Business Matters Magazine Issue 58

P! EE

K

K

• TA Y



E•

I’ M O

ME HO M

E

URS TO

ISSUE

58

M A T T E R S

M A G A Z I N E Publication date 27 January Next issue 4 March

MAKE A FRESH START IN 2014

SEE INSIDE FOR OUR FESTIVE FEATURE – FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SOME GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES YOUR SUNSHINE COAST BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Local actor/director, Sam Coward, wins movie roll

w w w.businessmat t ersm ag az i ne.com .au

2014

PEOPLE ENGAGE WITH RADIO Reach your audience, and have the Sunshine Coast covered from Gympie to Caboolture. Talk to Sally to ďŹ nd out how radio advertising can beneďŹ t your business.

Sally Marler Retail Sales Manager P: (07) 5475 1967 M: 0427 204 527 E: sally.marler@primeradio.com.au

editor’s note

EDITOR’S NOTE with Vickie Magic What are your plans for 2014? One thing we know for sure is that if you want different results, you can’t continue to do the same things. So where do you want to take your business this year? What do you need to do differently? Business Matters Magazine is passionate about empowering business owners on the Sunshine Coast to think outside the square; to continue to innovate, to continue to step up, to improve customer service, to motivate your team. Let’s make 2014 our best year ever. We plan to make the magazine even more educational, even more motivational. We want to inspire you to take your business to a new level also.

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Mr Magic and I spent the holidays in Europe and had an absolutely amazing holiday visiting some incredible places with so much culture and charisma.

We both agreed though, without a shadow of a doubt, that right here on the Sunshine Coast is the best place in the world. It simply doesn’t get any better than this. Coming back to the Coast made us realise that we may not have the culture and history of Europe, but we do have the most beautiful beaches in the world and we are so proud to call the Sunshine Coast home.

Let’s join together to ensure that our home prospers. Let’s ensure that in 2014 we make the biggest effort we ever have to buy local and sell global.

This issue of the magazine is about planning for success in 2014.

Planning and structure are the keys to success. Have you put a plan in place with your team to maximise your outcomes this year?

Not magic, just common sense!

TAKE A BREAK

For a romantic getaway or girls weekend away

Element on Coolum Beach is the ultimate in luxurious accommodation.

Complete with: Its own day spa

Thai restaurant

Heated pool

French patisserie

Award winning à la carte restaurant

Onsite Coffee Club

Right across the road from the beach, the resort features spacious, fully selfcontained one, two and three bedroom apartments, fabulous sub-penthouses and a gorgeous penthouse complete with its own lap pool.

Offer > Book a weekend getaway at Element on Coolum and receive a late check out on Sunday.

Ph: 07 5455 1777 www.elementoncoolumbeach.com.au

BUSINESS MATTERS 3

CONTENTS

57

Small Business of the Year: Business Matters Magazine

Published by Matters Magazine ABN: 95 131 837 833 P. 5444 4456 F. 5302 6609 Noel Burns House 18/21 Nicklin Way, Minyama Editor/Advertising Enquiries Vickie Magic 5444 4456 or 0433 198 868 vmagic@bmmag.com.au Photographer/Distribution Operations Manager Dranko Magic, 0408 751 863 magic@bmmag.com.au Business Development Manager David Billsborough, 0419 196 879 Creative Director Amanda Opanubi, 0404 474 556 Writers, Columnists and Sub-editors this issue: Alex Mitchell, Amanda Gore, Dranko Magic, Ken Wright, Lisa Harrison, Mark Jamieson, Paul Barr, Steve Goodman, Ted Fitzgerald, Vickie Magic, Vanessa Webster, Kylie Anderson Online, www.bmmag.com.au Distributed from Beerwah to Noosa.

Readership approximately 34,500.

Proudly printed on the Sunshine Coast by The Ink Spot Commercial Printers, Maroochydore | 5443 5431

6 Top 10 Ways to make 2014 Your Best

10 THE MAYOR gives us a local update.

28 - 43 MATTERS PAGES These pages are a fantastic way of getting some great information about a range of different industries, written by someone from within that specific industry. These pages are not self promotional; they are intended for inspiration and education.

11 Gerry Morris, CALOUNDRA

34 WHAT’S ON Calendar.

Year Ever by STEVEN GOODMAN. 8 All things theatre with Sam and Xanthe Coward from XS ENTERTAINMENT.

HOT BUSINESS EVENTS. 13 THE PICK UP COMPANY 2014 Success Strategies.

14 Behind the scenes at VIEW NEWS with Charles Hodgson.

16 – 18 FEATURE: Success Planning Strategies for 2014.

24 BELLINGHAM MAZE Sophy’s tips for success in 2014.

26-27 We spend a few minutes with some very interesting LOCAL BUSINESSES.

Is your law firm accessible, experienced and easy to deal with?

We are!     

Individual needs personally tailored for Communicating effectively listening to your needs Keeping you informed Protecting your interests

Caloundra: Ph (07) 5491 9911, Centrepoint arcade, 50 Bulcock St

www.taylawsolicitors.com.au 4 ISSUE 58

44 Sunshine Coast AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS. 46 Logos and QR codes 47 BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES With Kylie Anderson from RjS Accounting.

48 BUSINESS WAKE UP with Amanda Gore.

50 Get up to speed with Yvette Adams from Creative Collective.

51 SOCIAL PICS from our New Issue Launch 52 Planning your year for success.

TaylaW Solicitors showcases Solicitor, nicole Turnbull, who manages our Family law department.

Nicole has practised in both New South Wales and Queensland, in the areas of family law, personal injuries compensation law, conveyancing, criminal law, domestic violence and care and protection matters.

She is dedicated to her clients and is adept at handling all facets of family law related matters including property settlements, separation, divorce, parenting matters, child support agreements, child protection issues and domestic violence disputes.

“Experienced , Understanding and Local”

MATTERS PAGES 28 TO 43

8

NOT advertorial but EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION from inside specific industries.

28 TRAINING MATTERS Target Training 29 ACCOUNTING MATTERS The Lateral Group 30 BUILDING MATTERS Optam Building Group 31 LEADERSHIP MATTERS Lead on Purpose 32 SMILE MATTERS Unwin Dental Group 33 HR MATTERS HRM 35 SECURITY MATTERS Eyewitness Security

54 Local presenter hosts NEW AUSSIE TRAVEL SHOW coming to Network Ten. 55 KING MOUNTAIN DETOX helps us get back on track in 2014.

57 MAGIC MOMENTS with Dranko Magic.

58 Ken Wright shares PEOPLE BUSINESS. 59 SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT Lisa Harrison shares her tips.

60 TED FITZGERALD Number Business.

63 SUNSHINE COAST UNIVERSITY Planning for Success.

64 Your road to good health and vitality with LORRAINE PARRY KINESIOLOGY. 66 A list of OUR ADVERTISERS

Advertorial Column Column Advertorial Editorial Feature Story Matters Do you know what these are?

We are proud of our innovation of videos at the end of some of our articles. To view the videos, download a QR scanner with your smartphone (the app we have found to be the best so far is i-nigma. Just go to your applications and search for it, then download the free application).

36 BROKERAGE MATTERS Savvy Business Sales 37 INSURANCE MATTERS AOK Risk Insurance 38 PHOTOCOPY MATTERS BBC Digital 39 ONLINE MARKETING MATTERS Rejuvenate Marketing 40 REAL ESTATE MATTERS Grant Goodrum Century 21 Coastal 41 ENERGY MATTERS Energy Resources Corporation 42 I.T. MATTERS All Computer Services 43 EDUCATION MATTERS Sunshine Coast Grammar School

BUSINESS MATTERS 5

feature

Top 10 Ways to Make

YOUR BEST YEAR EVER

by Steve Goodman For four years now, I have been writing a ‘plan ahead’ column for the first issue of the new year for Business Matters Magazine. Every year I am faced with the same issue as I sit down at my keyboard. How do I make it something more than just ‘Top Ten Business Resolutions’, and what do I call it? Having just come off an extended holiday with my ten year old daughter, the answer hit me. We did something different every day, and no matter what we did, at the end of the day she said, “Wow, Dad, this was the best day ever!” Oh, to have just an ounce of such youthful enthusiasm.

But now, sitting back at my desk, I thought ‘she is right. Why shouldn’t every day be the best day ever?’

So here in no particular order are my Top 10 Ways to make every day better than the one before. String together 365 of those, and you can’t help having Your Best Year Ever!

6 ISSUE 58

1

LOOK FOR UNSEEN OPPORTUNITIES

If you are like me, as soon as you get back from the holiday break you hit the ground running, jumping back into your old routines, often playing catchup just to get back to where you were before the holidays. This year, resolve not to do that. Before you go back to business as usual, take a deep breath, pause, reflect on what went right for you business-wise last year, and how you could leverage that into new opportunities this year. Make a list of new opportunities you want to pursue in both your business and personal life, and tape it up in a prominent place in your workspace, as a reminder to break out from your old routines.

CONCENTRATE 2 ON CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS Focus on new and innovative ways to connect with your customers. Social media was just the beginning; we are

in an age of customers and clients as communities and the more you can connect with that community, the more they will support your business.

You need to find ways to add value to your customer’s experience at every touchpoint, before, during and after a transaction. In 2014 customer service must be your priority.

3DO UNTO OTHERS

Regular readers of my columns have heard me espouse time and time again the value of giving back to the community. If you have not yet made this a regular part of your business strategy, now is the year to do so. Sponsor a sports team, hold a charitable event, partner with a nonprofit - the opportunities are endless.

WHY SHOULDN’T EVERY DAY BE THE BEST DAY EVER?’

feature

YOUR 4BRAND CORE VALUES

Take time this year to really assess what it is that is the core value of your business - not what may be written on your mission statement on the wall of the lobby, but what truly motivates you, drives you, and puts your personal stamp on your business. Once you find what that is, see that it becomes an integral part of your brand in everything you do.

5

DEAL WITH ANY UNRESOLVED PERSONAL ISSUES

You cannot be your best, nor make any day your best, if you are still wrestling with unresolved issues from the past year. Take action to settle any conflicts, internal and external, that will only distract you, sap your energy, and shake your resolve.

TRY TO FOCUS ON MAKING EACH DAY YOUR BEST EVER, AND THE REST WILL LIKELY TAKE CARE OF ITSELF.

6MASTER A NEW SKILL 9OVERCOME OBSTACLES Think of some new skill you always wanted to master, business related or not, and set a real goal to learn and master it. Try to pick something of value and something that will be a challenge for you. Challenging yourself is a great way to rise to your personal best.

RECOGNISE THE 10 STRENGTHS OF OTHERS

7

MAKE NEW CRITICAL CONTACTS

Make a list of at least three to five people - mentors, business leaders, whomever, that you have always wanted to meet, and make a point to find a way to get in touch this year.

TIME FOR 8SCHEDULE THOSE THAT MATTER

Make a list of at least three or four obstacles that you can reasonably overcome, and knock them out of your way upfront at the beginning of the year. It will help strengthen you for the days ahead.

Whether it is friends or family, we all have people in our lives that matter most.

Especially coming after the holidays, it’s easy to forget about those folks.

But schedule some time at least once a week to spend quality time with your ‘support system’. Building that into your calendar right off the bat, now, will be valuable to you all year long.

It is easy to forget sometimes that not everybody is as good at all the same things you are. The sooner you can let go of that, and realise that everybody has different strengths, then learn to recognise and leverage them, the better you will make your business and personal life.

Every year we strive to make our businesses more efficient, to find new ways to keep old customers, and attract new ones — in a nutshell, to be more successful. This year, instead, try to focus on making each day your best ever, and the rest will likely take care of itself.

RESULTS THAT SPEAK YOUR BUSINESS. FOR THEMSELVES...

MY WAY. SOLD! You work hard to your business so make when it it count is timewith to sell When it comes to build selling your business, thecontact Coast’s Rod Russell, the Sunshine Coast’s most experienced business broker. most experienced business broker ... Rod Russell.

20 commitment years commitment to business a of industry With almost a lifetime to business sales sales and aand string awards, leadsindustry his team by example with unmatched ability to string of Rod top level awards, Rod has thean knowledge connect withthe sellers achieving results. and drivebuyers to achieve bestwhile results possible outstanding ...

2012 Hall of FameCoast Inductee – Excellence Business - 2011 Sunshine Business of the in Year 2011 AIBB – Business Broker of The Year Finalist - ‘Hall of Fame’ Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business 2011 Winner – Sunshine Coast Business of the Year - 18 years’ experience selling medium to large businesses 2009 Winner – Business Services - Over 360 business sales worth in excess of $160M 2008 Winner – General Services - Highly

by Solicitors andYear Accountants 2008 REIQregarded – Business Broker of the Finalist

Call Rod today T 5444 3300 114 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba www.savvybusiness.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 7

feature

CENTRE STAGE ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

By Vanessa Webster

Sunshine Coast locals Sam and Xanthe Coward from XS Entertainment started their business over 11 years ago, with the ambition to turn their hobby into a lucrative industry here on the Coast. The performing arts couple are determined to make a cultural stand and are committed to creating an entertainment industry which is also a viable employment opportunity. As they both grew up on the Coast and attended school here, they want students to be confident that there will be jobs in entertainment; in performing, acting, singing, and dancing, available to them once they graduate.

8 ISSUE 58





FAVOURITE QUOTE BEFORE YOU JUDGE SOMEONE, WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES. THEN WHEN YOU JUDGE THEM, YOU’RE A MILE AWAY AND YOU HAVE THEIR SHOES.

The couple first met on stage when they auditioned for a Buderim show in 1999. Sam says, “She played the witch and I played Prince Charming and nothing’s changed! That’s always been my standard line. We’ve been married 11 years, our little girl Poppy is 7 years old and truth be told, she’s the one in charge.

She’s very much the boss of our household.” As a family they love the beach and the lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast.

Sam has been the President of the Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance for the last three years. The Alliance has an ambition to raft together the performing arts community, to raise profiles and build exposure.

From a performing arts point of view, although there have been amateur theatre companies on the Coast for as long as 70 years, it still appears to be a bit of an underground community. To address this, the website www.livetheatre.com.au presents what’s on, where it’s on, when it’s on, together with ticket booking options.

There is also information about auditions and how to get involved.

Sam explains, “The theatre is a wonderful space for social interaction and building those interpersonal skills and confidence in business. We’ve seen a lot of business people engage with the theatre and plan their professional development around being associated with a local production. It brings them out of their shell; it strengthens their skills and enables that growth of confidence”.

We asked Sam what his personal highlight has been of all the things he has achieved so far. “The stage show ‘Erotique’ which was a raunchy show that that we co-devised and I directed, with local artists on the Coast. The biggest highlight was the national tour we did - at the Sydney Fringe.

We sold out. It was such a wonderful experience.”

We asked Sam what people might say about him. Most of all he hopes they would say that he puts the community’s interests first. Sam shares, “I have made it my mission to build the profile of the performing arts industry locally. Sometimes it feels like it’s without support, when you just want to throw your hands up and say, why bother? But at other times I feel extremely supported.”

The most famous people that Sam has had the privilege of personally meeting are famous Oscar winners: Geoffery Rush, Cate Blanchett and Baz Luhrmann. In the future, Sam as a director would really love to sit down and talk with Martin Scorsese. He would also like to have lunch with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

“I think they’d be fascinating people to talk to, because they’re in a space where they don’t actually have to prove anything to anyone anymore. They are just being themselves,” says Sam. Three tips from Sam regarding planning for business success: 1. Be passionate about your product.

2. Be selective on what advice you take.

In Private Practice?

talk to us!

we will help you transition your business wealth to personal wealth. what does this mean?...

It’s all about getting the money right in your life!

▪ legal + logical tax minimisation ▪ cash flow management ▪ business structure + advice ▪ superannuation + SMSF advice ▪ asset + income protection ▪ finance + debt management ▪ home + investment property

YOUR OFF ER

R e c e iv e a c o m p lim e n ta ry c o n su lt a ti o n w it h o u r CPA a n d P ro fe ss io n a l A d vi so rs

v a lu e d a t $300

3. Be brave, be bold. Be bold and success will follow.

Sam mentions he has a couple of markers in the sand for 2014. “For the Noosa Long Weekend, I’m writing and directing a show called ‘Diabolique’, which is the sister show to ‘Erotique’. It’s a burlesque/cabaret performance that we will launch at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. I also have a show called ‘The Williamson’ with Daniel MacPherson.”

STOP THE PRESS – Writer and Director Chris Sun recently annount that Sam Coward has been successful in securing a role alongside horror slasher scream queens Tara Reid and Allira Jaques.

The movie will largely be shot on locations across the Sunshine Coast. Sam said, “I am very proud to be given this opportunity, but also proud it’s a Sunshine Coast product. Chris Sun is a driven, if not slightly crazy man... because of that it’ll work!”

1300 887 137 office Regatta One Business Centre 2 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya info@wealthmed.com.au

www.wealthmed.com.au Wealthmed Australia Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No 441773 of Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL & ACL No. 320404 ABN 15 771 186 421

BUSINESS MATTERS 9

mayoralbusiness

MAYORAL BUSINESS

socially. You can only do that with proper planning and good decisions.

It’s about getting the balance right by creating the right conditions for jobs, a healthy environment and a great lifestyle.

We’ll deliver that over the new council

with

Mark Jamieson

area, which extends from Eumundi and Peregian Springs in the north to Beerburrum in the south and beyond Kenilworth in the west.

The transformation has already started and in 2014 we’ll see more significant steps towards a new

Planning your Year

In the next few months the Environmental

the start of an exciting era for the

Impact Statement for the new runway

Sunshine Coast, with a new council

at Sunshine Coast Airport will be

planning to drive a productive and

released for public consultation.

prosperous future for the region.

In the first quarter of 2014, after

The new council is all about

years of hard work, a new planning

people and providing quality

scheme will start, stimulating economic

services and value for money.

growth while protecting our heritage and environmental values.

sustainable region in Australia –

Sunshine Coast will go to a new level

economically, environmentally and

as it advocates for widening the Bruce

Skills + Action = Achievement.

It won’t just ‘happen’.

Make 2014 the year you advance your career and business success.

• Complete an MBA in 2 years —delivered in weekend intensive format.

• Work experience considered for admission.

• Harness the energy of working with a cohort of like-minded professionals.

• Optional international study tour.

• Competitively priced.

Master Apply now to join the Executive cohort of Business Administration 2014 —limited places available.

For more information contact:

USC’s Faculty of Arts and Business on (07) 5430 1259 or email: FABinfo@usc.edu.au

The new health precinct will take shape as construction continues on the Sunshine Coast University Public Hospital – to join the new private hospital in 2016.

Preparatory work will resume for the new Maroochydore City Centre – another gamechanging project which will help build a new era of prosperity on the Coast.

Council’s commitment to building a solar farm at Valdora near Coolum will take a more concrete shape.

Council’s libraries, community grants and events will help to educate, innovate and entertain.

direction for the Sunshine Coast.

The beginning of 2014 marks

We’re striving to become the most

Highway between Caboolture and the Coast, and the railway duplication to Nambour.

Council’s past planning, and our plans for the future, will come together to help the region make the most of its opportunities in 2014.

It truly is a watershed year for the Sunshine Coast; one which has the potential to provide more jobs, more opportunities and greater prosperity.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson keeps BM readers up to date on what’s happening on the Coast.

Award winning business iness woman Melanie Summer A studies early in 2014. will finish her EMBA Owner and director of Flash Fotos which has been operating since 2005, Melanie comments that, “The EMBA program has expanded panded my knowledge of business to a deeper level. vel. I’ve particularly enjoyed the fact that I could focus all my University assignments on my own business. It’s t’s been like having a consultant to my business across the many various aspects of its operation. The EMBA program rogram has enabled me to fully review, grow and develop op my business. The fact that I had not previously studied at tertiary ertiary level has not been a problem and the program delivery mode of one weekend per month has allowed me to work full-time ll-time while studying.”

Melanie Summer was a National winner of the Telstra Small Businesss Awards in 2011.

WELCOME TO THE BEST OF

BOTH WORLDS

usc.edu.au CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D

10 ISSUE 58

localevent

HOT BUSINESS EVENTS EXPANDS TO CALOUNDRA IN 2014 Congratulations to Gerry and Donna Morris. Their company Hot Business Events, which has been so successful in Maroochydore over the last few years, is now bringing events to the Caloundra region.

