Pitching for Business

October 29, 2010

Looking for new business? How you pitch yourself and your business makes a big difference to the results you get.

This new webinar explores strategies for written and face-to-face business proposals and bids that work. Perfect your business pitch and

Join us on 24 November for Pitching for Business, sponsored by Optus Business and learn:

  • Why what happens before and after the pitch is as important as what happens during the pitch
  • Strategic pitch management
  • Why successful deals are about more than just the written proposal
  • How to identify the ‘bid strategy’ that will fit your business, your style and your prospective customers, best
  • What information is best NOT delivered in a document
  • Meet one successful small business has won pitches many times over and hear how they did it

Your Speakers:

Pitching for Business - National

Jacquie Molloy – jacquiemolloy.com

Jacquie helps professionals to get their (right!) message across to their reader or audience quickly and clearly — on the page, on the speaking stage and in meetings. Her pedigree is impeccable: seven years working in a communications specialist role with McKinsey & Company in Australia, Asia and Europe and thirteen years working as an independent writer, speaker, workshop facilitator and consultant.

Read more about Jacquie Molloy

Leanne Faulkner – Billy Goat Soap

Billie Goat Soap was started when entrepreneur Leanne Faulkner had to deal with her son’s skin condition. Today, Billie Goat Soap is sold in over 2000 stores nationwide and has been exported to several countries throughout Asia. The company was awarded the NSW Business Chambers President’s Prize for Business of the Year in Nov 2009. The company’s success has been built on the recipe Leanne developed in her kitchen and each bar remains true to this formula today at their factory in Fountaindale, NSW.

Read more about Leanne Faulkner and Billie Goat Soap

Event Details:

Pitching for Business - National

DATE:
TIME:
VENUE:

PRICE:

Wednesday, 24 November, 2010
10.15am for 10.30am – 12.00pm AEDT
Your home or office.
ABN Members – $0 – FREE
Non-Members – $39

(*members: login to get your member discount.)

Not a member? Join now and save all year.


Note: You will need internet access and a headset with microphone. Fee includes tuition. Call costs may apply if you do not use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).


What is a webinar?

A webinar is a web-based seminar. To participate you will need high-speed internet and a USB headset (with microphone). Instructions will be sent to you on receipt of your registration.

Not a member?

Join today and you save hundreds of dollars each year on workshops designed to help you be more successful as a businesswoman. Membership is less than $1 a day! Learn More about Membership Now

Is this event right for you?

This event is suitable for women in all stages of business.

The StartUp Success Webinar Series

This event is part of the StartUp Success series of webinars which are free to all members of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network. For details on the benefits of Membership take a look at ourMembership Comparison Chart. For details on other webinars – see the Events section on our website.

What’s Next?

Register through our secure online shopping system. Upon registration you’ll receive confirmation of your attendance. If you have any questions you can send us an email or, call 1300 720 120. If you are a member, remember to login to get free entry.


Social Entrepreneur Seeks 1 Million Women to Take Action – Video

October 29, 2010

After creating and selling a successful natural therapies business, Natalie Isaacs saw an urgent need to use her skills and passion as a business woman and communicator to take real and significant action on climate change.

Through 1millionwomen.com.au Al Gore ambassador Natalie aims to recruit 1 million women in Australia to cut a collective one million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Natalie to hear her story and how this successful business owner was compelled to take on the job of saving the world.

In this interview Natalie explains:

  • Why she create this initiative for women
  • How her business experience of 20+ years has helped with her new business
  • The role of social responsibility for businesses in Australia

Watch the interview with Natalie Isaacs.

The 5 Top Traits All New Hires Should Have

October 28, 2010

By Kristy-Lee Johnston, Footprint Recruitment

In recruitment terms we are always discussing the skills versus fit scenario, and which is more important for any particular role or business. Time and time again, businesses agree that you should hire for fit and train for skills.

Whilst assessing team fit often comes down to gut feel, team dynamics and ‘personality’, there are some critical traits that you as the employer want to assess any new hire for. These traits form the basis of a good work ethic, and appropriate motivation towards the role, without which the new hire will almost certainly not be a long term fixture within your business.

