<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>herBusiness Blog &#187; Advocacy</title>
	<atom:link href="http://blog.abn.org.au/category/advocacy/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://blog.abn.org.au</link>
	<description>Business networking, education, mentoring, inspiration and resources to help women start, manage and grow a business.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:09 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Registrations Now Open for Business Clean Up Day 2012</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/advocacy/2012-business-clean-up-day</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/advocacy/2012-business-clean-up-day#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:05:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Suzi Dafnis</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business clean up 2012]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business clean up day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business initiatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean up day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleanup australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green business initiative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ian kiernan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[improve environmental impact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recycling australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business initiative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[team building exercise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=12256</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The race is on to register Business Clean Up sites for 2012 to green up and clean up your business. Mark your calendar – the annual Business Clean Up Day will be 28 February 2012. In 2011, 337 businesses across Australia took part in Business Clean Up Day. Together with communities and schools, Australian businesses [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><strong>The race is on to register Business Clean Up sites for 2012 to green up and clean up your business.</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>Mark your calendar – the annual Business Clean Up Day will be <strong>28 February 2012</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Clean Up Team Logo" src="http://www.cleanup.org.au/download/cleanupteam_logo_100x100.jpg" alt="Business Clean Up Day 2012" width="100" height="100" />In 2011, 337 businesses across Australia took part in Business Clean  Up Day. Together with communities and schools, Australian businesses  helped to remove over 16,500 tonnes of rubbish right across Australia.</p>
<h1>By taking part, businesses are inspired to work towards improving  their environmental impact.</h1>
<p>Some businesses also took the opportunity to  clean up their own place of business and introduce some environmentally  friendly initiatives including recycling, changing to recycled paper  and introducing worm farms.</p>
<blockquote><p>“We’re urging all Australians businesses to work together to clean up  the environment or introduce more environmentally friendly policies in  their own work environment,” Clean Up Australia’s Chairman and Founder, Ian Kiernan AO.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Pull together as a team  and help clean up your local park, waterways, beaches or even your own  workplace. It’s a great team building experience to work together and  see the positive results that Business Clean Up Day can achieve.”</p></blockquote>
<h1>Registrations for Business Clean Up Sites are now open.</h1>
<p>To register, go to: <a href="http://cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/" target="_blank">cleanupaustraliaday.org.au</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/advocacy/2012-business-clean-up-day/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>CEO and celebrity chef cookoff to feed people in need</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/inspiration/ceo-celebrity-chef-cookoff-feed-people-in-need-february-2012</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/inspiration/ceo-celebrity-chef-cookoff-feed-people-in-need-february-2012#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Suzi Dafnis</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiration/Personal Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiring Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrea culligan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[businesswomen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celebrity chef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ceo cookoff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[competition tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[custom publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[female entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food rescue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homelessness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeslessness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[In her Shoes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[innovative marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lisa messenger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mission australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OzHarvest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[qantas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rachel Argaman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronni Kahn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[successful women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the messenger group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toga hotels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unimail]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=12149</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On 6 February, 200 CEOs will cook with 30 celebrity chefs and feed 1000 people in need. The CEO CookOff is a joint initiative of OzHarvest and Qantas and hopes to raise awareness around food security and one of Australia&#8217;s major social issues, homelessness and to raise significant funds for Australia&#8217;s food rescue charities, OzHarvest [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-12158" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="CEO CookOff 2012" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Screen-Shot-2012-01-25-at-10.22.gif" alt="CEO CookOff 2012" width="223" height="109" />On 6 February, 200 CEOs will cook with 30 celebrity chefs and feed 1000 people in need.</p>
<p>The CEO CookOff is a joint initiative of OzHarvest and Qantas and hopes to raise awareness around food security and one of Australia&#8217;s major social issues, homelessness and to raise significant funds for Australia&#8217;s food rescue charities, <a href="http://www.ozharvest.org/" target="_blank">OzHarvest</a> and <a href="http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">Mission Australia</a>.</p>
<p>Four female entrepreneurs, whom the Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network has interviewed for either our <em>herBusiness</em> podcast or <em>In Her Shoes</em> video series form the list of 114 CEOs who have already raised over $346,395 in donations for the event.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ronni Kahn</strong>, Founding Director, <em>OzHarvest</em> &#8211; Interview: <a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/article/rescuing-good-food-rescuing-people-in-need-ronni-kahn-ozharvest-video-interview" target="_blank">Rescuing Good Food, Rescuing People in Need</a></li>
<li><strong>Rachel Argaman</strong>, CEO, <em>Toga Hospitality</em> &#8211; Interview: <a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/article/why-culture-beats-leadership-strategy-rachel-argaman" target="_blank">Why Culture Beats Leadership Strategy</a></li>
<li><strong>Lisa Messenger</strong>, Founder and Managing Director, <em>The Messenger Group</em> &#8211; Interview 1: <a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/article/innovative-marketing-how-custom-publishing-can-boost-your-brand-lisa-messenger-video" target="_blank">Innovative Marketing. How Custom Publishing Can Boost Your Brand.</a>, Interview 2: <a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/article/be-open-opportunities-take-risks-jump-quickly-lisa-messenger" target="_blank">Be Open to Opportunities. Take Risks and Jump Quickly.</a></li>
<li><strong>Andrea Culligan</strong>, CEO and Managing Director, <em>Unimail</em> &#8211; Interview: <a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/article/stand-out-from-the-competition-tips-to-negotiate-a-fair-salary-andrea-culligan-video" target="_blank">Stand Out from the Competition. Tips to Negotiate a Fair Salary.</a></li>
</ul>
