Business Resource & Lifestyle Magazine Issue #41 March 2012

GWP M a g a z i n e s

S y d n e y

®

B u s i n e ss

Susan Hartigan:

SYDNEY - Issue 41

M a g a z i n e

S i n c e

| March 2012

2 0 0 5

Accessing Government Grants

Page 24

The CEO and her 130,000 Students

What Motivates Staff?

Effective Staff Retention

Page 28

Is Your Body Running on Empty?

Corporate Health

Page 32

Publisher’s Guest:

Clr Robyn Preston

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Editor and Publisher: Dmitry Greku Cover Story: Adrian Payne Editing: Leonie Seysan Contributing Writers: Charlie Lynn Jonathan Reynolds Rick Eardley Ruchaya Rayya Nillakan Daniel Moisyeyev Jill Woods

Angry Anderson Robert Cliff Andrew de Wynter Tim Pittorino Sabrina Ferguson Celia Berrell

Sub-editor, Art Director: Svetlana Greku Executive Officer: Daniel Moisyeyev Design and Layout: Xabier Goñi, XDesigns Photography: Francesca Surace, Stilz Fotografika Printing: Pegasus Print Group Business Resource & Lifestyle Magazine® is published by GWP Media® and GWP Magazines® ABN: 82 096 352 064 www.gwpmagazine.com.au Norwest Office: Unit 8, 7 Inglewood Place Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 International Standard Serial Number ISSN 1837-199X Advertising Enquiries p | 02 8090 1730 e | info@gwpmagazine.com.au To Subscribe w | www.gwpmagazine.com.au

Copyright GWP Media® and GWP Magazines® 2011.

The opinions expressed in this journal do not necessarily reflect and are not to be regarded as the official opinion of the editor, publisher or their agents.

All information contained within this journal is provided for general information purposes only and on the understanding that none of the content herein constitutes professional advice. The editor, publisher or their agents accept no responsibility for any claim, loss or damages arising out of or in connection with any materials contained in this journal. Readers should not rely on the publications in the journal and seek appropriate professional advice in respect of their own circumstances.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

10

36 30

Cover Story 10 Susan Hartigan: The CEO and her

130,000 Students Adrian Payne

Regulars

Regulars

Business Advice

Business chamber

28 What Motivates Staff?

38 Ryde Business Forum –

40 D on’t Underestimate the Benefit

39 Our Night of Nights Celebrated

48 C ontent Management Systems

Society & Life

Regulars NSW Government

18 Fair Work Australia – an Oxymoron!

Charlie Lynn

Business Advice

20 Are You Being Remunerated as an

Employee or an Investor?

Jonathan Reynolds

24 Accessing Government Grants

Rick Eardley

26 Cash or Accrual - which Suits Your

Effective Staff Retention Andrew de Wynter

of International Experience!

Stephen Frost

Publisher’s Guest

16 Clr Robyn Preston

38

Daniel Moisyeyev

Tim Pittorino

Angry Anderson

Features

22 M aking Good Business Sense of Sustainability

Local Government

34 The Sydney Hills - Planning for

Change The Hills Shire Council

36 Western Sydney on Winning Streak

with Golden Slipper Parramatta City Council

37 Sydney Festival Parramatta

A Huge Success Parramatta City Council

in True Style!

Jill Woods

44 J ourneys and How to Take Them

Corporate HEALTH

32 Is Your Body Running on Empty?

More than Networking Sabrina Ferguson

30 What is a Jeweller...Really?

Robert Cliff

42 N RL Community Carnival Penrith Panthers

46 How Art Gains Value

Celia Berrell

50 C lassifieds

Business?

Ruchaya Rayya Nillakan

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

5

editor’s letter

How Far is Your Marketing from Your Market?

Dmitry Greku - Editor and Publisher - GWP Magazines®

Marketing is the activity, set of institutions and processes for creating, communicating, delivering and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners and society at large.1

Forbes magazine says that the average tenure of marketing executives is 23 months. That’s a quicker turnover than NFL coaches. This is in the US. Here we can say that that’s a quicker turnover than NRL coaches.

Every business or its decision maker must be very careful who they hire and bring into business. These new people start representing your business and getting engaged with your suppliers and clients the minute you gave them this opportunity. Do they understand what your business does and people your business is connected to in the market?

Let me give you a several real-life situations.

Situation 1. Multi-billion dollar company needs to change one or two names of their managers in their new advertisement. The response from their marketing agency: “Such a request as this will take about a week.”

Situation 2. Newly hired marketing agency located in another state cannot spell the name of the market where they are supposed to grow their client’s business. At the same time, they are confidently engaged with the client’s business community making points and sending statements.

Situation 3. Multi-billion dollar Australia-NZ company brought a new marketing executive from the UK. One of his very first comments at the beginning of our conversation was: “I have no

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

idea what are all these places in Sydney you’re talking about!”

It’s very painful to observe when a decent business starts suffering and sometimes fails due to a lack of skills of a newly hired marketing team.

These new people require your help, but at the same time they have to accept your company’s culture in all aspects. This will help keep your internal social climate healthy and only improve your relationships with all people engaged with your business.

the region – you don’t have this connection. If your marketing people don’t have a connection with people in this region – you don’t have it.

In both cases it’s a failure – the failure of your business.

Marketing is a science about people around you, your business, your products and services.

Have a great day. Take care of yourselves and your clients. G

Progress in business depends on two things – marketing and innovation. No business can afford to experiment with its marketing. These days our market is over supplied. There are too many products on offer from too many competing brands. If there is a tiny mistake or misrepresentation of your products or services in your marketing campaign – your client will be gone in a blink of an eye to buy from another supplier, your competitor.

Marketing is a serious science where professional “marketologists” are supposed to identify the customer, attract the customer, and keep the customer satisfied through consistent marketing effort. The success of your business depends on their knowledge of the needs and wants of target markets and their ability to deliver the desired satisfactions to your client. Only they provide the systems to compete and keep your business profitable in your market. What is your market?

A market is one of many varieties of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations and infrastructures whereby parties engage in exchange.2 In terms of simple language a market is you and I and our region. Which region? It depends on the company’s geographical interests. If your marketing people don’t have a connection with

Please write to me with your views. The best will be published in “Let’s Spin a Good Yarn” Section. e | editor@gwpmagazine.com.au 1

MA Definition of Marketing. American Marketing A Association.

2

Wikipedia

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Nicole Baines • Director, Community Engagement and CSR at Gvirah • Board Member, Sydney Hills Business Chamber • Board Member at Hills Schools Industry Partnership • Program Coordinator, Emerging Nurse Leader at College of Nursing

Peter Dimbrowsky • Owner, Eurolounge Restaurant and Catering • Councillor, Central Ward, The Hills Shire Council • Business Development Manager, Media Monitors

Peter Dunphy • General Manager, Western Sydney Business Connection, a not for profit, membership based, business-to-business networking association.

The Hon Charlie Lynn MLC • Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans Affairs • Adventure Kokoda Trek Leader

Robyn Preston •L iberal Councillor, North Ward, The Hills Shire Council •O wner, Managing Director at Preston Impressions

GWP

Magazin

es

®

SYDNEY

Sydn ey

BuSin eSS

Maga zine

Susan Hartigan :

The CEO and her 130,000 Students Whitney Rousham • President, Western Sydney Business Connection • Director, WSI Business, TAFE NSW, Western Sydney Institute

Steve Sebbes • Director, Telstra Business Centre Hills/Northern District • Director, T-Community - A community program supporting clubs, charities and associations

Jill Woods • Chief Executive Officer at Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce • Chair, Western Sydney Defence Reserves Support Council, NSW • Councillor, NSW Business Chamber Regional Advisory Council, Western Sydney

Since

-

2005

Ac gove

mo

E

REt

Mike Yeo • Managing Director at Awards & More • Deputy Chair, Hills Schools Industry Partnership • Past President, Sydney Hills Business Chamber

is

run on em coRp H

puBlishe r’s guest:

Clr robyn Pr eston

www.gwpmagazine.com.au Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

7

editor’s letter

Business on High Heels Svetlana Greku - Sub-editor, Women in Business

It’s not a secret that running a business is a difficult task, especially for women.

It doesn’t matter if a woman works in a business or runs it – it’s likely that she still takes care of her kids, family and home.

I have been working in our business from day one and participating in the development of all of our three publications. I am privileged to become the new Sub-editor, Women in Business, as I believe that women could benefit from extra support we hope to provide.

I would like to seek opportunities for women that assist them to develop a stronger presence in the market and be more competitive. My aim is to make a contribution to improving the level of support available by encouraging government organisations and private enterprises to participate in business support projects for women and by building alliances

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

with other business organisations for women.

As an introductory feature, I would like to share some tips for women from my own experience which you might find helpful: 1. C onfidence. Start your own business if you are 100% confident. If you are not sure or you don’t know what to do – you are not ready.

2. Cherish your ideas. If you have an idea that you think will work, do not seek advice from your close friends, mum or sister. Do your own research, prepare a plan and do it yourself.

3. Education. Obtain formal education. Even if it is not a necessity in every business, it helps structural thinking and logic.

4. Diplomacy. Do not act as a woman with an attitude. Make sure to listen first and then talk.

Respect people. Do not always speak or write what you think.

5. Emotions. If you take every comment or criticism personally, you will never succeed.

Do not be emotional, be professional.

6. Family Business. It has its advantages and

disadvantages. It is important to separate departments and know your responsibilities.

7. If you have kids and start your own business, ask yourself what you would do if one of your children gets sick.

8. Look good. Take your time preparing for a meeting or a networking event. Dress to look clean and professional.

9. Love your business. Look at your business as if it’s your own child. Don’t be afraid of negative results, learn from mistakes and be patient. But don’t be too overprotective. Play with it - you have to take risks.

10. Stay positive. Smile and you gain more. G

Please let me know if you are looking for any support in your business development and marketing campaigns, or your require assistance in any other aspects of your business. Your invaluable support will help me to make a difference.

Please write to me to: sveta@gwpmagazine.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

9

Susan Hartiga

Proudly Presented by

The CEO and her 130,000 Students

by Adrian Payne

Today, like most days in Susan Hartigan’s office, the pressure is on. The many demands of heading an organisation that is part public service and part corporate enterprise is not an easy every-day juggling act. But it can be managed when the right people are in place and the objectives of the organisation are clearly defined, reported and monitored.

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Susan’s management style allows her time to plot a course for the future of TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute (WSI). She also manages to maintain a firm hold on the high performance of the organisation despite the wide spectrum of vocational training it offers across the furthest geographical boundaries of Western Sydney, Australia and the world. The challenges are enormous, but they are met with imagination and a great deal of personal energy by their CEO. Susan Hartigan took up the position of Institute Director in April 2006. She was born in Sydney, the eldest of four children. She had a very traditional Australian family upbringing, with her parents running businesses both in Sydney and country New South Wales. Schooling was undertaken at a Sydney girls’ school and her family background

always had a strong business element to it. A quality education was always part of the family’s priority for her and her brothers and sister, so the issue of going on to university was never in question, it was always part of the plan.

So at the end of her secondary schooling, along with many of her friends, she moved right along to begin her time at Sydney University, doing economics, history and English. She recalls that times were different then. Role models were hard to find and were limited to people like Germaine Greer and Anne Summers. There were few others who displayed the strength and resolve that captured the interest of young women of the time.

None of her courses were career specific, so she did what many women did in those days and ‘fell into teaching’. Having completed her Diploma of

great australian Business People

an:

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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Proudly Presented by

Susan Hartigan with the Honourable Julia Gillard, then Deputy Prime Minister during a schools presentation visit at Mount Druitt College in 2010

Education she began a teaching career at high school level.

In the mid 70’s Susan took time off to travel in Europe and had various ‘work experiences’ along the way.

Back in Australia, education was changing significantly, particularly in vocational training.

The old ‘tech’ colleges became TAFE (Technical and Further Education), a wider brief than just technical training, embracing the need for further education in subjects that would bring excellence and expertise to Australian industry.

Susan began at TAFE as a part time teacher.

It seemed to her that the TAFE system offered challenges that she didn’t find in the traditional school system, even though she was then a full time high school teacher and only worked part time at TAFE. Soon she was recruited to work full time at TAFE to find ways to help the many migrants who were at that time coming to Australia. She recognised that for example, a fully trained engineer from overseas, had much to offer Australia, but lack of English was a serious barrier between them and a job that would bring satisfaction to the migrant and value to an employer.

