ABN invited to consult on new Work and Family program
October 31, 2008
As part of its $12 million commitment, the competitive grants program will provide between $5,000 and $15,000 to small businesses to help meet the set-up costs of family friendly working arrangements. The grants will support a range of initiatives, including:
* establishing rosters based on school terms and alternative core hours, for example, 10am to 3pm;
* developing workplace policies on unpaid leave for carers and workers who have children with disability or other special needs;
* providing facilities for employees with young children such as family rooms; and
* setting up workplace mentoring.
With up to $15,000 to allocate per small business, the Government is seeking innovative proposals that suit the individual needs of the business to promote a diverse range of family friendly initiatives.
Australian Businesswomen’s Network Board member Susan McGrath and Chairperson Suzi Dafnis will represent the ABN at the forum and we are interested to obtain input from members before 30 November. Please contact policy@abn.org.au, or call Susan direct on 0439 908 108 if you would like to discuss. Alternatively you can comment on this post.
Are you netweaving?
October 31, 2008
We know what networking is, but what is netweaving? This ‘newish’ term coined out of, where else, the US, tells us that netweaving allows you to “tap into the power of win-win networking and build your business by helping your prospects and clients.” Bob Little, a consultant who focuses on strategic marketing, coined the term.
We’ll explore this more at the Australian Businesswomen’s Network. In the meantime this article explains the concept further.
You could buy this house for $50
October 31, 2008
When this Annapolis couple couldn’t sell their house due to the economic downturn, they had a lateral thought. Raffle off their house. Tickets – just $50. See how they went.
You’ve got four minutes to save your business.
October 31, 2008
Justin Timberlake and Madonna took on the question of whether they could save the world in four minutes. Could you save your business in four minutes? Could you imagine doing anything at all that is productive, in four minutes?
For the last month my gym has had a few of us taking part in a 30-day ‘Tabatafest’ – a challenge to do an intense exercise for at least four minutes day at full exertion. e.g. pushups, situps, squats etc, within a particular round-system. I took it on as a challenge and what I found was that four minutes a day made a big difference. The number of repetitions I could do at day 30 was a whole lot more than what I could do on Day 1. I felt stronger and healthier.
So, the challenge got me thinking. What business muscle could I strengthen if I gave it just 4 minutes a day?
Inspiration in the loo?
October 31, 2008
During a recent trip to the US, I saw this poster in the women’s bathroom at a Starbucks. Sometimes inspiration comes from the strangest places.
“The Deeper the Roots, The Higher the Reach”.
What have you done today to deepen the roots, to ground further, my business strategy?
MentorNet – Mentoring Program for Women Business Owners
October 31, 2008
Grow your business with the help of a Mentor.
MentorNet is the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s mentoring program for women in business.
The program uses up-to-the-minute e-learning technology (including the internet, webinars, blogs and teleconferences) to deliver information, education, networking and mentoring that helps women expand their skills and create a business plan. MentorNet is delivered over a six-month period. And, you can participate from the comfort of your own home.
Read below for Frequently Asked Questions, How the Program Works, plus information on How to Apply. You can also learn more at the ABN website.
MentorNet Information Session
Watch the video below to see a MentorNet Information session.
How does it work?
Mentors (men or women with over five years business experience) provide mentoring to women following a structured and planned approach to business building. The program covers business-skills development training, mentoring and peer collaboration. Subject-matter experts facilitate educational webinars (web seminars) to deliver business-skills training.
Who is eligible to participate?
All participants (both mentors and mentorees) in the program must be operating a business within Australia. Mentors may be men or women who have owned and operated their business for a minimum of five years. Mentors can be located nationally, even globally. Each mentor will support up to four or five mentorees through the process. Mentoree positions are available to women who have been in business for at least six months and operate their business within Australia. Mentorees can be located anywhere in Australia.
There are two aspects to the program. 1. The improvement of your business knowledge through training in key areas of business and 2. The support of a mentor to help you acheive your business goals.