Flexibility

No matter the size of the company or how structured the role may be, from time to time employees will be asked to do something which is outside the scope of their role. We have all been in situations where someone has been reluctant to, or even refused to complete a task because it’s not part of their job – and it’s frustrating for you as a manager and for the rest of the team. Determine how flexible they are at interview to ensure you avoid having someone like this in your team.

Reliability

Of course we want our staff to be early to work every day, never have a sick day and stay back whenever we need them. This however is a little unrealistic. When assessing reliability what you want to find out is overall, how reliable were they? And the best way of doing this is via reference checks. Ask the referees:

  • How many days per year did they have off sick?
  • How often were they running late for work? When they were, how did they notify you?
  • If you needed them to work back, how did they react?

Honesty

If staff aren’t honest with you – will you ever trust them? Do you want someone you can’t trust in your team? Obviously not, so how do you assess honesty and how honest is too honest? Structure your interview questions to invoke an honest response from your applicants – and see how honest they are.

You don’t necessarily want a ‘warts and all’ story, look for honesty with a level of respect, and appropriate thought process. For example, you might ask your applicant “tell me what you liked least about XX Company?” or “which of all of your previous managers do you feel was the weakest leader and why”. Questions like this force an honest response, but also allow you to assess how likely they are to give ‘too much’ – will they speak derogatively or negatively about a previous employer or manager, or will they use appropriate caution and give honest but measured feedback? Which would you want them providing to their next employer about you?

Loyalty

When we talk loyalty we are not talking about the person spending the rest of their career with you. In fact in the current workplace this is both unrealistic and in some cases undesirable. When we discuss loyalty as an important trait, we are really talking about how loyal they are to the brand, the business, the role, the company and the team during the time they are employed with you. So are they likely to promote the business in a positive light when they are out with friends, will they spend half the work day focusing on non-core work activities, will they speak more highly of a competitor’s product or yours? Again past behaviour predicts future behaviour, so ask appropriate interview and reference check questions to assess this.

Motivation

By this we mean are they motivated towards this position – and why? Understanding the candidates motivation to change jobs, secure a new role and progress their career in any specific direction is imperative. Why? Well if your role doesn’t tie in with their underlying motivations, they will not be a long tern hire, and will treat your role as nothing more than a stop gap or stepping stone. Asking appropriate questions at interview surrounding this is vital. Examples may include:

  • Why are you leaving your current role? (and ask this question for all previous positions to establish any behaviour patterns)
  • What is your ideal role?
  • If you could work in any industry what would it be?
  • What made you apply for this role?
  • What part of the ad was most of interest to you?

By assessing core traits such as these, you will ensure that at the base level the new hire has the work ethic you are looking for. Combining this with your assessments surrounding their fit for your team, their experience and skills for the role, and you increase your chances of a successful hire.

MORE GREAT POSTS BY KRISTY-LEE JOHNSTON:


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
Twitter: www.twitter.com/footprintcc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/footprintrecruitment
LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/kristyleejohnston
Member Profile: See Kristy’s Member Profile

Thought Leadership: Seven Steps to Building a Better Brand

October 28, 2010

Today’s economic climate demands that companies have a strong brand base in the fierce competition for consumer dollars. Many companies lack a solid brand that stands out from the crowd. Public Relations veteran consultant Craig Badings explores the concept of a brand and the importance of thought leadership in his new book Brand Stand: Seven Steps to Thought Leadership.

Craig is our guest on 4 November. Join us to hear Craig discuss some of the hard questions he asks leaders:

  • What does your brand stand for?
  • Do you have an original point of view?
  • Does your brand hold a position that differentiates you from your competitors?

We’ll look at Craig’s step-by-step process to a thought leadership position and how to take it to market.

Your Speakers:

Thought Leadership – 7 Steps to Building a Better Brand - National

Craig Badings – Author

Craig Badings has over 20 years experience advising major corporations and senior executives in Australia and South Africa, providing counsel on thought leadership, issues and crisis management, media relations and profile management across the financial and professional services, biotech, property, FMCG, telecoms, IT and government sectors.

He is the author of Brand Stand: seven steps to thought leadership.