Business Matters Magazine spoke to Gerry Morris, who said, “With the success of the events in Maroochydore over the last few years, lots of people in the southern area of the Coast were asking us to bring some of our events down their way”. Gerry has responded not with words, but with action. He is very much looking forward to filling the room with his always inspirational speakers.

Hot Business Events, along with great local businesses, is excited about bringing presenters of the highest of calibre to the rapidly growing Caloundra district. To kickstart the year, the one and only ‘Mad Baker from Beechworth’ Tom O’Toole will share his wisdom and enthusiasm for business in a way only Tom can.

Tom has been described as John Cleese on speed and that sums him up well.

This first event is not to be missed. Look out for other great presenters earmarked for the year including George Negus, Paul de Gelder and Wayne Bennett.

For more information visit www.hotbusinessevents.com.au or contact the HBE team on 5443 3700

Date: Tuesday 25th February Start time: 6.30am for 7am start Venue: Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street Caloundra Cost: $55 per person or $550 for a table of ten

PLANNING IS THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS THIS YEAR SOME ACCOUNTANTS CRUNCH NUMBERS… WE CHANGE LIVES!

WHERE DO YOU WANT THIS YEAR TO TAKE YOU?

RjS Accounting Services are a small firm doing BIG things!

PLAN FOR YOUR SUCCESS THIS YEAR. The team at RjS say, “Planning is the key to success. We want to help you to work out exactly where you are right now and then plan the steps for your success so that you can take some time out for you. Where do you want to go to this year? New York? Is your business in a position that you can? Could it be?”

TALK TO US ABOUT PLANNING FOR YOUR SUCCESS THIS YEAR TO SET YOURSELF FREE! MENTION BM TO RECEIVE A FREE ‘PLANNING FOR SUCCESS’ CONSULTATION. “For the first time in more years than we can remember, Kevin and I feel that our luck is starting to change and we might not need to work our butts off like we have had to do, until we drop dead! You have made a difference to our lives more than you can imagine.” Kevin and Janelle Anderson

We can help you with: • Business Planning • Success Strategies • Business Growth and Development • Cashflow Management • Business Valuation • All Accounting Services • Start up Solutions • Self Managed Super • Taxation Services

Chartered Accountants and SMSF Specialists

Suite 19, 97 Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin Ph: 07 5449 9299 www.rjsaccounting.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 11

THE PICKUP COMPANY

The Pickup Company has enjoyed tremendous growth since it began operating with just one hired bus less than two years ago. They now have 15 vehicles on the road and can accommodate groups from three to 70 people. The business is the brainchild of Tony Huizing and his wife Kristin Harmer, and their success has not come about by accident. Tony and Kristin’s planning strategy has been simple but effective, and they are more than happy to share it with our readers: Work out your end of year goal Work systematically towards that goal with a step by step approach

Keep staff informed of strategies and have them involved in the processes. The Pickup Company’s staff numbers have just increased recently by another six members.

Tony also offers some great advice for those planning a holiday: Allow ample time for travel to the airport – delays, traffic accidents, etc.

Travelling internationally – check your arrival dates back into Australia Have a personal checklist for passports, travel documents,

Start your holiday early – have an early morning flight And finally, take the stress out of your holiday by booking with The Pickup Company. They have transfers available into and from the airport and city hotels.

The Pickup Company offers shuttle, express and private services from anywhere on the Sunshine Coast. Hourly services will be commencing shortly from Noosa. Other services such as tourist attractions and private transfers from anywhere between Noosa and the Gold Coast are available on demand.

travel insurance

Set the bar high and do whatever it takes

Check your baggage weight

Set KPIs to track growth

airport before your holiday

– no nasty surprises at the

Phone 5450 7608 www.thepickupcompany.com.au

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! and open the shutters.

Local manufacturer and supplier Saving you money on: • Blinds • Awnings • Security • Shutters Maroochydore 07 5476 9888

Caloundra 07 5492 8888

Noosa 07 5447 1888

Shed 5/46 Enterprise St, Kunda Park Qld 4556

www.harlequinblindsandsecurity.com.au H A R L E Q U I N B L I N D S – CO V E R I N G T H E S U N S H I N E CO A S T I N CO LO U R A N D S T Y L E 12 ISSUE 58

Put your home equity to other use Building a property portfolio remains a popular investment strategy for many Australians. This is particularly relevant at the moment as interest rates are at record lows, which means the cost of borrowing to buy property is the lowest it has been in a very long time.

However, there are many ‘mum and dad’ potential investors who question whether they can afford to purchase an additional property while continuing to repay their home loan. Using equity may provide a solution.

Often, people who have paid off all or part of their home borrow against the equity they have built up over time to finance the deposit for an investment property purchase. Equity is the difference between a home’s market value and the unpaid balance of the home loan.

In my opinion, it tends to be an ‘old school’ notion that repaying a home loan in full is a must-do before purchasing more properties. Homeowners who want to build a property portfolio quickly may consider this strategy as it enables them to capitalise earlier on the inroads they’ve already made with repaying their home loan.

A family home is the biggest financial commitment, and asset, many Australians will ever have. So why not put it to work while you work on paying it off?

Depending on how long you have been making repayments and the capital growth accumulated since purchasing, you may be able to use your home equity to increase your personal wealth.

Of course, how much you can borrow is subject to lenders’ serviceability criteria as well as the amount of available equity, which works as security for the investment loan. This means you don’t have to come up with a cash deposit for the investment. Keep in mind if you intend to borrow more than 80 per cent of the total property value, i.e. that of your home plus the investment property, you will probably be required to pay lenders mortgage insurance, which can be quite costly.

It is important to note this strategy does require you to take on a certain amount of risk. Before accessing your equity it is necessary to establish whether you can comfortably afford higher loan repayments and which, if any, lender is willing to lend to you. So, it’s clever to consult a financial and tax adviser as well as a professional mortgage broker, who can help you compare finance options and find a lender and loan product suited to your circumstances.

One way to help you build equity quickly is to consider making higher loan repayments. Many mortgage holders may be doing this already if they have ignored the recent rate cuts and kept their home loan repayments the same over the years.

The best way to repay your loan more quickly is to regularly review the household budget, noting all aspects of the cashflow over a week, month, quarter and year. The next step is to calculate what you can truly afford and to stick to that limit.

Would you like to ask Linda a question? Email your question to linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au

Invite: Property Business Know your numbers

Invite: Property Business For women

WHEN

WHEN

COST WHERE RSVP

26th April 10am-11.30am FREE 4th Floor Restaurant, Mooloolaba Esplanade Linda on 5476 9333 or email linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au

COST WHERE RSVP

7th February and 7th March 12pm-1.30pm $40 per head, two course meal included 4th Floor Restaurant, Mooloolaba Esplanade Linda on 5476 9333 or email linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au

Join Linda Ireland for an informative session on investing in property.

fiveminuteswith

MINUTES WITH...

CHARLES HODGSON CHARLES HODGSON, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR OF VIEW NEWS AND MEDIA, MOVED TO THE SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND FROM SYDNEY WITH HIS WIFE EIGHT AND A HALF YEARS AGO. DURING THE FIRST COUPLE OF YEARS CHARLES, WHO HAS A DEGREE IN BUSINESS, WAS COMMUTING BACK AND FORTH TO SYDNEY. CHARLES GREW UP IN SYDNEY AND PURSUED A SOLID CAREER AS A CORPORATE I.T. AND INTERNET CONSULTANT. WHEN THEIR CHILDREN CAME ALONG, THE COMMUTE AND NIGHTS AWAY BECAME LESS AND LESS ATTRACTIVE, AND IN 2008 VIEW NEWS AND MEDIA WAS LAUNCHED.

by Vanessa Webseter We spend time with Charles to find out more…

How did you get started with View News and why?

I needed to spend more time at home with my family so I created a role for myself on the Sunshine Coast. Having been brought up in a home where you had to be quiet when news and current affairs programs were being broadcast, where you had to wait your turn to read the morning and afternoon papers, where you argued with kids in the schoolyard over politics, I have always had an interest in news and current affairs. View News was the vehicle where I could merge my internet skills with a love of the news to create an online business that would ultimately be seen as having great value to the people of the Sunshine Coast.

Where did the name View News come from?

As an online business, where its name would be often typed into web browsers, the name needed to be short, easy to spell and clearly indicative of what the business did. So I was sure that the name had to include the word ‘news’.

When the business started we lived in Maleny and were surrounded by spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains and across the Coast. This definition of ‘view’ together with the alternative definition of ‘view’ meaning opinion or point of view, View News seemed a logical combination.

How long has the business been running?

We started the business in 2008. In retrospect, taking into account the ongoing turbulence in the media over the past few years, it was probably the worst time to launch a media business, but also perhaps the best time. No one, even now, has all the answers. No one knows with any certainty what the best business model is, what works and what doesn’t. It’s a bit like the wild west - fortunes will be made, fortunes will be lost, power and influence will shift, traditional ways challenged. Exciting times!

For all the latest local news, a comprehensive community calendar of local events, photos and videos of local people and much more, view the website today: www.viewnews.com.au.

14 ISSUE 58

fiveminuteswith

What is the idea or purpose of View News?

I knew from day one that View News would be online only; that’s the undeniable trend. View News aims to produce localised news. Mostly the mainstream media focuses on stories from the national level down; we create and curate news and information from the local level up.

Katter and Barnaby Joyce. They are always entertaining;

Tell us about your background I have spent the past five years ‘on the job’ developing my journalism, publishing, photography and videography skills and am at the forefront of a new trend in journalism called Mobile Journalism or MoJo. MoJo sees the journalist capture, edit, publish and promote stories directly from the field.

always has something considered and cogent to say, often

What do you love about what you do?

I love the variety, serendipity and the great sense of connectedness with what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast.

space station, but also his perspective on the world.

Tell us who the most famous person you have ever interviewed is I’ve interviewed politicians, Olympians, actors, celebrities.

The most famous, or those who deserve to be most famous in my eyes, are people such as Bruce and Denise Morcombe, parents of Daniel Morcombe.

It was tremendous fun, exhilarating and great camaraderie;

Who is your favourite person you have interviewed?

I don’t have a particular favourite but I do enjoy the media calls that involve colourful characters like Clive Palmer, Bob

produce videos quickly and efficiently, we now offer video

you just know they will say something that’s going to attract attention or controversy or provide that great sound bite. I also have great respect for Terri Irwin and the media team at Australia Zoo. They are organised, almost to military precision, and Terri is so relaxed in front of the cameras. She with a dose of good humour thrown in for good measure.

Who would you absolutely love to interview?

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, recent Commander of the International Space Station. Not just for his time on the

Tell us something about you that we may not know I used to race cars - mostly circuit racing in production cars. however, it was also tremendously expensive. The highlight was competing in a Bathurst 1000 support race.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

Based on the skills and techniques developed in the field to training and video production services for businesses to help them inexpensively tell their story through video.

www.palmercoolumresort.com.au Warran Road, Coolum Beach, Queensland Australia T. 07 5446 1234 BUSINESS MATTERS 15

FEATURE

SUCCESS PLANNING AND STRATEGIES FOR 2014 To ensure your year ahead is a successful one, allocate time in your business, together with your team and/or family, to focus clearly and precisely on your success planning and strategies for 2014.

In this feature we share with you excellent tips from local Sunshine Coast business professionals, such as the driving force of technology, the importance of a solid brand reputation, dedication towards meeting customers’ needs (at all times), time management benefits and most importantly, planning ahead to create success for your life and your business in 2014.

HARLEQUIN BLINDS Plan for a Makeover Why not make 2014 your best year yet? Start by giving your office or home a makeover. Have you been thinking about getting new curtains, blinds, awnings, shutters or even some security doors or blinds? We can help you get started.

Plus you will be supporting local at the same time; Harlequin blinds are manufactured right here on the Sunshine Coast.

Personally at Harlequin Blinds, we have a plan to get ourselves out and about more this year, to do some more networking. We find that networking really does help remind people that we are here. Then when they need blinds or security, they remember meeting us. We

believe that nine out of ten people will contact someone for a service or product, that they have met (and hopefully liked), rather than just finding a random company on the net. Taking this a step further, we sat down and looked at the various networking events on offer, such as the Business Matters launch night, the Chamber events etc. and worked out a plan of attending at least two a month.

P. 5476 9888, www.harlequinblindsandsecurity.com.au

WALL VISION The new year provides a great opportunity to assess your business situation and to go about setting goals and objectives to improve on last year.

Social media, customer relationship management, marketing, sales, finance and human resources are all areas to examine that are key to your success. But don’t forget branding, and creating spaces that your customers and staff will love!

M. 0488 809 255 info@wallvision.com.au www.wallvision.com.au

2014 for many businesses will undoubtedly be an exciting time for expansion, greater product exposure and an opportunity to build your

brand. For many small businesses the key will be to ‘stand out from the crowd’. What’s your point of difference? Why should customers come to you and not your competitor?

This year should also be the year to freshen your look and give you that competitive advantage.

Here at Wall Vision we can help you realise these goals easily, without the big expense, hassle and time. How? From realistic textures such as brick, steel, wood and cement, to fantastic images to suit the theme of your business - the possibilities are endless! At Wall Vision there are 15 million+ ways to change the look of your business.

ELEMENT ON COOLUM BEACH The elements for planning for success At Element on Coolum Beach we believe that planning for a successful 2014 is about getting involved in your local community. The more involved you are in your community, the more well known you become locally. People see you as someone who cares about your environment and your neighbourhood. In our case we absolutely do care; we really want to support the local shops and local services as much as possible. Our biggest tip for planning for success this year is to buy local,

16 ISSUE 58

support local, be involved locally. Not only does it make you feel good, but it helps everyone.

Another thing we think works well for us, and is also supporting our local community, is sponsorships.

Is there a local sporting team or school team that you could sponsor? Having your name out and about in the local community is a great way to encourage people to think of you the next time they want to purchase a product or service like yours.

P. 5455 1777, www.elementoncoolumbeach.com.au

FEATURE

CLEAR LIGHT CAPITAL Preparing for the year ahead is an opportunity to get strategic, check in with your bigger picture, the context for your life and work, and to establish the plans and actions that will get you there. Clear Light Capital is a collaboration of experience and education, with professionals who have a passion and a commitment to raising the skills and abilities of others. They have the experience and knowhow to assist businesses to define strategies that drive growth and build value. 2014 will be focused on education platforms to guide and mentor

your business to the next level. We are excited to present the Strategic Business Series, a series of boardroom events where you can gain focus on building the value of your business asset. This is not your average business coaching. If you and your business are looking to raise the bar and learn how high level growth, capital raising and exit strategies can be applied to your business, then make it a part of your plan this year.

See our page in this issue or contact us by phone, email or www.clearlightcapital.com.au.

Remember, when planning, get strategic and know your context because every move counts! Best wishes, Rebecca Ramsay

LOAN WIZE

Have you completed your Financial New Year’s Resolutions yet?

If you have been in your home loan for more than three years, there is a very good chance that you are paying way too much on your interest rate. Many banks only passed on some of the RBA rate cuts when the cash rate reduced over the last 12 months. This means that to entice new clients and remain competitive, they are giving new clients far better deals on their interest rate than those the existing clients receive.

While this may seem counter intuitive to you and me - after all, looking after your best clients would

AUS IDENTITIES Happy New Year, everyone. We hope that 2014 will see you achieve great things in your business.

Here are five simple steps that successful businesses take to create the kinds of outcomes we would all like for our own businesses: 1. Set clear and specific goals, and make sure you are accountable to someone else like a manager, partner or coach.

2. Get motivated. When you set goals that are congruent for you, this arrives automatically.

Corporate Advisory / Capital Raising Strategic Planning

M. 0403 235 603, strategy@clearlightcapital.com.au

seem obvious to anyone in business - the banks unfortunately do not seem to play by the rules; however, this does create a great opportunity to review your current rate and see whether there are better options for you to consider on your home loan.

So if one of your resolutions this year is to find some great savings in your family budget, or even if you are wanting to take advantage of some of the amazing fixed rates many banks have on offer, then now is the time. Call Jon or Tammy now for a consultation, and Wize up to the best way to finance!

1300 loanwize, P. 5443 6522, www.loanwize.com.au

3. Understand what moves you to action and what moves your staff and customers to do the same.

4. Acknowledge your successes and learn from your setbacks. Mistakes are normal, but repeating mistakes can be costly.

5. Build bridges. Recognise the benefits of working cooperatively with other businesses. Try using the three R’s: Referrals, Rewards and Reciprocation.

If you would like more information about the kinds of services we offer, please visit our websites.

www.ausidentities.com.au, www.yourleadershipunleashed.com/about/

TINT-A-CAR

CURRIMUNDI, 718 Nicklin Way, P. 5493 3700 MAROOCHYDORE, 19 Kayleigh Drv, P. 5443 6166 NAMBOUR, 26 Price St, P. 5441 4146 NOOSAVILLE, 1/122 Eumundi Road, P. 5449 0244

Plan to be cool this year, and save money at the same time. Rising electricity prices have prompted many of us to look at various ways of saving energy in our homes. Turning off appliances, changing to energy saving light bulbs and taking shorter showers are just some of the things we are told to do; however if we are planning to make a greater, lasting dent in electricity bills, we should turn to our windows.

Studies show that as much as 87 per cent of heat entering a typical home is through

windows and up to 40 per cent of a home’s energy can be lost through the incorrect use of windows.

Applying a window film coating to existing glass enables you to get the most out of your windows without compromising your home’s efficiency. In fact, the savings made through reduced bills means the film often pays for itself within the first three years of installation.

BUSINESS MATTERS 17

FEATURE

KRESHENDO Flush with enthusiasm for growth, business owners tend to promise potential clients more than they can perhaps deliver. A critical planning challenge therefore, is to ensure that your value proposition (the mix of product, service and price you offer to the market) does not exceed that which you can actually deliver.

erode the trust between you and your market.

Your brand does not exist in a vacuum; rather, it exists only with the permission of the market. If the market does not trust you or your word, then your brand has no future.

Over-promising and under-delivering can be devastating to your brand, because they

Contact Mark on 5408 5100, www.kreshendo.com

So in planning for 2014, invest in your brand reputation by making your yes a yes and your no a no.

Plan to be protected Surprise intrusions are unsettling. You have not planned for them because they are not part of your everyday routine. Everything is going along swimmingly and then, all of a sudden, KAPOW! something goes horribly wrong.

False public liability or workers compensation claims, assaults, shoplifting, vandalism, improper till management and many other unsettling intrusions can be quickly sorted out if you have the knowledge and the proof provided by a modern surveillance system.

When life throws you the occasional curve ball, the first challenge is to figure out what went wrong. The second challenge is to determine why and what you can do to make sure it does not happen again.

Consider the case of a senior school teacher who was recently accused of physically assaulting a student.

When confronted by very angry parents, the principal proved the accusation wrong by producing time and date stamped video footage of the incident. The teacher’s career was saved and the dishonest student exposed.

A properly installed and well maintained security surveillance installation can make times of crisis a lot easier to understand. Figuring out what went wrong, why, and what to do about it also becomes easier.

Plan to be protected. Plan to win.

M. 0419 664 044, www.eyewitness.net.au

INNOVATION RENOVATIONS My name is Benjaman Poole. I’m the owner/operator of a local business that offers same-day iPhone, Smartphone and tablet repairs, so planning and preparation is critical in my line of work. They say behind every great man there is a better woman; truer words were never spoken. My partner Jessica Swan, a major in financial planning and business commerce, is key to my success. Business is never a one person operation; whether it’s colleagues, family or clients, planning is the way to ensure the success of your business and life. Technology is an ever-changing

MALENY CUISINE

industry and looking a day into the future to ensure you can meet the customer’s needs with structure, planning and efficiency is what drives a business forward. I come onsite and repair most devices within the hour. Give me a call today to get your device fixed, because plans are nothing; planning is everything.

Open Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm (because business never sleeps), call us on 0430 500 395, Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/FixITphone

Planning ahead has never been one of my strengths.

I used to be the type who would leave things until the very last minute and hope for the best; however, since taking over the reins at Maleny Cuisine, I have quickly discovered that planning ahead is not only essential for the business to run smoothly, it also makes life in general much more enjoyable to know what is ahead and be prepared for it.

Now I like to plan in stages, using the calendar year as my timeframe. I have an overview of the

18 ISSUE 58

and important calendar dates for our hamper sales, such as Easter, Mothers and Fathers Day and Christmas. Then I draw up my own quarterly sheet with boxes where I can pencil in all our smaller engagements like in-store tastings and important meetings. This sheet is always visible on my desk and ensures I don’t get caught off-guard by unexpected events or visits. It also means that when I have a spare moment and I know of something coming up, I can start working on it early.

year’s important events and yearly goals, which

P. 5448 7811

for us include things like tradeshows, food fairs

www.malenycuisine.com.au

Nationally Recognised Courses Available

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!