<p>To learn more about the event, including how you can get involved, donate or even sign up as a CEO, visit <a href="http://www.ceocookoff.com.au/" target="_blank">www.ceocookoff.com.au</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/inspiration/ceo-celebrity-chef-cookoff-feed-people-in-need-february-2012/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Government Reshuffle Means New Small Business Minister</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/government-reshuffle-means-new-small-business-minister</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/government-reshuffle-means-new-small-business-minister#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:49:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amy Lyden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News and Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apprentice kickstart program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government reshuffle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mark arbib]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minister for Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Sherry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senator arbib]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women in business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=11736</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Amy Lyden, Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network Advocacy Advisor Nick Sherry has stepped down as Minister for Small Business after only 15 months in the role, just prior to a major reshuffle by Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week. The Prime Minister has appointed Mark Arbib, the 40 year old senator for NSW. Senator Arbib also [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Amy Lyden, Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network Advocacy Advisor</p>
<div id="attachment_11751" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-11751 " style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Senator Mark Arbib" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/700692-arbib-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" /><p class="wp-caption-text">© Perth Now</p></div>
<p>Nick Sherry has stepped down as Minister for Small Business after only 15 months in the role, just prior to a major reshuffle by Prime Minister Julia Gillard this week.</p>
<p>The Prime Minister has appointed <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/homepages/senators.asp?id=HES" target="_blank">Mark Arbib</a>, the 40 year old senator for NSW.  Senator Arbib also holds the new role of Assistant Treasurer and retains his previous title of Minister for Sport.</p>
<p><strong>There are 2 million small businesses in Australia, of which women own over 30%.</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Senator Arbib quoted, “Small business is the heart of the economy.  I&#8230; understand the importance of small business to jobs and wealth creation.  They (small businesses) are the heart of Labor’s economic policy.” Senator Arbib was previously Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness.</p></blockquote>
<p>During the global financial crisis, he worked with small business to form and grow the $100 million <a href="http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/Info_Aus_Apps/KickStart.asp" target="_blank">Apprentice Kickstart Program</a> whereby over 46,000 young Australians were helped to start apprenticeships, also helping close the skill gap felt by many small businesses.</p>
<p>The Australian Businesswomen’s Network welcomes Senator Arbib to this important new role and we look forward to working with him and his office to ensure the small business sector and particularly women-owned small businesses are well represented.</p>
<p><strong>What issues are important to YOU that Senator Arbib should be aware of? Please post your thoughts and concerns.</strong></p>
<p><strong>MORE GREAT BLOG POSTS BY AMY LYDEN</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/charity-water-technology-changes-everything">Charity: Water &#8211; &#8220;Technology Changes Everything&#8221;</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/developing-an-asia-plan-for-your-future">Developing an Asia Plan for Your Future</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/make-care-fair-%E2%80%93-the-cost-of-not-having-affordable-and-flexible-childcare" target="_blank">Make Care Fair – the cost of not having affordable and flexible childcare</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img title="Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/amy_lyden.jpg" alt="Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Amy Lyden &#8211; Advocacy Advisor – Australian Businesswomen’s Network</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Amy is passionate about using technology to connect people globally for positive change.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:amy.lyden@gmail.com">amy.lyden@gmail.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.twitter.com/amylyden" target="_blank">@amylyden</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/amylyden" target="_blank">Amy Lyden</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/6933" target="_blank">See Amy’s Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/government-reshuffle-means-new-small-business-minister/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Charity: Water &#8211; &#8220;Technology Changes Everything&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/charity-water-technology-changes-everything</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/charity-water-technology-changes-everything#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amy Lyden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiration/Personal Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Publicity and PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media and Social Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology & the Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[abn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amy lyden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australian Businesswomen's Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[basic human needs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity: water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clever social media strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital fundraising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online fundraising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Philanthropy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paull young]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scott Harrison]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twestival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water changes everything]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=11652</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Amy Lyden, Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network Advocacy Advisor I had the pleasure of attending a Charity: Water event last week. Paull Young, the young passionate Aussie who just HAD to work for this organisation when he came across them, presented to a group of about 50 people in Sydney. You may have heard of Charity: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Amy Lyden, Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network Advocacy Advisor</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11676" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="ethiopia_clean_water" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ethiopia_clean_water-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="275" />I had the pleasure of attending a <a title="Charity: Water" href="http://www.charitywater.org/" target="_blank">Charity: Water</a> event last week.  Paull Young, the young passionate Aussie who just <strong>HAD</strong> to work for this organisation when he came across them, presented to a group of about 50 people in Sydney.</p>
<p>You may have heard of Charity: Water, especially if you are active on Twitter and other social media.  Charity: Water has very successfully trail blazed new ways of fundraising and getting their story out to millions of people globally through the clever use of technology and social media strategies. Whether you are working for a charity or own your own business, there is much to be learnt from how they do things.</p>
<h1>How Charity: Water Started</h1>
<p><strong> </strong>Charity: Water started five years ago when its young founder, Scott Harrison travelled to Africa and saw first hand the terrible plight of so many without the most basic of human needs – water.  When he returned to NYC and a friend bought him a $16 martini, he realised that that same $16 could have fed a family in Africa or built a well.  He then decided that if more people understood what was needed, the world could be changed.  He then founded Charity: Water.</p>
<h1>The facts about water</h1>
<ul>
<li>Out of the seven billion people living on the planet, <strong>one billion people do not have access to drinking water</strong>.  Without seeing and experiencing this, it is hard for the people who do have water (and always have) to imagine what life would be like for these one billion people.</li>
<li><strong>2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation</strong> – toilets, running water, etc</li>
<li>This is a major cause of preventable disease.  <strong>40,000 kids die every day because of lack of access to clean water and sanitation</strong>.  Not having a “tap and toilet” kills more people than all the wars around the world every year.</li>
<li>In Africa alone, <strong>people spend 40 billion hours every year just walking  for water</strong>. Usually it is women and children walking many kilometres to the nearest water source, and this water will likely make them sick.</li>
<li><strong>Charity: Water’s motto is “Water Changes Everything”</strong>.  Simple, yet true.  Not only does access to clean water (through taps and toilets) eliminate much disease, but also kids are able to go to school and entire communities can be transformed.</li>