Read more about Craig

Event Details:

Thought Leadership – 7 Steps to Building a Better Brand - National

DATE:
TIME:
VENUE:

PRICE:

Thursday, 4 November 2010
10.15am for 10.30am – 11.30am AEST
Your home or office.
ABN Members: $0 – FREE
StartUp Members: $39
Non-Members / Community Members: $59

(*members: login to get your member discount.)

Not a member? Join now and save all year.

Note: You will need internet access and a headset with microphone. Fee includes tuition. Call costs may apply if you do not use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).

What is a webinar?

A webinar is a web-based seminar. To participate you will need high-speed internet and a USB headset (with microphone). Instructions will be sent to you on receipt of your registration.

Not a member?

Join today and you save hundreds of dollars each year on workshops designed to help you be more successful as a businesswoman. Membership is less than $1 a day! Learn More about Membership Now

Is this event right for you?

This event is suitable for women who are managing a business and those who are in the Growth stages of business.

The Business Growth Webinar Series

This event is part of the Business Growth series of webinars which are free to those with Growth Member membership to the Australian Businesswomen’s Network. For details on the benefits of Growth Membership take a look at ourMembership Comparison Chart. For details on other webinars – see the Events section on our website.

What’s Next?

Register through our secure online shopping system. Upon registration you’ll receive confirmation of your attendance. If you have any questions you can send us an email or, call 1300 720 120. If you are a member, remember to login to get free entry.

Lead from the Heart, and other Leadership Lessons Video

October 27, 2010

by Suzi Dafnis

What makes a good leader? According to Karen Matthews, former CEO of Ella Baché and founder of Inside Out Leadership it takes passionate dreams, a visionary approach and great communication.

I’ve known Karen for a number of years and first saw her speak when she accepted a Telstra Business Women’s award a few years back. More recently (the last two years) we’ve connected at our gym. We’re both a little bit into our CrossFit training and have spent many hours sweating it out and having a great laugh.

I admire Karen’s determination, her ‘never say die attitude’ and her amazing spirit and support of other women.

Karen Matthews has over 22 years experience in national and international retailing, franchising and brand management. She’s an innovative leader who operates by an intuitive style of ‘inside out’ leadership. Her personal mantra is to ‘inspire people to be the best that they can be’.

I had the opportunity to interview her a few weeks back about leadership.

In this audio interview we talk about leadership, strategic planning and marketing.

We discuss how to lead from the inside out and the qualities of good leaders.

We also look at small business marketing and simple tips for effective strategic planning.

Listen to the interview with Karen Matthews.

For more information and to contact Karen Matthews

Karen’s proudest professional achievements include launching Australia’s first skincare franchise model with Ella Bache in 2002, as well as steering Ella Bache (a 50 year old family owned business), through a time of significant change and re-engineering from 2002 to 2008. In 2004 she was named NSW Telstra Business Woman of the Year, in 2005 PWC NSW Franchise Woman of the Year and in 2007, PWC Australian Franchise Woman of the Year.

Karen regularly speaks on a number of topics that she is passionate about – Leadership… from the ‘inside out’; De-mystifying Strategic Planning; Marketing for Success in Small Business; Franchising;  the “Business” (as opposed to the “glamour” & “gut”) of the beauty, skincare and fashion businesses; and Managing Change.

Email: karen@insideoutleadership.com.au
LinkedIn: View Karen’s LinkedIn Profile

Do you really want to improve your business?

October 26, 2010

By Nerida Gill, Admin Bandit

Do you really want your business to grow?

The fact that you’re reading herBusiness Blog suggest you do; however, you’re part of a teeny 6 percent who go online to find information to help improve their business, according to the April 2010 MYOB Business Monitor.

The results of the company’s latest quarterly survey are, dare I say, shocking — one third of business owners don’t do a single thing to improve performance! Of those who do, most turn to their accountant for advice.

As the owner of an accounting software business, there’s one thing I know for sure … there’s a lot more to running your own business than finances. In fact, getting back to that survey, the three improvements business owners think will make life easier over the next 12 months have nothing to do with their accountant at all:

  1. Healthier supplier relationships and pricing.
  2. Enhanced staff skills and performance.
  3. Better banking facilities, especially e-commerce.

So where do you turn when you want a more successful business?