Structured business skills training:
By the end of program, you will have created a detailed business plan incorporating marketing, operations and financial plans. You will have received training in core business development skills and collaborated with a growing network of peers.
Mentor relationships:
Small-group mentoring and peer support concurrent with business skills training. By the end of this period, you will have consolidated the business skills trainings, identified deficiencies in your skills and taken appropriate action to train in these areas. The mentors will have provided guidance and direction in business management and provided coaching and encouragement. The mentor commitment is approx 36-48 hours over six months.
Both mentors and mentorees will have expanded their national networks and made contacts that can provide ongoing support after the completion of the program. The role of the mentor and peer collaboration should greatly increase the feedback, commitment and accountability of meeting these targets.
Apply now to reserve your place. Or, call 1300 720 120 today to arrange a free 30-minute consultation to determine if you are ‘Mentor Ready’.
How to Apply
Complete an Application Form and return it to mentoring@abn.org.au. Limited places are available so return your form early.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you choose the Mentorees and Mentors?
Mentorees and Mentors who apply to enter the program are carefully considered based on the criteria of the program, which is outlined on the Application Form.
2. How do I get matched to my Mentor?
Mentorees are matched to Mentors who have expertise that matched the Mentoree’s course objectives and who are in a non-conflicting industry to that of the Mentoree.
3. Is there an age limit on the MentorNet program?
No, regardless of what age you are, if you meet the eligibility you can participate in the program.
4. How do I interact with my Mentor if I can’t see them?
The program allows each Mentoree to interact with the Mentor and other Mentorees in the group from all over Australia via a collaborative web session, where each participant can place their profile on their work-space for authorised view. You will still be able to phone/email or meet with your Mentor if you so wish by mutual agreement, however the program allows effective communication via the various online collaborative and webinar channels.
5. What is a webinar and how is it used?
Short for Web-based seminar, a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements – the ability to give, receive and discuss information. The technology in use is leading edge. The business skills trainings are delivered using this innovative technology – which means you don’t have to leave your desk… or waste time travelling.
6. How long does the program run for?
The program operates over a six-month period. There is a break in the middle of the program (refer to schedule). Each week, at the same time on the same day, Mentorees will participate in a Business Module webinar or in a Mentoring session with their Mentors. Mentors are welcome to participate in the Webinars however it is not essential.
7. Do I need to know a lot about computer technology to participate in this program?
No. Basic knowledge of computer applications will suffice. There is no need for any elaborate computer systems. As long as you have access to the Internet, you will be able to participate.
8. How do I know the Mentor will suit me?
Mentors apply and are selected through a criterion-based application. Mentors will be in business or will have been in a successful business for a minimum of five years. Each Mentor is chosen based on his/her expertise and matched against the Mentorees’ objectives outlined in their Application Form. Mentors enter into a signed confidentiality agreement to address privacy, conflict and business sensitive issues.
9. What is the benefit in participating in this program? Do I get a qualification?
The program is designed to provide you with your very own ‘blueprint’ of your business in the form of a business plan, tailored to your actual business, that you can put into place immediately – in fact, as the program is running. The delivery of the program provides you with enriched business training, interactive group collaboration, thus building business knowledge, business relationships and networking opportunities.
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network is not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and cannot provide accreditation for this program. As an entrepreneur though, the emphasis is on success, not on qualifications. If it is a qualification that you are in need of, we recommend that you attend a formal learning institution.
10. What is the cost of this program?
Early bird, member discounts and pay as you go options are available. The full range of pricing can be found below or on our website.
11. Do I need to be a Member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network to participate in this program?
We recommend membership as part of your ongoing training and development. Membership is not a pre-requisite for entry into the program, however members will be given preference when filling places in this program.
Here are some of the great benefits of joining the Australian Businesswomen’s Network:
* Free networking events
* Your business promoted in our national publications
* Your profile on the ABN website
* Free advertising in our Member Bulletin
* Subscription to the Women in Business eNewsletter published bi-monthly
* Media opportunities through the ABN
* Opportunities to participate in other workshops and teleconferences which are not part of this program, but held by the ABN in your local area
* Access to the community of 10,000 women across Australia – all for just $20 a month!
