Maintaining Momentum

January 29, 2010

by Cat Matson, Alito

At the risk of stating the obvious, we’re already one-eleventh of the way through the year.  And if you take into account holidays, December etc, then we’re actually closer to one-tenth – or 10% of the way through 2010.

How are you going?

You see, it is around this time that New Year’s momentum and excitement starts to wane for many people – school’s back, the ‘planning’ phase of the year is well and truly over and the ‘day-to-day-ness’ of our lives is in full swing.

So I repeat …. how are you going?  Specifically, how are you going on those plans you made a couple of weeks ago about what you wanted for yourself for 2010?

If you’re losing momentum now, then what are you going to be like in another couple of months?  The trick is to get back on track NOW and put in place systems for yourself to regain and then maintain momentum.

Here are some ideas;

  • Connect with other people to hold you accountable and problem-solve barriers – a MasterMind group, the ABN MentorNet program, supportive friends or bring in the professionals in the way of a coach.
  • Schedule times to work on key projects into your diary today – I used to plan my week at the start of every week … and endeavour to fit key activities in at that point.  However, by the time I got to the beginning of each week, my diary was already so full of appointments and tasks that it was hard to find the ‘chunks’ of time I needed to make progress on my strategic goals. Now, when I do my weekly planning, key activities are already scheduled in.  Stephen Covey’s ‘Big Rocks‘ metaphor is a great reminder of this.
  • Get clear on how your business objectives inter-relate with each other and your personal goals … life is an integrated work in progress – not a series of ‘goals’ to be achieved … if you can see how everything links up it’s easier to create the time and give importance to your priorities.
  • Take a reality check – if you have already lost momentum, maybe it’s because your goals didn’t take into account the reality of your life.  Now’s a good time to revisit and adjust your goals if necessary and re-establish your intentions.
  • Determine what resources you really need to achieve your objectives.  Professional assistance, help handling your admin, new equipment; or domestic help – a cleaner perhaps, or maybe do your grocery shopping online to give you back some time.  Identifying the resources you need to be effective is a crucial key to maintaining momentum.
  • Just do it – all reasons and excuses aside, the difference between people who do things and those who don’t is just that – doing, or not doing.  There is a time for planning … and a time for ‘doing’ … so get to it :-)



Cat Matson - Alito

Cat Matson - Alito

Cat Matson ignites the performance of small business owners, their teams and ultimately their businesses through a range of robust mentoring, coaching and education programs. She is a strong advocate for practical, pithy and ‘real’ business advice and loathes the ‘one-size-fits-all’, ‘you-too-can-be-widely-successful-if-you-just-follow-OUR-system’ approach taken by many ‘so-called’ business experts. Cat runs Alito with her husband Keith who provides synergistic and smart accounting expertise to their clients who enjoy having streamlined business advice across all key areas. When not working, Cat enjoys spending time with her two young boys and reading interesting business books and biographies.

Phone: 07 3289 7055
Email:
cat@alito.com.au
Website:
www.alito.com.au
Twitter:
twitter.com/catmatson
Facebook:
facebook.com/AlitoFusion
Blog:
alito.com.au/blog
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/CatMatson

herBusiness Blog Contributors

January 21, 2010

Susan Wareham McGrath

Susan Wareham McGrath

Susan Wareham McGrath is a skilled and experienced Australian visa and immigration consultant; jobsearch strategist and career management consultant; professional writer, blogger and social commentator.

She holds a degree in psychology, an advanced diploma in human resource management, a post graduate qualification in public policy development, a national training accreditation and registration as an Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Susan is a strong advocate for the personal and professional advancement of women, and after serving as an Advisory Board Member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network since 2007 is now the ABN’s National Special Projects Manager.

Email: susan@susanwareham.com
Website: www.susanwareham.com
Facebook: Susan Wareham McGrath’s Facebook Profile
Twitter: @Susan_McGrath and @McGrathLawyers
LinkedIn: View Susan’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Susan’s ABN Member Profile

Kristy-Lee Johnston - Footprint Recruitment

Kristy-Lee Johnston - Footprint Recruitment

Kristy-Lee Johnston is the Director of Footprint Recruitment, a Central Coast based Recruitment and HR agency which is run by locals, for locals.