Let me preface my suggestions with three things: first, you’ll be surprised at how readily available and inexpensive (often free) assistance can be; second, even the smallest effort has a domino effect, leading to surprising opportunities; and, third, I apologise in advance if my examples, drawn from personal experience, seem like bragging… I really believe anyone with a sound business concept that they are willing to grow can achieve similar things.

Find Your Niche

As a working mum with two teenage sons, and an office at home, three organisations specifically aimed at women like me provide valuable support.

Needless to say, Australian Businesswomen’s Network, which hosts this blog, needs no introduction! I’m also a member of the Women’s Network Australia and Business Mums Network. Check these out for articles, success stories, events, networking opportunities, e-newsletters, blogs and useful links, some of which are free, even to non-members.

As well as oodles of inspiration and support, my involvement with the above organisations has yielded unexpected rewards:

I now write for this blog, sharing my knowledge and experiences.

I have a monthly lunch date to “talk business” with five other ABN members.

Some of my enduring and supportive business relationships have come from meeting women through these networks.

Of course, your niche may be completely different — it could be eco-friendly, rural-focused or politically active, just to name a few.

Reach for the Peak

Peak bodies or industry associations exist for one purpose … to serve you!

Membership benefits are similar to those outlined in the section above, with the addition of:

  • Industry news and directories
  • Publications and reports
  • Opportunities to nominate for awards and access industry specialists
  • Conferences and other professional development
  • Introduction to new suppliers
  • Information on new regulations and legislation
  • Industry advocacy and publicity

I belong to Women in Information and Communication, which brings people together to champion women in technology — yes, there are quite a few of us! I’m thrilled to have won the WICked Woman of the Year 2009 award for my contribution to the ICT industry, and had the opportunity to speak at one of their breakfast events earlier this year.

If you don’t know which group represents your industry, simply do a Google search using the name of your industry, such as retail or tourism, and the phrase “industry association”.

Meet a Government Agent

Not a secret agent, but a government advisory service to support business at federal, state and local levels!

Young or old, a start-up or established, an entrepreneur or exporter — these provide grass roots business information, including the nitty-gritty of: financial management, making a growth plan, commercialising ideas and understanding the legalities of running a business.

As soon as I dedicated myself full-time to my company, Admin Bandit, I was privileged to received a grant to work with one of Canberra’s best-known business coaches. I took free workshops on business basics with Canberra BusinessPoint, an ACT government initiative delivered by Deloitte. Within two years, I won the Business Plan Award for a business less than two-years-old at the inaugural Canberra BusinessPoint Gala and Awards. More recently I’ve received support from Lighthouse Innovation, a free business incubator service.

Unfortunately, finding government agencies isn’t easy. For some reason, there’s no central point that lists every available resource, which means you’ve got a couple of evenings trawling the web ahead of you (hmm, perhaps there’s a blog post in that?). Start by checking out the following:

  • Canberra BusinessPoint’s page of links to useful federal and ACT organisations — don’t ignore the ACT organisations if you live in another state … do a Google search to see if similar services are available where you live.
  • AusIndustry’s Small Business Advisory Services program — to download a PDF of the 36 business advisory centres across Australia.
  • Do another Google search to find your state government’s small business portal … simply type “small business” and your state’s name.

MORE GREAT POSTS BY NERIDA GILL


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
Blog: adminbandit.wordpress.com
volunteertreasurernetwork.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/neridagill
Facebook: See Admin Bandit’s Facebook Page
LinkedIn: See Nerida’s Public Profile
Member Profile: See Nerida’s Member Profile

Are you leaving money on the table?

October 22, 2010

By Alycia Edgar, Coastal Accounting Service

You meet people at an event, you swap details. You get back to your office and the ‘busy’ work takes over. Most of us don’t have assistants to delegate work to and even if we do, our client work always comes first .

But what about filling that marketing pipeline? Isn’t that just as important? Here are some questions that you need to consider:

  • How you will capture prospects’ details?
  • How soon you will follow up prospects?
  • How you will go about following up?
  • When to follow up a second time
  • The point at which you will stop contacting a new prospect
  • How you will put a reminder system in place so you don’t forget to follow up?

Pretend this prospect was one of ten that you followed up. You have found on average that one out of every ten new prospects becomes a client. Each client is worth on average $5,000 annually. That sounds like a nice sum that’s worth spending the time to follow up!