BALI SALES AND LEADERSHIP CONGRESS Monday 5th May – Thursday 8th May 2014 4 Days Include:

Learning Outcomes:

 2 Field Sales Sessions

 The Art of Negotiating

 4 Sessions with a Keynote Speaker

 Handling Objections

 5 Workshops:

 Sales Presentations

 Closing the Sale

Powerful Presentations

 Body & Energy Language

Relationship & Team Building

 Mindset for Success

Customer Service & Sales Techniques

 Set SMARTER Goals

Bridget Kraft, Director,

Body Language Boot Camp Planning for Peak Performance  Daily Hot Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea  Optional Evening Activities

“The time and experience you have contributed both in preparation for and delivery of this course was amazing!

Every attendee loved the sessions.

We loved your style, professionalism, dedication and the excellent choice of trainers and support staff around you. The training was professional, relevant, practical and fun.”

New Homes Only Australia Pty Ltd

Details:

LOCATION: Grand Istana Rama, Kuta / Legian ARRIVAL DATE: Sunday 4th May 2014 COURSE STARTS: 9am Monday 5th May 2014 OPTIONAL 5TH DAY: Friday 9th May 2014, Cooking Class with Balinese Chefs and a Sunset Dinner

 Last Night Celebration Dinner

Phone Today! 07 5452 7722 and see if your course can be funded!

Catherine Molloy P 0449 584 240 E catherine@targettraining.com.au W www.BaliBusinessCongress.com.au

Cathy Donaghy / Vanessa Pine P 07 3205 9033 E cathy.strathpine@harveyworld.com.au vanessa.strathpine@harveyworld.com.au

Janet Kake P 0418 743 732 W www.primescienceofselling.com BUSINESS MATTERS 19

BuSINESS RETIREMENT

…. DauNTING? MEET CHRIS CHILDS Successful business person, property investor and financial guru are just 3 ways you could describe Chris Childs.

This dynamo of information and energy runs several successful businesses and thrives on helping people achieve their business, investment and financial goals.

Chris specialises in educating people to reduce debt and increase wealth.

Having been in business herself for more than 3 decades, she has first hand knowledge on the trials, tribulations and joys of being self employed and has managed not only to survive, but thrive.

Experience counts, Chris and her husband Jack Childs have not only succeeded in developing a profitable and expanding group of companies, they have also accumulated an impressive property portfolio at the same time.

Chris always tells her clients, “Before you take advice from someone, look at who they are and what they have, and if that’s where you want to be… take their advice”. Too often in today’s information-rich world, the people giving advice are not successful themselves, so how can they tell you how to be successful?

The areas Chris and Think Money specialise in are: • Fast Debt Reduction – reduce your debt not your lifestyle • Goal Mapping – get focused on what you want • Why Property – learn the strategies, structures and solutions to building a self-funding property porfolio • Learn how to get 10 properties in 10 years.

• Business Development – how to create and grow a successful business and have the perfect tools to maintain it

Jack is from THINK Investment Realty and is the Guru of all things property and provides: • Research to get the right property in the right area to maximize growth and yield • Negotiates on your behalf for maximum benefits to be included • Tenant ready investment properties to take the hassle out of investing • Completely overseas the construction, build or development from start to finish

Contact us today to find out more. thinkmoney.com.au or Call 07 5430 4777 20 ISSUE 58

“Before you take advice from someone, look at who they are and what they have, and if that’s where you want to be…”

Even the most successful business owners find it difficult to organise their personal finance, especially when it comes to retirement. Relying on selling your business for a ‘lump sum’ may not always be the solution you were hoping for which can often lead to poor financial decision-making and lack of opportunity to plan.

Two of the risks of selling a business for retirement are: 1 - Finding a buyer at the right price and time.

2 - Maintaining a business that is still relevant in the market by the time you want to retire.

Having the right finance platform, and keeping your worlds from colliding is the secret to stress free investing.

I teach my business clients how to separate their life into three or four ‘columns’. These being - life, business, investment portfolio and if they have a self managed superannuation fund.

You don’t have to look far back in time to see how fast things change.

I remember when video hire stores were almost a license to print money.

Television repair businesses are almost unheard of now in the era of cheap television and our disposable natures, I could go on…

I then look at strategies to improve lifestyle because let’s face it, lifestyle is everything. We look at the perfect banking structure for all of the sections of your life and most are amazed at the freedom that can be achieved purely by getting organised with their money and accounts. Unfortunately, most business people get their banking advice from… a bank. Often we go to the bank with hat in hand and we are just grateful they agree to lend us the funds and accept whatever the bank manager sets up for us. It’s like asking the mouse where to put the cheese really.

Having a back up plan to allow for the risk of not selling, or the ability to pass the business on to children, or even keep it running to supplement your retirement isn’t a bad idea.

I look at how to make your money work for you, not the bank and concentrate on debt reduction, organisation and the ability to invest outside of the business as an exit strategy.

While you may be an expert in your own field, you may not have the experience in finance platforms and investing to formulate the perfect plan. It is important to take the time to work out what your plan is, and what do you have to do to achieve it.

Have a fresh set of eyes look at your whole picture. We often get so busy working in our business taking care of everyone else, we forget to take the time to set our goals. Isn’t it time to put a strategy in place to be able to comfortably step off the mouse wheel when its time to retire.

Call us today...

thinkmoney.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 21

ESEARCH T EA DR TE M A C

DE DI

ea Right Ar ty oper Right Pr e m Right Ti

5 WaYS TO MaXIMISE YOuR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO WITH JaCK CHILDS Jack Childs is the founder and director of Think Investment Realty and Queensland Investment Building Corporation (QIBC) - a building project management company.

BuY NEW NOT OLD After years of experience and making enough mistakes myself, one of the most important things I have learned is to buy new not old. There are quite a few reasons for making this decision, for example the huge difference the tax benefits can make. Properties that are new often are more attractive to tenants.

The maintenance costs are close to nonexistent as the builder is responsible for correcting any faults for six years. The growth in the value of a new property often exceeds older properties in the same area, just to name a few.

DO THE RIGHT RESEaRCH The majority of investors don’t do enough research, or worse still, get incorrect information from the huge amount of data available online. Good research can take weeks to put together to hone down to the right state, the right town, the right suburb and the right property.

It is vital to know what is happening with infrastructure spending, demographics, employment, economic growth and supply and demand. Often when an

investor does a lot of research, they end up getting so confused they do nothing … paralysis by analysis is a common end result.

‘TIMING’ THE MaRKET aND ‘TIME IN’ THE MaRKET Two important parts of creating long-term wealth with property are timing the entry point in a market to maximise the capital growth, and time in the market – meaning keeping the property long-term. Timing the market means being brave and bucking the trend. Purchasing a property when the property clock is at six o’clock is one of the hardest things for a novice investor to do. Time in the market is vital for successful wealth creation. Most property averages 10 per cent p.a. over any 10-year period, however, you don’t earn 10 per cent each year. The market usually has two or three years of strong growth, five or six years of flat or even negative growth.

GETTING THE TaX SIDE SORTED Don’t ever buy a property for the tax benefits. Always buy a property for its growth and income potential. The government can change tax legislation at any time. By treating the tax benefits as a bonus you will never have to worry about those changes.

DON’T KILL THE GOLDEN GOOSE – KEEP VS SELL Here is the important one. A property long-term will continue to grow in value and increase in rental return. This will feed you for the rest of your life – and can be handed down to your kids when the time comes. In comparison to any other investment, property in retirement has proven to be the best return and the least risk. Not only does the rent (your income) continue to increase each year, usually ahead of inflation, the capital value goes up as well.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the property and building industries, Jack is an avid property investor himself with a large portfolio.

He is a member of the Master Builders Association of Australia.

Contact us today to find out more. thinkmoney.com.au or Call 07 5430 4777 22 ISSUE 58

THINK YOu CaN’T… THINK aGaIN WHaT OuR CLIENT SaY Grace & Nathan Green Earth Homes BuSINESS DEVELOPMENT Since joining Think Money we have been surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and a great mentor. We can’t thank Chris enough for the time she has spent with us not only helping us set and achieve our wealth creation goals, but particularly with the business coaching– her new ways of looking at building our business have been insightful and Green Earth Homes has grown from strength to strength. Thank you Chris and the Think Money team

Bill and Caz Klein DEBT REDuCTION When we first came to Think Money we were pretty well high in debt, credit cards were maxed out, life was pretty stressful. We felt like we were working really really hard and not getting anywhere.

We came to Think Money, sat down with Chris and I just felt like a world of weight had been lifted off my shoulders. With just a few little tweaks to our cash management we’ve managed to have everything fall into place. Our lifestyle has actually improved, it hasn’t gone backwards.

We are still on the same income but our debt reduction, its just been amazing.

You can see it on paper in just a couple of months.

Our stress level is a lot lower now. We have also managed to re-finance and now within the next couple of months we will be heading towards our second investment property. Thank-You Think Money!!

Ian & Kathy Bellman WEaLTH CREaTION Chris basically asked, where do we want to go? She wanted us to think about the big picture – how many properties do you want? What are our goals? Then she set out a strategy and told us what we needed to do…. And then helped us do it!

Thanks to Think Money we have just about bought property number seven.

We are on track big time! Now we have freedom financially and because of the way Chris teaches us to set up our finances, it is easy!

And perhaps the biggest change in Kathy’s life came a few months ago.

After years of being chased for money and too scared to call the banks, Kathy received a phone call from the branch manager at the local bank. They just called to see how I was and told us we were very valued customers. Was there anything else they could do for us?

It’s such a great feeling. Now, I’m in control. I must say I agree with Chris… if you THINK you can’t… THINK again.

thinkmoney.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 23

localinfo

Sophy’s tips for success in 2014 Failing to plan is planning to fail. So what have you got to lose? 2014 is a brand new year with a 12-month-long blank page to be filled in. Are you planning to fill it with failure or success? You are the only one who can decide. Research proves that writing down your goals helps to make them a reality, so write them down. You can use this table to help.

2. Think through and write down how you are going to achieve those goals – your strategies.

3. Write down what it will cost to make those strategies a reality.

4. Set a completion date – the date you want to achieve the goal by.

1. Write down what you want to achieve (SMART goals). This could be just one, two or ten goals, but make sure they are realistic and achievable. Not dreams or wishes, but what you honestly believe you can achieve this year.

SMART GOALS

5. Review and reassess those goals regularly. Life does not usually go according to the plan, so be flexible.

Another idea is to hold a success planning day with your staff.

STRATEGIES

BUDGET

This could be a facilitated day at a venue outside the workplace.

If you need assistance with this, contact Sophy at Bellingham Maze who would love to work with you to plan your success for 2014.

REVIEW AND REASSESS

COMPLETION DATE

Phone 5445 2979

274 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha | www.bellmaze.com

MAKE YOUR PUBLICATIONS APPIC!

Quick & easy PDF to app conversion

>> PRINT TO MOBILE CONVERSION

Save $$$ on printing

Mobile app presence for your business

Intergrated video Social Media Sharing

The revolutionary new way to convert any publication to a mobile device by simply uploading a PDF file to our rapid publisher. It will then be available through Apple news-stand or as a standalone app and offered to the millions of smart phone users at the touch of a button.

P 1300 850 310 www.appic.com.au

Visit our website to download our test application to view your publication online Publish your magazines 24 ISSUE 58

•

newsletters

•

catalogues

•

company brochures • pr materials • event programs

•

training materials

•

manuals

•

annual reports

Rebecca Ramsay

Get strategic or get lost A strategic approach to planning means you have a context for the content of your day to day operations. This leads to a proactive, instead of reactive, approach.

Without a clear understanding of the bigger picture and the context for your decisions, how can you be sure you are making the right ones; that you and your team are making decisions and prioritising tasks that will take you in the right direction?

Creating context gives us the perfect check-in for the ‘doing’ side of our business.

‘Is this getting us closer to where we want to be?’

We need planning so we don’t end up somewhere and wonder how or why we got there; so we end up close to, if not exactly where we planned to be.

Most small business owners I speak to admit they don’t have the time to plan.

They are too busy running their business. This is a symptom of a content run business and until you have the context in place, nothing will change.

So make an appointment with yourself, someone on your team or someone you would like on your team, to create the context to guide your business to the next level.

Context provides clarity, and clarity creates confidence.

JANUARY STRATEGY SESSION Context/content planning model 1. Know what the CONTEXT is – your Overall Plan, Exit Strategy, Goals 2. Know what gets worked on in your business? CONTENT - sales, marketing, training, expenses ...

3. Identify what needs to be focused on and done in each of those CONTENT areas to achieve the CONTEXT e.g, for sales - A&B class clients only, marketing – ensure measures for all activities

STRATEGIC BUSINESS SERIES DEFINE STRATEGY, DRIVE GROWTH, BUILD VALUE

4. Ask consistently, “Is this job, task, decision getting us closer to the CONTEXT?”

Are you a business owner ready for the next level in 2014?

Apply now for the next series of SBS boardroom events.

LEARN capital raising, growth, exits RECEIVE live guidance and feedback EXPERIENCE expert advice and mentoring DEVELOP strategies and action plan GAIN the edge over your competition Call or contact us online to discuss your interest and application for SBS Phone Rebecca on 0403 235 603 or email strategy@clearlightcapital.com.au NEXT 6 EVENT SERIES COMMENCING MARCH 2014 Enquire in February and receive a complimentary copy of ‘The People Investment’ by Michalle Faulkner, a business owners guide to successful human resource management.

www.clearlightcapital.com.au

Corporate Advisory / Capital Raising Strategic Planning

Rebecca Ramsay 0403 235 603

strategy@clearlightcapital.com.au

localbusiness

MagicEzy Based at Kunda Park, MagicEzy manufactures a unique range of ‘world first’, nano-technology based surface repair products. These products provide solutions to time-consuming and difficult DIY surface repair problems.

CEO Warwick David Lindsay, who previously owned the car paint touch-up service Duco Magic, has over 30 years in the auto paint touch up industry,building his previous company to 400 technicians around Australia. Warwick’s interest has now turned to fiberglass boats, following requests from boatie friends who saw his car products and wanted an easier way to perform fiberglass repairs.

Due to their awesome technology, these products can be used on fiberglass, wood, ceramics, plastic, glass and masonry.MagicEzy’s global distribution plans are set to bring exciting new employment opportunities to the SunshineCoast, including plans to recruit five more factory staff within the next three months. www.magicezy.com

Sunshine Coast Toll NQX Celebrating 125 years of excellence in 2013, Toll Group is the Asia Pacific region’s leading provider of transport and logistics. Known for moving just about anything, from cartons to 30 tonne, multi-million dollar mining pumps, the Toll NQX Sunshine Coast branch is itself on the move.

The leading road freight delivery company has serviced the Sunshine Coast region for 20 years and has recently moved to new premises at 506 Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park.

The Sunshine Coast branch services a diverse range of customers in industries such as mining, manufacturing, retail and farming, carrying freight from render products to post hole diggers, solar panels, commercial fridge freezer units, steel and cabling. The new location has road frontage and offers easier access for customers. The great team of staff, who are locals themselves, really do understand their customer’s needs, which in turn helps to build long-term business relationships and serve their customers better.

506 Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park.

P. 5370 6700

Stunning new food menu ranging from breads, starters, entrees, mains, pizzas and desserts…

• New extensive beverage list • Best coffee • Wonderful scones, cakes all day, everyday • Some real treats

eclectic mix

FUNCTIONS, HIGH TEA AND GROUP BOOKINGS

A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE WITH AN

O F N E W Y O R K G L A M O U R & U R BA N S O P H I S T I C AT I O N Daisy’s Place provides an elegant and sophisticated alfresco dining experience within a flirtatious interior of luxury and style. Explore a delicious full menu of traditional recipes while relaxing within the tranquil outdoor and water landscaped gardens.

2859 Steve Irwin Way, Glenview (Just Off The Highway Onto Steve Irwin Way)

26 ISSUE 58

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST EVERY DAY FROM 8AM – CLOSE AT 3PM LATE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS FOR DINNER FULLY LICENSED AND AIR-CONDITIONED Email: reservations@daisysplace.com.au

www.daisysplace.com.au

Bookings essential please call 07 5494 5192 during opening hours

localbusiness

Business and science students win bursaries With three degrees and three international trips under her belt, 26 year old Lucy Fitzgerald is graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast this year with a job and a bursary. The Buddina resident is one of two USC students to be awarded $1,000 bursaries from the Zonta Club of Noosa. Lucy recently received the club’s Women in Business (JM Klausman) bursary and Millie Crook, 24, of Currimundi, received the Women in Science bursary.

Lucy, 26, a former Sunshine Beach State High student, has just completed her third USC degree, a Master of International Business, after study tours to Vietnam, Hong Kong and China.

Millie, 24, also travelled overseas, as part of her USC Bachelor of Science, to do research in Ecuador, South America. She aims to become a research scientist to conserve Sunshine Coast biodiversity.

President Lynn Robertson said the Noosa club had raised funds for 12 years to award annual bursaries to women studying business and women studying science with an environmental focus.

P. 5459 4553, www.usc.edu.au

TRAVEL THERE NEXT Sunshine Coast based travel writer and photographer Christina Pfeiffer, of ‘Travel There Next’, recently won the prestigious award for ‘Best Use of Digital Media – Travel Writer’ at the 2013 Australian Society of Travel Writers Journalism Awards for Excellence held on the Gold Coast on 12th October. Christina Pfeiffer is a prolific travel journalist who is embracing new media. Her articles and photographs have been published in

high circulation and respected publications such as The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Sun Herald, Sunday Telegraph, CNN Traveller, South China Morning Post, Virgin Voyeur and NineMSN. As a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers, Christina’s Website www.traveltherenext. com is focused on storytelling through a highly visual blend of words, photos and videos.

For the latest travel trends, blogs, videos and images visit www.traveltherenext.com

TRAIN YOUR TEAM AND GET THEM QUALIFIED IN CERTIFICATE III BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BSB30412) FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES! Increase the confidence of your team members and enhance their industry skills while your business reaps the rewards of skilled staff under this government funded initiative.

As a preferred Registered Training Organisation (RTO), FC Education is currently offering Certificate III in Business Administration (BSB30412) under The User Choice Program. This Government Initiative provides public funding for the delivery of accredited, entry level training to apprentices and trainees, including school based trainees.

Cert IV in Business Admin (BSB40507)

Cert IV in Frontline Mgmt (BSB40812)

FC EDUCATION

Cert IV In Small Bus Mgmt (BSB40407)

Funding is paid directly to the RTO and FC Education is currently waiving the gap fee for User Choice Trainees, allowing you as an employer to train your entry level staff to an accredited Certificate III qualification with no out of pocket expenses.

• Eligibility applies • Flexible Online Study • On the job training and support • Nationally accredited course

Diploma of Mgmt (BSB51107)

PHONE TODAY 1300 887 017 to see if your team qualifies Visit our website for a full list of nationally recognised Business Education Courses available

www.fceducation.edu.au BUSINESS MATTERS 27

matters

training matters CATHERINE MOLLOY | TARGET TRAINING

GOVERNMENT

FUNDED COURSES

FRESH START A big welcome to the new year It seems to be the time for ‘out with the old and in with the new’.

This year, our planning and goal setting is more an integration of ideas, the tried and trusted ‘Smarter’ method, combined with the colourful mind mapping created by Tony Buzan.

This wonderful method of making our goals come to life in colour has allowed us to be more free flowing, which is a reflection of the way the brain thinks through imagination and association.

The mind map helps to reflect externally what is going on in your head. Goal setting with the visualisation of colour may help us gain better success in our achievements.

WORKSHOPS Contextualised and created for your business 9 Cert III and IV Hospitality 9 Cert II, III and IV Retail 9 Cert IV Business Sales 9 Cert IV Frontline 9 Cert IV TAE

GOAL SETTING “Goals are dreams with deadlines”

MIND MAPPING

Be Specific…when setting goals Measure everything Take Action – be accountable Is it Realistic – can it be done?

Set a real Time Frame, eg. by 30.6.14

9 Cert III and IV in Business 9 Cert III and IV Business Administration 9 Cert III and IV Customer Content 9 Double Diploma Business and Management

Mention Business Matters and you will receive a COMPLIMENTARY MYSTERY SHOP for your business

If you’re not enthusistic about the goal how will it happen?