Similarly, there were many people with great potential who needed training in literacy and numeracy so they could successfully undertake

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Outdoor Recreation studies at Wentworth Falls Campus

a course of vocational study. These were the challenges that Susan addressed early in her TAFE career at the Ultimo College. These centres were later set up to work ‘one-on-one’ in many TAFE colleges located in pockets of population throughout New South Wales. They had been tried in Canada, and indeed a Canadian teacher with appropriate experience was co-opted to advise and assist in the early days of the TAFE model that Susan was to lead.

The technique was controversial. There were often several students in a room, but each one was working to progress their own training, ‘oneon-one’ with the TAFE teacher who had helped devise their course of study. Although there have been some changes as a result of technological

development, this style of training is still offered at TAFE colleges today.

Susan’s career progress in TAFE was steady and she managed this while juggling her own family commitments. Susan and her husband John have two sons, Ned and Jack, now grown up and successful in their own careers in the finance industry. Her skills and experience were recognised early in her career and she had several ‘taps on the shoulder’ from senior managers who had seen that she was capable of taking on a challenge. She reflects that as a high school teacher, she would not have imagined she was destined for such high office in management. One such opportunity was the job of handling the requirements for TAFE to move to a new Quality Assurance model. When

great australian Business People she said that she knew nothing about this new area, she was informed that it was new to everyone in the organisation so here was an opportunity to tackle a challenging project, gain some new skills and work towards having this new framework implemented across the organisation. Which of course it was and was just another stepping stone in Susan’s TAFE career.

TAFE itself had humble beginnings as The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts which was established in 1883. Over 120 years, it has developed as Australia’s leading public vocational training provider.

In 1992 ten TAFE ‘Institutes’ were established according to geographical regions to service individuals, communities and businesses. At that time, the Western Sydney Institute had six satellite colleges, at Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Katoomba, Mount Druitt, Penrith and Werrington and enrolled 33,927 students in 466 courses.

WSI continued to grow to include seven Colleges including one each at Nirimba (Quakers Hill) and Richmond and established the ‘Nepean College’ which includes Kingswood and Penrith Campuses and the ‘The Hills College’ which includes Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill Campuses as well as overseeing the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) from 2004. WSI also has a number of specialist learning centres including the Building Industry Skills Centre, the Greenskills Hub at Nirimba, Sydney West International Education unit, the Australian Racing and Equine Academy and the Workforce Development Solutions unit.

In 2011, WSI established an office in Parramatta.

Parramatta is now recognised as the geographical centre of Sydney and arguably the second largest CDB however there’s no TAFE College there. In order to provide a TAFE presence for potential

Business Studies at The Hills College

Susan Hartigan with John Scotton, Director Aftersales, GM Holden at the partnership launch with WSI and GM Holden business clients and community organisations, a shopfront in Parramatta has been set up to provide a point of contact and to promote the activities of TAFE that may not be known by potential business and community clients. This shopfront has been set up in conjunction with the South Western Sydney Institute, together offering a ‘Greater Western Sydney Strategy’.

WSI is now one of the biggest employers in Western Sydney currently employing around 2,300 teachers and 900 support staff who provide services to more than 130,000 students. WSI offers over 800 nationally recognised qualifications and customised courses ranging from Statements of Attainment through to Advanced Diplomas and Graduate Certificates. In 2012, WSI is moving into the realm of Higher Education with the launch of a Bachelor of Education and Care degree (Birth -5 years). Today, training is delivered not only in classrooms at colleges but also in workplaces, at community facilities and in many other locations and through distance education and online. Many students are rarely seen on campus, as they work on line and study ‘in their own place - at their own pace’.

Under Susan’s stewardship WSI has evolved into a multi-award winning training organisation providing innovation, expertise and passion to support the aspirations of individuals, the community and industry in Western Sydney and beyond.

WSI services the needs of specific industries and their activities are largely funded by the user. The Australian Racing and Equine Academy is one of these. It’s the result of a business partnership with Racing New South Wales. Susan says that WSI’s

partnerships with industry ensure that vocational training is focused for specific industries and is very much a part of the commercial activity of WSI. Racing New South Wales was a registered training organisation in its own right. Two years ago they relinquished their in-house training activity in favour of a new training approach operating in partnership with WSI. The training previously done by Racing New South Wales was almost exclusively focused on apprentice jockeys. Susan’s team determined that it would be good to offer a much broader set of training opportunities for the broader spectrum of people who want to be involved in the racing industry.

As a result the Australian Racing and Equine Academy now offers vocational training for stablehands, trackwork riders, stewards and the people who look after the track. There are specific IT courses, events management training and training for many other facets of the racing industry like hospitality, not forgetting apprenticeships for up-and-coming jockeys. So the full range of skills required to work in the racing industry is now included in the training options offered by the Australian Racing and Equine Academy.

Other elements not usually thought to be part of the training responsibility have been identified as needing attention in the racing industry. Not only did Academy staff design the vocational training, they also set standards which people in specific areas should meet in skills and competence. They looked at some of the occupational health and safety issues too and worked them into specified standards and into the training.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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Proudly Presented by

Susan Hartigan, Institute Director with Floristry Students during their annual Floristry Showcase

Working with Racing New South Wales, the Academy identified some unique career events specific to the racing industry. When jockeys, often still young by any other standard stop riding for a living what happens next? Does the industry have any responsibility to help them make decisions about their future lives? Some will want to work elsewhere in the racing industry and may need to be retrained. Others, the more successful riders, will have made a great deal of money and may need help to explore their options for a future outside the industry. These kinds of concerns are becoming more and more the responsibility of the industry and the strategies and the training needed to smooth these transitions are increasingly being designed by those on the training team.

Another interesting WSI partnership is with SEEK Learning. The partnership was established to create value for both parties in terms of growth and strategic positioning within the larger job-seeking market in Australia. SEEK learning has the ability to market to the broader Australian job-seeking population and WSI has the skills to provide courses that assist people to gain the additional skills they need to attain the jobs they want.

The program has been running for 6 years and approximately 38,000 students have enrolled in courses through this commercial partnership.

These students are not limited to those in Western Sydney, with students from across Australia and international markets also enrolling. The program provides the students with the flexibility to study at their own pace and in a manner that suits individual students own requirements.

Significant businesses like O-I Glass (formerly ACI Glass), Baker and Proven, Dexion, Bluescope Steel, Amcor and Lend Lease have entered into Business partnerships with WSI to help train staff to meet new challenges in their respective industries.

In the past 5 years business partnerships have

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Sudanese students undertaking training at Mamre House increased by more than 60%.

Community partnerships work in a similar way. Often Community groups have access to grants and other funds to pay for the training they need. Sometimes this may be to train people who work with disabled members of the community. So WSI needs to be very flexible and be able deliver a broad spectrum of skills. In the past 5 years Community partnerships have increased by some 30%.

International students and overseas programs that WSI set up for overseas clients are a valuable part of WSI’s commercial business activity. Offshore projects have been put in place in Hong Kong, Fiji, Malaysia, China, New Zealand, Vietnam and Turkey. All these courses are conducted in English and can be delivered by distance learning or at the overseas clients’ premises. If English is a barrier students undertake an English program to reach the required level so they are able to undertake

the vocational training they need. At the end of it successful students, though they may never have visited our shores, will receive an Australian TAFE NSW qualification.

Susan Hartigan’s team aspires to deliver vocational training at the highest possible standard. Reforms in the NSW vocational training market place WSI in direct competition with private specialist training providers. She says, “It would be easy just to keep patting ourselves on the back and rest on our laurels”. Instead Susan and her team have been putting WSI out there to be judged by their peers.

In 2009 and again in 2010 WSI was recognised as the NSW Large Training Provider of the Year. Most recently the Institute was awarded the Australian Skills for Sustainability - Education Institution 2011.

On the subject of sustainability, WSI has been accepted into a little known programme out of the US called ‘Water Keepers’. Established by Senator

great australian Business People Bobby Kennedy, it sets out to improve the quality of water in rivers across the world. A partnership with the University of Western Sydney (UWS), the Hawkesbury Environmental Network (HEN) and WSI applied to be involved with ‘Water Keepers’.

The partnership was the first to be accepted as a tripartite group. Their project is the improvement of the Hawkesbury Nepean River system where environmental studies are in progress. Also as part of the ‘Water Keepers’ project, UWS students and WSI students are working together doing educational research.

night. WSI students gain greatly from the experience.

The Institute’s hospitality students undertake training at one of WSI’s four recently refurbished restaurants.

These beautifully appointed restaurants are training facilities attached to hospitality campuses in Kingswood, Mount Druitt, Baulkham Hills and the Blue Mountains. Members of the public can book tables and enjoy fine food at reasonable prices while

The University of Western Sydney has a river farm near Richmond where WSI pre-apprenticeship students in plumbing, building and electrical trades are building associated infrastructure for the project. Western Sydney Institute also has a partnership with Housing New South Wales which develop plans and specifications for “special needs” housing. Under the supervision of TAFE trades teachers Western Sydney Institute preapprentices have the opportunity to be involved in the construction of these special needs housing projects across Western Sydney. When the work is complete the students take part in a small ceremony where the keys are handed over to the family who will live in the home. Susan notes that this is often a very moving occasion. During the building period, trades business managers are invited to meet the team on site, knowing that at the end of the year the young people building these homes will be applying for apprenticeships.

The experience gained in their pre-apprenticeship gives them a flying start in their application.

Students training on college campuses are often required to find projects that they can undertake and report on as part of their course of study.

Sometimes these projects can be an opportunity for many different student disciplines. WSI’s own annual Student Excellence Awards function is an example.

The WSI Student Excellence Awards are held at the Evan Theatre at Panthers World of Entertainment.

WSI students from events management assist Sport and Fitness studies at Nepean College

She says: “It is vital to have clear and on-going objectives about where your business needs to be”. She spends a good deal of time thinking about the direction of the Institute and when objectives are identified, works hard to communicate them successfully to her team to be sure that people

Susan Hartigan with Sharon Kerr, Director of Education accepting Skills for Sustainability – Educational Institution Award at the 2011 Australian Training Awards

students in the kitchen and in front-of-house roles gain valuable real-world experience.

Carpentry studies at Nirimba College

For the career progress of its own people, WSI runs courses for ‘aspirational leaders’. Any member of WSI staff can put their hand up to be included in one of these courses. Many do and it helps the management team identify future leaders and begin to develop their potential. There is also a senior leadership programme. Susan Hartigan becomes personally involved in the delivery of these programmes.

Seven years ago Susan first undertook her own personal leadership and coaching programme with an external coach who has a portfolio of ‘captains of industry’ as well as other senior public servants.

She has recently spent time with her coach and intends this year to gain a Diploma of Coaching and Mentoring. She feels that it’s important for even the CEO never to stop learning and growing as new techniques and knowledge is available.

Susan Hartigan was asked by GWP Editor Dmitry Greku for some insights into her personal management style and what qualities she looks for in herself as a manager. Indeed what advice drawn from her own experience, she might offer other business leaders.

in planning the event. Floristry students provide the table and stage decorations, graphic design students provide the theming for all print and online promotional material, while photography students undertake photography and the video production and music students provide the entertainment for the

at hand to undertake the objectives that are set.

She responded with ‘being true to oneself’ as a first maxim. She consciously takes stock of her own skills and those of the people around her so that there is a complete and comprehensive set of skills and competencies

report against the objectives and advise where expectations are being met.

She sees that the appropriate delegation of projects to suitable team leaders is a successful way to bring about change and introduce innovative ideas. Her leadership team is well versed in the importance of being forward looking and in capturing and harnessing the many new ideas generated by our staff.

Susan Hartigan sees vocational training as an imperative for business and community leaders who aspire to producing the best product or service in their field. When asked about the place of WSI in today’s vocational training environment, she asserted that by meeting the needs of individuals, industry and the community, the Institute contributes positively to the current and future prosperity of Western Sydney. G

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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PUBLISHER’S GUEST

Publisher’s Guest

Clr Robyn Preston The Hills Shire Council with Dmitry Greku, Publisher/Editor, GWP Magazines

Some of us are satisfied being employed in the same industry all our working life but others, like Robyn Preston, feel that broadening your work opportunities can give you greater insight, knowledge and wisdom that develops with such diversity.

Robyn grew up in Sydney’s western suburbs. When her Father died suddenly in her teenage years, she helped her Mother raise the family and then launched into a career that has taken her from public and private sector roles, not-for-profit and small business opportunities to her role as a Councillor in Local Government and running a busy electorate office. Each job has fine-tuned her skills and prepared her for future challenges.

DG: Thank you, Robyn, for being with me today.