<li><strong>$19 will fund a well.</strong> This is such small amount that will make such a huge difference to people without access to water – the price of a cocktail or two in a major city.</li>
</ul>
<h1>Online Philanthropy</h1>
<p><strong> </strong><strong><br />
<img class="alignleft" style="margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="ethiopia_dirty_water" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ethiopia_dirty_water-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="275" />“Technology changes everything”.</strong> Charity: Water does almost all of its fundraising online.  It’s clever use of social media to raise money has certainly been its strong suit.  In February 2009, they raised $250,000 through Twestival.  This was the largest amount ever raised by a charity online.</p>
<p><strong>Twitter:</strong> Charity: Water was first on twitter in 2007 with a few hundred followers (that was like rock-star status in those days), and now they have over 1.3 million followers!</p>
<p><strong>Facebook:</strong> Over 200,000 likes.</p>
<h1>Online Campaigns</h1>
<p><strong> </strong>Charity: Water doesn’t ask for money, it asks for fundraisers – people to raise money for them.  And they have clever campaigns around this premise. One example is the “Give up your birthday for clean water” campaign.  People raise money on their birthday and ask friends and family to make a donation instead of buying them a gift.  Genius.</p>
<p>We already have more than we need – right?  This is all done online and the technology makes it easy to set this up.  We are seeing a lot of charities making use of this now, for example <a title="Everyday Hero" href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/" target="_blank">“Everyday Hero”</a>,  whereby a fundraiser (individual) can set up an online presence to track the donations etc.  This is becoming very common particularly for fun runs and other events like <a title="Movember" href="http://au.movember.com/" target="_blank">“Movember”</a>.</p>
<h1>Stats for Charity: Water’s Online Campaigns</h1>
<p><strong>Average  amount  raised by a fundraiser: </strong> $1,000<br />
<strong>Average campaign:</strong> 13 donors, average donation $80.</p>
<p>Charity: Water then emails all donors to show where and when the wells went.  They send them links to googlemaps which actually shows the locations of the wells.  Their model is that for every $1 spent, $8 is raised.  That’s leverage.</p>
<h1>A Winning Model</h1>
<p>Paull Young says the culture of Charity: Water “<strong>Feels more like a tech start up than a charity</strong>.” They have raised $26 million so far, and 75% was raised through digital models, more than any other charity using these models. They are experiencing 100%+ growth.  And they are just warming up. <strong> They have a big hairy audacious goal to raise $2 billion by 2020 (yes, $2 BILLION).</strong></p>
<h1>Some tips from Charity: Water</h1>
<ol>
<li><img class="alignright" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="uganda_clean_water" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/uganda_clean_water-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="275" />Start with your story and <strong>make it their story</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Show them where there money goes</strong>.  Charity: Water uses googlemaps with GPS to show exactly where the wells were built.</li>
<li><strong>Use pictures. </strong>Charity: Water posts a “picture a day.” Pictures showing the sheer joy that water can bring to people.  Real people.  They believe in showing people the impact of their giving.  Show by photos and share the stories of the people they impact.  Show them where their money goes.</li>
<li><strong>Use narrative</strong> &#8211; sharing stories.  One African woman named Helen said that now that she has water she feels beautiful, because for the first time in her life she can wash herself.  <strong>Now THAT is powerful story sharing.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Demonstrate the impact to the donor</strong>.  Because you donated $30, this well (picture) was built in this location (googlemaps).  Helen’s family (picture of Helen’s family) now has access to running water.</li>
</ol>
<p>We are lucky enough to live in an age where <strong>our message can be reached by millions (and potentially billions) of people.</strong> Before the ubiquitous use of technology, mobile phones etc this simply was not possible without spending ungodly amounts of money.  Today anyone can do this by utilising technology.  The key is to have a compelling message that truly speaks to people around the world.</p>
<p>Charity: Water has done this well so far in their short life.  And I would bet that with passionate people like Paull Young involved they will get their big hairy audacious goal of raising $2 billion by 2020 and then some.</p>
<p><strong>MORE GREAT BLOG POSTS BY AMY LYDEN</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/developing-an-asia-plan-for-your-future">Developing an Asia Plan for Your Future</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/make-care-fair-%E2%80%93-the-cost-of-not-having-affordable-and-flexible-childcare" target="_blank">Make Care Fair – the cost of not having affordable and flexible childcare</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/balance-is-bullshit">&#8220;Balance is B*llsh*t&#8221;</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img title="Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/amy_lyden.jpg" alt="Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Amy Lyden &#8211; Advocacy Advisor – Australian Businesswomen’s Network</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Amy is passionate about using technology to connect people globally for positive change.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:amy.lyden@gmail.com">amy.lyden@gmail.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.twitter.com/amylyden" target="_blank">@amylyden</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/amylyden" target="_blank">Amy Lyden</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/6933" target="_blank">See Amy’s Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/charity-water-technology-changes-everything/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Does Santa Really Know if you&#8217;re Good or Bad?</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/does-santa-really-know-if-youre-good-or-bad</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/does-santa-really-know-if-youre-good-or-bad#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jwise</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[(Almost) Daily Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Publicity and PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media and Social Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Today's Tip]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acceptable behaviour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advice for new year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alcohol consumption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[binge drinking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas 2011]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[julie wise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new year 2012]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[protect your brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[protect your personal image]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sensible drinking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business owner advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social functions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the silver owl]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=11587</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Julie Wise, The Silver Owl We all indulge during the festive season, but the need to stay Safe and Sound is also important. Did you know that: Australians&#8217; weekly average alcohol intake triples during the festive season One third of Australians consume more than 10 standard drinks a week during the festive season Nearly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Julie Wise, The Silver Owl</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11670" title="drunk-santa-christmas" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/drunk-santa-christmas-300x288.jpg" alt="" width="250" />We all indulge during the festive season, but the need to stay Safe and Sound is also important.</p>
<p><strong>Did you know that:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Australians&#8217; weekly average alcohol intake triples during the festive season</li>
<li>One third of Australians consume more than 10 standard drinks a week during the festive season</li>
<li>Nearly one half of Australians aged 20 to 29 admitted to binge drinking during the festive season</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>Being aware that your brand is impacted by behaviour at social functions just allows us to take simple precautions.</p>
<p>Here’s  a selection of the advice issued by corporates to their employees. I think much of it makes sense, even for a small business owner to adopt.</p>
<h1>Advice for Sensible Drinking over Christmas and New Year:</h1>
<ul>
<li>Drink slowly. Make sure you&#8217;re chatting more than you&#8217;re drinking</li>