TAE40110 Training and Assessment

And my favourite - Reward yourself and others for hitting and achieving your goals, so you are even more enthusiastic about setting the next goal.

Accelerated TAE full course workshop (5 days): 24th – 28th February Guaranteed proven results.

What you focus on grows!

Seven easy steps to make a fresh start when you plan in 2014 1. Be clear about the little things you want.

What do I want to do every day?

What do I want to achieve in the next six months?

2. Write down your plan. It’s easier to make a decision when you have a destination. Clarity emerges when you put pen to paper.

3. Determine why this plan is important. ‘Should’ goals don’t count!

4. Craft clear-cut goals. Be specific.

Upgrade your TAE with a half day NEW LLN (Language, Literacy & Numeracy) workshop – soon to be compulsory!

Monday 17th February, 9am - noon Wednesday 12th March, 5.30pm - 8pm

PHONE TODAY 5452 7722 and see if your course can be funded!

5. A goal can be big or small as long as it is meaningful.

6. Set a target date.

7. Take small steps – it’s a process, it’s not magic.

8. Think KAIZEN – continuous improvement.

SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cath Molloy is the owner of Target Training and was recently awarded the 2013 AIM Excellence Awards Sunshine Coast Manager of the Year. She has over 25 years expertise in the delivery of services, sales and training.

28 ISSUE 58

www.facebook.com/ targettrainingsunshinecoastwidebay Servicing all of Qld and Australia.

We TARGET your training needs.

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED COURSES AVAILABLE

matters

accounting matters MICHAEL THOMAS | THE LATERAL GROUP

BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION – BUILDING YOUR SUCCESS How will you make 2014 bigger and better?

Make the most of your year by goal setting, strategising and planning for your success.

With the New Year upon us, let me pose a question …

Have you ever stopped to think what your business will look like in five, ten or even 20 years time?

Imagine for a moment that you answered yes to the above and better still, had a documented plan in place to get there.

Imagine the impact this would have on your day-to-day decision making.

Imagine how much more likely you are to achieve your goals.

Developing your business model or plan need not be an added source of stress. In fact I would suggest that the process can be broken down into three simple steps: 1. Determine your goal – to quote Stephen Covey, “Start with the end in mind”.

2. Break your goal down into manageable pieces – who are my customers, what are my key activities and what resources do I need?

3. Find an advisor who can work with you to not only develop your model, but keep you on track.

There are some really useful tools available to help with your planning. One of the best I have come across is called the ‘Business Model Canvas’. See the business page on our website for a link to this.

Having a solid foundation in place for your future is another important piece of the puzzle of planning for your success.

The groundwork to building a solid foundation includes estate planning, business insurance, retirement planning, superannuation, wealth accumulation and protection, and so much more. Having a safety net in place will build a solid foundation for future years – build your success for 2014!

Having a solid foundation in place for your future is another important piece of the puzzle of planning for your success.

SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Thomas, Principal of The Lateral Group, has been in the financial business for over 30 years. He has strong expertise in accounting, business advice and financial planning.

BUSINESS MATTERS 29

matters

building matters ROYCE BEALE | OPTAM BUILDING GROUP

HAPPY NEW YEAR Many of us take time over the holiday period to do some soul searching and creative thinking as we set our sights on achieving more in the new calendar year.

While doing this I began to consider whether, with building activity here on the Coast finally predicted to increase after a slowdown forced upon us by external pressures, would we continue to provide only residential buildings the market will accept, or strive to provide what a community really need in terms of liveable, sustainable housing?

In our desire to be recognised as the most sustainable region in the nation, we cannot rely on local government alone to achieve this. We need to embrace our area and our lifestyle with a concerted effort to design and construct quality homes and units that provide maximum liveability for minimal cost to the environment.

Many of our newly developed areas are being populated with budget priced homes that meet energy efficiency codes but fail when rated by core elements of liveable housing design and long term maintenance requirements.

Are we taking the notion of a disposable society too far when it extends to the homes we live in?

Unfortunately most new homes are now viewed as a stepping stone to the owner’s future aspirations.

Research suggests we need to embrace higher density housing solutions, with the added bonus that longer planning periods allow passive design and energy efficiency to be incorporated at inception, which delivers a userfriendly product with integrity, style and longevity.

Unit developments though, require a concerted effort by a number of interested parties outlaying considerable sums of money over extended periods for an uncertain return on investment. This reduces the number of eager participants.

Opportunity abounds for those who are prepared though.

A major part of the preparation is to gather a team of trusted professional partners with the skills and experience to complement your own. With proper research, the rewards are satisfying in more ways than one.

Never be so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Royce Beale, Director of Optam Building Group, leads his team in sustainable building and property improvement solutions for intelligent investors.

30 ISSUE 58

ProPerty ImProvement & DeveloPment For lIFestyle & Investment • Design & construction • New homes • Property improvements • Development pre-planning • Project management & JV deals • Renovation planning • Prelim design service • Splitter block, duplex & multi-unit options • Investment property primping & preening for sale or improved rental return Royce Beale Director BSA Lic No. 48997 P 5443 3780 M 0419 709 962

www.optam.com.au SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ENHANCED LIVING

matters

leadership matters LEIGH RORKE | LEAD ON PURPOSE

MOTIVATE YOURSELF WITH PURPOSEFUL GOALS IN 2014

The start of the year is a great time to set your goals, as many businesses fall quiet at this time of year; however, for the tourist based businesses, setting some time aside in February to work on this may work well.

I encourage leaders to start with their personal goals first, then business goals.

When setting goals, the obvious place to focus is on a financial target or relevant business based KPI. Yet setting lifestyle goals or business direction goals can be far more motivating. Clear some space to dream about how your ideal life in business looks and feels. Dare to dream big.

What new and inspiring directions can you take your business or career this year?

How can you fulfil more of your soul purpose this year?

“

Our purpose wakes our soul from its sleep, our vision motivates us and our goals and actions pave the way to our dreams.

Leigh Rorke

“

I am continually surprised by leaders of businesses who don’t have a mission, vision or set goals for themselves personally or for their organisation. Their management and their business can unfortunately fall into a crisis management approach or become lax in innovation, allowing their competitors to lead the way.

What would be fun for you to try this year?

What would you do this year, if you knew you could not fail?

Goals fail when they are uninspiring, unspecific and unrelated to our purpose or our business mission.

For a free downloadable 2014 workbook which ties your goals to your purpose, values and vision, go to www.leighrorke.com.

When we aim for a goal we are seeking a feeling. For this reason, it’s essential to add your feeling into the goal. Ask yourself “When I achieve that goal, how will I feel?” Add these desired feelings into your written goals.

For example - It’s 1 January 2015 and I have turned over $______ in my business and feel inspired and energised as a result.

After you are clear on your personal goals and desired feelings? Share them with your loved ones and team members.

Having team building and planning days is essential for team engagement and motivation. When the group is able to both connect to your vision and become involved in setting group targets, cohesive and self directed teams result.

Ensure that you as a leader also actively participate in this planning day as a team.

You can enhance your influence and staff engagement through the sharing of your story and vision.

We all want to be led by someone who has a purpose we can connect to and believe in. We want a leader who we know is aware of our own personal vision and dreams for the future and who believes in our ability to achieve them as they believe in theirs.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 2014 WORKBOOK AT WWW.LEIGHRORKE.COM/ 2014WORKBOOK

Is it time for you to be that inspiring leader in 2014?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Leigh Rorke is a coach, speaker and facilitator who helps you to unlock your inner leader so you can get to the next level in your business and career.

LEAD ON PURPOSE { LEIGH RORKE 5449 2298 | leigh@leighrorke.com www.leighrorke.com BUSINESS MATTERS 31

matters

smile matters DR TOM MCLEAN | UNWIN DENTAL GROUP

It’s time to smile!

MAKE 2014 YOUR YEAR TO SMILE! A new year brings new adventures and challenges.

On the dental front, the Government has launched a new initiative – The Children’s Dental Benefits Scheme. This scheme will see funding allocated to eligible children between the ages of 2-17 to receive much needed dental treatment. Eligible children will receive notification from Medicare early in 2014.

As always, January is ‘back to school’ time, with mums and dads preparing for the year ahead. We also love to see kids getting a good start with their teeth. Many dental problems are completely avoidable with just a few minor changes or minimal treatment. Fissure sealants are one of the most underutilised, cost effective means of preventing tooth decay.

RESIN TOOTH BONDING

by Dr. TOM MCLEAN

Resin tooth bonding on six upper front teeth to correct spacing and poor angulation, whitening on lower teeth

Guidelines for children and adolescents to encourage good oral health:

BEFORE

Eat Well Feel free to enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods and snacks.

Sweet and sticky foods should be minimised, especially between meals. Some ideas for snacks include cheese and dry crackers, vegetables, natural yoghurt and fresh fruit.

Resin tooth bonding to eight upper front teeth to enhance worn teeth

Drink Well Drink more water! Soft drinks, sport drinks, cordials, fruit juices, ‘poppers’, flavoured water and flavoured milk are all very destructive to the precious enamel coat on our teeth and should be consumed in moderation or saved for a special occasion.

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Clean Well Use floss to clean between the teeth then brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush along all sides of the teeth twice a day. At school, kids can rinse after meals with water at the water fountains if it is not practical to carry a toothbrush with them.

Play Well It is highly important and often a requirement to wear a mouthguard during sport. A well fitting, custom made mouthguard should be worn during training and playing contact sports or any time where there is a risk of damage.

Stay Well As always, prevention is better than cure. Have regular checkups so that problems and areas of concern can be treated before they become painful and costly to repair.

Wishing everyone all the best for the year ahead.

Have fun, stay safe and make the most of whatever life brings to you this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr Tom McLean grew up here on the Sunshine Coast. He is thrilled to now be treating fellow locals. Tom enjoys all aspects of dentistry from simple fillings to complex treatment plans.

32 ISSUE 58

Phone now to book your appointment.

Phone 5444 2322

Suites 2-4, 3 Burns Street, Buddina www.unwindentalgroup.com.au

matters

hr matters SALLY DESCH | HRM CONTRACTING & CONSULTING

PLAN YOUR YEAR FOR SUCCESS! 2014 has arrived and before it kicks into full swing, now is an ideal time to plan out your ‘people’ activities for the year. There are a number of key people management activities that, if delivered, will assist you to achieve your business goals and operational plans for 2014 and beyond.

The first step is to block out time throughout the year for these activities from the outset. Things to consider in your calendar for the year include:

The HRM team would love to meet you.

Regular team meetings Regular one-on-ones, e.g. Monthly Key Performance Indicator meetings Team building activities Annual Performance Reviews Salary Reviews dates Leave planning dates Key dates to remember: 8th March - International Women’s Day 21st March - Harmony Day 23rd April - Administrative Professional’s Day Professional development for you and your staff (identified from your 2013 performance review processes) Legislative compliance timeframes for: Superannuation guarantee payments Payroll tax payments Fringe Benefits Tax payments Workcover premium payments Minimum wage and award increases Gender equality reporting Staff birthdays and anniversaries Auditing your employment records Auditing your WHS compliance Setting these activities up and locking in dates early will increase the likelihood that they will occur; however, the commitment to action is the next step, including buy-in from key staff to deliver on your people plans. Remember, you don’t need to do it alone. If you have senior staff, hold them accountable for performing some of these functions, providing them with key dates and deliverables.

They have your recruitment solutions.

If you’re looking for a recruitment consultancy that treats you with respect, that really listens and takes time to match you with the right job or right candidate, then HRM can provide you with all of this and more - working quickly, efficiently and with exceptional results.

hr solutions.    

Leadership Style and Skills Development Team Building Workshops Workforce Planning Sessions General Safety Inductions and Site Safety Audits

Make this year the one to be organised with your people management activities and reap the results as the year unfolds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sally has been in the HR industry for almost 20 years.

She is very passionate about people and getting the right fit. She started HRM to provide a personalised service, not just to put bums on seats.

P. E.

1300 962 258 ask@hrmcc.com.au

www.hrmcc.com.au

right people. right careers. right choice.

BUSINESS MATTERS 33

BUSINESS MATTERS MAGAZINE

CA L E N DA R JAN/FEB/MAR MONDAY JAN

27

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

28

29

30

31

Free Webinar, Top Tech Trends For 2014, www. thecreativecollective.com.au

Australia Day Public Holiday

Sons Of Beaches 72 Exhibition, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra, Ph: 5420 8299

3

4

WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

Keeping Employment Simple

Email us any events you have to magic@bmmag.com.au Phone 5444 4456 www.businessmattersmagazine.com.au

TUESDAY

Business Matters Magazine New Issue Launch, Your Place, La Balsa, Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

HAYCROFT

COMMUNITY EVENTS BUSINESS EVENTS

Facebook Profile & Marketing For Beginners, Info www. thecreativecollective.com.au

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FEB 1

2

Sunshine Coast Paleo Primal Real Food Meet-Up Group, Hot Pipis, Mooloolaba, RSVP Ph: 0433 079 686

Caloundra Street Fair, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 8am - 1pm

Will, EPOA & AHD, Nambour Library, Nambour, Ph: 1300 542 727

Social Media Marketing, Kawana Library, Kawana Ph: 1300 542 727

Sons Of Beaches 72 Exhibition, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra, Ph: 5420 8299

Social Media Marketing, Maroochydore Library, Maroochydore, Ph: 1300 542 727

Sons Of Beaches 72 Exhibition, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra, Ph: 5420 8299

Sons Of Beaches 72 Exhibition, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra, Ph: 5420 8299

Sons Of Beaches 72 Exhibition, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra, Ph: 5420 8299

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Sunshine Coast Linkedln, Info www. thecreativecollective.com.au

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

5

6

7

8

9

Eumundi Markets, 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, 7.30am - 2pm, Ph: 5442 7106

Caloundra Street Fair, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 8am - 1pm

Adult Literacy, Maroochydore Library, Cotton Tree Adult Literacy, Kawana Library, Buddina

Facebook Profile For Tourism Operators, Ramada Hotel, Marcoola, Ph: 5458 8820

Terri Cooper Breakfast, Alex Surf Club, www.terricooper.com.au

Latin Dance, Maroochydore Community Centre, Maroochydore, Ph: 0403 002 464

Caloundra Country & Farmers Market, Currimundi State School, Caloundra Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

10

11

12

13

14

15

New Issue Why Fitness Magazine

Cooroy Chamber Of Commerce Meeting, Cooroy Hotel, Cooroy, Ph: 5447 6089

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

SCBWN Breakfast, Maroochy Surf Club, Cotton Tree, Bookings @ www.scbwn.org.au

17

18

Maroochydore Chamber Of Commerce, Business Networking Night, Ph: 5443 5661

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Marketing Plans For Tourism Operators, Ramada Hotel, Marcoola, Ph: 5458 8820

24

Adult Literacy, Kawana Library, Buddina

Blogging For Business, Info www. thecreativecollective.com.au

Nights On Ocean, Ocean Street Maroochydore, Free

Social Media Marketing, Nambour Library, Nambour, Ph: 1300 542 727

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Taste Of Art, Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin, Ph: 5449 5340

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

19

20

21

22

23

Coolum Beach Flicks, Tickle Park, Coolum Beach, 6.30 - 8.30pm

Caloundra Street Fair, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 8am - 1pm

Latin Dance, Maroochydore Community Centre, Maroochydore, Ph: 0403 002 464

Caloundra Country & Farmers Market, Currimundi State School, Caloundra Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Adult Literacy, Kawana Library, Buddina

25

Mooloolaba Mile Ocean Swim, Mooloolaba Beach, Info @ www. weekendwarriorevents. com.au

Latin Dance, Maroochydore Community Centre, Maroochydore, Ph: 0403 002 464

Coolum Business & Tourism Network Night, 6 - 9pm, Ph: 0407 765 512

NEW LLN (Language, Literacy & Numeracy) workshop, www.targettraining.com.au

16 Caloundra Street Fair, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 8am - 1pm

Adult Literacy, Maroochydore Library, Cotton Tree

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

26

27

28

MAR

1

2 Caloundra Street Fair, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 8am - 1pm

TAE40110 Training and Assessment 5 day workshop, www.targettraining.com.au Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

34 ISSUE 58

Adult Literacy, Maroochydore Library, Cotton Tree Adult Literacy, Kawana Library, Buddina Adult Literacy, Cooroy Library, Cooroy

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Hot Business Events, Maroochy RSL, www.miracleman.com.au

Eumundi Markets, 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, 7.30am - 2pm, Ph: 5442 7106

Caloundra Country & Farmers Market, Currimundi State School, Caloundra

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

Surfing The Decades, The Events Centre, Caloundra, Mon - Friday, Ph: 5491 4240

matters

security surveillance matters DAVE COLLIDGE | EYEWITNESS SECURITY

PLAN TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR TEAM! As another year starts, I guess it is natural to look at issues like budget planning, sales targets, advertising strategies, staff motivation plans, product development and all manner of things that might improve your business performance. A lot of planning goes into a successful business.

Unfortunately, much of what impacts your business throughout 2014 will be out of your control.

Not too many businesses planned to participate in the Global Financial Crisis and the South East Queensland floods would not have featured in most business plans for 2011. Similarly, few of us include a visit from our local burglars or vandals in our forward planning.

Burglars, vandals, graffiti artists, shoplifters and even overly aggressive customers are all out there planning their year too. If you think that any of these people could represent a threat to you, it is time to assess the threat and take action.

Do you want to know what is really happening when you are not around?

Do you want to protect your business and lower your insurance premiums?

Design and installation of computer-based surveillance solutions Design and installation of digital video recorder-based surveillance solutions Conversion of analogue surveillance systems to computer-based solutions Audit and assessment reports on existing surveillance installations

Planning protection of your business and your staff from the unforeseen is something most of us struggle with. Insurance policies are usually checked the day after an accident rather than the day before and most calls to security surveillance companies come the day after the cameras were needed.

To ensure that 2014 goes according to your well laid out plans, make sure that you are ready for the unexpected. That means not only insurances in place and checked, but also security risks assessed and adequate protection installed.

Burglars, vandals, graffiti artists, shoplifters and even overly aggressive customers are all out there planning their year too. If you think that any of these people could represent a threat to you, it is time to assess the threat and take action.

If the risk is low, adequate protection may be as simple as ensuring that good after hours lighting is installed around your premises. If the risk is greater, an affordable security surveillance solution might just save you the trouble of dealing with unwanted intrusions on your otherwise well planned 2014.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dave has an electrical engineering background and has been involved in the security surveillance industry for the past 10 years, so has the knowledge and the experience to offer the best advice and the best security solutions.

BM READER OFFER No obligation, free audit and written assessment on any existing surveillance system, valued at...

$

350

Dave Collidge Managing Director

0419 664 044

www.eyewitness.net.au

Eye Witness

Video Security Specialist BUSINESS MATTERS 35

brokerage matters ROD RUSSELL | SAVVY BUSINESS SALES

SHOULD I TELL MY STAFF I’M SELLING THE BUSINESS? This is a scenario most business owners struggle with long before they put the business on the market. Informing your staff you are selling can cause issues, however, if done properly there can be great tactical benefits.

If staff learn about the sale on the grapevine, understandably they may panic and fear for their job security.

They may look for work elsewhere or slow down productivity as they are hurt you have not told them.

Should they learn about the sale when there is already a buyer in place, they may feel cheated and could jeopardise the sale during the due diligence conditions of the contract.

For some reason, business owners tend to feel guilty when selling and will try to hide the sale. The reality is it’s not a crime to sell your business and even though staff may not initially like the idea, they deserve to hear it from you and should be told upfront.

A one-on-one discussion is recommended, reminding them how important their experience and knowledge is to the business and how the new owner will also be heavily reliant on their skills.

If staff learn about the sale on the grapevine, understandably they may panic and fear for their job security.

They may look for work elsewhere or slow down productivity as they are hurt you have not told them.

You may then choose to involve your staff in the buyer enquiry process, to help them acclimatise to the idea and lessen the likelihood of them leaving.

Knowing staff are fully aware of a pending sale will highlight the stability of the business in the buyer’s eyes.

It’s also an opportunity to enter into new employment contracts, which is another positive for the buyer.

The sale and due diligence process is always easier when the staff are aware. Buyers won’t have to sneak around in after-hours inspections; they can meet the key staff and they will get a better feel for how the business really operates.