You have always been busy running your own business, working in senior management roles, taking on board positions with Chambers of Commerce and other bodies, plus there is the whole family to care for with a couple of dogs to run after too… and one day you decided to get involved in local government as a Councillor.

What made you make such a decision?

RP: I believe in investing time in the community.

No matter whether I was running the fetes and art shows at our children’s schools, playing, coaching, umpiring or managing the netball teams I was involved with or supporting our son James who is a State Champion Soccer player – I was really able to get a good understanding of what I liked and didn’t like about the area I lived in.

I felt frustrated with the way Council was being governed and I thought that my business background and local knowledge as a Mum, wife and volunteer could offer an interesting mix of expertise. I always think that you should try to contribute rather than sit back and watch as others stumble.

For me, being a Councillor is an honour and a privilege. To be able to have a say in shaping the community also brings with it tremendous responsibility and I am mindful of that. The knowledge and skills I have gained as a Councillor are well beyond what I had hoped for. Right now, I’m also working with a Member of Parliament which allows me further opportunity every day to help the people who sometimes feel they have nowhere else to turn. For them, coming to an electorate office is their last port of call to seek assistance and advice.

I find it a very good leveller – you get to see the rawness of the community. You know exactly what the tough issues are and the impact they have on the individuals and their families. Then you have to determine the best way forward within the constraints you have.

You stop and think – what future is there for some of those who ask for help? Often their lives are chaotic – they go from one crisis to the next, so

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

PUBLISHER’S GUEST

you work with the Member to deliver the best possible outcome for the locals.

In my previous role in the disability sector, I was helping long term unemployed individuals to find jobs. I was working with people recovering from cancer, work injuries, drug and alcohol addictions and mental illness. Many of my clients had lost the one thing they longed for – the support of their family. I believe the fundamental foundation to any society is the family and the majority of my clients had lost that. My work taught me great patience and perseverance. The job delivered small rewards that often made a big difference to the clients. I found the role very humbling.

The one thing that stood out for me was the debt that you accrue when you are unemployed. How do you pay your rent, electricity, groceries or petrol when your capacity to earn a crust is no longer an option?

DG: What, in your opinion, are the major problems we as Australian people currently have in the country that must be fixed sooner than later?

RP: My biggest concern is the carbon tax which comes into effect from July this year. This will put families and businesses under enormous pressure. This tax will strip this country of its wealth, force up electricity, gas and grocery prices and do nothing for the environment.

China intends to impose a carbon tax of $1.55 a tonne starting in 2015 and aims to reduce its carbon emissions by as much as 40% by 2020.

Here in Australia businesses will pay $23 a tonne.

If you look back at our manufacturing industry over the decades, the one real competitive advantage has been the ability to rely on cheap energy. If Australia says it is no longer going to be the home of cheap power, it changes the whole ball game – a carbon tax will make us less competitive. Australia offers no competitive advantage for manufacturers.

The impact of a carbon tax runs deep – it will close coal mines, risk thousands of jobs, push power bills up and raise the cost of living for every family. Australia’s carbon tax is the most expensive in the world.

Australia, it seems, is too far ahead of the global pack. Even the U.S., the world’s largest economy and second biggest global carbon dioxide producer, has no national carbon tax policy.

The one thing that keeps Australia ticking over is the mining sector. Why kill the goose that lays the golden egg?

I am also concerned about the amount of debt

this country has clocked up. In 2007 we had a $20 billion surplus. Now we have $167 billion in accumulated deficits. There is no fiscal discipline.

At a time when Mums and Dads are tightening their belts, this government is living above its means. Not one cent has been saved by the government in the past 5 years and we have witnessed the four biggest budget deficits in Australian history.

Tackling the problem of asylum seekers is constantly coming to the surface. We don’t want to be encouraging people smugglers who risk the lives of their passengers. A boarder protection programme that had cost less than $100 million under the previous government now costs more than $1billion. We have to change the way we manage our boarders because the current policy is just not effective.

DG: From your perspective what would you do to fix those issues?

RP: The carbon tax should be removed. No country has ever taxed its way to prosperity. We need to build a stronger economy to be a success.

We should responsibly lower taxes so that the Australian people will be best placed to realise the vision for Australia – a prosperous country with employment opportunities as businesses are encouraged to expand with confidence rather than trying desperately just to survive.

Australia has to live within its means just like families and businesses do. We need to get government spending down and productivity up so that borrowing reduces, the pressure on interest rates comes off and taxes can be responsibly lowered. We can get government spending down by eliminating wasteful and unnecessary programs and reducing the size of government.

DG: Could you give us a possible forecast on a business climate in both cases – if problems are fixed and if they are not?

RP: If we continue down the path we are on, I think the future looks bleak. We will see the death of manufacturing in Australia. Already, well known Australian industries are taking their business overseas or just closing up. Jobs will go, unemployment will rise and we will become more welfare dependant. Instead of giving people a leg up, we’ll be providing handouts.

The carbon tax will mean that every Australian will pay more to put food on the table, put petrol in their cars and to turn on the lights, so how are businesses supposed to compete with cheap labour overseas if they are hit with a carbon tax?

It has to go!

The relaxation of our immigration laws over the past 4 years is very inviting to people smugglers. Our boarders should be protected.

We need to preserve the integrity of our refugee and humanitarian programme by making sure that we decide who comes to our country and for what reason.

It’s a three pronged approach that involves turning back the boats, where it is safe to do so. This sends a clear message that this country will protect its boarders. Offshore processing in Nauru is the next step and thirdly issuing temporary protection visas for illegal arrivals that are considered genuine refugees.

You can’t afford to move the goal posts in this regard.

The lack of business confidence says volumes about the way businesses feel this country is being run. The government needs to curb its spending just the way businesses would have to.

If you are not borrowing $100 million every single day, that takes the pressure off interest rates.

You need to look at responsible savings – trimming the size of Government is the first step. Looking at unnecessary procedures – asking whether the way we currently operate our government services are as efficient as they can be.

Reducing the number of consultancies which have cost this country over $2 billion in the past four years would produce significant savings.

The lack of foresight and the inability to scope projects such as the pink batts programme that cost taxpayers $1 billion to install and then $1 billion to remove because the programme wasn’t executed well mustn’t happen again.

We need to deliver a productive business environment that provides the kind of society that all of us want to live in. We need more adaptable and creative work places that aren’t tied up with government regulations.

Why not offer employers incentives to take on young people and older workers. Let’s encourage the experience of getting up each morning and heading off to work rather than having no destination and a feeling that there is no future.

There is a way forward but only with firm guidance by an experienced hand that encourages growth, discipline and understanding.

Let’s get Australia humming again!

DG: Thank you, Robyn. I wish you all the best in the future. G

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

17

NSW Government

Fair Work Australia – an Oxymoron!

The Hon. Charlie Lynn - Member of the Legislative Council

I recently wrote to a judge who heads up the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal to seek clarification of their rationale for declaring Campbelltown a country town and Camden a Sydney suburb for the purpose of assessing allowances. I thought it was a fair question given that Campbelltown is 50 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and located on the city side of the Nepean River whilst Camden is 70 kilometres away on the western side.

An ABC bottom-feeder trawling through ‘freedom of information’ entrails discovered my private letter and immediately turned it into a headline that inferred I was trying to get onto a rort. Linda ‘who’, the Deputy Leader of the Labor Opposition rushed to her keyboard and announced that I was seeking $250 a night to stay in luxury hotel accommodation.

My letter to the learned judge sought information based on geographical interpretation and fairness. It did not mention any request for an allowance but this did not stop the Laborallianced media from letting the facts get in the way of a cheap headline.

The story would not be worth mentioning if it wasn’t for the fact that the ‘learned’ judges who declared that Campbelltown is now part of country NSW and Camden is a suburb of metropolitan Sydney come from the same flock of union sympathisers who arbitrate on industrial relations for small business.

In the eyes of the public judges are supposed to be intellectually superior, wise and fair. That’s why they are paid almost half-a-million dollars a year; guaranteed a job for life; allowed to travel first class; and entitled to camp in executive accommodation wherever they go. These conditions of employment are designed to protect them from political interference and encourage them to make decisions without fear or favour.

They are further protected by the separation of powers between the Government and the Judiciary under our Westminster system. This is as it should be but while the system serves us

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

well there have been well publicised instances where judges have proved to be just as fallible as we ordinary mortals.

unfair dismissals and whatever union intimidators can invent to haul targeted business owners before their tribunal.

Politicians are soft targets because of a widespread perception they are overpaid, over-rated and on the make. The reality is that politicians’ salaries don’t rate when compared to judges and senior public servants who are paid more than Premiers and Prime Ministers. They have the added luxury of not having to resubmit their job applications to voters every four years.

The same rule does not apply to their own. The FWA investigation into the former Health Services Union National Secretary and current Labor MP, Craig Thompson, has dragged on for more than three years – longer than the Wood Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking! Imagine a business association representative misusing his credit card to hire prostitutes, receive secret

Of the 10 appointments to the tribunal, eight are from trade unions and two from the public service. The private sector is not represented.

Whilst politicians develop policy and supporting legislation we rely on public servants for its implementation and the judiciary for its interpretation.

This division of power and responsibility has served us well however it is subject to the frailties of human nature because politicians appoint our judges and senior public servants. These usually reflect the ideology of the government of the day and can lead to bias, injustice and unfairness within the system.

Fair Work Australia, our national industrial relations tribunal, reflects the power and influence of trade unions and public servants within the current Labor Government. Of the 10 appointments to the tribunal, eight are from trade unions and two from the public service. The private sector is not represented. It doesn’t take a Rhodes Scholar to anticipate the outcome of disputes relating to industrial awards, occupational health and safety,

commissions and live the life of Riley off the back of members’ dues. He would be in the dock before smoko.

And if he comes before a Labor appointed ‘learned’ judge who can’t tell the difference between a Sydney suburb and a country town he could even make the ABC evening news.

Business owners have every right to be very afraid. G

For more topics and to contact Charlie Lynn, please visit www.charlielynn.com.au/blog/

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

19

Business Advice

Are You Being Remunerated as an Employee or an Investor?

Jonathan Reynolds, Accountant - Skeggs Goldstien

Most people are in business to provide themselves with lifestyle and flexibility. Their business is a crucial investment that is going to provide them with the cash flow they need to fund their objectives along the way and the capital they need to replace the cash flow when they no longer own the business.

But how do you set your remuneration level to ensure you have the cash flow available to meet your lifestyle needs today and for the future?

Setting remuneration levels is a difficult task if you don’t understand or identify the various roles you play in your business. On one hand, you are an employee of the business fulfilling certain operational roles and responsibilities.

On the other hand, you are an owner/investor in the business. Each of these roles has different expectations when it comes to being remunerated and as such requires a different approach.

An integral part of setting remuneration levels for a business owner is to establish an operational budget which includes your remuneration as an employee and the level of profit you need to fulfil your personal needs as the owner/investor.

It is important to note that when filling a position you should always focus on finding the right person for a role, rather than fitting an existing employee into a role for which they may not be suitable. This includes the business owner as well. For example, you may be designing a “General Manager” role for the person currently responsible for overseeing operations. In the past this may have been you.

Whilst you are the owner, are you the best person to oversee HR, IT, marketing, sales and accounting?

Or are you best to focus your energy on the area you are most skilled at?

Step 2: Setting remuneration levels When setting remuneration levels for the role you are performing in the business, you should consider using a “Salary Package” that includes base salary, superannuation and other benefits such as motor vehicles. This provides a total figure for each owner who can then decide how it is paid depending on their situation.

Broadly, there are two ways to set remuneration packages.

Too many times we see business owners drawing minimal wages (if anything) and letting tax drive their end remuneration decisions. Whilst tax planning is important so is a business owner(s) regular remuneration.

• Look at similar operational roles within your industry or of businesses similar in size.

• Engage the services of an external consultant who may have specific industry experience or overall experience in assessing remuneration levels.

Employee?

As a business grows there is generally a requirement for each operational role to be clearly defined. As the business owner you will generally fit into a certain operational role. Assuming the business is profitable and you want to adopt a commercial focus for your business, setting a market salary level for each operational role will ensure you are paid as an employee first.

Other Considerations Another important consideration when establishing an owner’s remuneration is directorship and/or board participation. There may be some owners who don’t have an operational role in the business and/or those who are required to perform duties beyond that of their operational role. In these cases it may be appropriate to pay directors’ fees to that individual in addition to their salary package for work performed in this capacity.

However, from an ownership perspective the role each owner plays would typically include their position as Director and Shareholder (Investor) and as such will be remunerated based on business performance.