<li>Drink non-alcoholic spacers between alcoholic drinks, such as water, juice or soft drinks</li>
<li>Choose low-alcohol varieties, such as low or mid-strength beer</li>
<li>Be aware of the size of each drink &#8211; your glass of wine may actually contain two standard drinks</li>
<li>EAT! High protein foods (such as nuts) eaten before and during alcohol consumption can help slow the release of alcohol</li>
<li>Avoid shouts or rounds that encourage drinking quickly and in large volumes</li>
<li>Finish your drink before letting someone top it up &#8211; this way you can keep track of what you&#8217;re drinking</li>
</ul>
<h1>End of Year Client Functions:</h1>
<ul>
<li>These are still work events and the same policies and expectations apply &#8211; just like any other work meeting</li>
<li>What you might think is a harmless joke, comment or gesture could be harassment if it offends someone else</li>
<li>Plan ahead when celebrating. Don&#8217;t drink and drive. Leave your car at home and plan to use public transport</li>
<li>Keep in mind that people have different cultural and religious beliefs around this time of year</li>
<li>Look out for one another. If you see someone in a dangerous situation – be it personal safety or reputational, speak up and do what you can to get them into a safer situation. This includes leaving the function with them and ensuring they get home.</li>
<li>If you are a team or business leader, <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">you have</span></strong> a responsibility to ensure that your team get home safely</li>
</ul>
<h1>Social Media:</h1>
<ul>
<li>Without written permission of your host or your company, you should not post details (including photos) of, during or after the function. Use of brands/names are subject to copyright laws.</li>
<li>Even with the permission of the companies involved –  it is considered common courtesy to ask your companions their permission before you publish their names or tag them in photos</li>
<li>You may consider changing personal settings on social media, so that you can check who’s writing about you or publishing a photo of you. Perhaps even upgrade your privacy settings so that you authorise anything that includes you prior publishing.</li>
<li>Do not publish anything that involves people who were not part of your immediate party, circle or are total strangers to you irrespective of the situation in question. Remember to treat (or tweet) others as you’d expect to be treated (or tweeted).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>So now more than ever, Santa really will know if you’ve been good or bad!</strong></p>
<p>Note: Statistics were sourced from a survey conducted by Febfast in 2009. 1066 Australians from all states were surveyed. <a href="http://www.febfast.com.au/" target="_blank">www.febfast.com.au</a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">MORE GREAT POSTS BY JULIE WISE</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/build-your-business-dolly-parton-style">Build your Business: Dolly Parton Style</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/what-if-business-priorities">What If?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/networking-beyond-the-business-card-shuffle">Networking &#8211; Beyond the Business Card Shuffle!</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img title="Julie Wise - The SilverOwl" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/julie_wise.jpg" alt="Julie Wise - The SilverOwl" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Julie Wise &#8211; The SilverOwl</h3>
<p>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 Business Women’s Network Advisory Board and the NSW Committee for the Australian Women’s Archive Project. In Jan 2010, she joined the Fred Hollows Foundation.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:julie@thesilverowl.com.au">julie@thesilverowl.com.au</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.thesilverowl.com.au/" target="_blank">www.thesilverowl.com.au</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://twitter.com/julie_wise" target="_blank">@julie_wise</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/juliewise" target="_blank">View Julie&#8217;s Public Profile</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/3000626" target="_blank">See Julie’s ABN Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/does-santa-really-know-if-youre-good-or-bad/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>1 Million Women Save Summit</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/lifestyle/1-million-women-save-summit</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/lifestyle/1-million-women-save-summit#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:45:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Suzi Dafnis</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiration/Personal Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inspiring Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women/Gender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[1 million women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2012 women's agenda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bernie hobbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caroline bayliss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[climate change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cut waste]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[female president or ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fight climate change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foundation climate justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helen dalley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[julie goodwin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[katie noonan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kim mckay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layne beachley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mary robinson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[master chef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[melinda schneider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natalie isaacs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[noni hazlehurst]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[samah hadid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SAVE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[save energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[save summit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[simple actions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stop pollution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suzi Dafnis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Climate Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the sustainable feast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[true green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Nations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[youth ambassador]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=11545</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Join the 1 Million Women SAVE Summit Wednesday, 14 December at Sydney Town Hall (483 George Street) 9am-11:30am for the 2012 Women&#8217;s Agenda. 1 Million Women will be highlighting the power to act that we all possess to fight climate change through the way we live our lives. SAVE is about living more sustainably and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><a href="http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/online/save.htm" target="_blank"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-11546" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="1 Million Women Save Summit" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-Shot-2011-11-17-at-9.32.13-AM.png" alt="" width="287" height="184" />Join the <strong>1 Million Women SAVE Summit</strong> Wednesday, 14 December at Sydney Town Hall</a> (483 George Street) 9am-11:30am for the 2012 Women&#8217;s Agenda. 1 Million Women will be highlighting the power to act that we all possess to fight climate change through the way we live our lives.</p>
<p>SAVE is about living more sustainably and being better off financially and the Summit will help save you $1000 or more in 2012 by showing you how to save energy, cut waste and pollution through simple actions that you can implement in your home, transport, food and shopping.</p>
<p>The SAVE Summit will be MC&#8217;d be Bernie Hobbs, ABC TV and radio presenter and Kim McKay, co-author of the <em>True Green</em> books. Performances by Katie Noonan and Melinda Schneider and an impressive list of guest speakers, including <em>1 Million Women</em> Founder Natalie Isaacs.</p>
<p>Watch the Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network&#8217;s <em>In Her Shoes</em> interview with Natalie Isaacs: <a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/article/social-entrepreneur-seeks-1-million-women-to-take-action-natalie-isaacs">Social Entrepreneur Seeks 1 Million Women to Take Action</a>.</p>
<p>Other guest speakers include award-winning actor Noni Hazlehurst, award-winning TV journalist Helen Dalley, Youth Ambassador to the UN Samah Hadid, 7x world surfing champion Layne Beachley and Australian director of <em>The Climate Group</em> Caroline Bayliss. Mary Robinson, the first female President of Ireland and founder of the <em>Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Justice</em>, a voice for women in the developing world, will also make an appearance via video link and there will be live demonstrations, including a demonstration and recipes with Julie Goodwin, Australia&#8217;s first Master Chef.</p>