Honesty is the best policy!

SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rod’s unrivalled professionalism and years of experience have earned him the reputation as the Sunshine Coast’s most successful business broker.

He continues to raise the standards in business sales.

36 ISSUE 58

Someone is going to get a bargain Business has grown so much the owners have decided to move to a bigger location which means you can take over their lease and first class fit-out, which cost over $250,000 and you can buy it for $39,000 + GST (if applicable). The Restaurant has been thriving in its current location with turnover in excess of $1,000,000 trading just 5 nights a week as well as two lunch services. This is a fantastic opportunity.

$39,000 WIWO

Michael Yared 0431 172 889

Mask Events

The Sunshine Coast’s leading Wedding and Events experts. Specialising in corporate events, themed functions, school formals and weddings. A beautiful business to own with staff in place, the owner’s role is general administration and delegating (approx. 30 hrs per week). Price includes a substantial amount of equipment.

$375,000

Rod Russell 0409 931 600

North Qld Tyre Depot Annual sales of $2,500,000 and profits of $400,000 this long established business will impress. Diverse client base, great working facilities and long term, loyal staff on board. Supply agreement in place with one of the world’s biggest names in tyres. This consistent low risk business is exceptional buying and is priced to sell.

$600 000 plus SAV

Rod Russell 0409 931 600

Supermarket, Alexandra Headland Beautifully presented, high turnover supermarket in perfect beachside location. First class equipment and facilities, gourmet deli section, key staff in place, profitable and easy to run.

Attracting thousands of customers within walking distance, this supermarket is well placed for future prosperity, and has yet to realise its full potential.

This impressive business is priced to sell at $495,000 plus SAV Jeremy Bycroft 0418 829 235

High Profit, Brisbane Based RTO Fully systemised RTO delivering excellence in training in a broad scope across Australia. Key management and staff in place, blue chip clients in all states with private and government contracts, growing turnover and outstanding profit. This business will impress.

Priced to sell at $2,250,000

Jeremy Bycroft 0418 829 235

Seaside Sensation - Dejavu Cafe High profit licensed café in the best position on the Esplanade, Mooloolaba. $1.3 million turnover, talented staff, good plant and equipment, large seating area, desirable systemised business, impressive and profitable with enormous growth potential.

Priced to sell at $295,000 plus Small SAV Jeremy Bycroft 0418 829 235

T 5444 3300 E sales@savvybusiness.com.au

www.savvybusiness.com.au

matters

insurance matters ANTHEA O’SULLIVAN-KOVACEVIC | AOK RISK SOLUTIONS

When life rains on you,

WE HAVE YOU COVERED

WHAT IS TRAUMA COVER? Our friend’s two year old has just had her second round of blood tests. At this point, they don’t know what’s wrong with her. We’re all a bit nervous, and my friends are now looking at how to manage their work situations, should this turn out to be a major health issue.

The mum, who runs her own successful business from home, provides just over 40% of the family’s income. She admits that she would have to shut up shop for a while, as her child’s primary carer. Already, the child hasn’t been in daycare for two weeks, which has taken its toll on the business. The father’s work would probably be affected also, especially if they are going to have to take many trips to Brisbane or elsewhere for treatment.

If you have trauma cover, or are thinking about applying, ask your insurance adviser to attach your children on to your policy. The cost of adding children is minimal, so you’ll hardly feel it. I’ve seen premiums under $10 per month for a $100,000 pay out, for example.

What is trauma cover? Trauma cover, also known as Critical Illness cover, provides a large lump sum payment should you suffer from one of the trauma conditions covered in the policy. These are conditions like cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, major organ transplant, paraplegia, among many other conditions.

This lump sum benefit is usually used for servicing debts, medical expenses, ongoing additional income, and avoiding fire sales of assets like the family home.

Sometimes even the healthiest people are diagnosed with illnesses they have little chance of preventing, such as cancer. And if the diagnosis comes in, it’s best to be ready for the fight of your life.

If you have trauma cover, or are thinking about applying, ask your insurance adviser to attach your children on to your policy. The cost of adding children is minimal, so you’ll hardly feel it. I’ve seen premiums under $10 per month for a $100,000 pay out, for example.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anthea O’Sullivan-Kovacevic has 10 years’ experience in the personal insurance industry. Locally based on the Sunshine Coast, she will happily come to your home or office during or outside of business hours, to set up a policy that will give you peace of mind.

Ask yourself...

Am I sure that my Life Insurance cover would really leave my partner/family debt free?

Would it be enough for my kids education costs to aged 18 and beyond?

Do I have Trauma Cover?

(This covers cancers, heart disease, strokes etc..)

Would it support 100% of my expenses for 12 months if needed?

Is it enough to allow my partner to stop working to be my primary carer?

Did you know your Insurance can be paid for

by Superannuation?

5414 9030 | 0409 342 552 | www.aokrisk.com.au Anthea O’Sullivan-Kovacevic, founder of AOK has 10 years’ experience in the Insurance industry and trades as AOK Risk Solutions (ASIC No.236099).

BUSINESS MATTERS 37

matters

photocopy matters BRET DAVIS | BBC DIGITAL

ACHIEVING THE PAPERLESS OFFICE The document imaging industry has been talking about creating a paperless workplace for years. Digitising paper files was an important first step toward this goal. While office technology continues to evolve, paper files keep piling up, and reducing paper clutter remains a challenge in the most efficient offices.

An important tool in the effort to reduce paper is document management software which allows businesses to scan paper documents to create a searchable and secure electronic filing system on their computer network. Document management systems can save time and money. One in ten documents will either be lost or misfiled during its useful life, and it can cost $350 or more in employees’ time to recreate a lost document.

In addition to productivity and the cost to recreate lost documents, document management software makes sense from several standpoints.

Storage Cost The cost of storing data has dropped to as little as $1 or less per gigabyte. Considering that up to 200,000 documents, equal to more than 10 filing cabinets, can be stored in 1GB, installing an document management system makes sense.

Advanced Scanning Technology While scanning paper documents was once a time-consuming task, sheet-fed scanners, which are now common on most new office copiers and multifunction products, allow documents to be scanned quickly and conveniently.

In addition to productivity and the cost to recreate lost documents, document management software makes sense from several stand points:

2 Return Flights to Melbourne When you upgrade your copier* Be Quick! Limited time only Phone Now and Quote promo code

Learning Curve Office workers are more familiar than ever before with common computer applications. The learning curve for applications such as document scanning is much shorter than it was ten years ago.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bret Davis, General Manager at BBC Digital, has been successfully looking after business owners’ printer and copier needs for the past 17 years.

38 ISSUE 58

Flights *Conditions Apply

1300 249 992 www.bbcdigital.com.au

matters

online marketing matters MEGYN CARPENTER | REJUVENATE MARKETING

NOT PLANNING YOUR ONLINE MARKETING IS RISKY BUSINESS! If you want to be successful online, one of the biggest risks you can take is not planning your online marketing.

Have you ever jumped online to ‘do some marketing’ and two hours later wondered where the time went and what you actually achieved?

The reality is, unless you plan your online marketing and plan to make efficient use of your time, you won’t achieve the results you would like.

As a small business owner, you’re also incredibly busy trying to do everything yourself and you definitely don’t have a marketing department.

Here’s the thing ... online marketing can be a huge time drain with few results if you’re not careful. You don’t see immediate results and you can’t see the value until later.

But think about it. Events that are well planned run smoothly. Designs that are well planned have better results. Online marketing that is well planned makes efficient use of your time and it gets results! It does work!

Thankfully, there are apps available to help you manage your social media activity. You can track and analyse posts and conversations with one central interface as well as scheduling your updates in bulk ahead of time.

I recommend using an online marketing calendar. This can be a simple spreadsheet, or you can use an online calendar and invite your team so everyone has access.

Use your calendar to plan your content marketing, promotions, discussion topics, business announcements and calls to action. Add industry events and conferences and schedule customer newsletters.

Rejuvenate Marketing have implemented a fantastic online marketing strategy that delivers consistent results and more enquiries to our business. If you want real online marketing that works, talk to their team.

Melanie Jacobson, Director MJJ Accounting and Business Solutions

You can use it to track your business stories. Create story arcs to link updates about the same story at regular intervals. By creating stories that engage people, they feel they are a part of your business.

Plan to work on your business marketing strategy and start by answering these questions: What business are you in and what business are you really in? Now, and in the future?

What website and social media do you have and how are they working for you?

What do you do well that makes your product or service better than your competitors? How do you want to be perceived in your market?

We manage ALL your website updates and social media.

Who are your ideal customers? Create five to seven target market personas for the products or services you sell and get to know them and what they perceive as value. Any marketing decisions can be targeted to those personas.

What are your sales and profitability goals? How will you finance your goals and who will be helping you? How many leads will you need from your marketing to achieve your sales goals?

What’s preventing you from achieving your goals and what can you do to alleviate any problems?

Planning helps you realise that it’s impossible to have a perfect website and be up to date with all your social media with the time and resources you have available.

By concentrating on planning for the few things that make a big difference to your business you are guaranteed to be on your way to achieving your business goals.

SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Famous for ‘target marketing’, Megyn combines this with a love of online research and coaching to discover new, effective ways to help her clients achieve success.

Contact Megyn for a Free Marketing Assessment on 5641 4781 megyn@rejuvenatemarketing.com.au

www.rejuvenatemarketing.com.au

BUSINESS MATTERS 39

matters

real estate matters GRANT GOODRUM | CENTURY 21 COASTAL

A NEW YEAR, A NEW MARKET? Well, it’s 2014 and this is the year that you are going to make it happen. Whether it is taking more time off, getting fitter or just not taking life as seriously as you did last year, it’s a New Year and it’s time to get some goals sorted. For many families, their home is their biggest asset and taking a loss on your biggest asset is nobody’s favourite thing to do. Over the past four years, we have had a depreciated market but in 2014 that’s all going to change.

With the start of the New Year, there have been some drastic changes in the dynamics between buyer and seller. Now, there is a demand for property from buyers and with tighter stock levels their choices are not as complicated as they used to be. In the past, we had to make somewhere between 20 and 30 buyer inspections to sell a property. The conversion percentage has now significantly decreased. We are now are attracting 20-30 buyers for property in half the time we did over the past four years.

All this activity is a sure sign that our market is entering a phase of growth. RP Data’s Chief Analyst released figures that show South East Queensland experienced some of the highest growth in the past six months across Australia.

Even though the increased growth percentage does not take us back to the heights we saw in 2006 till 2009, there is no doubt that 2014 is the year to be confident if you are buying or selling here on the Sunshine Coast.

With the start of the New Year there have been some drastic changes in the dynamics between buyer and seller. Now, there is a demand for property from buyers and with tighter stock levels their choices are not as complicated as they used to be.

SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Grant is a well respected agent on the Sunshine Coast who believes that communication, dedication and education are the keys to achieving great results.

40 ISSUE 58

matters

energy matters MATTHEW BLUNDELL | ENERGY RESOURCES CORPORATION

FREE Energy Bill Analysis

HOW TO SAVE UP TO 35 PER CENT ON YOUR ELECTRICITY COSTS Recently we have seen the ‘Big Switch’ and similar schemes, which aim to secure lower electricity bills for home owners with reductions of around ten per cent.

Business and unit owners are very rarely told of how they can combine their electricity consumption to secure savings of up to 35 per cent, all without paying an electricity broker.

If you are a business in a multi-lot commercial premise, either a commercial complex or commercial/residential complex, your combined total consumption may enable you to secure a lower electricity price.

Energy Resources Corporation (ERC) has reduced the electricity costs in over 150 residential and commercial buildings over the past 11 years  No brokering fees or commissions  Independent Sunshine Coast Business  Over 70 years combined electricity industry experience

Example 1: Ten lot commercial premises Total Kwh annual consumption of 700,000 Purchase price = 14.8 cents per kWh Savings = 26 per cent or approximately $40,000 per annum Example 2: 90 lot combined residential/commercial premises Total kWh annual consumption of 1,000,000 kWh Purchase price = 13.6 cents per kWh Savings = 40 per cent or approximately $60,000 per annum Savings like these are achievable when the owner or Body Corporate take on the role of the on-seller, or retailer, through facilitating bulk supply to all lots. There is no change to how you receive your electricity or the quality of supply. However, rather than receiving your electricity invoice from your retailer such as AGL or Origin, you would receive an invoice from the complex owner or Body Corporate at a discounted rate, via a billing administrator.

If a multi-unit commercial lot owner engages bulk supply, they are entitled to make a profit on the purchase price but cannot pass on the costs at greater than the government gazetted tariff.

BOdy CORPORatE  Reduce common area electricity costs  Reduce unit owners’ and tenants’ electricity costs  Reduce centralised hot water costs  No hidden administration costs

MUltI UNIt COMMERCIal

PROPERty OWNERS

 Make a profit for on-selling electricity to tenants

OR  Reduce your tenants’ electricity costs

They then have the option to implement bulk supply with a choice of: a) Customer leasing incentives, or b) On-sell at a profit.

Where the complex is Strata managed, the implementation of bulk supply is engaged to reduce costs for all residents, both commercial and residential. A Body Corporate cannot make profit from the on-selling of electricity.

BUSINESS OWNERS  Reduce your electricity costs  Energy efficiency solutions  Increase business profits

Set up costs for bulk electricity implementation can be minimal and offset through the discounted tariff.

The aim is to pay the lowest price possible for your electricity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Matthew is a qualified electrician who complemented his apprenticeship with Queensland Rail by studying Business at the University of Southern Qld. Matthew joined ERC in 2008.

ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA

Chartered Professional Engineer MEMBER

Contact Matthew Blundell on 5437 8188 matt@energyresources.com.au www.energyresources.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 41

matters

i.t. matters JACK SWANEPOEL | ALL COMPUTER SERVICES

PLANNING YOUR YEAR AHEAD At the end of the year we all look back to see how successful our endeavours have been and whether our plans have come to fruition. The result is generally a fair reflection of how well we planned our activities at the beginning of the year. Well, we’re now at the beginning of the year again, so now is the perfect time to plan for a successful 2014.

Here are some points to consider when planning your year ahead: Are you using the best business management system available for your industry? The information technology infrastructure employed in most businesses is generally built around the ‘system’ that runs the business. Each industry needs a different system to produce results. The quality of these systems have a significant impact on the effectiveness of your business. Is the system cloud-based? Is it serverbased? Is it a hosted solution? Do some research on your successful competitors to find out which system they are using and investigate the viability of using that system.

‘Fail to plan and you plan to fail’ is the watchword here.

Create, or revise, your business continuity plan. A business continuity plan helps you to continue doing business after a significant or catastrophic event has taken place. Document the actions you would need to take if you had to go to ‘Plan B’ or ‘Plan C’.

Identify your single-points-of-failure and devise methods to overcome these. For example, if you have an aging server and it is no longer in warranty, investigate extending or purchasing a hardware warranty. Alternatively, consider replacing it with a device that does have a support contract, so that if it fails, you can recover quickly. Most businesses can ill afford extended periods of downtime while systems are being recovered.

Worry Free I.T. Worry Free I.T. Worry Freeyour I.T.I.T. Let us Let us worry worry about about your I.T. Let us worryso I.T. operations, that you operations, soabout that your you can can operations, so that you can focus business focus on on your your business focus on your business 24/7 service 365 day availability 24/7 service 365 day availability 24/7 service 365 day availability Prompt remote or on-site response Prompt remote or on-site response Prompt remote or on-site response I.T. Helpdesk I.T. Helpdesk I.T. Helpdesk Multi-site and mobility service Multi-site and mobility service Multi-site and mobility service Cloud solutions and integration Cloud solutions and integration Cloud solutions and integration Certified, industry accredited engineers Certified, industry accredited engineers Certified, industry accredited engineers Professional, progressive I.T. Professional, progressive I.T. Professional, progressive I.T. Quality, action, speed and delivery Quality, action, speed and delivery Quality, action, speed and delivery Competence, capability, dependability Competence, capability, dependability Competence, capability, dependability Our customers are our partners and our friends Our customers are our partners and our friends Our customers are our partners and our friends

‘Fail to plan and you plan to fail’ is the watchword here. If you need assistance with planning to be successful in the year ahead, contact your IT support organisation and set up a planning and strategy meeting to discuss your year ahead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jack Swanepoel has been solving I.T. problems for businesses for over 28 years. Born in South Africa, Jack is ecstatic to be living and working right here on the Sunshine Coast.

42 ISSUE 58

w w w

(07) (07) 5456 5456 1184 1184 service@acsqld.com.au (07) 5456 1184 service@acsqld.com.au service@acsqld.com.au allcomputerservices.com.au allcomputerservices.com.au allcomputerservices.com.au

matters

education matters MARIA WOODS | SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR SCHOOL

TRANSLATING VISION INTO DIRECTION: THE ROADMAP Every school articulates each vision through a statement or series of statements that create a distinct, clear and compelling ideal which must then be translated into an agreed direction.

To know where the leaders want to take the organisation, there must be key drivers that direct the organisational goals.

Translation of the vision can sometimes be lost by leadership teams when they head straight into goals.

Each member of the team agrees on the overall vision, but each individual leader’s perspective on how to achieve the vision can be quite different. This can lead to confusion and inaction.

Each organisation needs to define and agree on the core strategies that will drive the vision forward. There are fundamental questions that assist a school in developing the roadmap for its future: What is impeding progress and impacting on school improvement and student success?

What do we stop doing?

What is going to make a difference to enhancing student achievement and whole school improvement?

What do we start doing?

Where is the evidence that there are key strategies in place that impact positively on student achievement and school improvement?

What do we continue doing?

This overview provides a picture with opportunities, challenges and some feedback to the organisation about key strategies that will direct the key goals of the school’s vision. For any great plan to achieve its potential, all members of the organisation must be aligned and moving in the same direction.

Once the school knows exactly where it is currently and where is wants to be, every person in the school must know, commit to and contribute to the key strategies.

These strategies can only be implemented when these key drivers are executed purposefully: Knowing what the direction is – the roadmap clearly laid out.

Commitment – everyone on the same bus and contributing.

Roles – each member knowing their part in the big picture.

Resources – ability to undertake the required tasks (physical, human, financial).

Collaboration – working together to achieve.

Accountability – responsibility to self and others.

A strong desire to achieve individually and collectively.

Considered planning and well developed processes are effective in so much as they must ultimately contribute to agreed upon goals, be consistent with the values, vision and mission of the school, be able to come to fruition because the strategies are based in reality given the human, physical, financial capacity of the school, and is endorsed by the staff, the governing body (School Council/Board) and school community.

Developing the roadmap and setting the future direction for the school is a great opportunity to engage leadership at all levels of the organisation. Ultimately, a school is heading in the right direction when the shared beliefs are evident and clear, and the whole school community has a strong sense of belonging and a deep commitment to collective action of whole school success (Crowther, 2002).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maria Woods is the Principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar School, an independent, Christian P-12 co-educational school located at Forest Glen.

She is passionate about partnering with families to ensure their students have every opportunity to achieve and pursue their individual interests.

ips sh pen online r lA o ply ho w Ap ips sC e no h 201h4olarsh Ar 0 Maruc.au/sc

5 1 0 2

e 1 .ed los qld s C .scgs. n io cat ww pli at w Ap

BUSINESS MATTERS 43

The 2014 Sunshine Coast restaurant winners in order by awards: Wasabi Restaurant and Bar, Noosa (Japanese) The Long Apron, Montville (European)

HATS OFF TO SUNSHINE COAST RESTAURANTS Sixteen Sunshine Coast restaurants have been recognised nationally for culinary excellence by the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat awards for 2014.

Wasabi in Noosa and the Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville both achieved the highest recognition with a score of 15 out of 20, based on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency.

Newcomers to the list this year included Ebb Waterfront Dining and Cellar in Maroochydore, Peter Kuruvita’s Noosa Beach House and Locale Noosa.

Owner of Ebb, Andrew Flynn, said the award was a great honour. “We are very pleased to be included, and humble at the same time. Our

Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant, Noosa (Mediterranean) Berardo’s Restaurant and Bar, Noosa (Modern Australian)

team looks forward to maintaining our high standard and building on this great start to the new year.”

River Cottage Restaurant, Noosaville (French/European) The Spirit House, Yandina (Thai)

CEO of Sunshine Coast Destination, Simon Ambrose, congratulated the dining establishments saying, “We commend the region’s great restaurant industry that continues to recognise what the tourism industry is seeking and delivers beyond their expectations. This latest recognition suggests that Sunshine Coast’s reputation is reaching foodies right across the state and Australia.”