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Step 1: Define operational roles • List all the responsibilities and duties contained within the role • List the attributes you require from the person in the role • Give the role a title and write a position description

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Owner?

Once you have been accounted for as an employee and director of your business you can then assess how the business truly performs as an

investment. From an investment perspective you would expect to receive profits in addition to your salary that is commensurate with the level of risk you are undertaking in running the business. But what level of profit should you expect?

From our experience, there are two ways to set your profit target: • Understand the level of profit you need to generate to achieve your personal goals and/or • Understand the key financial ratios for similar businesses in your industry and benchmark your performance against those Once you have set your profit target, preparing a documented Business Plan with an agreed set of actions (including an Annual Budget) is an important first step in making your expectations reality. G Skeggs Goldstien has developed a “Better Business” Program that is specifically designed to provide business owners with a clear path to achieving their business and personal goals. The program covers the following areas: • Setting financial budgets • Setting non-financial metrics • Staff engagement • Financing facilities • Business processes • Succession planning • Risk management • Accountability and guidance to agreed plans throughout the year.

Skeggs Goldstien Associates located in Norwest Business Park and Chatswood is a financial services business specialising in growth, succession and transition planning for small to medium sized business. If you want to build a better business or want to know more about setting your remuneration level contact Skeggs Goldstien for an appointment Skeggs Goldstien Associates p | 1300 753 447 e | admin@sgapl.com.au w | www.sgapl.com.au

skeggs golds ien

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

21

Feature Business Advice

Making Good Business Sense of Sustainability Sustainability: it is one of the buzz words of our times but is it a shortlived trend or an enduring feature of business life for years to come?

Such committees can make a real difference within their organisations.

Having recently received the national Skills for Sustainability – Educational Institute Award, WSI is considered a leader in not only championing sustainability in the local community but also for providing flexible, relevant sustainability training which equips individuals for the emerging ‘green collar’ employment market and which meets the needs of local businesses.

The significance of sustainability in the business world is becoming increasingly apparent.

Encompassing the diverse fields of ecology, economics and sociology, the concept of sustainability is about long-term maintenance and endurance, and it is becoming a considerable force for businesses to utilise.

‘Green skills’ are embedded in each of WSI’s training packages and specific units are available for participating in, implementing and monitoring environmental workplace practices.

Full qualifications are also available. Online resources have been tailored to corporate training needs, including a carbon footprint self-assessment, as well as a function for gathering and developing organisations’ sustainability ideas and accessing easily-implemented sustainability advice.

According to Whitney Rousham, the Director of Business Development at TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute (WSI), the ability of businesses to implement environmental sustainability principles is the new litmus test for ongoing success.

“Sustainability principles are a make-or-break test for modern enterprises. Those embracing these principles are experiencing enhanced reputations, improved staff morale and amplified customer loyalty. As well as the significant benefits to the environment, businesses are reaping benefits in terms of efficiencies and finances,” Whitney says.

“Businesses which show their social responsibility through being environmentally sustainable are viewed more favourably in their communities, by industry partners, by funding bodies and they are sought out by savvy consumers. They also experience higher levels of staff retention.

growing in popularity because of the value that it generates. Internationally, the push for sustainability reporting is being driven by nongovernment organisations, with reporting rates considerably higher in Europe, Japan and the UK than in Australia.

“There is also a growing body of evidence that environmental, social and governance factors – which sit outside of the traditional financial indicators of profit and loss – are contributing to the long term financial performance of businesses, and holding significance for investors and other stakeholders.

Reports that measure against objective targets allow businesses to prove their commitment to sustainable business strategies, which is something that stakeholders are increasingly expecting to see in annual and other reporting formats. But before businesses can report on their sustainability performance, they must develop their strategies and targets.

“All of this adds up to sustainability principles making good business sense, and we are finding that with national and state guidelines emerging, an increasing number of businesses want to find out how they can get on board.”

While the national guidelines for sustainability reporting remain voluntary at present, reporting upon business sustainability performance is

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

What can local businesses do to achieve this?

Many organisations are developing employeeled Environmental Management Committees to review their sustainability policies and procedures. The committees are also useful for championing the cause of environmental sustainability throughout their organisations.

“These resources are making it easy for businesses to get on board with sustainability and also adopt a culture that supports and encourages the changes required. We find that the organisations most successful with their sustainability efforts are the ones where the commitment is felt around the organisation,” Whitney says.

“We can provide assistance for organisations as they think through lean business principles, renewable energy and also the very practical application of waste reduction, which is broader than many individuals realise.” G

WSI’s large network of trainers and resources is available to local businesses. To discuss how WSI can help your business to implement environmental sustainability principles or to book a course in Sustainability Preparation Advice and Implementation please call one of our Senior Training Consultants on (02) 9208 9991.

Sustainability good business sense

We can empower your business by providing flexible, relevant training in

sustainability initiatives

For more information (02) 9208 9421

trainingsolutions.wsi@tafensw.edu.au

www.workforcedevelopment.edu.au Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

23

Business Advice

Accessing Government Grants Writing a successful grant application Rick Eardley, Director - Grants Spectrum Australia

Are you writing a grant application?

Is it for a competitive grant scheme?

How do you make it stand out from the rest?

There are several things you need to think about in applying for a government grant–ranging from the obvious to the subtle. In this article, we are focusing on federal government grants but if you are applying for a state grant, you should follow the same line of thinking.

Read the instructions Firstly, check that your company is eligible.

Different grants are targeted at specific activities or aimed at specific stages of a lifecycle of a business. Make sure that your business is within the grant’s criteria. Trying to spin your application to meet the criteria is a waste of time. Remember you will be competing with other businesses who exactly meet the criteria.

Secondly, read everything about the grant in question at least two or three times. Read any ministerial or departmental announcements, any frequently asked questions, any fact sheets, the application and expenditure guidelines. No single document will cover everything the grant assessors will be looking for. Glean as many inferences and clues as possible so that the structure of your application will maximise your chances of success.

Have the application edited by someone else Do not think that you can write a fantastic application. You can do most of it but you are probably too close to the company and the project. Have someone, who is not intimately involved, offer an objective review of the application as well as fix any grammatical errors. You must ensure that your application looks professional.

Treat the government as an investor This may seem an odd statement. However, to make a successful application, you need to ask “Why is the Government willing to give me money?” Like any other investor, the government is looking for a return on its investment. They may not want the pound of flesh closest to your heart like some private investors but they do want a return.

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Government returns from its grants • Increased sales: If you are successful with the grant, you are likely to make more sales. You will make larger profits and so pay more tax.

In addition, you will purchase more inputs for your product that will increase profits of your suppliers who in turn will also pay more tax. In economic theory this will percolate through the economy. It is called the multiplier effect.

• Increased employment: Alternatively, if the grant helps you grow then you are likely to hire more staff. New staff members are most likely

against other companies who are also competing for the same money. You need to set the context of your grant application and why you are deserving of government funding. You need to sell your company and your project just as you would to any other investor.

Be realistic in your forecasts This is a crucial point. Often grant eligibility criteria can appear to be internally inconsistent.

They often want technical risk but a guaranteed return on the investment. You should therefore always prepare a fallback position.

Like any other investor, the government is looking for a return on its investment to have been lured to your company with a higher salary, which is likely to increase both their consumption and tax payable. Again in economic theory, every time jobs are created there is a ripple effect through the economy and therefore some reduction in unemployment.

This obviously saves the government from paying unemployment benefits.

Firstly, prepare a forecast based upon complete success of the technical part of the project.

Secondly, identify a part of the project that is definitely achievable. Prepare a forecast based only upon this limited technical success. It will show a result less than complete success but should still show that the grant is a good investment for the government.

Within this category there is another opportunity.

The government will look more favourably on setting up a new facility that will create jobs in an existing area of high unemployment. Obviously, you will not always have flexibility in this area but if you have a choice, always opt for either an area of high unemployment or where a skills transfer for new employees will be possible.

Summary There is no magic formula to writing a successful grant application. You can only give your application the best chance of success by crafting an application that meets the grant criteria and then emphasising the subsequent benefits that will flow to the Australian economy. Good luck! G

• Increased exports: Like increased sales, increased exports are an excellent payback for the government. As well as the benefits mentioned above, sales overseas will also contribute to improving the Australian trade deficit and terms of trade.

Tell a good story In any grant funding round, you will be going up

Grants Spectrum Australia e | info@grantsspectrum.com.au w | www.grantsspectrum.com.au

Have you considered funded management courses for your Supervisors and Senior staff?

Dragon College of Business is proud to help Australian business owners, entrepreneurs, managers and career focused graduates gain a new understanding of the essentials of business management and develop a skill set that will be effective throughout their business careers. Dragon uses exceptional learning materials to ensure that you enjoy your studies.

• Dragon provides outstanding support to help you complete your course as fast as you can.

• Dragon delivers flexible, supported distance learning and workplace-based programs so that you can complete your course wherever you go.

Course Benefits

• Nationally accredited program • Flexible delivery methods – distance delivery, electronic delivery with facilitator support, blended learning that mixes online and onsite units, or face to face delivery in your organisation • Attractive, user-friendly, applied and engaging learning materials • Access to Dragon CEO Dr David Poole,creator of the programs and co-author of one of Australia’s most popular management textbooks • A complimentary business library of books and CDs valued at over $300 for every learner – a great resource to help with your studies.

Courses Diploma of Management Diploma of Business Diploma of Business (Administration and Executive Assistant Program) Certificate IV in Frontline Management Certificate IV in Human Resource Management Certificate IV in Small Business Management Certificate IV in Business

Learning Activities and RPL

As a competency based qualification, the assessment tasks seek evidence that learners have mastered the skills and knowledge contained in each unit. Commonly used assessment activities in our units are Quick Learning Activities, work-based projects, case studies, discussions, practical exercises, and personal reflections.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available on the basis of prior, documented experience, evidence of competency, and previous studies. Dragon may seek additional evidence of competency if required.

Training for Business Owners and Directors

Dragon College may offer Business Owners and Directors of companies who are not eligible for funding a place in their programs, or Human Resources Management $995, as long as at least one government-funded staff member enrols in the course.

Each learner will receive a business library containing inspirational and reference books that will assist learners to complete their courses as well as providing a valuable reference library.

Typical titles in the library have included: • The Successful Manager’s Handbook • The One Thing You Need to Know about Great Leading and Managing • The Art of Business Writing • The Business Olympian • The 10 Foundations of Motivation • The Leadership Pill • Business Stripped Bare

dragonbusiness Dragon College of Business

The Australian Government provides funding of up to $4,000 per employee* to be trained in the workplace, for Dragon’s courses.

Dragon College will assess your business training requirements, make recommendations for training courses and the best mode of training delivery for you and your staff.

Diploma of Human Resource Management

Complimentary Business Library

Funding is available to support learning

All fees for training will be paid from the grant of $4,000, with additional incentives^ available for New Employees.

Our fees are paid by the government funding that you will receive so there is no net cost to you to upskill and add value to your staff.

Dragon College will provide you a full list of courses, eligibility rules for funding and a proposal outlining the incentives your business will receive from the Traineeship Program.

Contact

Dragon College of Business Dr David Poole CEO, Founder and Head Trainer Suite 303, 33 Lexington Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153 Phone: 1300 932 203 Email: info@dragoncollege.edu.au Website: www.dragoncollege.edu.au *Eligibility of employers for traineeship incentives, and the amount of incentives available, will be assessed and determined by an Australian Apprenticeships Centre. ^Employees are classed as “NEW ENTRANT” trainees if employed less than 3 months full time or 12 months casual/ part time.

The founder and CEO of Dragon College is Dr David Poole, one of Australia’s most renowned business educators.

Dragon College forms the core of Pooled Knowledge Pty Ltd, an organisation which has successfully delivered business learning around the world for more than a decade.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

25

Business Advice

Cash or Accrual which Suits Your Business?

Ruchaya Rayya Nillakan, Tax Accountants & SMSF Auditors

When starting a business, you have to determine the method you are going to use for accounting and paying taxes.

The two choices are the cash method and the accrual method.

Deciding whether to keep accounting records on cash or an accrual basis depends on your type of business, plans for its future size, and accountability to third parties, such as lenders and shareholders.

Cash Method If you are looking for simplicity, the cash method is probably your best accounting choice. Generally, income and deductions can be claimed when payment is actually received or made. This is best shown with an example.

I open a small business and have to order business cards and stationary. I receive the products and pay the invoice on November 18, 2011. Under the cash method, I can deduct the cost on my 2011 tax return.

Are you eligible to account for GST on a cash basis?