<p>Tickets are $25.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/online/save.htm" target="_blank">Read more and register now for the SAVE Summit on the 1 Million Women website</a>.</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/lifestyle/1-million-women-save-summit/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>New Report – Australia losing ground in gender equity measures</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/featured/new-report-australia-gender-equality</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/featured/new-report-australia-gender-equality#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:32:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Suzi Dafnis</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women/Gender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australia gender equality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare assistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[developing world]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic participation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[female opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gender equality ratio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[global gender gap report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inequality gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life expectancy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[political empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex ratio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south america]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[susan wareham mcgrath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxation legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work equality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[world economic forum]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=11436</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Susan Wareham McGrath While 85% of countries have improved their gender equality ratios over the past six years, for the rest of the world the situation is declining, most notably in several African and South American countries, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2011, which was released this week. The Report [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Susan Wareham McGrath</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11437" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid black;" title="World Economic Forum - Global Gender Gap" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-Shot-2011-11-04-at-11.30.24-AM-234x300.png" alt="" width="234" height="300" />While 85% of countries have improved their gender equality ratios over the past six years, for the rest of the world the situation is declining, most notably in several African and South American countries, according to the <a href="http://www.weforum.org/issues/global-gender-gap" target="_blank">World Economic Forum’s <em>Global Gender Gap Index 2011</em>, which was released this week</a>.</p>
<p>The Report index assesses 135 countries, representing more than 93% of the world’s population, on how well resources and opportunities are divided amongst male and female populations.</p>
<p><strong>The report measures the size of the gender inequality gap in four areas:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Economic participation and opportunity</strong> –salaries, participation and highly-skilled employment</li>
<li><strong>Education</strong> – access to basic and higher level education</li>
<li><strong>Political empowerment</strong> – representation in decision-making structures</li>
<li><strong>Health</strong> <strong>and survival</strong> – life expectancy and sex ratio</li>
</ul>
<p>The rankings are designed to allow for effective comparisons across regions and income groups, and over time.</p>
<h1>Global results</h1>
<p>Nordic countries (Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) continue to hold top spots, having closed over 80% of their gender gaps, while countries at the bottom of the rankings, including Pakistan, Chad and Yemen still need to close as much as 50%.</p>
<p>The developing world had some notable success stories. Lesotho, the Philippines and South Africa were more equal than the UK, which was 15th in the global list. Lesotho, which rose two places to 8th, is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa to have no gender gap in either education or health.</p>
<p>The Report shows a slight decline over the last year in gender equality rankings for New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, while gains were made in Brazil, Ethiopia, Qatar, Tanzania and Turkey.</p>
<h1>Australia’s results</h1>
<p>Australia’s position has steadily dropped from 15th in 2006 to its current status of 23rd. This compares with New Zealand’s ranking this year of 6, the United Kingdom at 15, United States at 16 and Canada at 17.</p>
<p>The good news for Australian women is that within the individual areas, Australia was ranked equal first with 21 other countries in the Educational Attainment area.</p>
<p><strong>For the other three measures, we ranked:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>18<sup>th </sup>in Economic Participation and Opportunity</li>
<li>38<sup>th </sup>in Political Empowerment and</li>
<li>74<sup>th</sup> in Health and Survival</li>
</ul>
<p>While Australia excelled in the Educational Attainment area, the Index highlights the fact that it has some way to go to match the leading countries’ achievements. Accordingly, the Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network will continue to represent its community by lobbying government and publicly advocating for the better public policy, especially in the crucial areas of childcare assistance, taxation legislation and equality and work.</p>
<h1>Are there any issues you would like to see the ABN lobby for?</h1>
<p>Please let us know by commenting on this post or emailing <a href="mailto:policy@abn.org.au">policy@abn.org.au</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">MORE GREAT POSTS BY SUSAN MCGRATH:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/ditch-elevator-speeches-social-media">Is it time to ditch the pitch? ‘Elevator speeches’ in a world of social media.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/serving-on-non-profit-boards-good-for-you-good-for-the-community">Serving on non-profit boards &#8211; good for you, good for the community!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/how-to-write-a-winning-application-letter">How to write a winning application letter</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/susan_mcgrath.jpg" alt="Susan Wareham McGrath" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Susan Wareham McGrath</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:susan@susanwareham.com">susan@susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.susanwareham.com/" target="_blank">www.susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.susanwareham.com/" target="_blank">www.susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/susanwmcgrath" target="_blank">Susan Wareham McGrath</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://twitter.com/Susan_McGrath" target="_blank">@Susan_McGrath</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/McGrath_Careers" target="_blank">@McGrath_Careers</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/susanwmcgrath" target="_blank">View Susan&#8217;s Public Profile</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/277887" target="_blank">See Susan’s Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/featured/new-report-australia-gender-equality/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Developing an Asia Plan for Your Future</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/developing-an-asia-plan-for-your-future</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/developing-an-asia-plan-for-your-future#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amy Lyden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Strategy and Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[abn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advocacy advisor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aisa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amy lyden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asia australia relations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asia plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asialink leaders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asian growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AusTrade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australia and china]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia China Business Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia-Asia relations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australian Businesswomen's Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business in china]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chengdu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[china]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[china's economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chinese growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[compulsory second language]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[danger zone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[future of asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GFC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Financial Crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[globalisation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[international relations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ir]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Julie Bishop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[poverty in china]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robert Zoellick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unemployment rate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[world bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[world GDP ranking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=11066</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Amy Lyden, Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network Advocacy Advisor I have been participating in a program called the AsiaLink Leaders Program for the past 8 months and never has a course/program shifted my thinking and challenged me so.  