Judges of the 2014 Australian Good Food Guide Awards dine anonymously.

Their reviews and the votes of the dining public who send in their comments, determine the results.

VL G D Do you want to get noticed?

Come out from behind the keyboard and let us share you with the world.

The Vlog Pod is the Sunshine Coast’s professional video blogging studio space and service.

Join us now and take advantage of the $99 introductory offer* for the first clip of your strategy.

We will film, produce and publish your video blog in our stress free, purpose built studio.

The Tamarind Restaurant, Maleny (Asian) Spice Bar, Mooloolaba (Modern Australian) Embassy XO, Sunshine Beach (Asian) Thomas Corner Eatery, Noosaville (Modern Australian) Locale Noosa, Noosa (Italian) Reserve Restaurant, Maleny (Modern Australian) Tides Waterfront Dining, Caloundra (Seafood) Sails Restaurant and Bar, Noosa (Modern Australian) Noosa Beach House, Noosa (Modern Australian) Ebb Waterfront Dining and Cellar, Maroochydore (Modern Australian)

You have one chance at a first impression.

How would you like to have fresh flowers delivered to your office weekly?

Call us for  Arrangements  Baskets & Plants  Birthdays  Bouquets  Special Occasions  Gifts & Hampers  Homes  Hospital & Nursing  New Baby  Roses Sympathy

WE DO CORPORATE PACKAGES

Scan the QR Code for an intro to the studio space and call or email info@vlogpod.com.au 07 5450 2715

Val Sparks Florist is an internationally awarded master florist, locally owned and has been operating for more than 30 years.

Delivering fresh flowers all over the Sunshine Coast. *The $99 introductory offer applies to your first video of an ongoing strategy and is available for a limited time only

44 ISSUE 58

5491 4177

Val Sparks Florist + Sunshine Hampers

valsparks@ourtelco.com.au 22 Bulcock St, Caloundra

www.valsparks.com

ADVERTORIAL

IRT Queensland

and Catering business that last year received a major expansion, making it one of the largest catering producers in regional New South Wales.

IRT also has a Research Foundation which in 2013 announced $350,000 in grants for projects aimed at improving the mind, mobility and lifestyles of older Australians.

IRT Queensland General Manager Lance Taylor says the inclusion of the IRT aged care facility at Kawana Forest is in keeping with Council’s principles for positive ageing on the coast.

We keep growing on the coast

IRT Group is one of Australia’s largest community based seniors lifestyle and care providers. We have been providing seniors lifestyle and care solutions for over 40 years.

The multi-award winning IRT Group manages communities in more than 30 locations across NSW, ACT and QLD, providing care solutions to over 9000 customers.

2013- What a year for IRT IRT, one of Australia’s largest aged care providers continued its expansion over the past 12 months recording a six per cent growth, with a total income of $136.2 million.

Throughout 2013 the organisation delivered care and accommodation to 9300 seniors across South Eastern Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT and employed 2100 people.

We also provided in-home care services to 4900 older Australians; meaning we provided wellness and care solutions for clients within the comfort of their own home, while allowing them to be a part of the greater IRT Lifestyle and Care family.

One of the major achievements for the organisation over the past financial year was the acquisition of three properties and a Greenfield site in South Eastern Queensland.

IRT is a multi-faceted organisation with its own registered training College,

Over the past twelve months IRT began construction on a multimillion dollar expansion at its lifestyle community named IRT The Palms at Buderim.

The first two stages of construction have been completed by local building firm Gauld Project Services with a third now almost completed, and a fourth stage well under way.

The final stages of the expansion will begin shortly, and all up there will be 139 villas within the community completed by June of this year.

For the month of December IRT saw a record number of residents move into IRT The Palms showing the popularity of the community on the coast.

2014 - A huge year in store Master planning has already begun for a brand new community at Kawana Forest which will be known as IRT Woodlands.

That community will include a 60bed care centre and 111 retirement lifestyle villas.

Bracken Ridge

Currimundi

Buderim

IRT The Ridge

IRT Parklands

IRT The Palms

131 Quinlan Street Bracken Ridge QLD 4017 Sales: Susie Webster Call: 07 3869 4536

242 Parklands Boulevard Currimundi QLD 4551 Sales: Kathee Nugent Call: 07 5438 2588

22 Power Road Buderim QLD 4556 Sales: Tina Menz-Bugler & Beryl Harris Call: 07 5456 1300

“It couples with construction of Sunshine Coast University’s new $1.57 billion, 450-bed tertiary level hospital at Kawana, which, when in operation from 2016, will save 10,000 local residents a trip to Brisbane each year to receive important medical services,” Mr Taylor said.

In-home care IRT introduced in-home care services to the region last November and along with it announced the secondment of an in-home care manager.

This year the IRT In-Home Care service is expected to grow considerably with more and more residents from the Coast joining up every week.

If you or someone you know may be interested in accessing IRT’s InHome Care service, contact Lisa on 07 5406 0153 or send an email to ljames@irt.org.au

experience the possibilities®

GET YOUR LOGO AND QR CODE HERE FOR FREE If you would like your logo and qr code here for free (linking to a video/website or call to action), simply spend 30 minutes with a BM representative to hear about how we can help you in 2014. Contact us on 5444 4456.

Grassel Hypnotherapy

Bartercard: helping businesses grow on the Sunshine Coast for over 22 years Thanks Bartercard for the last four years.

I have bought so many fantastic things on Bartercard including tickets to motivational speakers, holidays, computers, even a pedigree kitten.

I pay rent on Bartercard and just recently purchased a property paying the deposit on Bartercard.

The more we investigate the opportunities in Bartercard the more doors open, especially within the hospitality sector.

Taking the time to better understand the Bartercard system has shown us how to access revenue previously lost in room nights that would otherwise have expired valueless.

I can honestly say it has been great for my business. Thanks again for your service and always smiling demeanour.

Bartercard for us simply means more business.

Vickie Magic Editor, Business Matters Magazine

Bill Darby Director, Rumba Beach Resort

46 ISSUE 58

To discuss how Bartercard can help your business, contact our friendly team

1300 BARTER bartercard.com.au

businessimprovementstrategies

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

A business plan includes all the steps we discussed last month: vision and mission statements goal setting analysis

with

Kylie Anderson

risk assessment.

It must also include figures – yes, the number crunching that many business people hate. It is essential to know just when the business will start to show a profit, and then importantly, a return to the business owners!

Following on from our business strategy tips last month, we now discuss the issue of planning in your business.

A business plan is an important tool.

While it cannot guarantee success, for some businesses a business plan does make the difference between success and failure. It does not need to be a lengthy document – we use a one page plan - however it does involve a lot of strategic thinking to get it down to that one page!

Items included in the financial side of the plan include: Business Profitability and Cash Flow You should allow a column to place actual figures against the budgeted numbers. It’s an interesting exercise to review this, believe me!

Do you know your break-even point?

It is vitally important to know what your minimum monthly sales figure needs to be, or when you need to reduce costs should your sales not meet that target.

Buying a Weber Q? Do your homework ®

ONLY

299

$

®

®

Tax Planning Assuming you will be making a profit, you will be paying some tax.

Obviously this should be minimised, but including tax in your cash flow projections is necessary to avoid a nasty surprise at year end. A review of current year trading figures should be performed before 30 June to determine the strategies to be implemented to reduce tax liability.

Businesses are meant to make money, and a business plan shows just how that will happen. It’s a roadmap and upon review, is particularly useful to keep track of the direction you expected your business to head in, compared to where it actually went!

Kylie Anderson is the director at RjS Accounting. RjS are chartered accountants and smsf specialist.

P. 5449 9299 www.rjsaccounting.com.au

Have you bought a jeep?

We fix jeeps and all other vehicles BIG and small

ONLY

699

$

Special Model The Special model baby Q™ (for bigger roasts) with high lid, built-in thermometer and electronic ignition.

Special Model

®

ONLY

399

Special Model $

Special model Family Q™. Like to entertain with huge roasts.

This is the bbq for you. I’ve seen how people respond to a 6.5kg Christmas turkey, it just blows them away. Comes with a higher roasting lid, built-in thermometer and the latest electronic ignition. Dropdown side tables are real space saver.

The Special model medium sized Q™. Like to roast?

Choose this one. It has a higher roasting lid with built-in precision lid thermometer, the latest in electronic ignition as well as foldaway work tables.

FREE!

Free W eber Tr ivet wit spec h your (*not in ial mode l conjun ction w Weber Q ith any

> New vehicle log book service > General vehicle maintenance and repairs > Transmission servicing and repairs > Excellent reputation Australia wide Sunshine Coast Business Awards Winner 2012 ‘ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR’

other of fer)

The shape of the Weber® Q™ barbecue is a registered trademark

4/125 SUGAR RD, MAROOCHYDORE. PH. 5443 7275

1/1 GATEWAY DR, NOOSAVILLE. (near Officeworks) PH. 5473 0023

email: info@bbqandfireplace.com

website: www.bbqandfireplace.com

38 YEARS

Est. 1975

Located at 44 Kayleigh Drive, Maroochydore 5443 4444

go to: ronhillautomatics.com.au

BUSINESS MATTERS 47

businesswakeup

BUSINESS WAKE UP

“They are all the blessings people did not ask for while they were on earth”.

Grab a piece of paper and maybe a glass of wine and make a list of all the areas in your life – work, family,

So make your list but leave room for the blessings that may not always look like blessings at the time. You may be certain that you want a promotion or relationship and when it doesn’t happen, you are distraught. Then six months later you realise that in fact, it was indeed a blessing!

relationship, health, finances, self, learning, growth, friends, lifestyle etc.

Under each of those headings write a general picture of the main qualities

with Amanda Gore

you would like – be wary of being too prescriptive or specific. Sometimes we THINK we know what we want

So plan, generically – for example, to be joyful in your relationships and work, ask for ALL your blessings, believe that it will happen then relax, and let the universe deliver. Important – you HAVE to believe!

but it’s not really what we need! If you WAKE UP TO THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING! Imagine you are embarking on an exciting road trip and you packed the car, jumped in and started to drive. After a while, someone said “Where are we going?” No one knew! You would end up somewhere because you were driving, but it may not be where you wanted to be. That’s the value of planning!

What do you want your life to look like at the end of the adventure of 2014?

are too specific, the universe, God or spiritual realms may have their hands tied in bringing in your blessings.

In the book The Prayer of Jabez, St Peter is showing a new entrant

WAKE UP AND WIN

around. When asked what the huge

Plan generally, ask for blessings, believe and receive!

white building with no windows was, St Peter replied “You don’t want to know”. The man insisted. Finally, he was taken to the building and saw millions of beautiful wrapped gifts inside. He asked what they were. St Peter replied

amanda@amandagore.com www.amandagore.com www.thejoyproject.com

Scan here to view video

Rasoi specialises in making events amazing

Celebration with a

Difference

Bollywood fun themed dinner.

Specially designed lunch menu including cooking class.

Prices to suit all budgets.

Please call Shivam 0433 219 023 to book your next function

1800 RASOI INDIAN (1800 727 644) www.rasoi.com.au

10

Dollars*

Present this voucher to receive $10 off ANYTHING on our dine in or take away menu!

No minimum purchase *One voucher per bill. Valid until 31 March 2014. *Conditions apply

Buderim 2/43 Burnett St 5445 3003 48 ISSUE 58

marcoola 946 David Low Way

5448 9089

minyama 3/66 Jessica Blvd 5444 8337

landsBorough 2/40 Cribb St 5439 9885

sippy downs 3/1 Scholars Dr 5476 9233

What’s blocking your drain?

Experiencing drain problems? drains klEEn is the only one to call.

Our services also include:  Drain jetting of blocked, slow and smelly drains  CCTV drain inspection for residential and commercial pipes from 1” to 1m in diameter  Pre purchase drain inspections  Electronic pipe location and tracing  No dig pipe repair  Plumbing and gas  Experienced plumbers  No hidden costs SPECialiSED PlumbiNg

BUrtech Pty ltd

Communications Specialist

All aspects of commercial & domestic communications cabling P.O. Box 1255 Buderim Qld 4556

Rob Burrell 0407 911 228 www.burtech.com.au rob@burtech.com.au ACMA Licensed

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL Mention this ad and you will receive an UPS and SUrge Protection for your telephone system at half Price (saving $110) on telephone systems ordered or installed before January 28th 2013

Phone Darren on 0424 198 467

darren@drainskleen.com.au www.drainskleen.com.au

Your local Sunshine Coast Hybrex telephone system dealer

V.I.S.A. boasts a 99% success rate for our clients’ visa applications Talk to us about all Australian Migration visas including:

Professional advice explained in terms you will understand.

 Student visas  General Skilled Migration  Employer Sponsored Migration  Temporary Working visas  Business visas  Family visa stream

 Specialising in assisting employers who may require overseas workers for specialised projects  Fees are fixed with NO hidden additional costs  Priority processing for Employer related working visas

MENTION THIS ADVERTISEMENT AND RECEIVE A MIGRATION ASSESSMENT (45 mins) AT OUR DISCOUNTED RATE OF $88.00 (inc GST).

0407 930 929 sue@visa.net.au

SUPERIOR CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Unique Non-Toxic Carbonated Cleaner Green Certified 80% less water than steam cleaning Dry in 1-2 hours, not 1-2 days Domestic & Commercial

1300 793 544

Independently Owned and Operated

SUNCOAST

www.suncoast.chemdry.com.au

www.visa.net.au

We offer general insurance for absolutely whatever you need covered!

FREE Facial Treatment (Value $70)

To redeem, present this gift when booked with any spa treatment.

One offer per person.

Valid until 1/3/14.

Not valid with facials or garden treatments.

We offer the best available cover…

At the most competitive price!

BOOK NOW!

We offer ‘Jargon Free’ policy understanding…

We know what is covered.

Phone 5450 6174 Mobile 0423 808 108 www.impact-insurance.com.au Authorised representative of Longfellows Insurance Broking: A division of Priben Pty Limited ABN: 63 737 820 765 AFS: 261209

5471 1199 www.ikatanspa.com

Qualified accountant specialising in bookkeeping  Registered BAS agent  Payroll & PAYG  Xero Certified Partner MYOB & QuickBooks  Accounting software setups  Mobile service

20% discount

on all new business card orders*

John Pickering, the accountant who is passionate about bookkeeping.

Mention this ad in Business Matters to receive the discount. *Printing cost only.

Design costs may still apply.

Call John Pickering on BookkeePing and aCCounting ServiCeS

The accountant specialising in bookkeeping

0401 717 630

5479 3800 9 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore

info@copywizz.com.au www.copywizz.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 49

Businesses across the country are realising that the digital age is not going away. In fact, the longer they leave getting up to speed with social media, websites, online advertising, emarketing, apps, search engine optimisation and more, the further behind they are falling. Fortunately, people on the Sunshine Coast will shortly have the opportunity to engage in some digital skills training thanks to the Get Up To Speed program.

The Get Up To Speed program is supported by BroadbandToday. com.au (an amalgamation of 125 councils across Australia and New Zealand), of which the Sunshine Coast Council is a member, and is being developed and delivered

by The Creative Collective.

The Get Up To Speed program helps businesses improve their

skills in social media, website design and development, search engine optimisation, cloud computing, pay per click, online advertising, emarketing and more over a 12-week period online, with some in-person and virtual support offered from mentors located throughout Australia.

Already, over 600 businesses across Australia have participated in the program with some exceptional results, including those from the Sunshine Coast.

There are a lot of options for establishing an online presence and marketing your business online, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start or what to do next to get results, particularly when your budget is tight. Having digital skills is empowering. You can connect to people more easily, do

things more efficiently and market and sell to a wider audience, among many other benefits. I am very passionate about this program and very confident of its ability to really help businesses in this region get to where they need to be in their digital knowledge and application.

The program is available nationwide, with some free webinars and live info sessions happening soon for people interested in finding out more about the program and also what the big trends predicted for 2014 in technology, social media and being a digitally savvy business are.

Although free, bookings are essential and can be made at www.getuptospeed.com.au/events.

For more information see www.getuptospeed.com.au or facebook.com/ getuptospeedprogram.

FREE WEBINARS TOP TECH TRENDS FOR 2014 AND HOW TO KEEP UP! (and info about the Get Up To Speed program) Tuesday 28th January 2014 7:30pm - 8:30pm Tuesday 25th February 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm

live info sessions TOP TECH TRENDS FOR 2014 AND HOW TO KEEP UP! (and info about the Get Up To Speed program) SUNSHINE COAST Mar 4, 2014

HOT BUSINESS EVENTS PRESENTS

Maroochydore with Kerri Pottharst

Speaker KERRI POTTHARST

WHEN WHERE TIME COST

Friday 28th February Maroochy RSL Events Centre 6.30am for 7am start $55 or $550 for a table of ten

Caloundra with Tom O’Toole

Speaker TOM O’TOOLE

50 ISSUE 58

WHEN WHERE TIME COST

Tuesday 25th February Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra 6.30am for 7am start $55 or $550 for a table of ten

Get your tickets online @ www.hotbusinessevents.com.au

socialbusiness

scene @ New Issue Launch Thanks to Craig Morrison and Dane Dunne from ‘Factory: The Project’ for helping to organise a great end of year launch for the magazine, the venue was perfect.

Factory: The Project

Business Matters team

December Launch Vickie Johnson (O3 Office), Anthea Kovacevic (AOK Risk Solutions)

Josh Kent (JDK Photography), Dean Kent (Credit Consultants QLD)

Zoe & Mark Wyatt (Mazcom)

Dane Dunne & Craig Morrison (Factory: The Project)

Robyn Daley (HelloHampers), Nigel Clarendon (All Computer Services)

Michael Perez (Hypnotic Approach), Nigel Clarendon (All Computer Services)

John Daley (HelloHampers), Nigel Clarendon (All Computer Services)

Vanessa Webster (Webster Marketing), Nigel Clarendon (All Computer Services)

Mel Bingley (MAB), Vickie Magic (BM Magazine), Nigel Clarendon (All Computer Services), Jen Forster (Why Fitness Magazine)

Suzanne Riley (Marriage Celebrant), Nigel Clarendon (All Computer Services), Annette Sym (Symply Too Good To Be True)

Are you looking to save money on your next loan?

We can help you with finance for …

Motor vehicles Plant equipment Property investments Especially from self-managed super

Wize up to your best financial decision

We know you’re busy, so we use phone, email, fax and Skype Australian Credit License 364632

WWW.LOANWIZE.COM.AU - 1300 LOANWIZE OR 07 5543 6522 BUSINESS MATTERS 51

feature

PLANNING YOUR YEAR FOR SUCCESS How can you make 2014 your best year EVER? We have all heard the five P’s of success – “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. Planning and structure really are the key to your success, to our success, and to success in general.

How much planning have you done for 2014? Have a look at it, have a think about it. We all want to step up this year; we all want the coming year to be better in some way, shape or form than last year. We might want more sales, more dollars, more me time, more team members, more exposure, more leads; it is different for each and every one of us. The thing that is the same for us all is that, in order to achieve these things, we need to sit down and work out firstly what we want and then put the steps in place to make that happen.

My suggestion is to make a date for a team meeting right now and let everyone know when it will be. It doesn’t matter how little or how big your team is: one, 100 or even 1000.

In order to get the most out of your team this year, secret number one is to ensure that you involve every single one of them in this planning meeting.

Start off the meeting by letting them know the length of the meeting (maximum two hours for up to ten people) and the purpose (to plan for the best 2014 possible for our business). This meeting is about knowing that every single team member has a voice and that their voice is important for the progression and success of the business. Let them know that this meeting is about hearing their thoughts. We all know that innovation

WE CAN UNLOCK YOUR WEBSITE’S POTENTIAL Ever wondered why your website is just not getting people through the door?

52 ISSUE 58

Website Redesign Online Development & Strategies Social Media & Online Marketing Newsletter & Email Campaigns Software Development

CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY

1800 230 042

inhale.com.au/welcomemat

feature

is the key, so what are you going

‘Stop, start, continue’ can be done

to do this year to be innovative in

as a team activity for the business as

your field? What are you going to do

above, and to take it a step further

this year to make you stand out?

can also be done individually for personal goal setting. Just do the

Get every team member to write down:

same thing again, changing it to

Three things I would like

WE HAVE TO WRITE DOWN OUR VISION,

Three things I am going to stop doing

to see us stop doing

Three things I am going

Three things I would like to

WE HAVE TO SEE OUR VISION COME TO BEING,

to start doing, and

see us start doing, and

Three things I am going

Three things I would like to

to continue doing

see us continue doing

With the personal activity, it is a

Let your team know that these lists

WE HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT IT’S POSSIBLE.

good idea to allow the team to share

will be anonymous, then collect them

or not share. Doing the exercise is

up and go through them one by one

more important than sharing it.

with the group. Ask the group to vote on which they like and don’t like. The

If we don’t have written goals,

end result should be a group decision

it’s just words ... words splurds

on the things the business is going to

... it means nothing.