You are eligible to account for GST on a cash basis if you meet any of the following criteria: • y ou are a small business with an annual turnover (including the turnover of your related entities) of less than $2 million • you are not operating a business, but are carrying on an enterprise with a GST turnover of $2 million or less • you account for income tax on a cash basis • you carry on a kind of enterprise that we have worked out is able to account for GST on a cash basis, regardless of your GST turnover • regardless of your GST turnover, you are one of the following - an endorsed charitable institution

- a government school.

How do you account for GST on a cash basis?

If you account for GST on a cash basis, you must: • account for the GST payable on your sales in the tax period you receive payment for them.

If you receive only part payment for a sale in a tax period, you account for only the GST that relates to the part payment in that tax period • claim GST credits for your business purchases in the tax period you pay for them. If you pay only part of the cost of a business purchase in a tax period and have a valid tax invoice, you claim only the GST credit for that part of the cost in that tax period.

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

As you can see, the cash method is the easier of the two accounting methods. Keeping cashbased records is better than having none at all, however, it will not give a growing business the kind of disciplined, reliable information it needs to develop strategies and manage resources.

The only thing a cash-based system truly reports is how much cash is left, but it misses much of the explanation of how and when it was obtained or spent. G

Deciding whether to keep accounting records on cash or an accrual basis depends on your type of business, plans for its future size, and accountability to third parties, such as lenders and shareholders.

To claim a GST credit for a purchase that cost more than $82.50 (including GST), you must have a valid tax invoice at the time you lodge your activity statement. If you do not have a valid tax invoice, you should wait until you receive one from your supplier before you claim the GST credit, even if this is in a later tax period according to the ATO website.

Accrual Method The Accrual Method of accounting is a bit more complex. Under this method, the focus in on the date the expense is incurred not paid. Although this may seem a small difference, it can play havoc with your books and peace of mind.

Using our previous example, assume I order business cards and stationary on the December 18, 2011. I receive the products on December 30th, but don’t pay the invoice until January 20, 2012. When can the expense be claimed? It depends on when economic performance occurred.

- a trustee of an endorsed charitable fund - a gift-deductible entity

above example, economic performance would arguably occur when the business cards and stationary were delivered with the invoice on December 30th. Thus, I would be able to deduct the expense for the 2011 tax year.

Generally, economic performance occurs when goods or services are provided to you. In the

To determine the best method for your business, speak with a tax professional. Bye for today and do remember to email or call us if you have any questions regarding your tax and accounting matters.

Super Smart Plans Financial & Accounting Level 4, Suite 888 311 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 p | 02 8093 1683/85 (Head Office) Norwest Business Park Centre A15/24-32 Lexington Drive Bella Vista, NSW, 2153 p | 02 9672 6279 e | info@supersmartplans.com w | www.supersmartplans.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

27

Business Advice

What Motivates Staff?

Effective Staff Retention Part 2 - Establishing a Positive Culture Andrew de Wynter, Senior Consultant - The HR Department

Staff motivation is affected by the culture within a workplace. This can influence the culture in both positive and negative ways. Developing a positive workplace culture not only sets clear expectations of behaviour and performance, but helps to maintain harmonious relationships and make it a pleasure for your staff to come to work. There are a range of factors that can contribute to a positive culture that don’t necessarily cost a fortune.

Live the Vision. It is important for the leaders of your business to positively live and practice the Vision or Mission of the business as this will filter down through all levels. Your Vision should be one that everyone can relate to and one that helps individuals take pride in what they’re doing.

It should actively identify the satisfying elements of their work.

Choose your Attitude. There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not currently a choice about the work itself or who you work with. Find a message that communicates the idea of choosing your attitude in a way that everyone will understand and personalise. As the boss, your attitude can be the difference between whether or not you have happy and productive employees or unhappy inefficient employees. When calling meetings, speak from the heart, develop a sense of trust and respect, have a commitment to create an enjoyable working environment, and lead by example. Encourage the same attitude and level of commitment from your line managers to help build this throughout your business.

Foster an element of Fun. Happy people treat others well and it’s healthy for everyone. Fun leads to creativity and the time passes more quickly.

Work becomes a rewarding experience, and encourages others to want to join your business.

Make their day. Think about how you can do something that gives your employees a positive and memorable experience. Looking after your employees will give you satisfaction as well as removing frustrations for them. It will focus

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

attention away from problems, and instead focuses on how each person can make a positive difference to others. This is healthy, will feel good, and will unleash even more energy.

Be there. Make yourself approachable.

Ensure your employees know they can discuss anything that affects their work with you – this is not an invitation to interrupt you at any time but a commitment that you will make time when needed. Give your employees your undivided attention – don’t appear distracted by other worries. Enter into real conversations and really listen. Focus on their needs and connect during your conversations. Encourage this behaviour between your employees.

this series: “What motivates staff? Effective staff retention.” Part 3 - Job Descriptions and Recruitment.

PS - remember last month we said you should RAP with employees. It’s all about recognising their achievements and acknowledging them at the time. Employees will know you’re on the ball.

This can also lend significance to those times when you might ask them to correct their behaviour or performance.

Employees are likely to go about their jobs productively if they know you aren’t just there just to catch them out but rather that you appreciate their efforts to do the right thing.

Recognise Achievement with Praise Foster this attitude throughout your business.

Try to catch people doing something right not something wrong.

Acknowledge them at the time not at the end of the week/month.

All of these actions can positively influence your business. Your employees will be more productive and enjoy their time at work. Better still they are likely to communicate this beyond their workplace. Clients and customers will have confidence that if you treat your employees well you will also treat them well.

Remember cultural change is not an overnight process - it requires leadership by example and commitment from everybody. It can be a challenge to do this alone. G If you would like assistance in implementing cultural change, contact The HR Department.

In the meantime, refer to the next article in

The HR Department Suite 515, 2-8 Brookhollow Ave Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 e | elly@thehrdepartment.com.au w | www.theHRdepartment.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

29

Feature

What is a Jeweller...

Really?

By Robert E Cliff F.G.A.A., JP

I am frequently asked the questions “How do you get to be a jeweller?”, or “Can you fix my watch”, or “You’re a jeweller, can you fix my clock?” All good questions and I have been asked them many, many times.

There are a great many facets to this trade of jewellery (forgive the pun). Many mistruths, misunderstandings and sadly some mistrust.

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers has a reputation in the jewellery industry of employing specialists in all of the fields within this trade – most of whom are the best in the industry. Therefore, if you will allow me, I will try to answer some of your questions, to explain what you may want to (or should) know!

What is a Qualified Jeweller?

• To become a qualified jeweller you must firstly complete the Jewellery Trade and Design course (offered by Sydney - Enmore TAFE) over three years and also complete an apprenticeship with Master Jewellers, over 4 years.

• The TAFE course is concentrated on the skills involved in the manufacturing of fine jewellery, designing, drawing, bench sketching, engraving, setting and the theory of melting points of all precious metals and gem-stones.

• Jewellery manufacturing is a combination of metal work and fitting and turning, using very expensive metals together with small and minute equipment.

• Most shaping and forming is still done by hand, not by machine.

• By the end of an apprenticeship you are competent enough to start to make pieces in gold.

• When your course is complete you are qualified and able to create and make the ring and its mount. This excludes the gemstone setting (a trade and skill separate).

• During the first twelve months anything that is to be created by an apprentice is done using silver – the cost of a mistake can be huge in this industry!

• Your time will also be taken up with a lot of rolling of gold, cleaning and polishing (both the jewellery and the workshop!)

This is only the start – it takes much more than just the first four years – it’s on completion of your apprenticeship that your trade really begins!

Diamond and Gemstone Setting which takes place after the jewellery tradesman has created their work of art.

• This is a separate trade within a trade.

• The gemstone setter sets the gemstone into the jewellery – they do nothing else, they are specialists.

• Most people think the stones are glued in – they are not. The Gemstones are held by the precious metal

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

- minute claws that the jeweller has created specific to every design and stone. This is a highly specialised field. Unfortunately, here in Australia now, there is not a formal course.

It is now purely a skill learnt by highly skilled Gemstone Setters over many years – You’ll be practicing on your own pieces for some time as some gemstones are easily scratched or broken during this process.

• All gemstone setting is done by hand – however a setter does have equipment to help in this delicate task, including special microscopes that allow setting to be done under the lens called “micro setting” and power tools to help him manoeuvre the claws over the stones, gently, softly and carefully. It may not surprise you to learn that many gemstone setters develop problems with their eye sight!

• A huge change that has affected this part of the trade in the modern day is the many designs requiring a multi-stone set; all of which are done under the microscope and extremely time consuming!

Engraving – yet another facet of this intricate trade: • Hand Engraving – unfortunately a dying art.

• Today, with all the laser machinery that is on offer, engraving can be done faster and more accurately than ever before. Therefore, slowly, this will become yet another lost art.

• There is not any formal course available specifically for hand engraving – you need to learn it from a Master Craftsman.

Feature

Award winning Designers & Manufacturers Since 1984

Sketching

Inspecting diamonds

Re-modelling Repair & restoration

• Most hand engravers are also skilled jewellers.

However, if hand engraving is required – and for beautiful hand crafted pieces it often is, be aware that not all engraving is done this way; for example, small, crude engraving machinery may be found at key cutting outlets). Engraving, be it hand or by laser, is still a specialised skill that may be best done by a jeweller who understand the creations upon which their work will be forever recorded.

• Ensure that your engraving is done via a specialist – ask!

Valuing Jewellery - Gemmology • Valuing jewellery is performed (or should be) by a qualified gemmologist who is a registered member of the Jewellers Council.

• Qualifications for this skill - a Gemmological Degree, specialising in crystal systems, gemstones, their identification and valuation for replacement or sale.

Designing • In the very large jewellery houses of Europe they have jewellery designers that do nothing else, all day, but design, utilising specific pre-determined parameters, gemstones and metals. These Designers don’t make jewellery, they only design it. However, they are often stifled by their company restrictions.

• Here in Australia, all good designers are usually also jewellery tradespeople.

• There is a course at TAFE for Jewellery Designing and it is highly recommended for

Ring-cleaning

qualified jewellery tradespeople or for those interested in manufacturing jewellery.

• The skill of drawing is a must (in my opinion) as a client needs to be able to see what they are going to own as their thoughts are discussed with the jewellery designer – a very personal moment.

• Computer programmes have been developed to create an image, and they certainly have their place, however, again, the parameters are preset and creativity is often stifled.

• Designers are artists, creative and imaginative, (not robots or automated computer programs) and they must have the knowledge of the medium to be used to ensure the design is not only possible, but unique and wearable.

Watch Making – not a facet of crafting jewellery, at all!

• A totally separate part of the jewellery trade.

• A TAFE course is available however modern watch making is a descendent of a very old trade and is quite different to its ancient relative.

• It’s still, however, highly skilled and specialised work, using minute parts that one must disassemble and reassemble.

• Many of these minute parts move and interact with one another to ensure a time is kept absolutely accurately.

• There are many modern mechanical advances in this trade today with many or most parts now not recreated, just replaced.

• Most parts (in no all) are now made by machines – the watch-maker fixes the machines mistakes or general wear and tear.

• Most watches and clocks today are required to be returned to the manufacturer for repair to ensure the warranty is not erased.

• This part of the jewellery trade has seen the biggest changes – not always for the best! G Robert Cliff Master Jewellers - 30 years in the jewellery industry and with Master Craftsmen (with over 40 years of experience) creating in their Workshop their works of art are worthy of eternity.

Go to our Website and click on “Make an Appointment”. Mention this article, leave your details and we will send you out a “free ring check and clean” voucher together with a free catalogue.

We will be more than happy to answer all your diamond and jewellery questions with an obligation free consultation. So feel free to contact us to make an appointment or call us for information.

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers Shop 380A Castle Towers Castle Hill, NSW 2154 p | 02 8850 5400 e | shop@robertcliffmasterjewellers.com.au w | www.robertcliffmasterjewellers.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

31

CORPORATE HEALTH

Is Your Body Running on Empty?

Tim Pittorino, Managing Director – Fitness Revelation Corporate Solutions

We have more doctors, therapies, medication, information and greater knowledge about the human body than ever before, so why are we losing health and gaining stress?

the heart, joints, skin and adrenal glands suffer greatly. The fact that you are not bed-bound or in a doctor’s surgery does not make you healthy.

qualified in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition in Australia, will offer you strategies to effectively:

Think of it this way: Adrenal Fatigue is the human body’s silent assassin in modern times. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and secrete cortisol (a stress hormone) when the body is run down or under pressure. The more stress we have in our lives, the harder these glands have to work to keep the body in equilibrium.

