5th September 2013
Executive Insight We’ve changed the name of this correspondence from General Manager’s Corner to Executive Insight because it better describes what this newsletter offers, both managers and owners. The information provided in this report is informative and on the pulse of breaking news within our business. To keep updated on market innovation, news and events make sure to read Executive Insight every month.
CONFERENCE REPORT The Property Management Conference - ‘Taking you from good to great’, was held in Wellington in July. There was an 100% improvement compared to last year’s attendance, with approximately 60 attendees in total - 12 of those owners. Key note speakers organised by Celia shared their knowledge with the conference. Esteemed Brian Kerr and Dot Hamilton imparted their property management insights. While Scotney Williams introduced the new Management Authorities among other documents. The Property Management Google Group was launched with a high engagement of interest, Scotney is available on this forum or by phone to answer any pressing questions. A tough call was made to move the Administrators Conference on September 19 and 20 from Wellington due to the continued unstable nature of the region. Many attendees expressed their apprehension at visiting Wellington and putting staff at undue risk. This is a reminder to us that no matter whether the chance of risk is small, managers and owners are responsible for the care of our staff and their well-being during work hours. We have a record 55 signed up to attend this event - that’s an 100% improvement compared to 25 participants last year. We have an excellent agenda, with IT training on the new systems and much more. It is not too late to attend. Fill out the registration form attached and send back to mail@firstnational.co.nz or fax back to (09) 557 0301 First National Group NZ Ltd
Executive Insight
Registrations for early bird bookings to the Shareholders Conference, October 17 and 18, are flying out the door. Thank you for the strong support to attend this annual workshop. The conference is at the Amora Hotel in Wellington, a building which has strong seismic performance reports according to local engineers. We will have essential training for all business owners planned. Keynote speakers BNZ economist Tony Alexander and John Waymouth, Dashboard your business, recruitment of staff, Platform and Utopia training and more planned.
BIKE FOR THE NATIONAL BURN CENTRE Our very own Doreen Rudolph from First National Motueka is preparing a gruelling cycle from Motueka to Auckland to raise funds for the our charity partner, the National Burn Centre in November. She will ride 900km across New Zealand’s hilly terrain with the aim of visiting as many member offices along the way as possible. It’s easy to show your support, just share, ‘Like’ and comment on her Facebook news. Update your office Facebook page with what you are doing to support her. Doreen will be available for photo opportunities when she visits your office on her journey. If you would like to donate, talk to your Principal for more details. Thank you for supporting team First National and getting behind such an inspirational First National member. Please support Doreen by liking her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ IBikeForTheNationalBurnCentre
First National Group NZ Ltd
Executive Insight
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT It has been an exceptional few months with Aaron Shiner training Conferences being held in Hamilton with 85 attendees and also in Nelson. Although, we were interrupted by the 6.2 earthquake which ended proceedings earlier than expected as members dashed home to Blenheim to be with their families. Thankfully, everyone was OK. The teams that attended said it was a great day with a lot of benefit. Ian Keightley has also commenced training specific for First National group. This training course and materials would normally be $699 however, we have a special rate of $100 for a limited time only. Get in fast as this cost will go up due to the extensive folders of information you will receive. Comments from Ian Keightley’s training session: “We all came away with a list of what we found important, I have personal goals to prioritise now.” “Ian had me aiming higher by the end of my two days, he also provided different ways of presenting and doing appraisals which is going to be a great help.” “While we found the whole two days course incredibly motivating and informative we were most impressed with the focus on commonly asked questions and answers to these.” Ian Keightley sessions are planned for Whangarei in September and Wanaka in October. If you wish to attend, please see the registration forms attached. Next year we have Nelson and New Plymouth and potentially Auckland scheduled.
OPERATIONS MANUAL The lack of resources available to our membership has been a high priority. These are currently in the process of being developed. There will be manuals for staff induction, recruitment of staff, training resources and property management. We are looking to the future and will provide rural and commercial in due course. First National Group NZ Ltd
Executive Insight
STRATEGIC PLANNING BOARD AND EXECUTIVE
August Strategic Planning was held at Baylys beach (Dargaville). National office, board members, ambassadors and Ray Ellis, all attended two days of business planning and the visionary focus of our brand going forward. This was a very beneficial time to discuss potential and challenges to our brand in the future year ahead. Much of this will be shared at the Shareholders Conference.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The recruitment of an information technology project manager has been absolutely imperative. Bob has spent many hours assisting in the initial launch, but we all agree that we needed a full time resource. Scott has made contact with all members currently in the process of implementing the FN & Multi–array system. All offices have been provided with a process plan which provides better transparency and understanding on their transition to the new IT Systems platform. Extensive training is being provided on line and through Leonie (Multi-array) agreeing to travel to NZ and undertake face to face training. This will be during the week of September 23rd – 27th of September. Scott will notify the relevant offices once plans are confirmed. Most road blocks have been worked through with the commission, wages and rural sections being seriously focused on at this time.
COMING SOON: “PIMP YOUR PROPERTY” Start word of mouth marketing in your community now. Come October First National is launching a lead generating and profile rising TV campaign and one of your lucky customers may be a winner! More information coming soon.
Colleen Milne CEO P: 09 557 0300 ext. 208 M: +64 29 771 0750
First National Group NZ Ltd
Either you run the day, Or the day runs you -Jim Rohn