Kristy’s background includes 10 years in Recruitment, as well as 10+ years in a broad range of other customer facing sectors. She possesses Post Graduate qualifications in Psychology, as well as a Masters in Human Resource Management. Kristy is passionate about bringing something unique to the recruitment sector in her local area and wants to see all businesses make the most successful staffing decisions they can.

Phone: 02 4367 5500
Email: kristy@footprintrecruitment.com.au
Website: www.footprintrecruitment.com.au
Facebook: Kristy-Lee’s Facebook Profile
Twitter: @footprintcc
LinkedIn: View Kristy-Lee’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Kristy’s ABN Member Profile

Cat Matson - Alito

Cat Matson - catmatson.com

Cat is a Business CATalyst, sparking ideas for peak business performance. With a keen interest in strategy, marketing, social media and personal effectiveness, Cat works with clients to have their business firing on all cylinders. Appalled by the notion of ‘silver-bullet’, ‘one-size-fits-all’ approaches to business success, Cat works with savvy business owners to connect the RIGHT resources with the RIGHT strategy to produce the desired business outcomes.

Phone: 07 3289 7055
Email: cat@alito.com.au
Website: www.catmatson.com
Blog: www.alito.com.au
Facebook: The Alito Fusion Facebook Page
Twitter: @catmatson
LinkedIn: View Cat’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Cat’s ABN Member Profile

Julie Wise - The SilverOwl

Julie Wise - The SilverOwl

Julie has over 25 years in business operations, strategy and performance improvements. She is an accredited Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an alumnus of the Institute of Executive Coaching.

She established The SilverOwl specifically to help businesses with their strategies and operational efficiencies. With Julie’s wealth of experience, and network of associates, The SilverOwl provides access to a vast range of business performance solutions and experienced professionals.

Julie is on the Australian Businesswomen’s Network Advisory Board and the NSW Committee for the Australian Women’s Archive Project. In Jan 2010, she joined the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Email: julie@thesilverowl.com.au
Website: www.thesilverowl.com.au
Twitter: @julie_wise
LinkedIn: View Julie’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Julie’s ABN Member Profile

Alycia Edgar - Coastal Accounting Services

Alycia Edgar - Coastal Accounting Services

As an accountant and former surf shop owner, Alycia understands the issues that small business face everyday. She believes you can work on your business effectively simply by understanding your business numbers. She creates innovative systems and processes that enable business owners to be highly focused and productive in their business, including Bookzkeeper – The Accounting Survival Kit for Small Business.

Phone: 0403 983 529
Email: alycia@coastalaccounting.com.au
Website: www.bookzkeeper.com.au
Blog: www.numbersarelife.com
Facebook: The Bookzkeeper Facebook Page
Twitter: @alyciaedgar
Member Profile: See Alycia’s ABN Member Profile

Cheryl Hayman | Hayman Strategy

Cheryl Hayman - Hayman Strategy

Cheryl Hayman owns and manages a strategic marketing and business consultancy, Hayman Strategy, providing a broad range of business and marketing solutions to corporations.

Prior to establishing her own business, Cheryl had over 20 years experience as a senior marketing executive in multi-national organisations spanning Australia, NZ and the UK.

Cheryl undertakes a number of non-executive Board roles and sits on several Advisory Boards including the Australian Businesswomen’s Network.

Cheryl is a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute, holding a CPM.

Cheryl personally undertakes continuous professional development within her various business roles, as well as attending external courses.

Phone: 0408 200 545 or 02 9555 5776
Email: cheryl@haymanstrategy.com
Website: www.haymanstrategy.com
Facebook: The Hayman Strategy Facebook Page
Twitter: @cherylhayman
LinkedIn: View Cheryl’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Cheryl’s ABN Member Profile

Yvette Vignando | www.happychild.com.au

Yvette Vignando - www.happychild.com.au

Yvette is pursuing her passion – to take action that helps children develop great social and emotional skills as a foundation for a happy and successful life. Formerly a lawyer and then successful executive coach specialising in Emotional Intelligence, Yvette was encouraged by her experience of MentorNet to launch her business – a website for parents that publishes practical and engaging information about raising children with emotional intelligence.