Never in recorded history have the adrenal glands experienced the tremendous load to which we subject them today. Familiar sources of stress include:

CAR

HUMAN BODY

Engine

Heart

External panels

Skin, hair and nails

Axel

Joints

Petrol

Food and water

Emergency rocket fuel

Caffeine and sugar

Tyres

Adrenal glands

• Lose weight and body fat from specific areas

• Fighting traffic

Before reaching a ‘point of no return’ (disease) the body gives you a number of warning signs or symptoms. These symptoms often go unnoticed or are passed off as “part of the ageing process”. They may be common, but they are not normal or healthy.

• Working to deadlines

Common symptoms include:

• Increase motivation

• An over-committed schedule

• Sleep disturbances/waking up tired

• Enhance feelings of wellbeing

• Inadequate nutrition

• Energy crashes throughout the day

• Increase libido and sexual performance

• Financial pressures

• Weight gain, particularly in the stomach area

• Prevent chronic disease

• Many other mental and emotional stressors

• Poor focus and concentration

It is very little wonder that 90% of Australian adults use caffeine to assist them through the day.

• Feeling stressed out and overwhelmed

Adrenal fatigue and stress are rampant amongst Australians and are too often overlooked. Testing is simple, easy and accurate and solutions to problems identified are successful and backed by scientific evidence. G

• Buzzing alarm clocks • Parental and other family responsibilities

• Reduced motivation and sex drive The human body works very much like a car - for both a car and the body to perform at their best, they need: quality fuel and a number of systems working in unison.

Even though your panels may appear shiny and healthy on the outside and emergency ‘rocket fuel’ may get you over a deadline, when driving with four flat tyres your engine and axle have to work a hell of a lot harder and will deteriorate much faster as you contest the rat race.

This is what happens to most corporate workers on a daily basis. The deadlines are met, but

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

With modern medication and copious amounts of caffeine and sugar you can continue to survive in this second-rate state for many years.

Regrettably, this is a way of existing – rather than living and thriving – that an ever increasing number of Australians are accepting.

Cutting edge adrenal testing provides the information and strategies that enable you to live a more fulfilling, healthy and enjoyable life. Adrenal testing can precisely reveal your level of adrenal health and a subsequent consultation with me, one of only 6 people

• Improve strength and endurance • Increase levels concentration

of

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energy

and

To find out more, please contact us at: corporate@fitnessrevelation.com Fitness Revelation Corporate Solutions p | 1800 383 242 e | corporate@fitnessrevelation.com w | www.fitnessrevelation.com

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

33

LOCAL Government

The Sydney Hills Planning for Change The impending arrival of the North West Rail will provide critical transport infrastructure for the growing population of the Sydney Hills.

More than just a different way to commute, the rail line will represent a fundamental change in the way people in Sydney’s North West will live, work and play. And even before its arrival, it will bring change.

Like any major infrastructure project, the North West Rail link is expected to bring a large economic stimulus to not only the Sydney Hills economy, but also the Greater Western Sydney and NSW economies. The Hills Shire Council has long been planning for the changes the rail line will bring.

Town Centres With the arrival of improved transport, change will quickly become apparent in the region’s town centres. The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy has defined Castle Hill and Rouse Hill as major centres, so it is expected that growth and change will happen around these areas.

Both the Castle Hill and Rouse Hill shopping precincts have a railway station planned adjacent, and both will continue to grow – each with additional stages planned for the future.

This will stimulate further growth in the retail and service industries, increasing business and job opportunities.

Plans are in place to further improve the Castle Hill main street to accommodate the needs of both commuters and residents, and along with the recently-upgraded bus interchange, these plans will transform the area near Arthur Whitling Park into a public transport hub.

Ultimately, Castle Hill Town Centre will grow to become a vibrant place to live with outstanding built form, housing options that include apartment living and a dynamic urban lifestyle.

New Homes Improved public transport options will bring increased demand for nearby housing. Council has a responsibility to plan wisely to ensure the best use of available housing sites are realised, particularly near the proposed new stations.

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

Norwest Business Park Growth

The region is expected to grow in population by around 100,000 people in the next two decades, and the North West Rail link will be a catalyst for more homes to be built close to this major transport corridor.

The Hills Shire Council has begun to plan for future multi-level living in Castle Hill.

Council’s strategy is to ensure a range of housing options are located in and around town centres, so residents can contribute to and enjoy these lifestyle options.

As well as growth around the towns, rail will make the entire region more accessible, creating the need for many more new homes to be built in the less developed areas like North Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Balmoral Road.

Business Development The impact of a project like the North West Rail on business cannot be underestimated. The Sydney Hills economy added $8 billion in Gross Regional Product to the state economy in 2011 alone, and even further increases in local economic growth expected from the rail line will provide a return on investment.

Improved access to the Sydney CBD will create benefits for both employees and businesses.

Norwest Business Park will add another 15,000 jobs in the next decade, and a number of those workers will be able to travel from other parts of Sydney on the new rail line.

Two new railway stations are planned in Norwest, bringing plans for increased shopping, residential and commercial activity.

Planning is also well underway for new employment lands (areas such as nearby Box Hill) which will be home to 18,000 jobs in new areas with similar zonings to Castle Hill Industrial Park and Norwest Business Park, and be surrounded by quality new housing developments.

Opportunities Where the rail link goes, growth will follow. This change will bring more diverse opportunities for the region and major time savings for commuters.

It will bring businesses to the Sydney Hills and take local products further afield.

New communities will grow up and with them, schools, shops and new jobs will spring up. As the region expands, the education sector is expected to grow, and already the possibility of a tertiary institution in Norwest is being tested.

Like all change, the region can look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. G Detailed information about the North West Rail Link can be found at www.northwestrail.com.au

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

35

LOCAL Government

Western Sydney on Winning Streak with Golden Slipper More than 60,000 race goers are expected to converge on Rosehill Gardens 24 March - 7 April for the Sydney Carnival, providing a huge boost to the city’s economy.

expenditure into local industry.

Australian Turf Club CEO, Darren Pearce, said they are proud to have the support of Parramatta City Council.

The Carnival attracts over 300 international and national racing participants in the form of horse owners, trainers, jockeys and strappers.

Many of these participants set up temporary camps in Sydney at locations including Rosehill Gardens and Warwick Farm racecourses, to prepare their horses for competition.

“It’s pleasing to see both parties working together to strengthen racing and grow

Racing participants often arrive well in advance of the Carnival to participate in qualifying races

and their stay in the Western Sydney region can be up to a month or more in total.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Lorraine Wearne, recognised the significant economic impact the Sydney Carnival has on the local economy.

major events and visitation in Greater Western Sydney,” Mr Pearce said.

Spectators travel to the event from across Sydney and regional NSW to watch the running of the Slipper, the richest day of racing in terms of prize money in Australia and one of the richest races worldwide. Accommodation close to the venue is in high demand during the Carnival, with Rydges Parramatta having reached 100% occupancy for the last two years on Golden Slipper Day.

“The carnival, in particular the Golden Slipper, is a hugely significant event because it is the

Race goers also visit Parramatta’s local restaurants, cafes and pubs, directing further

In 2012 the Carnival is expected to be bigger than ever, as Rosehill Gardens welcomes increased attendance at events due to the closure of Randwick Racecourse for refurbishment.

Incorporating three major racing days - Myer Ladies Day, Flinders Lane Rosehill Guineas Day and the famous AAMI Golden Slipper - Sydney Carnival is a win for Parramatta businesses as its flow on effects benefit the accommodation, food services, transport and retail sectors.

36

biggest annual racing event in the region, hosted in the heart of our city. It plays an important role in attracting both day and overnight visitors and boosting the output of the region as a whole,” Cr Wearne said.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

“There are many elements to the Sydney Carnival beyond the obvious race goers that contribute positively to Parramatta’s gross regional product,” Cr Wearne said.

“The Sydney Carnival has the potential to be to Parramatta what the Melbourne Cup is to Melbourne. I want this to become a major signature event for the people of Parramatta and Western Sydney.” G

LOCAL Government

Sydney Festival Parramatta A Huge Success Parramatta has shared in a significant portion of the $50 million the Sydney Festival contributes to the NSW economy thanks to a ten day program that has proved immensely popular.

The Parra Opening Party (POP) and Festival Closing Night alone attracted 16,000 people to Parramatta and brought an increase of approximately $840,000 to Parramatta’s gross regional product, according to initial findings by Parramatta City Council.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Lorraine Wearne said that this was a big step up for Parramatta and greater Western Sydney.

“Major cultural events are of huge significance to our region. They are central to the growth of visitor numbers to our city and play a vital role in raising the profile of Parramatta as a destination,” Cr Wearne said.

With the unique Idolize Spiegeltent and its array of incredible performances and free concerts headlined by big names like Dan Sultan and Kasey Chambers, Sydney Festival Parramatta was well placed to draw in visitors. In addition to this the Festival also attracted significant media coverage, both within Sydney and nationally, which helped boost attendance numbers.

“Sydney Festival proved you don’t need to travel to the Sydney CBD for a world class line-up.

It allowed us to open our doors to audiences who travelled from across Sydney and beyond to enjoy the festivities in our wonderful city,” Cr Wearne said.

According to Parramatta City Council visitors contribute approximately $830 million annually to Parramatta’s tourism sector. However, this figure is set to rise thanks to the increase in visitor numbers from Sydney Festival Parramatta and its associated flow on effects.

felt may result in repeat future trade.

Businesses along the ‘Eat Street’ precinct gave positive feedback regarding the impact of the festival. 68% of businesses surveyed reported they had benefitted from the festival. These benefits specifically included an increase in turnover as many businesses welcomed new customers they

“These are all signs that Parramatta is no longer solely a business district, but has escalated in status as a destination for visitors. Parramatta is becoming an events-led city with a thriving arts culture scene and is helping to facilitate the growth of this in Western Sydney,” Cr Wearne said. G

However, the most encouraging feature of the feedback was that a majority of businesses want major public events such as Sydney Festival Parramatta to be a regular feature in Parramatta.

For more information please contact Solaire Eggert, Manager Economic Development. p | 02 9806 5730 e | seggert@parracity.nsw.gov.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

37

BUSINESS chamber

Ryde Business Forum – More than Networking

by Sabrina Ferguson - Executive Officer, Ryde Business Forum

“So what’s Ryde Business Forum?”

Our members who have opted in to the alliance will continue to receive the local networking and business support benefits of their umbrella Chamber but they will also, at no additional cost, receive extra benefits from the NSW Business Chamber, with access to a broad range of services such as technical advice, business support tools, information services and educational events.

As Executive Officer of Ryde Business Forum, I get asked that quite often. After all, what’s a Business Forum? In our case, Forum is an alternative to the word Chamber as we are Ryde’s umbrella Chamber of Commerce, working with four local area Chambers and the Armenian and Korean Chambers to bring together businesses in our region.

Chambers are there to help businesses grow and we do that through our educational and networking events and by putting businesses in touch with others who may have complementary needs and skills.

Chambers are also there to lobby on behalf of businesses to all three levels of government, and it’s this point that really sets Chambers of Commerce apart from organisations which simply focus on networking and referrals. We really do care about representing and supporting our region, which is home to 13,500 businesses and employs more than 100,000 people.

We deal with businesses of all types and sizes: from the largest employer in the region (who has more than 6,000 employees in Macquarie Park) to the sole traders, and all sizes of business in between, with a different offering of membership to suit small, medium and large companies.

When the Forum started in 1993 the Macquarie Park area was still a bit of a twinkle in the developers’ eyes. Our first Business After Hours was held in a demountable hut on muddy ground in what is now Riverside Corporate Park.

Fast forward 19 years and we regularly host 80-100 business people at our Business After Hours, enjoying canapés, wine or beer and most of all the opportunity to meet others and grow their network. These are fun events; there is always laughter echoing off the walls but serious business gets done too. We’ve lost count of the members who have told us about how someone they met at Business After Hours is now one of their clients or vice versa.

38

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

RBF members and guests build relationships at our February 2012 Business After Hours event

While we welcome first-time visitors at every event, it’s the people who consistently attend who reap the most benefits. Realistically you shouldn’t expect to secure a business deal at your first visit to a networking event unless you’re very lucky and meet someone who’s looking for exactly what you’re offering. People have to get to know and trust you – and you have to follow up on the contacts you’ve made too.

With this in mind we provide a brief educational session – think of it as a five minute speednetworking game - on how to network at our events, realising that networking well is a skill; it’s more than just chatting idly and swapping business cards, it’s how you actually engage with others.