STOP DOING, START DOING AND

We have to write down our vision,

CONTINUE DOING. It’s pretty simple,

We have to see our vision come to

but will set you up to do some new

being.

things and also to involve your team in

We have to believe that it’s possible.

the buy-in to make these things happen.

LEARN TO WRITE

Introducing the all new MALENY CUISINE Gift Range

MASTER PUBLIC SPEAKING AND NETWORKING WITH CONFIDENCE

Tasteful gifts for any occasion

• Craft a persuasive elevator pitch to get noticed • Training in writing skills • Learn public speaking

 After one session with you… not only did I succeed in public speaking but I also got three new clients at the next networking function I attended. 

Karen Cougan, www.karencougan.com, Photographic Artist

Phone Frances Cahill on 5477 7228 or 0411 537 957 www.askauntem.com.au AWARD WINNING LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED IN GIFT HAMPERS AND GOURMET BOXES. Ideal corporate gifts for staff and clientele or a great gift for someone special in your life that simply enjoys great tasting food!

Hampers can be customised to coincide with your budget and to include any of your branded souvenirs or extra gifts.

J E L LY

A

SAUCE

RMFFA Trophy Gold Silver Award Winners

M

PIO

LL Y

T

YÊWINNERÊ 20 PH RO

CH

P 5448 7811 malenycuisine.com.au

DÊMEDALÊ20 09 OL G

09

MEDALÊ ERÊ 20 0 ILV

9

4/25 Runway Drive Marcoola

S

FREE SUNSHINE COAST DELIVERY for gift orders over $100.

N Ê PA S T E

ÊJ E

GREAT SERVICE, GREAT DESIGN, AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE  Graphic design > branding (logo/business identity construction) > business cards > flyers or any other base marketing solutions required > social media marketing and advertising management > basic website construction  We specialise in small business and not-for-profit organisational marketing  We show individual attention to your needs  We are very affordable

Michael Flegg

Design, Advertising & Multimedia Consultant p. 0422 011 241 e. mick@michaelflegg.com f. www.facebook.com/mfmarketmanagment w. www.michaelflegg.com

BUSINESS MATTERS 53

Local presenter hosts new Aussie travel show coming to Network Ten

Tour the World, a new Aussie travel series with a difference, comes to Network Ten on January 25.

Find out why Australians are among the most enthusiastic travellers on the planet, as presenters Adam Ford (Melbourne) and Jade Harrison (South East Qld) join real Aussie tour groups exploring some of the world’s most exciting destinations aboard ships, trains, coaches…and camels!

Tour the World will be part of Network Ten’s Saturday morning line up taking the 11am timeslot.

Tour the World’s first episode on January 25 featured the magnificent

54 ISSUE 58

Kakadu and Kimberley region just in time for Australia Day celebrations, before taking in Canada, New Zealand, Europe, Southern Africa, Tasmania, England and Scotland in a nine-episode series travelling with Evergreen Tours.

Local presenter Jade Harrison joined the Tour the World cast mid-way through the series, with her first episode going to air on Network Ten in March.

“I’m so excited to be a part of Tour the World on Network Ten. As a Queenslander I’ve been lucky enough to grow up in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, however that hasn’t stopped me venturing abroad.

I think Aussies are very curious travellers and we love to explore what other countries have to offer.

On this show, I join fellow Aussies as they tour some of the world’s best destinations,” says presenter Jade.

Healthy habits for Lynn Preece, nutritional therapist, Kings Mountain Detox

4

SET ASIDE TIME. You’ll be surprised what you can make, and the difference it will make in your life, if you invest just one hour per week in baking. For example, baking a week’s worth of healthy coconut muffins will save you money and save your waistline. Always make a double batch of treats and main meals and refrigerate or freeze the surplus.

Lynn helps clients achieve their ideal weight and adopt healthy new habits – for life!

TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN HEALTHY EATING THIS YEAR:

1

PUT A VALUE ON IT. We will only take the time to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks if we actually consider it a priority.

2

BE PREPARED. Take a few minutes each week to plan a family menu. Include main meals, home lunches, packed lunches and snacks. Next, go through the fridge and pantry making a list of the ingredients you’ll need to purchase.

3

SHOP. We are all expert shoppers, so just one main point – Leave The Kids At Home! If taking the kids is unavoidable, ensure they have a full belly before you leave home. Come to think of it, make sure you have a full belly too.

life!

5

80/20 RULE. The most important tip of all. Yes, there are weeks when we’ve had an hour in the kitchen, whizzed up some banana bread and enough soup to last us until next winter.

Then there are other weeks when it all goes pear-shaped and we are cruising the biscuit aisle for lunch box fillers. Don’t worry, if you get it right most of the time you are doing just fine. It’s all good!

‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’.

Dr Pat Hannan, 24 years orthodontic experience

Offer Sign on for the full program and receive 15% off all follow up consultations, and a complimentary copy of my book, It’s All Good.

Book your consultation 0411 237 357 info@kingsmountain.com.au, www.kingsmountain.com.au

DID YOU KNOW? After your initial consultation, if you or your child are not ready to commence orthodontic treatment, you will be placed on our continuing care program.

Ocean Orthodontics Continuing Care Program SCAN HERE

On the continuing care program you will continue to see the orthodontist to monitor your teeth and bite completely free of charge until you commence treatment.

For further information visit our website.

BAseD in WArAnA, servicing All OF tHe sunsHine cOAst

Phone 5493 3200 * www.oceanorthodontics.com.au

Embrace the Experience BUSINESS MATTERS 55

Who are we?

Each year over 12,500 volunteers work in teams to: • Plant more than 1 million trees for habitat and land restoration and action on climate change • Collect over 1,000 tons of native seed for revegetation and reforestation projects • Build and restore over 300 kilometres of walking tracks and boardwalks • Install more than 80 kilometres of conservation fencing to protect vulnerable areas • Complete 500 wildlife surveys to assist with threatened species management • Deliver in the order of a million hours of conservation volunteering Conservation Volunteers is a national, not-for-profit organisation with 21 offices throughout Australia.

What are we doing locally?

How can you get involved?

To become involved, or learn more about CVA, contact Mark Dwyer.

0404 828 921

• Restoring and improving Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Habitat. Site locations – Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Tasks – site preparation and Richmond Birdwing Vine Plantings. Project Partners include – Sunshine Coast Council Land For Wildlife Program, Wildlife Preservation Society of QLD, the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Conservation Network • Habitat improvement, track work, light construction, Project Partner – the Australian Koala Foundation.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland [between Kenilworth and Eumundi].

Instead of your golf day sponsorship this year, why not take the team on a local conservation volunteer team building day. Ask us for pricing details.

Ask about our corporate membership

Just $75/year.

 Support your local conservation volunteers. Just $50 a month to have your logo here!

HAYCROFT WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

M A T T E R S

Keeping Employment Simple

56 ISSUE 58

www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

M A G A Z I N E

magicmoments

MAGIC MOMENTS with Dranko Magic

Happy New Year and welcome back, let’s all make 2014 the best year ever. I’d would like to share with you a few pic’s from our Christmas break.

Until next time, stay happy, don’t sweat the small stuff, and keep smiling. Don’t worry, be happy!

Paris

Pari s

Pari s

Venice

Venice Le Mont St Michel

Lon don

Pari s

S N IO T A S R E V N O C L A E R EINSTEIN INNOVATORS –

ES LOTS) ION AND CONNECTION TIM AT TIV MO ION AT UC ED a our mantr ut making a 2 (to us this is the same as Matters is passionate abo ess sin Einstein’s formula E = MC Bu . tor ova Inn ast sation about: a Sunshine Co ’s have some real conver Let We invite you to become ? you Are . ast Co ine e on the Sunsh difference to business her ON THE SUNSHINE COAST AL // CUSTOMER SERVICE OB GL NG LLI SE // L CA LO BUYING CH MORE R BUSINESSES // AND MU LEAD GENERATION FOR OU would like discussed. each lunch In fact you say what you two from the audience at ing lud inc s ert exp of el pan Our plan is to have a tion’ about Real Issues ce to have ‘Real Conversa ien aud the h wit age eng to olaba Surf Club ry, 12.30 pm at the Moolo FIRST LUNCH 14th Februa mmag.com.au/events

to www.b 3198868 For booking go

l Vickie on 043 For more information Cal

www.businessmattersmagazine.com.au

M A T T E R S

M A G A Z I N E

BUSINESS MATTERS 57

peoplebusiness

PEOPLE BUSINESS

Your gut and heart tell you when you need to have a courageous conversation.

The team knows who the leader should be having these conversations with and will lose respect if issues are not addressed.

with Ken Wright

MAKING 2014 AWESOME! The key to making 2014 awesome is people; how you develop yourself and treat others.

To me there are four People Cornerstones to improving performance: 1. Improve Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) We are born with a level of IQ and this alters very little during our life. Yet our EQ can be developed, although it can take months rather than days to improve an EQ competency.

This is usually because we are acting out a habit or pattern which is embedded in the neocortex. This is the thinking brain that gains knowledge and sets patterns based on perceptions very quickly.

Instead, with EQ we are dealing with the emotional centres of the brain. To master new habits the emotional part of the brain needs to unlearn and relearn;

this takes focus and repetition or as my wife describes it, we need to FARC:

4. Be Courageous.

Focus - An intent focus on what we want to change within us

you need to have a courageous

Your gut and heart tell you when conversation. The team knows who the leader should be having these

Attention - Be attentive and alert when these issues arise

conversations with and will lose

Repetition - Practice makes perfect, so repeat until responding becomes the new habit Celebrate - Each time we improve our responses, celebrate our success

respect if issues are not addressed.

Following these four People Cornerstones will create followership.

Think about the example you are setting, and who would want to follow you as a leader.

Improving our EQ will help us build respect as a leader.

Now, please watch this 3 minute

2. Understand, Recognize and Acknowledge Really get to know your team members AND their motivators and use these Hot Buttons to get the best out of each individual through recognition and acknowledgement, which costs nothing.

video and COMMIT to doing three of

3. Develop Your People.

An above average leader is someone who improves one important skill or attribute of their people consistently by a minimum of 10% each month.

uryCDhwMYnMIAnzuoMADv_L

these things consistently in 2014 ... you will be amazed at the results! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=IZA94smSkQg&feature=c4overview-vl&list=PLHq5wOPDOT

www.Engage4Results.com www.ThePeoplePill.com

As a business owner, you’ve got a lot of issues stealing your time!

What’s stealing your time in your business?

Haycroft Workplace Solutions helps get some of your time back by providing: • Total workforce outsourcing solutions • Payroll processing • Human resources and industrial relations support • Workplace health and safety management • Flexible employment arrangements for happy staff So you can manage your workers without employing them... Now that’s keeping it simple!

If you call us to find out more about our services, we will provide you with a FREE AUDITING TOOL to assess your potential areas of concern and how we can remove them.

Haycroft Workplace Solutions has been essential in administering our payroll service right from the beginning. All I have to do is submit the total hours each week and the rest is done. Haycroft keeps us totally up to date with all the ever changing rules and regulations of Industrial Relations. I’m confident to say Haycroft has not only improved our bottom line as promised, but much more. Thanks guys!

David Hamester, Meatworld and Fishworld

58 ISSUE 58

1300 766 380

reception@haycroft.com.au www.haycroft.com.au

HAYCROFT WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

Keeping Employment Simple

socialmediabusiness

SOCIAL MEDIA BUSINESS with Lisa Harrison

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT? Any company, small or large, should staff itself with the people it needs to manage ordinary operations, allowing for normal growth. Carrying a bigger payroll just in case of emergencies is wasteful, ineffective and costly.

That’s why most businesses come upon situations where there is a need for someone with a particular skill or field of expertise, but no one on staff to fit the bill. What can you do to meet these extraordinary needs?

That’s where an industry consultant can prove his or her worth.

Both you and your company can benefit by becoming more familiar with the use of consulting services, so that you can be even more cost effective and competitive in the future.

Consultants can be very useful as a ‘third arm’ for managers. They are there when you need them and gone when

you don’t. They can provide needed domain expertise, a qualified team, objectivity, knowledge of the latest tools and methodologies, and wisdom. Their job is to deal with your problem when you don’t have the resources to do it yourself.

The task of communicating effectively for those who can’t get the message across on their own has been a booming industry since the beginning of time.

Famous people ‘write’ books using ghost writers, big brands use ad agencies to design their image and many businesses have a PR Agency or Talent Agent to help promote their skills and services. Why should social media be any different?

If a business hires a social media consultant to handle their social media efforts, why is it different from them hiring a full time employee? It can be just as good, if they do the job well. In fact, it’s often better, because they know the industry and keep up with new trends.

Social media only works effectively when built on transparency and honesty, which can pose a conflict of interest when posting social media content for another business. So is there room for outsourcing if it’s handled correctly?

My short answer is: “yes”. My long answer is: “it’s a necessity for some”.

While face to face we can charm by inflection of voice, giant white smiles and lots of showmanship, this does not necessarily translate in content through social media. Someone whose sole purpose is to close the deal does not always have the tools to converse with the online community without accidentally attempting to sell something

by force of habit. The need to just chat and listen is there, but the ability is not always.

If you can’t find time for social media, don’t pass the task off to the first employee who knocks on your door. Social media is no place for the inexperienced.

Consider consulting with a social media specialist to get strategic advice, or even outsource your campaign altogether. It’s your brand, so you’ll stay involved, keeping an eye on the message, suggesting topics, articles and industry trends, because no one knows your business better than you. But the specialist can make it all come together beautifully.

There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in the social media space at the moment, with everyone jumping on the bandwagon, but many ‘experts’ lack the understanding that provide results. Do your research and ensure that any consultant you hire has the strategic knowledge and ability to generate businesschanging insights so that they are an integral part of your business’s strategic growth.

It all goes back to the business advice we hear often, ‘Delegate what you don’t do well or don’t want to do. Then you can focus on what you are passionate about’. What do you outsource that saves you time, energy, and money, while improving your business?

Lisa Harrison is the digital expert and co-director at POMO, a creative agency specialising in customer engagement. Lisa specialises in the field of digital and social media marketing.

Be a part of Lisa’s mentoring program by phoning 5441 6605 or visiting www.lisaharrison.com.au

Be in the best health

of your life!

$500 Discount!

mention Business Matters

Freecall: 1800 644 733 or visit www.lvs.com.au

Ultimate Health Retreat Terms & Conditions: 10 day program only. Excludes all other discounts and offers except for couples discount. Subject to availability.

BUSINESS MATTERS 59

numberbusiness

NUMBER BUSINESS 25 years and don’t intend to leave, but in business terms we are effectively ‘a price taker - not a price maker’.

The point of this rather confronting background is to give context so we can better understand the BIG PICTURE forces shaping our economy and use them to our benefit!

with Ted Fitzgerald

Sunshine Coast’s Numbers Expert WANT TO HEAR GOD LAUGH? Make a plan!

One of life’s more challenging dilemmas is the reality that few things are predictable. So, as we head into 2014 it is useful to balance the old Jewish maxim above with the fact that ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. The trick is getting the balance right.

So here is my contribution to help you plan for the coming year.

First as background, it is useful to note that the Sunshine Coast, regardless of claims by political leaders, is not really in command of its own destiny. We are a middle-sized older provincial community with few natural resources, a challenging linear geography, low urban density and problematic infrastructure. Yes, it is a great place to live. I’ve been here

I have chosen eight key facts and figures that Coast business people could monitor at least quarterly through 2014. These will be collated and I’ll add comments to make them locally relevant. Business Matters subscribers will find them available online.

At the national and state level, trends in: GDP, interest rates and inflation Australian dollar ($AUD) Household savings ratios Business and consumer confidence At the local and South East Queensland level, trends in: Building figures, property sales and rentals Tourism Demographics Employment and unemployment

TEAM BUILDING

This year why not be your own boss?

Work your own hours We guarantee your income* We train you We help you step by step

Give your staff a fun day of team building outside the workplace with a facilitated event designed to strengthen your team to be more productive and work together more cohesively.

We can even do your books *Conditions apply

 Low impact team building  Facilitated activities  Lunch included Call Sophy now on 0458 555 700 to discuss your needs, or send an email enquiry to admin@bellmaze.com

Phone me personally for more information Stephen Cluff on 0411 779 130 If you need Pool Maintenance or Pool Equipment

AT

MAZE FUN

CALL US TODAY

131 546 60 ISSUE 58

MAZES  MINI GOLF  GARDEN CAFE

Phone 5445 2979

274 Tanawha Tourist Drive, Tanawha www.bellmaze.com

numberbusiness QLD HOUSING SUPPLY - DEMAND PATTERNS 1984-2013

Here are some examples of how BIG PICTURE figures shape local business trends.

BUILDING COMMENCEMENTS

POPULATION

Brisbane (i.e. SEQ) residential property prices are now 2030 per cent cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. Will this trigger another wave of sunbelt migration where a southerner can sell up there, buy here AND put quite a few thousand dollars in the bank? I think it will, and this could be the basis of a Coast property marketing campaign in southern states.

After nearly 20 years of debt-fuelled consumption, household savings ratios started climbing in 2007 and have remained high since. This affects discretionary spending like long holidays, boats, etc.

Analysis of Coast tourism figures between 2006 and 2013 show room rates increasing but a progressive decline in occupancy rates. The high $AUD has seen many people holiday overseas. Is the traditional Coast ‘beach holiday experience’ where the market is heading? Have we got the product mix right for the 21st century?

Many business models assume traditional demographic profiles. Be aware ... they HAVE ALREADY CHANGED and business people need to understand the implications and consequences of changing consumption and spending!

This chart is a good example of how I use BIG PICTURE information to guide my own investment plans. It confirms there is an emerging undersupply of

residential building in Queensland. My next step is to find the best locations to put these forces to work.

SUMMARY: No one can foretell the future. And being in business is as much about scoping and managing risk as it is about selling a product or service. So just as any sensible farmer will check the long term weather forecast and commodity supply trends before making the farm hostage to try to get a worthwhile crop, spending a few hours each quarter understanding the BIG PICTURE can mean you and your bank manager sleep more soundly at night.

I wish all Business Matters readers a year of good health and above average rewards!



Protects best. www.tintacar.com.au

Stop smoking  Weight loss  Goal setting Sports peak performance  Anxiety Relationship conflict resolution  Addictions Gambling and other challenges a person may be experiencing

2014 is the year to get it done, so make your move!

Michael Perez is a Clinical Hypnotherapist with over 25 years of therapeutic change experience.

CAR

OFFICE

$

HOME

100

NE OFF OCGTAA L TINT

DARKEST LE

Call: 13 TINT

- That’s 13 84 68

CURRIMUNDI 718 Nicklin Way 5493 3700 MAROOCHYDORE 19 Kayleigh Drv 5443 6166 NAMBOUR 26 Price St 5441 4146 NOOSAVILLE 1/122 Eumundi Road 5449 0244

Nine out of ten of his clients will tell you they have achieved what they wanted to achieve.

His unique ‘Hypnotic Approach’ includes NLP, Gestalt Therapy and Hypnosis intent on guiding you from where you are now to where you want to be.

Mention Business Magazine and receive a 1 hour session for FREE*. *Conditions apply.

Phone or email Michael today!

0434 106 540 michaelhypnosis@live.com.au Regatta 1 Business Centre 2 Innovation Parkway Birtinya

www.thehypnoticapproach.com.au BUSINESS MATTERS 61

Donna and Gerry Morris, Hot Business Events

Photo courtesy of Profile Magazine

Who is The White Plan?

The White Plan is a strategic advice provider to businesses going through rapid growth and/or requiring an exit strategy.

The White Plan sources and project manages the right team of business professionals to achieve the client’s business goals.

What does The White Plan do?