Yvette looks forward to sharing the challenges and successes of her experience as she navigates her way through the adventures of launching a website, and tackles online sales and marketing, an evolving business plan, and the growing universe of social media. Yvette hopes that by following her personal and professional development as an entrepreneur you will also be inspired to follow your passions.

Phone: 02 9889 0999
Email: yvette@happychild.com.au
Website: www.happychild.com.au
Twitter: @yvettevignando
LinkedIn: View Yvette’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Yvette’s ABN Member Profile

Catherine Pritchard | Radiance Healthcare Centre

Catherine Pritchard - Radiance Healthcare Centre

Catherine is a scientific naturopath who is experienced in working with business women to increase their energy, motivation and productivity. Her innovative programs are based on the latest research and incorporate simple dietary changes so that you can get the most out of each and every day.

Prior to commencing her career as a naturopath almost 10 years ago, Catherine was an industrial chemist in an oil refinery. Her scientific background caused her to seek out the latest technology to assess your health, energy and vitality. In conjunction with a thorough assessment, these state of the art tests allow her to personally prescribe you the most suitable nutrients that will make the greatest impact on your health and wellbeing.

Phone: 02 9247 4633
Email: naturopath@catherinepritchard.com.au
Website: www.catherinepritchard.com.au
Facebook: The Radiance Healthcare Facebook Page
Twitter: @CathPritchard
Member Profile: See Catherine’s ABN Member Profile

Nerida Gill | Admin Bandit

Nerida Gill - Admin Bandit

Nerida Gill is the creator of Admin Bandit, a web-based accounting package designed specifically to make keeping the books easy for volunteer treasurers in community groups. After winning numerous business awards, Admin Bandit is in a growth phase after recently attracting external investment.

Phone: 02 6176 0030
Email: nerida@adminbandit.com.au
Website: www.adminbandit.com.au
Blogs: adminbandit.wordpress.com
volunteertreasurernetwork.blogspot.com
Facebook: See Admin Bandit’s Facebook Page
Twitter: @neridagill
LinkedIn: View Nerida’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Nerida’s ABN Member Profile

Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network

Amy Lyden - Advocacy Advisor – Australian Businesswomen’s Network

An entrepreneur and specialist in ecommerce and online strategy, Amy has had over 13 years of practical experience in these areas. Launching her first website in 1998 Amy was at the forefront of an online revolution without even realising it. Within a year this site became and remains today a #1 ranking site and global community of pet lovers that attracts over 4 million visitors a year.

This Australia-based business, Bow Wow Meow, now sells product online to over 100 countries worldwide. Amy sold this business in 2007 and turned her energy to the nonprofit sector.

Amy is currently the CEO of Australian Scholarships Foundation, an organisation that facilitates scholarships for education and training for people who work in the nonprofit sector.

Amy is the recipient of numerous business awards including the 2006 NSW Telstra Business Women’s Awards for Innovation, the 2002 National Telstra Business Award and the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World Grant.

Amy is an Ambassador and former Chairperson for the Australian Businesswomen’s Network, an organisation that supports female entrepreneurs. Amy was also invited to serve on the Commonwealth Small Business Council, an initiative by the Federal minister for Small Business.

Amy has been profiled in the following books: “Women’s Business, Women’s Wealth” by Amanda Ellis, “Female Entrepreneurs”, by Leiza Clark and “Secrets of Female Entrepreneurs Exposed!”, by Dale Beaumont.

Amy is passionate about using technology to connect people globally for positive change.

Email: amy.lyden@gmail.com
Twitter: @amylyden
LinkedIn: View Amy’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Amy’s ABN Member Profile

Lisa Murray

Lisa Murray - Revive Business Coaching/Bliss Tribe

Lisa Murray is an experienced business mentor who brings bliss back into your business. Her holistic, unconventional and creative strategies help small business owners design authentic, ease-filled and profitable businesses.

Through her BlissTribe community, Lisa is a catalyst for business owners to choose a phenomenal, rich and joyful life without compromise! The sky is not the limit… there are no limits… unless you choose them!

Lisa connects the dots for you… she is an idea generator, a sounding board, a skilled facilitator, a strategist, a problem solver and a contribution to the authenticity and potency of you creating the business you truly desire and deserve. What else is possible? Ask and you will receive!!