The objective of the program is to have deeper Australia-Asia engagement. We have been learning high-level cultural intelligence [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Amy Lyden, Australian Businesswomen&#8217;s Network Advocacy Advisor</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-11082" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="business-china-hongkong" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/business-china-hongkong-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" />I have been participating in a program called the <a href="http://www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au/our_work/leaders" target="_blank">AsiaLink Leaders Program</a> for the past 8 months and never has a course/program shifted my thinking and challenged me so.  The objective of the program is to have deeper Australia-Asia engagement. We have been learning high-level cultural intelligence skills to manage the complexity of Australia-Asia relations.</p>
<p>Last week, the group convened for a five-day retreat in Canberra. The topic was “Developing an Australian ‘Asia Plan’” and a big part of this plan is of course China. At the retreat, we had the opportunity to meet with various Asian Ambassadors, top government officials and current politicians to discuss Australia’s Asian Plan.</p>
<h1>We Really Have Been “The Lucky Country”:</h1>
<p>We are living in a time of uncertainty. However, Australia has escaped a true recession in the aftermath of the GFC. We are lucky. And we should be thanking China for this luck. Our trading with China was one of the key lifesavers for us. Other parts of the world haven’t been so lucky:  the US’ unemployment rate is 9.1%, the EU is nearly at breaking point. Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank recently warned “the world is in a danger zone”. Can Australia simply rest on its laurels (i.e., resources) and hope for the best? No, we need to be thinking ahead and being proactive.</p>
<h1>The Opportunity:</h1>
<p>We need to get outside of our comfort zone to secure our future. The 21<sup>st</sup> Century will be the Asian Century – if we want to grow with Asia, we need to do some work.</p>
<p>I believe Australia can uniquely position itself as an innovative country that provides knowhow to the Asian region. We are in a perfect position – we know and understand US/European culture and have strong alliances here. We are part of Asia geographically and increasingly more so culturally, with over 600,000 people here of Asian descent and growing. We have the opportunity to provide unique services to the region. Let’s look at China as an example.</p>
<h1>China – the Threat and the Opportunity:</h1>
<p>It is the first time in history that Australia’s major trading partner (China) is NOT our strategic partner (USA). We like the economic benefit of having China as our major trading partner, yet feel threatened by them as outlined in the Department of Defence’s white paper, <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/whitepaper/" target="_blank">“Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030”</a> (2009).</p>
<p>China is very sensitive to this perception of it being a threat. The Chinese Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Mr. Chen Yuming spoke to our group about the problems associated with its tremendous growth over the last few years. There are still 180 million people living below the poverty line. They are trying to shift from being a manufacturing nation to a consumption nation. To put it in perspective, if we compare world ranking GDP per capita – Australia is 7<sup>th</sup>, US is 10<sup>th </sup>and China is 91<sup>st</sup> (Source: <a href="http://www.imf.org/external/data.htm" target="_blank">International Monetary Fund 2010</a>). They still have a long way to go to create better lives for their people. This is China&#8217;s challenge.</p>
<p>China is keen for peaceful development. Quite frankly, they have enough on their plate trying to deal with domestic issues. But it is a challenge for Australia. China’s closed political process, South China Sea territorial claims and its opaque legal system absolutely present challenges for us as Australians. But perhaps we can try to find some common ground.</p>
<h1>Australian Business in China:</h1>
<p>There is a HUGE opportunity for Australian businesses in China. I’m not simply talking about the obvious mining and energy. Food security is a major issue for the future; Australia is in a position to assist with this. There are abundant opportunities for service businesses in China, services that will help them with their exponential growth of urban cities – design services, architecture and education to name a few.</p>
<p>For example, Chengdu is a city in Southwest China where over 10 million people reside.  It is one of the fastest growing “2<sup>nd</sup> Tier” cities in China. There are many opportunities here and other 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> tier cities. It comes down to creating customers by helping them solve a problem.</p>
<p>In my own business, I looked to China to outsource my manufacturing. This move, whilst scary for me at the time (late 1990s) allowed my business to be more competitive and sustainable. If you have a business, I encourage you to consider the opportunities in China (and Asia generally for that matter). There are more than the obvious manufacturing opportunities. Perhaps a good starting point is to go along to an <a href="http://www.acbc.com.au/default.asp?id=1,1,0,1" target="_blank">Australia China Business Council</a> event or talk to <a href="http://www.austrade.gov.au/" target="_blank">AusTrade</a> about your plans. Perhaps invite a new Director on your board who has some experience working in China or Asia.</p>
<p>We are entering a new era – unfamiliar territory. I believe we must embrace the change and jump into the deep end. Julie Bishop, Deputy Opposition Leader, told our group that the Coalition would support compulsory second language in our schools, more student exchange programs (not just Asian students coming to Australia, but also more Aussie students spending time in Asia). This is a good start.</p>
<p>We need to be ready for this brave new world that is a result of globalisation and the huge shift of power to the East. And the better equipped we are, the more secure our businesses and the future as a nation will be.</p>
<p><strong>MORE GREAT BLOG POSTS BY AMY LYDEN</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/make-care-fair-%E2%80%93-the-cost-of-not-having-affordable-and-flexible-childcare" target="_blank">Make Care Fair – the cost of not having affordable and flexible childcare</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/balance-is-bullshit">&#8220;Balance is B*llsh*t&#8221;</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/budget-impacts-for-small-business-and-working-families">Budget Impacts for Small Business and Working Families</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img title="Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/amy_lyden.jpg" alt="Amy Lyden | Australian Businesswomen's Network" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Amy Lyden &#8211; Advocacy Advisor – Australian Businesswomen’s Network</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Amy is passionate about using technology to connect people globally for positive change.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:amy.lyden@gmail.com">amy.lyden@gmail.