12. Will I ever need to travel to meet anyone in this program?
No. The program is delivered via the Internet and will operate from your computer wherever you are in Australia. By all means you can communicate to other participants in the program face to face, but this won’t be required for the delivery of the program.
13. What if I only have dial-up Internet connection?
You will still be able to participate in the program, however you will need a separate phone line to participate in the teleconference component. So, at minimum, two phone lines are required. One phone line and a high-speed internet connection will also work.
14. What is involved to become a Mentor/ Mentoree?
MentorNet is designed for women currently operating their own business full time. Mentorees will develop, design and implement a business plan over the six-month period, through powerful advanced learning technologies, with essential business based content, tailored to their own business that can be put into action on completion of the program and beyond.
To apply, send your application by email to mentoring@abn.org.au or fax to 1300 720 121 or call us on 1300 720 120.
Mentors may be men or women who have owned and operated their business for a minimum of five (5) years in Australia. Mentors can be located nationally, even globally. Each Mentor will support up to four Mentorees through the program.
Tuition
Payment in full
|
Full Tuition
|
|
| Growth Members: |
$1,250
|
| Start Up Members: |
$1,500
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| NonMembers: |
$1,750
|
Not a member? Learn More about Membership Now
Pay by the week option
| Growth Members: | StartUp Members: | Non-Members: |
| Deposit: $250
Weekly Payments: 26 payments of $45 p/w Total: $1,420 |
Deposit: $250
Weekly Payments: 26 payments of $56 p/w Total: $1,706 |
Deposit: $250
Weekly Payments: 26 payments of $66 p/w Total: $1,966 |
* Payment will be requested upon approval of your application.
Apply Now.
Not a member? Learn More about Membership Now.
Is this event right for you?
This event is suitable for women who are in the Start Up and Growth stages of business. To qualify you need to have been in business at least six months. We have many women attend who have been in business for a number of years. It suits those that are keen to develop a business plan, develop their business skills and get the help of a mentor to achieve their goals.
What’s Next?
Complete an Application Form. If you have any questions you can send us an email or, call 1300720 120.
How productive were you last week?
October 31, 2008
Did you happen to procrastinate at all in the last week? I saw this great clip and could totally relate. The clip is called Procrastination. I usually procrastinate on silly things – and that is a habit of mine that I don’t always understand. I can even procrastinate on getting starting on projects I’m really excited about…
Enjoy. What do you procrastinate about?
How To Get More Done — Free Tool!
October 31, 2008
I’m a sucker for finding how to get more done. I know many women in business juggle LOTS and so here’s a tool that was recommended to me that I want to share with you.
This online work journal is said to help you focus on what’s important and to optimise your working day. It even claims that you’ll notice the benefits straight away. Let me know if you try it out and it works.
I just need to get organised enough to get to the point on my list of todos where I can look at it 
Join the Groundswell
October 31, 2008
A month ago a friend, Anne Bartlett-Bragg, who’s a wiz in the area of social networks recommended this book to me.
I’ve read it, listed to the audio book, and am totally in love with the concepts that the writers/researchers open up. Great examples of how companies are taking advantage of the growing groundswell of social technologies.
Government targets small business with new support package
October 28, 2008
The federal government says the tax office will work with small business to minimise the impact of the global economic crisis, by introducing measures including individual tax management plans, $4 million for advisory centres and guarantees of on-time payments for businesses that deal with government departments. The on-time payment guarantee will apply to contracts with the government up to $1 million – the federal government currently has more than 65,000 contracts under $1 million and spends about $30 billion on goods and services.
From December 1 payments will be made to businesses within 30 days otherwise the companies will have the right to charge penalty interest.
Mr Rudd said the tax office’s assistance would be based on individual circumstances.
He said the government also welcomed assurances by banks about the availability of finance to small business and claimed that small business would also benefit from the extra cash given to consumers and training places announced under the $10.4 billion economic security strategy, as well as the first home owner grant boost.