Phone: 0404 063 513
Skype: lj.murray
Email: info@revivecoaching.com.au
Websites: www.revivecoaching.com.au
www.blisstribe.com.au
Blogs: The Small Business Revitalization Blog
The Blissalicious Blog
Facebook: The Bliss Tribe FacebookPage
Twitter: @revivecoaching
LinkedIn: View Lisa’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Lisa’s ABN Member Profile

Vivienne Kane - Minuteman Press Prahran

Vivienne Kane - Minuteman Press Prahran

As the owner and operations manager of Minuteman Press Prahran, a franchise print supplier, Vivienne works with small business customers every day.

She runs the business, and their online specialty division CalendarPrint, with her husband Nicholas and their talented staff. With a customer base which often has little experience in buying print, Minuteman Prahran’s point of difference is making the process as painless as possible.

Vivienne is a strong advocate of clear and reliable communication as a key tool in winning and keeping customers. She started her professional life as a Speech Pathologist, and enjoyed a variety of roles in administration and community groups before establishing Minuteman Press in 2000.

She has three Gen-Y adult children, is an almost an empty nester, loves travel and is a member of two book clubs.

Email: vivienne@minuteman-prahran.com
Website: www.prahran.minutemanpress.com
Member Profile: See Vivienne’s ABN Member Profile

Kate Tribe - Tribe Research

Kate Tribe - Tribe Research

Kate Tribe is the founder and Managing Director of Tribe Research, an innovative and creative company focusing on accessible ways for business, non-profit and government sectors to grow from a better understanding of their tribe.

Tribe Research aims for customers to explore their tribes of clients, customers, suppliers and staff, to uncover their views, and drive change in each clients business. Kate understands that as leaders of an organisation you need to be clear-headed about your marketing and business planning priorities and has made this a primary focus of Tribe Research’s solution. Kate believes that getting to know your tribe should be an enjoyable journey of discovery that gives you a clear head and direction to move forward, to drive change in the right direction.

Email: ask@triberesearch.com.au
Website: www.triberesearch.com.au
Facebook: The Tribe Research Facebook Page
Twitter: @katetribe
LinkedIn: See Kate’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Kate’s ABN Member Profile

Johanna Baker-Dowdell - Strawberry Communications

Johanna Baker-Dowdell - Strawberry Communications

Johanna owns and runs writing and public relations service Strawberry Communications. The agency builds relationships with the media and key stakeholders on behalf of its SME clients. This service is provided through careful research and strategic communication, then maintained by telling the business’s story through amazing publicity and expertly crafted words. Strawberry Communications is based in Launceston and was launched in 2007. Johanna has more than 16 years experience in the media industry and is also a freelance journalist and blogger.

Phone: 0477 000 170
Email: johanna@strawberrycommunications.com.au
Website: www.strawberrycommunications.com.au
Blog: The Strawberry Communications Blog
Facebook: The Strawberry Communications Page
Twitter: @JohannaBD
LinkedIn: View Johanna’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Johanna’s ABN Member Profile

Michele Connolly | Get Organized Wizard

Michele Connolly – Get Organized Wizard

Michele Connolly helps people move from procrastination to action. She believes you can be happier if you take action on your priorities.

Michele’s programs cover business, goals, home, personal organisation, writing and weight-loss, and are used by tens of thousands of people worldwide.

Michele is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). She has been interviewed on Sydney radio, spoken at conferences, and won awards for her psychology studies, including original research and a thesis on happiness.

Michele is interested in writing, books, simplicity, love, TV, productivity, and staying thin in a world of chocolate.

Website: www.GetOrganizedWizard.com
Blog: The Get Organized Wizard Blog
Facebook: The Get Organized Facebook Page
Twitter: @MicheleConnolly
LinkedIn: Visit Michele’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Michele’s ABN Member Profile

Suzi Dafnis | Australian Businesswomen's Network

Suzi Dafnis – Australian Businesswomen’s Network

Suzi Dafnis is the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s Community Director and Chairperson of the Advisory Board. Suzi has been involved with the network since 1995. In 1998, she took over the network from its founder and has since managed and grown the network. She remains its media spokesperson and a champion of women in business. She is also the editor of the ABN’s newsletters, author of the herBusiness blog and presents the In Her Shoes video series and herBusiness podcast.