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.twitter.com/amylyden" target="_blank">@amylyden</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/amylyden" target="_blank">Amy Lyden</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/6933" target="_blank">See Amy’s Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/developing-an-asia-plan-for-your-future/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Forget work/life balance; work/life fit is better for you</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/featured/forget-worklife-balance-worklife-fit-is-better-for-you</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/featured/forget-worklife-balance-worklife-fit-is-better-for-you#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Susan McGrath</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women/Gender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[day care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[expectations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family and life balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hercareer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[huffington post]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[own your choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supermoms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[susan wareham mcgrath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips for working mothers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work life balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work/life balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[work/life balance myth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10518</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Susan Wareham McGrath The Huffington Post, recently published, &#8220;Supermoms At Higher Risk For Depression: Study&#8221; &#8211; a pragmatic, powerful and practical piece about avoiding the almost universal guilt and frequent depression felt by working mothers. Key points include: Mothers are better off at home if that&#8217;s really where they want to be and they&#8217;re better [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Susan Wareham McGrath</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10613" title="Who are you ?" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/day25-who-are-you-300x260.jpg" alt="" width="270" height="234" />The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a>, recently published, &#8220;<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/22/depression-super-moms-work-life-balance_n_932659.html" target="_blank">Supermoms At Higher Risk For Depression: Study</a>&#8221; &#8211; a pragmatic, powerful and practical piece about avoiding the almost universal guilt and frequent depression felt by working mothers.<img src="http://susanwareham.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /></p>
<h1><strong>Key points include:</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mothers are better off at home if that&#8217;s really where they want to be and they&#8217;re better off working if that&#8217;s where they really want to be.</strong> Such a simple – and powerful – statement!</li>
<li><strong>Own your choices </strong>– this is a particularly good point for mothers who would prefer to be at home, but have to work. You don’t have to love your job, but if you know in some fundamental way that you made the right decision about working, you&#8217;ll be more comfortable going forward than if you&#8217;re always questioning yourself.</li>
<li><strong>Find your work-life “fit” &#8211; not balance.</strong> Why? Because &#8220;balance&#8221; is a guilt word; it implies you have to have everything on an even keel and that if you give to one side, you take from the other. “Fit”, on the other hand, is about doing whatever works for you. When balance is out of the equation, so is the guilt that comes with trying to achieve it.</li>
<li><strong>Align your expectations with reality</strong>. Staying stuck with expectations that aren&#8217;t coming true leads to depression and guilt.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/22/depression-super-moms-work-life-balance_n_932659.html" target="_blank">Click here to read the full article</a>, which includes a list of six practical tips to banish working mothers’ guilt for good!</p>
<h1><strong>My response:</strong></h1>
<p>Over the past forty years, the feminist mantra that “<em>women can have it all</em>” has subtly turned to show its dark side, that in order to have it all, “<em>women must do it all</em>”.</p>
<p>Current research shows that despite the advert of modern feminism, working mothers – even those engaged in full-time work &#8211; still do most of their family’s housework, cooking, shopping and childcare and hands-on caring responsibilities for other family members, such as aged relatives. Easily a 70-80 hour working week, when travelling, working and domestic work is taken into account.</p>
<p>Against that backdrop, the expectation that so many women put upon themselves, to manage the perfect home, be the perfect mother and have the perfect career, or run the perfect business, is a recipe for emotional and psychological disaster.</p>
<p>The work/life balance myth has added to this pressure, causing women to question why they can’t find that elusive balance that would enable them to hold all the parts of their life together.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the only structural and long term solution to the woes of Australia’s working mothers that I can see lies in the hands of government. Not an ideal situation, but all we have to work with.</p>
<p>The government is already recognising the importance of quality child care, by planning to staff early years child care centres with qualified teachers – a step in the right direction. But that is of little use to mothers whose children are currently on a two to three year waiting list to access their centre of choice, or who aren’t able to use child care centres because they close too early.</p>
<p>Like it or not, it’s a fact of life that many mothers are not in the privileged position of being able to collect their children by 6 pm. Child care centre operators should be encouraged to recognise this and extend their hours to a more realistic timeframe, with the government subsidising their additional operating costs, to avoid the ridiculous situation of centres charging $1<sup>+</sup> for every minute a parent is late collecting their child. Outside school hours care should also be subsidised in the same way.</p>
<p>Family day care is not everyone’s choice and parents should not be forced to put their child into that model of care because nothing else is available.</p>
<p>I would also like to see the use of accredited domestic support services made tax deductible, to increase their affordability to all working Australians (I say “working Australians” because some groups of non-working Australians already receive subsided or free domestic services) and open up employment options in the home services field, thereby reducing the ongoing drain on government funds caused by able-bodied people accepting unemployment benefits.</p>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<h1>Check back tomorrow for the next blog post in <strong>30 Days to a Great Career</strong>! 1-30 September 2011</h1>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<p><strong>MOST RECENT 30 DAYS TO A GREAT CAREER POSTS</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10963">Approaching Your Boss &#8211; a Mentoring Perspective</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10512">Grammatical glitches that spell &#8220;disaster&#8221; for job applicants</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10716">Making A Good Impression: 7 Keys To A More Professional Image</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img title="Susan Wareham McGrath" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/susan_mcgrath.jpg" alt="Susan Wareham McGrath" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Susan Wareham McGrath</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:susan@susanwareham.com">susan@susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.susanwareham.com/" target="_blank">www.susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.susanwareham.com/" target="_blank">www.susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/susanwmcgrath" target="_blank">Susan Wareham McGrath</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://twitter.com/Susan_McGrath" target="_blank">@Susan_McGrath</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/McGrath_Careers" target="_blank">@McGrath_Careers</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/susanwmcgrath" target="_blank">View Susan&#8217;s Public Profile</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/277887" target="_blank">See Susan’s Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/business-articles-library" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10779" title="Great Articles on the Australian Businesswomen's Network website" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ArticlesLibrary_550.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="67" /></a></p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/featured/forget-worklife-balance-worklife-fit-is-better-for-you/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Board quotas &#8211; are they the answer?</title>
		<link>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/board-quotas-are-they-the-answer</link>
