Spring Into a Better Recruitment Strategy

Read about how the ABN is discussing a range of public policy issues identified by you; our ABN community, with Government and Opposition politicians. Some issues you raised included: the need for more government support for women in small business, compliance and regulatory issues for small business and the national issue of skills shortages.  Download  herVoice’s Spring newsletter here!

Paid Parental Leave Report Now Available

The Productivity Commission’s draft report on Paid Parental Leave has now been released. The report may be downloaded in whole or in part from the inquiry website at: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/parentalsupport

 

A detailed description of the draft model of paid parental leave that the Commission is proposing is contained in chapter 2, which also provides an overview of the reasoning behind each element in the model.

 

The ABN will be preparing a submission to the Commission – if you’d like to contribute, please email policy@abn.org.au with your comments, or call Susan McGrath on (07) 5592 3083 / 0439 908 108.  

New ACT Government Grants

 

The ACT Government has announced two new grant programs; one to assist with buiding an overseas brand and one to assist with commercialisation.  

 

TradeConnect (TCon)—Building Global OpportunitiesAn ACT Government grant program assisting ACT companies build global opportunities and enhance international opportunities.

 

InnovationConnect (ICon)—Accelerating Creative Ideas

An ACT Government grant program designed to provide creative innovators and entrepreneurs with limited funding support that will accelerate the progress of viable, creative ideas along the development and commercialisation pathway.

 

For further information on the above grants and assistance programs, visit the Business and Industry Development Website. Click here for details.

      

Blogging with a little ‘b’

A couple of months ago a friend and I were having lunch. She commented that she’d recently taken up painting as a hobby. “So, you’re a painter.” I said in passing and she pulled me up to say “Oh, I’m not really a painter yet. I’m a painter with a little ‘p’.”

That one comment was precious. She was giving herself permission to not be perfect - but to enjoy the journey of her new hobby. So often when we take on something new - a job, a business, a project, we aim high. We want to do it well, or not at all. This has been, for me, a great reason to start some things in life that may have been transformational, fun, a means of discovery.

I’ve had a hidden blog for almost two years - yet not published it cause it wasn’t perfect, I wasn’t sure what to say, in what voice - blah, blah, blah.

My friend’s words struck a chord with me. I am now a blogger, with a little ‘b’. I’ll try it out, I’ll have fun with it and hopefully along the way I’ll add value to those that participate in the conversations that I’m exploring.

Welcome to the herBusiness Blog.

Let us know what you think and how we can support you and your business. Just leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Suzi Dafnis - National General Manager, Australian Businesswomen’s Network

MentorNet program starts. From Tassie to Northern WA

The latest MentorNet program started on 23 September. It’s truly national reach is evident by the distant parts of this enormous nation that participants are from. The group includes women from Epping Forest in Tasmania, to Strathalbyn - SA and even regional WA.  Of course women Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are also attending. All are keen to grow their businesses with the help of a mentor, and over the next six months they’ll focus ON their business and expand their networks while improving their skills.

ABN Meets with Leader of the Opposition

As part of our mission to keep politicians up to date with the issues and barriers that women in business face, today I had the great pleasure of meeting with Julie Bishop MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Employment, Business and Workplace Relations. 

 

She expressed a lot of interest in the ABN’s herVoice public policy and advocacy initiative and in the views of our members on changes in legislation such as the imminent change to unfair dismissal laws. 

 

We’ll keep you informed. In the meantime please table your concerns and issues on any issues that we can address with the government by emailing policy@abn.org.au.

Start Up? Start here!

Grow your business with the help of a mentor. Learn more with our obligation free 30-minute consultation for women who are in their own business. Click the “Are you mentor-ready?” button at the top of this page or email us today at mentoring@abn.org.au to arrange an appointment. 

The next MentorNet program starts 23 September. So, hurry to reserve your place and start producing great results in your business. 

MentorNet Entered in Groundswell Awards for Excellence in use of Social Media

Groundswell is a book by two Forrester analysts with practical, data-based strategies for companies that want to harness the power of social technologies like blogs, social networks, and YouTube. The Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s Mentornet Program has been entered into the current awards. Entries into their awards should represent excellent and effective use of social technologies to advance an organisational or corporate goal.  Review our award entry today and help MentorNet win!

Get Amazing Results in Your Business

Being in your own business is more than just a job. It’s a way of life. When you put in a lot of hours (as most women do!) then the results you product should reflect that effort. But, that can only happen if your energy is directed and your business vision and plan are clear.Over the last year 120 women have taken part in the MentorNet mentoring program. They have come from all sorts of backgrounds (from greeting cards to travel) from all over the country (from Hobart to Perth) and with varied experience (from 6 months to 10 years). Some amazing outcomes are being achieved. I’d like to give you the opportunity to get the same results for yourself. 

These results have been collected from four MentorNet programs by participant surveys:Mentorees saw these great results:

• 100% reported an increase their business skills
• 95%  report having more direction in their business
• 100% have expanded their networks
• 50% report an increase in turnover (during the 6 months program)
• 65% report business growth (during the 6 months program)
• 35% have employed more staff (during the 6 months program)
• 90% have developed their business plans
• 100% report increased confidence about their business
• 100% are more enthusiastic about their business

Mentors benefited too with these results reported: 100% have expanded their networks

• 100% are more enthusiastic about their business
• 100% reported an increase their business skills

The stated program outcomes for MentorNet are:

• Create a detailed business plan incorporating financial, operations and marketing plans
• Consolidate upon the business skills training, identify deficiencies in skills, and take action to address these areas.
• Expand their national networks and make contacts that can provide ongoing support beyond the completion of the program.

MentorNet is designed to put theory into action in your business over a 6 month period. Mentorees are expected to set outcomes, attend the webinars facilitated by subject-matter experts in business skills, work with a mentor and small peer group to develop a business plan that you can action during and after the program. Sustainability of your business is a high priority and focus.

Listen to this MentorNet Information Webinar and hear from past participants

Learn about the MentorNet program direct from some of its graduates. In this webinar recording you’ll hear how the MentorNet program help two mentorees grow their business. Just click on the link! http://www.abn.org.au/downloads/audio/mentor_ready_040808.mp3