Phone: 1300 720 120
Email: suzi@abn.org.au
Website: www.abn.org.au
Facebook: Visit the ABN Facebook Page
Twitter: @SuziDafnis
LinkedIn: Visit the ABN LinkedIn Group
Member Profile: See Suzi’s Member Profile

Belinda Weaver - Copywrite Matters

Belinda Weaver – Copywrite Matters

Belinda is a professional marketing copywriter who confidently walks the line between writing effective copy and creating an engaging brand personality. You don’t have to choose between them! The words you use really do make a difference and offline or online, you will get more clicks, calls and sales with the right words. It’s that simple.

Belinda also empowers business owners to write great copy and the Copywrite Matters Facebook & Twitter pages have FREE weekly tips on copywriting and marketing. She loves to chat about SEO, websites, good business and all things marketing. Say hi and join the conversation!

Phone: (03) 8741 0147
Email: belinda@copywritematters.com.au
Website: www.copywritematters.com.au
Blog: The Copy Detective Blog
Facebook: The Copyright Matters Facebook Page
Twitter: @copywritemattrs
LinkedIn: Visit Belinda’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Belinda’s ABN Member Profile

Janet Sernack - Compass Learning

Janet Sernack – Compass Learning

Janet Sernack successfully runs her own international learning and development consultancy, Compass Learning, where she makes a difference to small and large businesses by designing and facilitating customised culture change programs, leadership and top team effectiveness learning programs.

She is a business and marketing management consultant, corporate trainer, facilitator and executive coach.

She has also held senior management positions in the wholesale, retail and consulting sectors, most recently as a Senior Consultant at Corporate Vision Pty Ltd (Mettle Group) and as Marketing Development Manager with Grace Bros (Coles Myer Group).

Phone: +972 524046791
Skype: janet.lea.sernack
Email: janet@compasslearning.com.au
Website: www.compasslearning.com.au
Blog: A Woman’s Leadership Journey
Facebook: The Compass Learning Facebook Page
Twitter: @JanetSernack
LinkedIn: Visit Janet’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Janet’s ABN Member Profile

Bianca Board | Web123

Bianca Board – Web123

Bianca Board is a self-confessed perfectionist, but that’s a good thing, because as Web123′s chief designer and web strategist, she’s expert at helping small business achieve something that makes money and looks incredible without the designer price tag.

With a creative streak that extends to sales, organic gardening, painting, decorating and generally making the world a more beautiful place, Bianca’s the person who will make sure that, along with functioning just as it should, your company’s website will look nothing short of amazing.

Phone: 1800 932 123
Email: bianca@web123.com.au
Website: www.web123.com.au
Blog: The Web123 Blog
Facebook: The Web123 Facebook Page
Twitter: @biancaboard
LinkedIn: Visit Bianca’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Bianca’s ABN Member Profile

Sue Henry | Business Sticky Beak

Sue Henry – Business Sticky Beak

Sue is a small business expert, co-author (Accelerate and Network or Perish) and has worked in small business consulting, training, facilitation, sales and marketing for over 20 years.

Her company Business StickyBeak is all about providing you with information, education and resources for your small business success no matter what your budget is. We like to think of ourselves as the place you go to for information in a fun and practical manner. Pretty much we are everything small business, and if we can’t help you we will know who can.

Email: sue@businessstickybeak.com
Website: www.suehenry.biz
Blog: www.businessstickybeak.com
Facebook: The Business StickyBeak Facebook Page
Twitter: @suehenry
LinkedIn: Visit Sue’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Sue’s ABN Member Profile

Kerry McDuling | McDuling PR

Kerry McDuling – McDuling PR

Kerry McDuling is a publicist and Director of her own public relations and publicity consultancy McDuling PR and exposure speciality business, Stratosphere Me – building brands and developing profitable business opportunities for companies, authors, speakers and entrepreneurs.

Phone: 0410 578 194
Email: kerry@mcdulingpr.com.au
Website: www.mcdulingpr.com.au
Blog: www.stratosphereme.com
Facebook: The Stratosphere Me Facebook Page
Twitter: @KerryMMcDuling
LinkedIn: Visit Kerry’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Kerry’s ABN Member Profile

 

New Year, New Career?— How to manage staff’s new-year blues (and minimise impact on your business)

January 21, 2010

by Kristy-Lee Johnston, Footprint Recruitment
‘New Year New Career’ is a term well used by employers and recruiters alike in job ads during the lead up to, and aftermath of, the Christmas and New Year period. And there is a simple reason for this – it works.