Put a system in place

How do you manage to continually follow up without getting distracted by the ‘busy’ work? You need a system in place for the entire process.

Let’s see how this might look:

  1. Determine the sequence of events that occur to ensure follow up and who is responsible for each step (this occurs once).
  2. Upload business card to customer relationship management system (CRM). Preferably get your assistant to do this and/or use photo recognition software to scan cards in.
  3. Set reminder for follow up with contact.
  4. Actually follow up with client.
  5. Continue this process until desired outcome is achieved or contact is no longer considered a prospect.

You’re probably thinking that this all sounds very easy. However, I can tell you from experience that unless you believe that follow up is a core part of your business, you will never make the time to complete the process. You will forever procrastinate and tell yourself, ‘Oh, I’ll call them tomorrow’. But of course, tomorrow never comes.

Make follow up an integral part of your business

  • Outsource the components that are getting in your way.
  • Block out time each week to concentrate on follow ups.
  • Most importantly pick a time of day that sits right with you to complete this, whether you’re a morning or afternoon person.

When will you next follow up?

MORE GREAT BLOG POSTS BY ALYCIA EDGAR


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. To get tips on how your numbers relate to working on your business, simply visit here

Phone: 0403 983 529
Email: alycia@coastalaccounting.com.au
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyciaedgar
Blog: www.numbersarelife.com
Member Profile: See Alycia’s Member Profile

BOOKED for Lunch – The Referral Engine by John Jantsch – Free Webinar

October 21, 2010

Humans can’t help but recommend goods and services to others – it’s an instinct wired deep in the brain. In his new book, The Referral Engine, small business guru John Jantsch shows how you can tap into that hardwired desire. With word-of-mouth referrals tipped to drive marketing in years to come, his advice couldn’t come at a better time.

As the focus of marketing shifts from glitzy campaigns to referrals, it’s time for you to take action. It is no longer an option to believe that whether customers refer you is entirely out of your hands. Re-energise your approach to marketing, and ensure the flow of new customers to your business by harnessing the power of referrals.

Join us on 23 November when John Jantsch takes part in BOOKED for Lunch – Free Webinars with the world’s leading business authors and thinkers.

BOOKED for Lunch Details:

The Referral Engine – National Webinar

Date:
Times:
Venue:
Price:
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
12.00pm to 1.00pm AEDT approx. (Check your timezone.)
Webinar, from the comfort of your home or office.
Free

Note: You will need internet access to participate in this GoToWebinar. Call costs may apply if you do not use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Learn more about GoToWebinar.

About the Book

The Referral Engine

Offering a plethora of fresh and realistic ideas, The Referral Engine is an inspirational step-by-step guide to harnessing the power of referrals in an evolving business climate. The latest masterpiece from John Jantsch, it’s a budget savvy and forward thinking take on traditional marketing. A must-read for anyone whose business could benefit from a steady, increasing stream of A-list, high quality referrals.

About the Author – John Jantsch

John Jantsch is the author of the book and blog Duct Tape Marketing. His blog was chosen as a Forbes favorite and his podcast was called a “must listen” by Fast Company. He is the featured marketing contributor to American Express OPENForum and he speaks at American Express, Intuit, Verizon, HP, Citrix and other organizations. His views on small business are often cited as a resource in publications such as the Wall St. Journal, New York Times, and CNNMoney and he has appeared on MSNBC. He lives in Kansas City.


About the Booked for Lunch Webinar Series

The Booked for Lunch webinar series are free lunch-time webinars that feature bestselling business authors and thinkers. Presented by the Australian Businesswomen’s Network andGoToWebinar these events are open to men and women who seek to expand their business education and to be inspired by thought leaders who will present new trends, big ideas and pose thoughtful questions. To participate all you need is access to the internet. So, book yourself in for the next Booked for Lunch series and get ready for some powerful food for thought.

Read more about the Booked for Lunch webinar series.


What is a webinar?

A webinar is a web-based seminar. To participate you need internet access. Instructions will be sent to you on receipt of your registration. This webinar is brought to you by GoToWebinar, Web events made easy. Visit GoToWebinar and start your free 30 day trial today.

What’s Next?