This nineteenth year is an important one for us, as we have in the last month signed up to the NSW Business Chamber Alliance, giving our members more benefits for their money and for us as a Chamber the opportunity to add an even stronger lobbying voice on behalf of our members at a State and Federal level.

“This is a very exciting move for us. There has never been a better time to be a member of Ryde Business Forum. The alliance with the NSW Business Chamber will allow Ryde Business Forum to provide more services and value to members and allow them to get on with the job of running their business,” said Lydia Scuglia, Chairman of Ryde Business Forum.

“Ryde is one of Sydney’s hubs. We are only twelve kilometres from Sydney’s CBD and traffic and transport is a big issue for us as we deal with daily gridlock during peak hour. Being part of a state Chamber body which has identified traffic and transport issues in Sydney and is lobbying the State government with ideas to make traffic flow better gives us the opportunity to be part of that and have our say for our region on behalf of our businesses,” Lydia said.

As well as the NSW Business Chamber Alliance, we have plans to help smaller local businesses which include an online business directory which will be free for all businesses in the city of Ryde to join, and events for Micro Biz Week and Small Business September in addition to our regular program of Business After Hours, @ Breakfast and @ Lunch.

We call Ryde Australia’s Innovation Destination – for example North Ryde and Macquarie Park are home to some of the country’s (and the world’s) biggest names in pharmaceuticals and ICT, and the precinct is still growing with more developments planned or underway. Our offering to the big end of town is slightly different, with CEO luncheons and the opportunity to raise brand awareness by sponsoring our breakfast and lunch events. G We welcome members from outside Ryde too, providing they do a significant amount of business in our region or are trying to grow their business in our area. Find out more about us at rydebusiness.com.au or call us on 9807 4999.

BUSINESS chamber

Our Night of Nights Celebrated in True Style!

by Jill Woods - Chief Executive Officer, Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce Inc

Oh what a night, it really was such a night! The 85th Anniversary celebrations will be long remembered by the members and guests of Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce as appropriate and prestigious.

the organisation for a sound, prosperous future.

They wanted to influence important decisions for the benefit of the region. They made their membership work hard for themselves and others.

This proudly independent organisation is celebrating 85 years of continuous operation representing the local business community. Quite a milestone for any member based not for profit group that enjoys the participation of hundreds of like minded business people who care about the future of Penrith. Why, because they believe their region has potential in abundance to help sustain businesses, attract new investment, and provide long term employment opportunities.

These proactive operators made time to network and build relationships and provide referrals but knew business did not come without commitment of time and effort. They put up their hands for election to Chamber committees and projects. They told others about how important and beneficial Chamber membership was to growing their own business opportunities.

God of Wealth with Paul Page, Penrith City Marketing Supervisor, Jill Woods, PVCC CEO, and Gai Hawthorn, Penrith City Centre Association.

All these offerings can be combined with healthy, personal lifestyles! Outstanding education, cultural and sporting facilities are already well established in this incredible and unique landscape of Western Sydney, no longer just perceived as a gateway to the Blue Mountains.

Penrith is about people, progress and prosperity!

Keynote speaker NSW Treasurer Mike Baird MP was his usual articulate self and enthusiastically praised the work and achievements of the Chamber over so many years. Stuart Ayres MP who introduced the Treasurer made it clear in his own articulate, affable fashion that Penrith is very serious about seeing this region properly developed and supported by all key stakeholders.

There have been numerous achievements throughout its history, way too many to list.

Recognition though is due to past and current volunteers and administrators, who have put in place various schemes - some to help develop local employment initiatives, training and mentoring schemes, shop local campaigns, and advocacy and lobbying on priority issues impacting the progress of businesses. Many other positive projects with the help of numerous volunteers have also impacted the wider community. There are strong and increased communications and consultations with all levels of governments and other local stakeholders.

This strategy provides the wider focus necessary for any small business operator in today’s challenging marketplace.

Hon Mike Baird MP, NSW Treasurer

Roger Hood on behalf of NSW Business Chamber and Mary Jo Capps, President of the Sydney Chamber also joined in the festivities. Mayor Cr Greg Davies was generous with his words of praise for members and their contributions to the local economy and wider community projects too. Other Councillors were also in attendance.

Importantly the relationships which have been forged between Chamber members and doing business with each other can never be underestimated. Testimonials speak for themselves and support the reasons why businesses can continue to grow. Many long established operations in this region are so successful because they tapped into such a committed and focused business organisation.

Early on members recognised the importance of participation in their own marketplace. These people wanted to help steer the direction of

Business communities can only ever be as strong and progressive as those who participate and contribute as its drivers. Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce members feel justifiably proud of those civic minded people in 1927 that shared a vision and established the Chamber. They salute them and the many members who have since followed. The relevance of this organisation will continue, as current members remain committed to this region – their chosen place for business and lifestyle.

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce Inc proudly celebrates 85 years, working hard in their role as a key stakeholder ensuring a well managed future for its passionate business community. G

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

39

Business Advice

Don’t Underestimate the Benefit of International Experience!

by Stephen Frost, Managing Director - BREED Local Community Partnership

Occasionally those rare once in a lifetime opportunities present themselves when you least expect them; and when they do, you should be prepared to avail yourself.

This is just what happened late last year, when an intensive two day training program about Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) methodology, conducted in Sydney (in conjunction with the Australian Government’s Youth Attainment and Transitions National Partnership Conference) turned into an opportunity to study the concept at a higher level with the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in USA. I had read the research, undertaken the study, but I cannot overstate how valuable it was to see and hear first-hand how the program was rolled out across America, the generosity of the people involved in the programs in freely sharing their time, experience and resources.

The concept is not rocket science but the tried and tested process identified by JHU and implemented by the National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) provides a template which could be beneficial to our local schools in establishing partnerships to assist our youth with their schooling and industry based learning beyond the classroom. There is a shift within the NNPS that all activities, even social activities, can have a link to learning and school goals.

The methodology is based on a National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) in the USA with an Action Team for Partnerships in each school: consisting of teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and others, working together to connect families and community involvement with school improvement goals. This American model complements the Australian Governments School Business Community Partnership Broker program.

My colleagues from the Business Education Community Alliance (BECA) and I were very fortunate to have been invited to visit Johns Hopkins University, where we had an opportunity to meet with the creator of the program, Dr Joyce Epstein, and her team. This opportunity gave a more in-depth understanding of the philosophy behind

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the program. We also got to meet a number of: participating schools across America, Government Officials, School Departmental Officers, parents,

Ian Palmer – SIP, Stephen Frost – BREED, Dr Joyce Epstein – JHU and John Watters AusSIP at the Centre for Social Organizations of Schools, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore USA teachers, business and community representatives to hear first-hand about the successes, lessons learnt during implementation and to establish relationships to assist with implementation of a pilot program in Australia, based on the NNPS model.

This NNPS and ATP concept can work in parallel with the UK initiative of “Turning Work Experience into Work Inspiration” that I have commented about in previous articles in this publication. BREED and my Alliance colleagues are keen to assist parents, business and community representatives to work in partnership with schools to assist our local youth to attain a year 12 or equivalent minimum qualification upon leaving school and be better prepared for their transition to further education and or work.

we took the opportunity to visit and investigate a number of other initiatives including Charter Schools, Career Academies and the Harlem Children Zone in New York State.

One example of a School Business Community partnership was a school bus fitted out as a mobile classroom with wireless internet technology and tablet PC’s. The Horizon Communication Group partnered with undergraduate University Students who volunteered their time one day per week. They visit a number of schools and mentor students to assist them to gain the required “SAT’s” (similar to the Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking or ATAR) that will allow them into the College or University course they want when they finish school.

There was a strong interest amongst the schools we visited as to what we are doing in Australia, particularly Western Sydney. These Schools are very keen to develop relationships with our local schools with the potential of setting up crossglobal activities using the modern technology now available in all of our schools. Under the “Connected Classrooms” program they could have a joint class or activity, communicating in real time via web-cam.

If you would like further information about becoming a valuable partner please contact me or one of my colleagues on the numbers listed on this page. G For more information on Partnership Brokers, please contact your local office listed below.

There is overwhelming evidence that when Parents, Community, and Businesses partner with schools in the delivery of the curriculum, there is a greater engagement of youth in their academic learning. If students are aware that the wider community is interested in their progress, this tends to lead to improved attendance rates and academic attainment.

Members

This is a demonstration that the African Proverb of It Takes a Village to Raise a Child rings true today.

When the Community takes a stake in the future of the local youth there is a marked improvement in youth attitudes and achievement. It also reinforces the maxim that Schools Can’t Do It All.

Parramatta info@parrasip.com.au p | 9633 7100

In addition to visiting a variety of NNPS and ATP’s

Blacktown admin@breedcp.com.au p | 9853 3247

Penrith info@schoolsindustry.com.au p | 4725 0310

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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feature

NRL Community Carnival The Panthers have been training hard as they gear up for round one of the 2012 NRL season in just a few short weeks, and this month they’ve also hit the road. Five players were recently lucky enough to visit the central-western NSW towns of Orange, Blayney and Cowra, as part of this year’s NRL Community Carnival.

Tim Grant, Michael Gordon, Chris Armit, Vaipuna Tiakilifi and Tony Satini were welcomed with open arms by the locals, with each community bringing a wonderful sense of unique hospitality.

A highlight for the boys was the chance to visit local schools, including Bowen PS, Canoblas Rural Technical High School, Millthorpe PS, and St Raph’s High School. The kids were very excited to see some of their NRL favourites, and proved very eager listeners as the boys talked about how they got into the game, the kind of training they do, and what it’s like to play in front of huge crowds. There were also plenty of girls wanting to know how they could get involved in playing NRL and quite a few pink Panthers jerseys to be seen.

Gould said it was fantastic to be in Ipswich and thanked the club for their hospitality, “But to have a street named after our mighty club is a true honour”.

The Panthers players also got involved in skills clinics and Junior Rugby League events with local footy teams in Orange, Blayney and Canowindra.

Some of the kids definitely gave the city boys a run for their money, coming up with some big hits and fast plays of the ball. Tim Grant especially proved to be King of the Kids, with plenty of potential Panthers stars of the future eager for a handshake and an autograph. The boys are all looking forward to staying in touch with the fans and local players they met, and hope to see them flying the Panthers colours at a home game soon.

The Ipswich Jets also invited the Panthers to a special dinner at their very impressive corporate function centre, overlooking the ground for the showdown between the Jets and the Panthers on February 3rd. Despite the recent downpour, the Jets have worked hard to keep the ground in great condition. The dinner was to thank the Panthers for their emergency trip to Ipswich last year to lend a hand during the horrific floods which destroyed many homes and businesses in the area.

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Ipswich City Mayor Mr Paul Pisasale surprised Penrith Panthers General Manager Phil Gould, presenting him with a street sign which read ‘Penrith Panthers Way’ - a coup for a Sydney team deep in Queensland territory. “We’re gong to put this up around the Broncos Leagues Club”, Mayor Pisasale joked. “On a serious note, this is in appreciation of all the work the Panthers did during such a devastating time for our entire community.” The Panthers also donated a framed jersey, signed by this year’s squad, which fetched $2000 for the Jets.

Dayne Weston and Kevin Kingston mixed with the locals. “There is a great feel about this club,” Kingston said. He recalled a story which he says will live with him forever.” I remember going to a house and seeing a man with one arm, kneedeep in a complete mess. He had a belt strapped to his shoulder with the one arm, pulling a wheelbarrow, cleaning out his house. Some of us offered to take the barrow, but he insisted he had everything under control. We started to dig in and pick up rubbish, and discovered it wasn’t even his house. The owner was in hospital, and he too felt the need to put his own problems aside and rip in. He’s just one example of many, because there’s a real sense of community spirit here in Ipswich”. G

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Society & Life

Journeys and How to Take Them

by Angry Anderson

I am about to embark on a journey and in July I will return to Kokoda to take another. The one that I will take soon will be to participate in a story being filmed for SBS. The series that was shown last year is called “Go back where you came from” and it follows a group of Australians around the world to some of the more desperate of places where refugees wait in camps, waiting to get a chance to come to Australia or to go to some other safe destination.

profile so as to stay out of trouble or harms way at any cost? The cost is that safe might mean dull or uninspiring, because without real lows there will be no highs and without sticking your neck out you will only ever ‘see’ from ‘here’ and not ever from ‘there’. I have long known that when we are cowardly about life, life will take a hand because life wants us to really be alive, so life steps in from time to time and takes control.