Many employees who have become disengaged in their workplace, roles, and careers during the year find themselves taking stock of what really matters and what they really want to achieve in the year ahead – and they do all of this whilst on their Christmas break.

At the end of the day, staff will always leave organisations, and in some cases there is nothing you can do to prevent this, but you can ensure you manage the process to minimise the impact it has on the rest of the team.

As they sit with family and friends, and start discussing New Year’s resolutions, and the achievements of the year just gone, it dawns on many people that they are unhappy in some aspect of their lives, and the quickest fix seems to be to get a new job! They return from their Christmas leave and one of three things will generally happen:

1) They stay put, waiting for a ‘sign’, some motivation, inspiration or for something to change. These people generally remain disengaged from their responsibilities and do just what’s needed to get through the day flying under the radar.

2) They promptly hand in their resignation on their first day back and commence job hunting.

3) They start searching for that great new role, giving little if any focus and commitment to their current workplace until they inevitably resign.

None of these are ideal situations for a business of any size to face at the beginning of the calendar year, but what, if anything, can you do to avoid these times and minimise the impact they have on the operations and profitability of the organisation?

1) Look for the signs of staff who have began to disengage from their roles or the organisation. These signs generally involve a shift in behaviour and some classics include taking more than the usual amount of sick leave; leaving work right on time every day, when they used to be the sort of person to work back whenever needed; not putting their hands up for those special projects they previously have been dead keen to be involved in; withdrawing from groups within the workplace; taking long lunches and in general being a different person in the office.

2) Don’t wait until after the New Year to start re-engaging these employees. By having regular reviews and appraisal systems in place, you will more easily be able to identify and manage these employees. Also coordinate more casual and off-the-record catch ups with staff to encourage open communication.

3) Keep employees engaged in the vision through regular team and company meetings – sharing with them goals and visions and allowing them the ability to provide ideas as to how they can contribute to the success and achievement of company goals.

4) Reward staff who are doing a great job! It doesn’t have to be grand or expensive, nor does a big fuss have to be made – a small gesture goes a long way.

5) Know what motivates your people – when you understand this you have the best possible chance of keeping them engaged and committed.

At the end of the day, staff will always leave organisations, and in some cases there is nothing you can do to prevent this, but you can ensure you manage the process to minimise the impact it has on the rest of the team.

If you have open and honest communication channels with your staff, and they feel they can come to you with honest feedback, you will be in the drivers seat when these situations arise. If they come to you indicating they are seeking alternate work, and there is nothing more you can do to keep them should you want to, give them your blessings, help them to find something new and start he replacement process yourself internally straight away.

The longer an unhappy employee stays with you, then more detriment it will have on your team and ultimately your business. Don’t try and delay the inevitable, nip it in the bud and move on.



Kristy-Lee Johnston - Footprint Recruitment

Kristy-Lee Johnston - Footprint Recruitment

Kristy-Lee Johnston is the Director of Footprint Recruitment, a Central Coast based Recruitment and HR agency which is run by locals, for locals.
Kristy’s background includes 10 years in Recruitment, as well as 10+ years in a broad range of other customer facing sectors. She possesses Post Graduate qualifications in Psychology, as well as a Masters in Human Resource Management. Kristy is passionate about bringing something unique to the recruitment sector in her local area and wants to see all businesses make the most successful staffing decisions they can.

Help us name a new author series…

January 21, 2010

The Australian Businesswomen’s Network and Citrix GoTo Webinar will soon launch a new lunchtime series with prominent business authors from around the world. Designed to provide lunchtime education (the series is part of Citrix’s Lunch + Learn initiative) each webinar will feature a business thinker whose work and message is compelling and thought-provoking.

We are looking for a good name for the series, and we’d love your input.

A couple of points:

  • The speakers will (in most cases) be authors. Occassionally a prominent business person may be asked to address the audience.
  • The sessions will be educational more than ‘motivational’.
  • The webinars will often coincide with the release of new business book titles.
  • The webinars are for a business audience.
  • The name of the series should be short (no more than 4 words, ideally).