By ‘unpacking’ a business through The White Plan process we can identify what is really going on in the business’s current ‘state of play’. Once a business can identify what is actually happening it can then plan properly. The White Plan 90 Day Action Plan is developed for the business and the correct team of business professionals appointed to deliver the outcomes the business owners want to achieve. An ongoing Strategic Business Development Plan is implemented once the initial ‘to do’ task list in the 90 Day Action Plan is completed by the recommended team of business professionals. The White Plan’s point of difference is that we personally implement and manage our report recommendations and source the right professionals who best match our client’s needs.

It can sound like a lot of theory, however the difference in what we do at The White Plan is to apply a bit of ‘uncommon common sense’ to a business whilst making sure what we are hoping to achieve genuinely fulfils the business owner’s personal and professional aspirations. From time to time it can involve a bit of tough talking but sometimes we all need that as part of the journey to get to where we want to go.

The White Plan looks forward to sharing in Business Matters the progress of Sunshine Coast businesses we are working with. We are proud to introduce Gerry and Donna Morris of Hot Business Events, who have made some gutsy business decisions in the past six months and are a pleasure to work with.

Aim: To transition from a speakers bureau franchisee to their own events company.

The White Plan 90 Day Action Plan: Structure and Strategy The White Plan team of professionals: Specialist Franchise Law Legal Practitioner Business Insurance Specialist Personal Risk Insurance Specialist Business Banking Specialist Online and Digital Marketing Specialists Branding and Communication Marketing Specialists Liaison with client’s existing Accountant and Bookkeeper Outcomes achieved: Successful sale of the client’s existing franchise business.

Implementation of new business structure that provides the client with comprehensive personal and business asset protection and the correct platform for future business growth.

Brand development and 12-month marketing strategy for the new events company.

Implementation of complete ‘back end’ event management systems and processes supported by their new online website, ticketing and payment platform. These systems integrated with the business’s new business banking solutions and existing bookkeeper’s processes.

Next goal: Scalable and Saleable The ultimate goal for Gerry and Donna is for Hot Business Events to become a business model that can be expanded to allow them to regularly travel overseas. Watch this space.

www.thewhiteplan.com.au 62 ISSUE 58

STUDYING AND PLANNING FOR SUCCESS Gaining employment after graduation from university is a major worry for many students, but there are ways for students to secure their future with extra-curricular activities.

At the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) students have the opportunity to incorporate ‘real life’ project experiences that allow them to use the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and weave this with practical hands on experience through the Enactus USC team.

in Sydney in June 2013, a feat not often seen for a smaller regional university.

Mrs Tomasich is passionate about providing opportunities for student success after graduation saying the biggest concern students have, particularly as they get closer to graduation, is wondering if they have demonstrated the skills their employers will be looking for.

‘We are always looking at new projects and anyone that would like to be involved either as a Business Advisor, Mentor or if your organisation has a project they wish to collaborate on, please contact us”.

For more information regarding Enactus USC and its projects visit www.enactususc.org or find them on Facebook. Selina Tomasich can be contacted direct on STomasic@usc.edu.au.

Enactus is an international non-profit organisation that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.

The Enactus team at USC is facilitated

by Associate Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Selina Tomasich.

Mrs Tomasich won the Faculty Advisor for Australia at the National Competition

Kings Mountain Detox is a nutrition consultancy specialising in health education and healthy weight loss run by nutritional therapist Lynn Preece. Lynn has been helping clients achieve their ideal weight, and adopt healthy new habits – for life.

Do you want to...  Increase sales and/or profitability?  Enhance your ability to lead others?  Learn how to motivate other people?

Then the ‘LEADING WITH PERSONALITY’ one day workshop series is for you. You can expect to learn:  How to perform at a consistently high level without burnout  How to motivate others to do their best for your business  The power of developing more effective communication skills  How to establish group goals where everyone takes ownership  Understand your own strengths, and the strengths of others, and learn how to develop greater skills in the other areas of your life

Healthy Weight Healthy Eating Healthy Lifestyle Karen D, Mum of 3, Buderim “I lost 8kg on the program and have maintained my new weight within a few grams of my f inishing weight. Before the program, I felt depressed and unhappy. I now feel great and my menopause symptoms have alleviated.”

Book your consultation 0411 237 357 info@kingsmountain.com.au www.kingsmountain.com.au

Offering hCG, anti-candida and custom diets

 Gain greater insights into what makes you tick as an individual.

Internal victories nearly always precede external ones! Therefore we need to work on ourselves as much as we work on the business. when where time cost

Tuesday 4th March Mooloolaba Surf Club 8.30am – 4.00pm $385pp including workbook, lunch morning and afternoon tea. Group rates available.

SPECIAL OFFER! Use the code BMM to receive 20% off the cost of both the one-day workshop series and any in-house program for all Business Matters readers. www.eventbrite.com.au/e/leading-with-personality-tickets-2482956590

Ph 0411 475 114 • www.ausidentities.com.au Ph 0422 278 281 • www.yourleadershipunleashed.com/about/ BUSINESS MATTERS 63

LORRAINE PARRY KINESIOLOGY Your road to good health & vitality Business Matters spent some

As a kinesiologist, Lorraine Parry uses

time learning about Lorraine Parry

the simple process of muscle testing

and her kinesiology practice.

to assess and analyse the patterns of imbalance present in your body. Then,

Your body has innate healing energy

using core techniques of the practice,

and is at all times doing its best to

she is able to identify factors which

care for itself to achieve and maintain

may be blocking your body’s energy

a healthy balance. Sometimes it needs

flow. These blockages interrupt the

to be helped to achieve this care.

natural healing processes and can

Kinesiology takes a holistic perspective

allow bigger problems to manifest

to create a healthy balance, working

in your life, be they on a physical,

with the body, mind, emotions and

mental, emotional or spiritual level.

spirit as one unified system.

We asked Lorraine how she

Kinesiology is not limited to dealing

got into kinesiology

with physical ailments. The benefits

“From a young age I was always aware

of this holistic health modality bring

that there was something extra to life.

powerful results in all areas of your

Something more than the world of

life and enable you to more easily

our five senses. Not that I knew what

achieve your goals, by maximising your

it was or ever thought to try to name

body’s own innate healing energy.

it. There was just something more.

Gotten smashed lately?

Pass the glass, We’ll fix it fast Can’t leave the office?

Can’t use your broken phone? We come to you!

Onsite repairs carried out within the hour. Simply give us a call and we can have one of our technicians on the way to getting your device back to its former glory.

Cooling the Coast & beyond . . .

Air conditioning Sales Service Installation

Dec/Jan Mention this ad during aced for just $49 or

repl and get your iPhone 4/S screen brands of smart phone, iPhone 5 for just $159. We fix all ks and even laptop screens. iPhones, iPads, iPods, macboo

Call Us Now Open Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm (because business never sleeps)

Call us on 0430 500 395

Like us on facebook facebook.com/FixITphone

1/5 Rene Street, Noosaville

sales@lagunabayair.com.au • www.lagunabayair.com.au QBSA 730735 • RTA AU06236 • Elec Contractors 66895

Specialist repairs with quality parts / 3 to 6 Months Warranty We even do in and out of warranty repairs for most apple devices

64 ISSUE 58

We’ll ASSESS it, PLAN it, INSTALL it...

The perfect air conditioning solution from Daikin

In 1999 a chance meeting opened a door to the energy of the universe and the truth and wonder of all that is. This led to my attunement to reiki. Since that time I have studied and qualified as a practitioner and teacher of kinesiology, and have incorporated reiki and a wide range of other energy therapies into my practice. My introduction to Quantum Touch, once again a seemingly chance meeting, has shown me even more just how little we know about the universe and that we truly do not know the limits of energy healing.”

Who can be helped by kinesiology?

No matter what your area of concern, it can be addressed using the kinesiology techniques and other complementary technologies practiced in Lorraine’s clinic. Kinesiology consultations are gentle and non-invasive and everyone can benefit, from the unborn child to the elderly, from the fit to the infirm and injured - even animals!

Whatever the symptoms, kinesiology, reiki, Quantum Touch, essential oils, flower essences, colour and sound all balance the body and put it in a more optimum state to heal itself.

Lorraine has qualified in studies of many different kinesiology techniques, to which she has added numerous supportive modalities and complementary technologies. She uses blends of these therapies to style treatments to suit individual client’s needs.

These Energy Therapies have shown consistent and empowering results.

Post-operative pain can be minimised, fracture healing enhanced, stress levels greatly reduced, restoration of some balance to life, relationships enhanced, learning difficulties helped, traumatic memories eased, sabotage programmes cleared; these are just some of the benefits that are possible.

Lorraine continues to study and research in order to enhance her treatment protocols and thus bring greater benefits to her clients.

through the medium of energy therapies.

She has many years of life experience which help her relate to and care for her clients with a compassionate heart and gentle nature. This joy and love for people and life shines through in all her treatments and consultations.

“Self empowerment is the key to true healing” LORRAINE PARRY KINESIOLOGY Your road to good health & vitality Phone 5313 3255 Mobile 0407 585 172 lorraine@elanay.net www.lorraineparrykinesiology.com

So many times Lorraine has witnessed the wonderful results that clients have received from a treatment and she never ceases to be in awe of the incredible healing ability that is available to us all

think inside the wall

“I cannot recommend Burma in Ya Belly highly enough. Trish is professional, her food is amazing and it is reasonably priced. What more could you ask for?”

Kirsty Greenshields

15 million + ideas to change the look of your home or business

th

in

k

in

n

sio

Lvi

L WA

sid

e

th

e

wa

ll

Introducing Wall Vision

Innovative, modern, removable, self-adhesive wall murals Affordable solution to improve your branding Choose from the extensive catalogue of prints, textures, patterns, photos and images, or use your own image/photo.

Check out our range at www.wallvision.com.au Or select your own photo or image.

You’ll be amazed at the possibilities!

Special offer for Business Matters readers Free standard logo/image/text placement on your wall (valued in excess of $60) valid until end February 2014.

Scan QR code to view video

0488 809 255 info@wallvision.com.au www.wallvision.com.au

We cater for functions and parties, corporate meetings, markets and festivals. BOOK NOW! Ask Trish about our range of ‘Take Home Heat and Eat’ packs, Burmese style Tomato Chilli Jam, Chilli Sprinkle condiments and Chutneys.

Many cuisines catered for! biyb@westnet.com.au mobile 0407 143 173 trish

Servicing all of the Sunshine Coast

WALLvision think inside the wall

T CATERER

LOCAL EVEN

www.burmainyabelly.com.au Specialising in Burmese (Myanmar) cuisines and time -onoured traditional South East Asian food.

BUSINESS MATTERS 65

ADVERTISERS WHO MATTER TO US!

This list of our advertisers can help save you some valuable time when looking for one of these industry specialists.

BUSINESS

CONTACT

WHAT THEY DO

WEBSITE

4CP Promotional Products

5442 3341

Promotional Products

www.4cp.com.au

All Computer Services

5456 1184

IT Operations

www.allcomputerservices.com.au

AOK Risk Solutions

0409 342 552

Insurance

www.aokrisk.com.au

Ask Aunt Em

5477 7228

Self-Development and Speaker Coach

www.askauntem.com.au

Audi Centre Sunshine Coast

5493 8000

Prestige Cars

www.audicentresunshinecoast.com.au

Aus Identities

0411 475 114

Personal Awareness Program

www.ausidentities.com.au

Austin Parry

0419 701 608

Business and Executive Coach

austin@austinparry.com

Bartercard

5493 6162

Extra Bankable Cash

www.bartercard.com

BBC Digital

1300 249 992

Document Assessment

www.bbcdigital.com.au

BBQ & Fireplace Centre Specialist

5443 7275 / 5473 0023

BBQ, Fireplace & Heating Retail Outlet

www.bbqandfireplace.com

Bellingham Maze

5445 2979

Family fun including new timber maze

www.bellmaze.com

Burma in ya Belly

0407 143 173

Catering for functions and parties - all cuisine

www.burmainyabelly.com.au

Burtech Pty Ltd

0407 911 228

Communications, infrastructure & telephone system specialists

www.burtech.com.au

ChemDry Suncoast

1300 793 544

Domestic & commercial upholstery & carpet cleaning

www.suncoast.chemdry.com.au

Chilli Fire Services

0412 961 872

Fire Safety Training

www.chillifire.com.au

Clear Light Capital

0403 235603

Capital Raising, Corporate Advisory, Strategic Business Planning

www.clearlightcapital.com.au

Conservation Volunteers

0404 828 921

National wildlife conservation programs

www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

Copywizz

0414 811 407

Graphic Design, Printing and Copyshop

www.copywizz.com.au

Daisys Place

07 5494 5192

Restaurant, Bar, Café

www.daisysplace.com.au

dRAINSKLEEN

0424 198 467

Specialised Plumbing

www.drainskleen.com.au

Element on Coolum Beach

0407 626 702

Holiday Accomodation

www.elementoncoolumbeach.com.au

Expandasign Australia

1300 720 058

Banners, Flags and Marquees

www.expandasign.com

Energy Resources Corporation

5437 8188

Energy Management Solutions

www.energyresources.com.au

Eyewitness Security Cameras

1800 030 904

Security cameras, Video Surveillance Systems

www.eyewitness.net.au

FC Education

1300 887 017

Fitness Education & Training Courses

www.fitcollege.edu.au

Grant Goodrum CENTURY 21 Coastal

0413 282 274

Property Sales Consultant

www.century21.com.au/caloundra

Harlequin Blinds

5476 9888

Blind Suppliers

www.harlequinblindsandsecurity.com.au

Haycroft Workplace Solutions

1300 766 380

Workplace Solutions

www.haycroft.com.au

Business Promotion Events

www.hotbusinessevents.com.au

Hot Business Events HRM

5438 2299

Contracting and Consulting

www.hrmcc.com.au

Ikatan Spa

5471 1199

Luxury private destination Balinese day spa & garden

www.ikatanspa.com

Impact Insurance

5450 6174

General Insurance

www.impact-insurance.com.au

Inhale.com.au

1800 230 042

Great Websites

www.inhale.com.au

Innovate Media

0434 399 027

Video Production Solutions

www.innovatemedia.com.au

Innovation Renovations

0430 500 395

iPhone/Smartphone/Tablet repairs

www.innovationrenovations.com.au

IRT

1800 024 915

Senior Lifestyle and Care Providers

www.irt.org.au

Jims Pool Care

13 15 46

Pool Care Specialist

stephenc@jimspoolcare.com.au

Joyful Growth

0499 982 569

Occupational Therepist

www.joyfulgrowth.com.au

Kings Mountain Detox

0411 237 357

Nutrition Consultancy

www.kingsmountain.com.au

Kreshendo

5408 5100

Web Design

www.kreshendo.com

Laguna Bay Airconditioning

5455 6505

Airconditioning Sales & Maintenance

www.lagunabayair.com.au

Lead On Purpose

3103 3835

Coach, Speaker, Facilitator

www.leighrorke.com

Living Valley Springs

1800 644 733

Health Retreat

www.lvs.com.au

Loan Wize

5443 6522

Mortgage Brokers

www.loanwize.com.au

Maleny Cuisine

5448 7811

Natural Sauces

www.malenycuisine.com.au

Michael Flegg

0422 011 241

Design/Advertising and Multi Media

www.michaelflegg.com

Mortgage Choice

5476 9333

Local Home Loan Expert

www.mortgagechoice.com.au/linda.ireland

Nambour Party Hire

5476 0284

Party Supplies

www.nambourpartyhire.com.au

Ocean Orthodontics

5493 3200

Orthodontic Specialist

www.oceanorthodontics.com.au

Optam Building Group

5443 3780

Property improvement & development

www.optam.com.au

Palmer Coolum Resort

5446 1234

Resort, Spa & Golf Course

www.palmercoolumresort.com.au

Perfect Coffee at Work

0428 721 299

Espresso Coffee Machines

www.perfectcoffeeatwork.com.au

Pickering Accounting (Bookkeeper)

5493 8232

Bookkeeping

www.pickeringaccountingservices.myob.net

Pomo

5441 6605/1300 762 865

Creative Agency

www.pomo.com.au

Prime Radio Group

5475 1911

Radio Station

www.hot91.com.au

Rasoi Indian Cuisine

5444 8337

Indian Cuisine

www.rasoi.com.au

Regatta One Business Centre

5413 9200

Serviced/Un-serviced Offices

www.regatta1.com.au

Rejuvenate Marketing

0410 584 537

New or Rejuvenated websites and services

www.rejuvenateweb.com.au

RjS Accounting

5449 9299

Accounting Services

www.rjsaccounting.com.au

Ron Hill Automatics

5443 4444

Professional Vehicle Maintenance

www.ronhillautomatics.com.au

Safe Asbestos

1300 425 433

Asbestos Removal, Demolition, Roofing

www.safeasbestos.com

Savvy Business Sales

5444 3300

Business Sales

www.savvybusiness.com.au

Smarter Apps

1300 850 310

Apps

www.appic.com.au

Sunshine Coast Grammar School

5445 4444

Independent Co-educational School

www.scgs.qld.edu.au

Target Training

5452 7722

Fully funded training courses

www.targettraining.com.au

TayLAW

5491 9911

Professional Solicitors

www.taylawsolicitors.com.au

Tint-a-Car Maroochydore

5443 6166

Car Tinting

www.tintacar.com.au

The Hypnotic Approach

0434 106 540

Hypnotherapist

www.thehypnoticapproach.com.au

The Lateral Group

5438 8630

Chartered Accountants

www.lateralgroup.com.au

The Pick Up Company

5450 7608

Tourist Attraction Shuttles

www.thepickupcompany.com.au

The White Plan

0400 074 023

Strategic Business Development Advice

www.thewhiteplan.com.au

Think Money

5430 4777 or 1800 RING ME

Property Investment and Wealth Creation

www.thinkmoney.com.au

University of the Sunshine Coast

5430 1234

University

www.usc.edu.au

Unwin Dental

5444 2322

Dental practice

www.unwindentalgroup.com.au

Val Sparks Florist

5491 4177

Artifical flowers/plants, gift lines & homewares

www.valsparks.com

Visa and Immigration Solutions Australia

0407 930929

Visa and Immigration Solutions Australia

www.visa.net.au

Wallvision

0488 809 255

Wall Murals

www.wallvision.com.au

Wealthmed Australia

1300 887 137

Integrated Financial Planning for Medical Practitioners

www.wealthmed.com.au

A DYNAMIC MODERN EXECUTIVE ENVIRONMENT

lisa harrison

IS IT TIME YOU LEFT HOME?

Digital Marketing

 Fully serviced or totally un-serviced executive offices  We do as much or as little as you need  Board and meeting room hire  Latest technology  Virtual Office

Corporate & Consulting

BUSINESS AND EXECUTIVE COACH

Education & Training Mentoring

Grow your business efficiently Create an enjoyable workplace Reduce work stress Leadership and Team Development SME Specialist SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Phone Austin 0419 701 608 Email austin@austinparry.com

www.regatta1.com.au

Contact Lisa

Ground Floor, Regatta Corporate Building 2 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya Sunshine Coast, QLD - (07) 5413 9200

5441 6605 lisa@pomo.com.au

From table and chairs to Helium tanks and party supplies, good choices at great prices

Now located at 17 Florence Street, Nambour

regazzi Coffee QLD FIRE COMPLIANCE Fire Training Warden Training Fire Safety Advisor Evacuation Diagrams Fire & Evacuation Plan & Procedures Manuals Extinguisher Maintenance, Emergency Lighting Testing

Phone Teresa Durie 0412 961 872 www.chillifire.com.au QBSA 1204585

Need help?

Pouring and selling award winning coffee

1 Free Coffee

*

> To better manage anxiety or depression? > To manage at home, get back into activities or return to work? > To learn strategies to relax and manage stress?

For yourself, or someone that you love.

143 Brisbane Rd Mooloolaba 1300 13 66 90

I’m more about doing than talking...…

Belinda Bull > Occupational Therapist with 25 years experience in mental health * Buy one coffee get one free on presentation of this voucher (one voucher per customer)

0499 982 569 www.joyfulgrowth.com.au

The future isn’t written.

It’s designed.

The all-new Audi A3 Sedan Innovating with sport and sophistication at the forefront, true passion has sculpted the ultimate urban sedan. Beneath its sporty exterior the A3 Sedan houses performance-enhancing Audi ultra® lightweight technology with the option of quattro® all-wheel drive. The luxurious leather appointed interior features dual climate control air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, and an intelligent infotainment system which retracts elegantly into the dashboard.

To test drive yours, visit Audi Centre Sunshine Coast today.

686-692 Nicklin Way, Currimundi | Tel. 07 5493 8000 | www.audicentresunshinecoast.com.au