Too many times we tend to see this as not a good thing because all of a sudden things aren’t going to plan; or just when you thought things were going along smoothly (read: dull) something happens to screw everything up. This is life’s way

The plight of these refugees is seen through the eyes of ordinary Australians in the first series and is a very moving experience. It will be remembered as such by all and any who saw that series. This time another group of ordinary Australians will take a similar journey. The difference is that this Group ll will be made up of well known entertainers, me being one. I do not know at this stage who the others will be or where we are going or what awaits when we get there, so all in all it promises to be a great adventure in the true sense of the word - an element of danger, discovery and some life changing experiences.

This is what real adventure is all about and this is what real life itself is all about, isn’t it?

If it isn’t for you then may I suggest that maybe it should be! My personal belief is that it should be! Life is for the living - that is it is for those that are living, it being wasted on the dead. It is also for the ‘living’ of it. Life should be about the true sensory experience with all the highs and lows, all the joys and sorrows, all the failures and triumphs; in short whatever life throws at you good, bad or indifferent, it is all good.

Someone once said that life wasn’t meant to be easy and I believe that! It’s not! My grandfather used to say that “if it comes too easy it probably isn’t worth having”.

Life should be about taking chances, flirting with danger and sometimes driving close to the edge, sticking your neck out and daring the unknown to reveal itself, come what may. Is it really living to play it safe, to keep your head down and just amble along trying to go unnoticed, keeping a low

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of saying you need to learn something new or important for your own personal growth or that maybe, even ‘tho it was your plan, you were moving in the wrong direction.

In my personal experience I have learned all my valuable lessons the hard way and I believe that is how it is meant to be.

Kokoda was a life changing experience for me and I cannot see how anyone that does the track can come out of the jungle not changed in the deepest sense. Those who do come out thinking that very little has changed in them or for them, are either in denial or just don’t get it for now! But it will emerge into their being in time.

jungle represents our fears and when we enter it we are confronting those fears and we desire not only to conquer those fears but we seek the knowledge that is always revealed when we confront our fears and stand victorious having defeated the fear of fearing.

I’ll share something very personal with you. I am going back to Kokoda to put to rest several things. Firstly, that last time during the walk I experienced a life changing experience that took me back to my childhood abuse and forced me to confront that abuse. It also demanded that I address all that had flowed on from that abuse - my addiction to alcohol and dependency on drugs, my dysfunctional behaviour, and my denial of responsibility for my own actions over far too many years. I also addressed the issue of being involved in a dysfunctional and destructive marriage/relationship that was distracting for me and our children. I decided during that walk that I would no longer live a lie and that I would do all that I could to either fix what was wrong or remove myself from being part of the problem so that I could become part of the solution. The result was that I eventually had to leave the marriage and bring about the end of that situation. Not an easy choice, as those of you that have had to do the same will know; anyway the end result was for the benefit of all concerned.

I will go back to Kokoda for similar reasons - I have reached a moment in my life where I need to finish one thing in order to begin another. I need to put something to rest so as to give another the opportunity to come into being. I am at the moment in life where I must choose and I choose the adventure, the danger of not knowing what the outcome will be. I choose to take the leap of faith. I choose to embrace the unknown, to look the danger in the face and say I am not afraid of what may come. I am willing to have faith in the Divine and the grand plan and I will act accordingly. I will welcome the uncertainty. I will welcome the opportunity to learn and grow. I am alive and I am living and I will not be afraid.

Your friend, Angry.

G

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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FEATURE

H O W A R T G A I N S VA L U E

by Celia Berrell

Whether you are viewing a painting for its inspiration or investment potential, there are ways that enhance the appreciation process - both for the viewer and the painting.

How can we really tell if a painting is good or not? The beauty or impact of a painting can be a very personal thing.

But there’s more to valuable art than just a pretty face.

Turning Point Davson the artist has taken sporting and art affiliations to a new level. Last year, she became the first artist to sponsor an international sporting event. Australia’s Ultra-Marathon star Pat Farmer has completed his incredible Pole to Pole run and Davson is one of the sponsors of Pat’s 21,000 kilometre run through 14 countries (see www. pole2polerun.com).

Pat Farmer explained “A decade ago, I was so

Good Sports Like a promising race horse, aspects of a painting’s value can be found in its track record. How and where it has been on show, its performance and provenance. If it belongs to a well-known artist, it will be starting the race with favourable odds through its inherent breeding.

There is also value in understanding the narrative and artist’s motivation for the image. A good painting will surely “speak” to you!

Another way to lift an artwork’s game is by teaming it up with a high profile personality.

Being rich or famous doesn’t automatically give someone cultural credibility. However being a philanthropist, art patron or sporting sponsor can. And any creative items they support tend to gain credibility from this relationship. We find many celebrities share their success through charitable foundations or as ambassadors of awareness for worthy causes. For example, Layne Beachley helps young women reach their dreams through her Aim for the Stars Foundation.

Many celebrities are also private art collectors.

Can you match the following celebrities (1-4) to the artist (A-D) whose work they have bought: 1. David Beckham - A C Milan footballer 2. Pat Farmer - Australian Ultra-Marathon runner 3. Hugh Grant - British Actor 4. Val Kilmer - American Actor

A. Damien Hirst B. Roxy Paine C. Sharon Davson D. Andy Warhol

Answers: 1A: 2C: 3D: 4B

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Enduring Spirit The power to last the distance etches footprints in the sky and stamps true words upon the path below.

Horizons drawn from hopes and dreams beguile the focussed eye.

Endurance goes beyond the page of everything we know.

impressed with her art that I commissioned her to create a painting for me. She did, and it is a beautiful visual narrative of my life.”

The commissioned painting Turning Point echoes his breakthrough of inner strength and tranquility through inspired mental determination on these ultra-long marathons. Creating art works about Pat’s Pole to Pole run, which he undertook in support of Red Cross clean water projects, is one aspect of Davson’s sponsorship.

FEATURE

Over 300 world leaders from differing fields have been associated with Davson’s creative endeavours including from the top; cricket legend Ian Chappell, Surfing World Champions Mark Richards and Layne Beachley, Tennis Number One John Newcombe AO, co-owner of Newman Haas racing Carl Haas, World Champion F1 and IndyCar Champion Sir Nigel Mansell, and World Champion F1 driver and constructor Sir Jack Brabham.

2011 was a year of ‘Turning Points’ for Davson as well. This includes the sale of On the Ark of Salvation, which set a new sales record at $1.3 million for a painting by a living Australian artist.

Such achievements are a result of significant activities from both the art and the artist.

Throughout her career she has gained reputation and representation within public and private art collections, presented major survey exhibitions which toured in public

galleries and participated affiliated initiatives.

in

a

range

of

Unlike the share market and some other forms of investment, over the past three decades, Davson’s art has doubled in value approximately every five years. This occurs through activities that go beyond the art of painting itself. A good painting will have a track record of its valued achievements and pedigree in progress. G

Winning Combination which includes an original autographed handprint by Sir Jack Brabham; photos by David Wallace.

Contact Davson, the artist’s management team, and learn more about investing in art, why her art has returned an approximately 20% per annum growth for collectors and investors for nearly three decades, and how acquiring her original art could enhance your super fund. enjoy the benefits… m | 0416 026 426 e | sharon@davsonart.com w | www.davsonart.com

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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BUSINESS ADVICE

Content Management Systems

by Daniel Moisyeyev, B. IT – GWP Media

Content Management System (CMS) is a term that often appears in discussions and projects that concern web design and development. But, what does it exactly mean and how does it apply to your business? If you are looking to develop a brand new business website, chances are your web developer will talk to you about the CMS they are going to integrate.

Read on to find out what it means for you and why is an integral part of modern web development.

So, what exactly is it?

In simple terms, a Content Management System is a specially designed piece of software that runs as the back-end of your website and allows website operators to easily update and manage your website through a web-based interface.

The software itself is generally either a custom system specifically tailored to your business, as is often the case with enterprise projects or, more likely a stock open source system in the case of small websites.

If your current website has a secured administration area where you can login through a web browser with your credentials and make changes to your website - that is a functional and implemented Content Management System.

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What are the benefits?

There is a two-sided benefit to the use of Content Management Systems. For the website operator, the Content Management System is currently the easiest and quickest way to update a website.

For modern websites, chances are that you can log on to your website administration even from your mobile phone or tablet PC and change content as required.

Content Management Systems also restrict website operators to editing certain aspects of the website. That means that website operators do not accidentally alter code that handles shopping cart transactions on their website and cause unwanted mishaps. Website operators are usually limited to editing presentation elements only.

Additionally, it is a cost-cutting measure for web developers. By implementing a stock Content Management System, certain features are instantly available and require no additional investment of time or resources in development.

There is also the advantage that bugs have had the chance to be worked out over years of development and the system will be more stable and secure than one written from scratch.

Before the advent of Content Management Systems Content Management Systems are a relatively new development. In fact, they became popular at roughly the same time as the world wide web matured enough such that regular businesses started to see benefits of having a website.

At some point in the beginning of this century, the World Wide Web crossed that magic line

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

between something that was seen only for use by stereotypical “nerds” and became a mainstream tool. At that moment, regular people with no technical expertise started to become in charge of website maintenance and needed something user-friendly to work with.

In the early days of web development, maintaining a website meant writing HTML code in a text editor or using an editor like Microsoft Frontpage to generate static pages. Interactive features meant messing with script files. Then, there was the tiresome task of uploading all the generated files to the web server using software known as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Client. FTP Clients have not since become obsolete and are still used by web developers to get your site up and running – but

BUSINESS ADVICE business owners are now spared this tedious task.

The fact remains that early days of the web meant that website maintenance was a realm of IT gurus.

What are some of the most common Content Management Systems?

There a number of popular general-purpose Content Management Systems that are widely used as well as niche implementations that focus on specific functionality such as Blogs and Shopping Carts. A lot of these follow the Open Source Model (visit: opensource.org for more information on this subject) and are developed and maintained by a community of developers.

Joomla! and Drupal are two popular general-use Content Management Systems.

Common Open Source Content Management Systems Disadvantages of stock Content Management Systems There are a few particular disadvantages that popular Content Management Systems

to erase and reinstall a blog on a website that was hacked, and as a result displayed unwanted and damaging content.

This issue is especially crucial with systems that handle shopping cart transactions. If your online facility stores sensitive information credit card details, it is in your best interest to prevent a situation where your customers find out someone using their VISA to pay for random purchases and track it to your business as being responsible.

Stock Content Management Systems are significantly far more difficult to customise appearance-wise than web applications that have been written from scratch for your particular requirements. For example, developing a custom blog or shopping cart is a large investment, but it may be worthwhile if it allows you to present your products or services in the exact format you and your clients want.

Custom Content Management Systems These types of Content Management Systems are a bit les common as they require significant initial investment into development. Web developers that offer custom Content Management Systems can generally add any functionality that your business may require, as they are not bound by restrictions in out-of-the-box and open source systems. These developers will also always have the programming skills to extend functionality and fix bugs as they occur.

At GWP Media we have developed our own general-purpose Content Management System that we extend to suit each client as required.

Beware of graphic designers masquerading as web developers If you head out to buy brand new tuxedo, would you like a one-size-fits-all approach, where the salesman offers you a choice of 3 variants to pick from and asks you to choose what ever fits closest, or do you prefer a tailored suit to your body contours?

This means that they are often available free of charge for download, but transforming them into a functional and presentable website is still best left to professionals.

One of the most widely known Content Management Systems is Wordpress. Wordpress is a very well designed application that allows a quick implementation of a full featured blog with commenting functionality, search engine optimisation and search capabilities. The particular ease of setting up Wordpress makes it attractive to individuals interested in creating their personal blogs. At GWP Media, for example, we use Wordpress for presenting all of our magazine articles online.

bring with them.

Content Management Systems suffer the same faults as any type of popular software. They are prone to bugs, and most importantly, security issues. As these systems are widely used, there is a large opportunity for security issues to be discovered. Open Source Communities generally do a great job at providing patches to fix these issues, however these patches need to be manually applied on a regular basis – it does not happen automatically. If your website has been setup with a popular Content Management System, there is a possibility that it is open to attacks.

Early this year I have personally been requested

This is a big issue on the web development industry where Content Management Systems have done a disservice – they have allowed people with no experience or skills in the field to enter the industry. As a result of this, almost every graphic designer can offer an out-of-thebox package that they will never be able to fix or extend to your particular needs.

Talk to us today and find out how we can integrate a Content Management System into your site and design the functionality that your business needs. G

Please do not hesitate to contact GWP Media for any inquiries in regard to custom web development. p | 02 8090 1730 e | daniel@gwpmagazine.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 41 | March 2012

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