Any ideas? We’d love your thoughts.

You can either add a comment below or email me direct.

My appreciation,

Suzi

P.S. I’m very excited about this series – and especially our first guest (who I’ll announce next week).

ABN Meeting with Federal Parliamentarians – Community Input Sought

January 16, 2010

As the peak representative organsation for Australian businesswomen and female entrepreneurs, the Australian Businesswomen’s Network is meeting individually with the Federal Minister for Small Business, Dr Craig Emerson and the Federal Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry next week.

Community Director Suzi Dafnis will be meeting with Senator Sherry and Advisory Board member Susan McGrath is meeting with Dr Emerson.

We’re seeking input for both meetings so we can make the most of this opportunity to represent the concerns of the Australian SME community to both parliamentarians.

If you have a public policy issue you would like us to raise with either Dr Emerson or Senator Sherry, please contact us on policy@abn.org.au, or call the ABN on 1300 720 120.

The more input we receive, the stronger the messages we can take to the Minister and the Assistant Treasurer – this is one of the few opportunities Australian businesswomen and female entrepreneurs will have this year to have their voice heard at the highest level of Australian government, so we would love to hear from as many community members as possible.

Sincerely

Suzi and Susan


Susan Wareham McGrath

Susan Wareham McGrath - McGrath Career Management

Susan Wareham McGrath is the owner of McGrath Career Management, a national career consulting and HRM agency. She is also General Manager of McGrath Migration Lawyers, one of Australia’s longest established corporate and individual migration advisory firms, which has assisted thousands of businesses and individual clients since its inception in 1983.

Because we can expect to work for at least 45 years, Susan believes we should make our careers work for us, rather than working as wage slaves just to pay the bills. And as the owner of two businesses herself, she is passionate about supporting other small business owners to get their HR and recruitment processes right the first time!

Susan is tertiary qualified in psychology and human resource management, holds a post graduate qualification in public policy development and is a nationally accredited trainer.

She is a strong advocate for the personal and professional development of women, and she is an Advisory Board Member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network.

Email: susan@susanwareham.com
Website: www.susanwareham.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Susan_McGrath
Blog: www.susanwareham.com
LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/susanwmcgrath
Member Profile: See Susan’s Member Profile

Beyond Planning: Easy ways to convert your plan into action

January 15, 2010

It’s January, and of course the flavour of the month is planning.

Planning is great … but plans are only as good as our ability to implement them.  So what can you do NOW, while you’re focused, excited and motivated about the year ahead to ensure your plan does get converted into action?

First, check your plan against reality.  Yes, by all means, aim high, but if you look at your plan and doubt your ability to make it happen, it’s unlikely you’ll stay motivated as the months pass.

Further, check the viability of your plan in the context of your life.  A new component I’ve added into my plan is my ‘Life Sandbox‘ – the life context that my business exists within.  For me, this includes having two young boys at daycare, my personal health and fitness goals, my volunteer Board and community commitments, not to mention my husband (who also happens to be my business partner). The impact of these ‘sandbox boundaries’ is that I have approximately 24 hours per week available for ‘work’ … and a significant amount of that time is already allocated. By clearly identifying this sandbox I’m in a better position to balance my business and personal demands, find opportunities to creatively intergrate the various roles in my life (e.g collaborating with my husband on work projects is a way we get to spend time together), … and able to set more realistic goals in my business.

Another step is to break down your plan into projects … and for each of the projects create a simple project timeline. This helps uncover any overcommitments by way of time or other resources. (Tip for parents: Put school holidays into your project plan … it will help prevent setting up unrealistic expectations about what will get done when things are ‘off-routine’).

Once you’ve mapped your project timelines, take the time to block out time in your diary or schedule.  Life does, and will, get busy. So, now is the time (while you’re focused and pumped about the possibilities) to make appointments with yourself to get things done.  This is an element that I find particularly challenging … as I don’t like seeing a ‘full’ diary.  So as a way of making it fun, I’ve colour-coded the appointments in my diary.  And instead of just blocking out time to say ‘write e-book‘, I’ve prefaced each appointment with the project and key result I’m aiming for – ‘Revenue Generating Information Products – Write free e-book‘ – so as I look at my calendar I’m reminded not only of the task, but of the bigger picture.