		<comments>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/board-quotas-are-they-the-answer#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Susan McGrath</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow Your Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Strategy and Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women/Gender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australian boards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[board quotas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[board selection criteria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boardroom positions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[company boards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[female mentors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forced quotas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gender balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gender equity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gender quotas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[improved governance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[International Women’s Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joe hockey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kate ellis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organisational culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quentin Bryce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[susan wareham mcgrath]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transparency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women in executive roles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women in leadership positions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women on Boards]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10516</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Susan Wareham McGrath Australia’s peak shareholders’ body recently said women should be appointed to company boards according to their abilities, not arbitrary quotas, according to The Australian newspaper. And Federal Opposition Women’s Affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash restated the Coalition’s opposition to gender quotas, in response to Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey’s call for women to occupy [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>By Susan Wareham McGrath</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10667" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="day-24-board-room" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/day-24-board-room1-300x181.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="181" />Australia’s peak shareholders’ body recently said women should be appointed to company boards according to their abilities, not arbitrary quotas, according to <em>The Australian</em> newspaper. <img src="http://susanwareham.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" />And Federal Opposition Women’s Affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash restated the Coalition’s opposition to gender quotas, in response to Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey’s call for women to occupy a mandated 30 per cent of boardroom positions.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Governor-General Quentin Bryce used International Women’s Day to call for board quotas, saying they are needed to break the “old boys” stranglehold over Australian business, and Australian Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis has stated that quotas were a last resort but that the government was leaving this option on the table.</p>
<h2>But are we targeting the real problem in our discussions about quotas and getting more women onto Australian boards? I don’t think so.</h2>
<p>I see the lack of women on boards as just a symptom of a much deeper problem that seems to have had disappointingly little media attention paid to it.</p>
<p><strong>The real issue –</strong> the problem that must be addressed before any sustainable progress can be made toward gender equity in corporate Australia <strong>- </strong><strong>is</strong> <strong>Australia’s prevailing organisational culture that keeps women off boards, by restricting their access to the C-suite executive roles that are feeder positions to corporate directorships.</strong></p>
<p>I recently undertook a piece of research relating to factors that affect women’s representation on boards in Australia. I only used significant Australian and international studies that were up to two years old, so my sources were somewhat limited, but even so, they identified no less than sixteen separate and evidence-based factors that currently block women’s ascendency to the board table.</p>
<h1>Just a few of these factors were:</h1>
<ul>
<li>the culture of mateship that continues to pervade Australian boards</li>
<li>a lack of transparency in board appointment processes, and a failure to articulate and assess applicants against clear selection criteria</li>
<li>the fact that boards usually recruit from restricted pools of applicants that are already known to, or referred by, their members</li>
<li>board members’  tendency to “appoint in their own image”</li>
<li>the fact that significantly fewer males than females see gender diversity on boards as a strategic corporate priority</li>
<li>organisational expectations of a straight-line, always-available, geographically mobile career model</li>
<li>the fact that board feeder positions &#8211; senior corporate C-suite roles with line management responsibilities &#8211; are predominantly filled by men</li>
<li>the lack of support for women who wish to continue to build their careers after having a child, or taking on caring responsibilities; for example, personally tailored return to work programs, telecommuting and the provision of quality, flexible child care</li>
<li>the lack of high level female mentors to assist other women get onto boards and into board feeder roles within an organisation</li>
</ul>
<p>And this is despite the fact that evidence has proven over and over again that having women in leadership positions and on boards is good for business, not only by leading to improved financial and corporate results, but because it leads to improved governance, enhanced public perception of the organisation and better employee attraction and retention.</p>
<p>The introduction of quotas would certainly improve the gender balance on Australian boards, and would do so over a very short period of time.</p>
<p><strong>But the introduction of quotas would also have the potential to encourage lip-service, forced compliance, a public questioning of the worthiness of the incumbents who were appointed under the quota requirement and a nagging worry in the minds of the incumbents themselves, about whether their appointment stemmed from merit or tokenism.</strong></p>
<p>So regardless of whether Australia eventually does nothing, goes down the forced quota pathway or takes the voluntary target option, one thing is obvious.</p>
<p>To address the organisational culture that is the fundamental cause of the lack of gender balance on Australian boards, we need strong corporate leadership that champions gender equity for all employees, from the new recruit to the executive team and the board.</p>
<p>Until corporate Australia has the strategic foresight and pragmatic business sense to use such leadership to implement change across Australia’s business sector, the best that will be achieved is the continued implementation of spin-doctored, band-aid solutions which, to the detriment of the Australia’s business sector, will temporarily mask the obvious symptoms, but do little to stem the growth of the real problem.</p>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<h1>Check back tomorrow for the next blog post in <strong>30 Days to a Great Career</strong>! 1-30 September 2011</h1>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<p><strong>MOST RECENT 30 DAYS TO A GREAT CAREER POSTS</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10935">The Power of a Handshake</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/?p=10699">How To Boost Productivity at Work</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/resolving-conflicts-when-they-happen">Resolving Conflicts (when they happen)</a></li>
</ul>
<hr size="1" noshade="noshade" />
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="540">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="110" align="center" valign="top">
<h3><img title="Susan Wareham McGrath" src="http://blog.abn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/susan_mcgrath.jpg" alt="Susan Wareham McGrath" width="110" height="110" /></h3>
</td>
<td width="15" align="center" valign="top"></td>
<td align="left" valign="top">
<h3>Susan Wareham McGrath</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<table border="0" width="385">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="121">Email:</td>
<td width="254"><a href="mailto:susan@susanwareham.com">susan@susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.susanwareham.com/" target="_blank">www.susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Website:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.susanwareham.com/" target="_blank">www.susanwareham.com</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Facebook:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/susanwmcgrath" target="_blank">Susan Wareham McGrath</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twitter:</td>
<td><a href="http://twitter.com/Susan_McGrath" target="_blank">@Susan_McGrath</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/McGrath_Careers" target="_blank">@McGrath_Careers</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LinkedIn:</td>
<td><a href="http://au.linkedin.com/in/susanwmcgrath" target="_blank">View Susan&#8217;s Public Profile</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Member Profile:</td>
<td><a href="http://www.abn.org.au/site/member/number/277887" target="_blank">See Susan’s Member Profile</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/board-quotas-are-they-the-answer/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