Register through our secure online shopping system. Upon registration you’ll receive confirmation of your attendance. If you have any questions you can send us an email or, call 1300 720 120.

How A Cult Brand Is Built on Community – Video

October 21, 2010

By Suzi Dafnis

I love the sound of a Harley Davidson. Not sure if it’s an impending mid-life crisis but I’ve been thinking about (event set goals around) learning to ride a motorbike. It will likely be a Vespa rather than a HOG but hey, it’s still a motorbike (or sorts).

The Harley Brand is one that I admire for its longevity and the passion its followers have for it. Harley Davidson ‘GOT’ community a long time before, in a web 2.0 era, brands decided that maybe it was a good idea to connect with clients and have clients connect with them.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Karen Davidson,  the great-granddaughter of the Harley Davidson’s co-founder, William Davidson. She has been riding motorcycles since she was nine. She officially joined the company in 1989, bringing to her role her business experience and a keen eye for fashion design.

Karen is passionate about the brand and tells us what makes this long-time company a favourite the world over. Plus she encourages more women to take the road, and ride.

Watch this interview with Karen Davidson.

I’m still inspired to ride. Maybe Santa will bring me some riding lessons to give me the kick I need to get moving on this goal. ;-)

Suzi

Women in Leadership – We’ve not come a long way, baby

October 19, 2010

By Amy Lyden

Growing up in the US in the 1970s , I clearly remember one of the most successful ad campaigns ever – Virginia Slims cigarettes.  Their slogan, “You’ve come a long way, baby” conjured feelings of women’s equal rights, freedom and emancipation.  The actual text on the ad was, “Back then, every man gave his wife at least one day a week out of the house. You’ve come a long way, baby.”  And it was true – women HAD come a long way from the days of women practically being confined to the house cooking, cleaning and raising children.  But how much progress have we made over the last decade?  Not a lot.

The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) released the results of its 2010 Census Women in Leadership earlier this month. Read the media release here.

There has been very little (hardly a change) improvement in the number of women in senior management and board roles over the past 2 years.

Following are the key findings:

Women 2010 2008
Chairs – ASX 200 2.5% 2.0%
CEOs – ASX 200 3.0% 2.0%
Board Directors* – ASX 200 8.4% 8.3%
Women on Govt Boards 33.4% 33.0%
Australian Labour Force 45.3% 45.5%

Clearly, further action is needed.

Gail Kelly, CEO of Westpac and 8th most influential woman in the world according to Forbes magazine, has committed to gender targets in her own workplace.  Ms Kelly will double women in senior management from the current 20% to 40% over the next four years.   CBA agreed to a similar commitment last month.  But is this enough?

Norway is the poster child for women on boards.  It has had a quota law in place for the past four years stipulating that all publicly traded companies must have between 33 and 50 percent women on the boards (depending on size).   Companies that don’t comply face serious fines and even dissolution.  France and Spain are enacting similar laws, minus the penalties.  Even the Fortune 500 boards in my homeland, the USA, which I’ve always believed to be ahead of Australia in terms of women on top, has an embarrassing 16 percent women.  This number hasn’t moved for years.

In Europe there are less than 10 percent of women board members; Asia is worse with only 3.6 percent in developed countries and 4.7 percent for emerging markets.

JEEZ! So, is there ANY good news?

Certainly in Australia, the Government is saying the right things.  PM Julia Gillard last week said that targets might not work for all organisations however gender balance needs to be a “dedicated focus”.  Will a “focus” be enough?  Isn’t that what we have all been trying to do?

There is one tangible initiative happening: the Government, together with the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has committed to funding 70 scholarships for women for director education courses.  There is a lot of talk in corporate Australia about the need for more women on boards, and this education will certainly help get some women skilled up.

What does Australia need to do to ensure a balance of gender in leadership and influential positions?   Quotas?  More initiatives to encourage businesses to step up?  More women?  In my opinion it will certainly take a lot more than “focus”.  I want to have a conversation with my now 2 year old daughter when she’s 18 and say, “WOW – We’re REALLY come a long way baby!!”

Post a comment and have your say.

MORE GREAT BLOG POSTS BY AMY LYDEN


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 realizing 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: www.twitter.com/amylyden
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amylyden
Member Profile: See Amy’s Member Profile

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