My final tip: Put your plan on one page.  A ‘one-page-plan‘ is easy to update and you can stick it on your desk or wall and see, at a glance, what it is you’re striving for.

Cat Matson | Alito

Cat Matson | Alito

Cat Matson’s successful consulting experience ranges from the nuts and bolts of business such as HR, administration and operational processes to the less tangible aspects such as motivation and company culture. She has achieved exceptional results in helping clients to develop effective teams and profitable operations without losing sight of the human aspect of their business. Cat is as comfortable advising on high level strategy issues as she is on the critical aspects of a successful business such as attaining, training and retaining employees to creating the right corporate culture and work environment.

In addition to her comprehensive experience, Cat holds a Masters of Business Administration with specialisations in Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship and Marketing. She also holds a Diploma in Small Business Management, a Diploma in Training and Development and a Practitioner’s Certificate in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Website: www.alito.com.au
Blog: www.alito.com.au/blog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/catmatson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlitoFusion
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson
Member Directory: Cat Matson

The Best of Business

January 12, 2010

I hope you’re ready for a great year in business. This year the Australian Businesswomen’s Network programs, publications and webinars are designed to help you, in a structured way, create, plan, implement and work towards real business results.

Each month our themed events and newsletters will build, step-by-step, adding to your knowledge, reach and exposure to good education, inspiration and information.

But, YOU are going to have to put in the time to read, study, collaborate, question, participate in our discussions and training programs.

2010 GOODIES FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

Here’s just some of what our 2010 programs will give you the opportunity to do:

  • Clarify your business vision, mission and plan
  • Determine who your customers are and how to find them
  • Put in place your big milestones for the year
  • Determine the cost of doing business and look at forecasting profits
  • Uncover steps to marketing your products and services and yourself
  • Find the measures that make a difference to your ultimate success
  • Look at what team (virtual or not) that you need to help you create success
  • Implement actions that will get you results
  • Improve your productivity so that you focus your time on what matters most
  • Increase your business knowledge, borrowing ideas from industry experts
  • Master online communication and leverage the internet
  • Innovate and improve what you offer and how you do business
  • Formalise and systemise processes for efficiency
  • Promote your business and spread your message
  • Capitalise on new media and technology

Get Started HERE

1. If you’re not yet a member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network then join today. Choose from StartUp Membership or Growth Membership.
2. Decide what you’ll start, stop and continue doing to grow your business with this free resource, available for download. (If growing your business and your contacts is on your list of things to start – then see point 1. Membership is where the rewards are!)
3. Register now for the upcoming business webinars. February’s webinars get you started with the BIG PICTURE, Planning and Strategy
4. Join our social networks. If you haven’t connected with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, you’re missing opportunities to network. Join our online family today.

I look forward to our conversations this year and in getting to know you and your business better.

Click here to read our January issue of the Women in Business eNewsletter – Best of Business Articles, Podcasts, Webinars.

My best wishes,

Suzi Dafnis – Community Director

Women in Business eNewsletter - Best of Business Articles, Podcasts, Webinars

Women in Business eNewsletter - Best of Business Articles, Podcasts, Webinars

Let your passion drive your actions this year

January 4, 2010

How do you bring your passion to work, and keep it there? We spend a lot of time in our businesses. For many it’s our primary focus. But what do you do when the passion leaves? How do you bring your passion to your work and keep it there? Janet Bray Attwood, author of The New York Times bestseller – the Passion Test shares strategies in this interview.

I read Janet’s book – The Passion Test - two years ago and the ‘test’ is a way to keep me on track with keeping passion in my business and my life. It’s a simple but powerful process that you can use to ensure that your actions are driven by your passion and that you make each day alive with what you love.

Janet Attwood | The Passion Test

Janet Attwood | The Passion Test

In this interview we discuss:

- Why clarity about your passion helps you create exactly what you want
- The role of passion in team engagement
- Why connection to your passion is an important ingredient to business and personal success

Enjoy this interview with Janet Attwood.

Join the Australian Businesswomen’s Network community to get monthly podcasts with inspiring businesswomen.