fu Z s s N ce in c Su ses s g lin ine fi s o u Pr B S LD

How to get the main points from the best business books, without reading the whole thing

Are you time poor but wanting to grow your business? Do you have an inclination to read more or listen to more audio books, but you just don’t have the time?

You can get summaries on a regular basis by subscription, or you can pick and choose in your own time.

Summaries.com is a website set up for people that want the latest cutting edge information from business authors, without the time it takes to read a whole book.

Rob first started more than fifteen years ago when he read a summary by an American company and decided he could do a better job. 802 books later most of his clients are from outside NZ, only 2% of the readers are Kiwis.

Rob Belbin, the founder of a business book summarizing business, has saved you the time and effort it takes to read a whole book, by condensing the latest titles down to 8 pages without loosing the thrust of it.

Next time you are considering buying a business book take a look at Summaries.

Com as they may very well have the title you are looking for.

Rob’s choice of business means he has a lifestyle that is flexible allowing him to serve in the church and play squash, hockey and do a bit of running.

The books are on the Latest Business Ideas, Motivation, Investment, How to, Management, Marketing, and Creativity etc.

He doesn’t have to deal with traffic issues or weather variables. An ideal job for the family man.

From the huge consumer down to the student, you can get a summary in the form of a pdf, mp3, kindle or ePub with different titles, by your favourite authors.

“I like books” says Rob. “I like the effort that goes into writing a book. I like the experience that people bring to their stories. Lots of the authors have taken 20

15 aspire . issue#1

to 30 years to learn the lessons that are taught in their books.”

Rob goes on to say “…reading these books can give you a huge head start by leveraging what the authors know and avoiding the common mistakes.”

Rob was a founding member of the LDS Business Association and is a staunch supporter of the Launching Leaders Program.

“Launching Leaders is a genuine effort to give people a good grounding… to help ground them before starting their own business.”q Rob Belbin W: Summaries.Com T: 07- 846 2079 M: 027- 954 0866 E: editor@summaries.com

3 Reasons to join the LDSBA Free access to LDSBA seminars, functions and guest lectures 1. 5 FREE Business Book professional summaries from Summaries.Com 2. Joining today you will support and benefit from our LDSBA educational programs: • Launching Leaders • Seminars • Functions • Website • Newsletters • Scholarship Program Join today: Full membership …… $70 p.a.

Student …………………. $40p.a The additional Exclusive LDSBA offer: If you sign up for a year to Summaries .Com for $100 you get to choose 30 Business Book back-issue Summaries for FREE.

17

aspire . issue#1

Launching Leaders’ LAUNCHING LEADERS is our foremost educational program.

Friday Night Seminars

If you want to know how to:

These LDSBA seminars are run by guest lecturers. Typically each seminar series lasts 3 Friday nights. They include topics such as

• Write your own personal constitution • Formulate a Life Plan • Choose a career path • Become an entrepreneur

• Entrepreneurship • e-Business • Starting a Business • Property Investment

Then the LAUNCHING LEADERS program is for you.

Attendance is FREE to LDSBA MEMBERS. Bring a friend and they get their first night free. Subsequent attendance is by LDSBA subscription.

You will also have access to LDS MENTORS! LAUNCHING LEADERS will be held in Auckland and Hamilton next year. This is a 12 week program held one night a week.

Start Date for Auckland and Hamilton is April 2015 If you would like to enroll and take control of your life then sign up today.

Comparable seminars would cost several hundred dollars.

Julie Pullman had this to say about these LDSBA seminars:

“Last year I took the 3 seminars on Business, Internet and Real Estate.

LDSBA was really generous giving me 1 on 1 expert advice from people that have been successful to a very high level. Special thanks to Laurence and Bob. They gave me the confidence I needed. It was a privilege!!”