Selling to Baby Boomers & Gen X

April 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Homepage, Homepage-Growing, Marketing, Research, Start Up Marketing

Bridging the Generation Gap

generationyouth Young entrepreneur Amanda Jephtha recently attended a workshop with social researcher Mark McCrindle and is here to share the knowledge from that session.

Fact: everyone loves to hate Gen Y.
Fact: the future is not created by an economy, but a demography.
Fact: Gen Y is here to stay – and rule!

So how can we shake off our bad rep as demanding, fast-moving, selfish kids and get our message across?

How can we more effectively work with and sell to the older generations?

The key is to first UNDERSTAND them, and then modify your actions.

Check out these insights and tips on how to bridge the generation gap.

Why there are SO many oldies…

Since we’re not having as many babies and we’re all getting older (and living longer), soon there will be an explosion of older people. Actually, by 2020, there will be more than 3 times the amount of 65-69 year olds compared to 1978! A staggering statistic.
So whether we like it or not, we have to learn to communicate effectively with the older generations if we’re going to run successful businesses.

Thinking with the head versus thinking with the heart.

Typically, Gen Y decides with their emotions. Never mind reason; if we’ve absolutely fallen in love with something because of it’s looks or how it makes us feel, we simply buy it.

Gen Y engages emotionally as:
Seekers – someone who doesn’t know too much about a product, but is blindingly faithful, and
Embracers – someone who will trumpet your horn with full product knowledge and is in lurve with your product.
However, the older generations will first rationalise the purchase. Does this fit my needs? Is it value for (my heard-earned) money? Is the product guaranteed?

Generation X and the Baby Boomers engage cognitively as:

Hecklers – someone who doesn’t really understand the product and isn’t particularly attracted to it, and
Agree-ers – someone who understands the product is a good fit to their needs, but feels indifferent to the product.
Our aim is to convert all clients in to Embracers.

Image thanks to McCrindle Research

How to Sell to the Older Generation

Firstly, we need to satisfy the older generation’s need to rationalise. Answer their questions, even if you think they’re basic or repetitive – but don’t make them feel stupid!

Slow the pace down if you’re discussing new concepts.
Once we’ve ticked this box, only then can we successfully move them to the emotional quadrants, ultimately ending up as Embracers.
By then, the older generation will be your most powerful sales force. And considering the Baby Boomers own the majority of the wealth and spend more on technology than any other generation, who wouldn’t strive to achieve this?
What NOT to say
Generation X and the Baby Boomers just don’t use our vocab. Some even blame us for the downfall of the English language! But what do they particularly dislike?
Clichés.
We all love to hate clichés! So much so, McCrindle Research set out to find the top 10 clichés Gen Y use that Generation X and the Baby Boomers hate. So when you’re chatting with the oldies, avoid using:
1. My bad
2. Random
3. So hot right now
4. Fully sick
5. So over that
6. Oh my gosh
7. Whatever
8. Totally
9. Chillout
10. Whassup
Check out this full list of clichés that should best be avoided, no matter who you’re communicating with.
Remember…
Each generation operates differently. By being mindful of these differences, not only can we grow our businesses – we can make the richest and most abundant generation our biggest advocate!

Tags: amanda jephhtha, baby boomers, generation gap, generation x, generation y, Marketing, selling, selling to baby boomers, young entrepreneurs

What is a Virtual Assistant (VA) & How can they really help you?

April 2, 2009 by admin
Filed under Growing, Homepage, Homepage-Growing, Management

7 Comments

So you have all of your paper work piling up, your databases have contact details that are all wrong for your contacts, you have a presentation you have to prepare for tomorrow, and you need to organize that business trip to Perth today……as well as of course actually doing the thing you get paid for in your business!
Perhaps you should consider using a VIRTUAL ASSISTANT to take over some of your non-paying to-do’s.

I was feeling this way just the other day in fact. But when I thought of using a virtual assistant, for the very first time I was like “just what do they do” and of course the most important questions “just how much am I going to have to pay for this help!”. Bet you have wondered that aswell.

Well we got a VA friend of ours to spill the details on all that is VA’s……..cos we are pretty sure they are the answer to many of our young entrepreneur prayers! Over to you Leigh

Welllll………

A Virtual Assistant or “VA” as they are commonly known, is a self employed professional Administrative / Personal Assistant. A Virtual Assistant works from their own remote office to provide a range of virtual business support services, using technology such as phone, fax, internet and email to communicate with their clients.
Most Virtual Assistant’s have a minimum of five (5) years experience in Executive or Personal Assistant roles in traditional work environments.

Just what can you ask a virtual assistant to do?
A Virtual Assistant can provide most of the same services as an onsite employee, but without the added expense to employers. You can also work with a virtual assistant on just a job-by-job basis, rather than ongoing, which is perfect in those busier times.
Some common services a Virtual Assistant can provide include;
• Data Entry
• Word Processing
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Travel Arrangements
• Diary Management
• Customer Service / Reception /Answering Calls
• Event Planning
• Writing, Editing & Researching Services
• Desktop Publishing – creating your flyers and brochures and organising to get them printed if required
• Transcription
• Website Maintenance and Updates
• Database Management
• Online and Offline Marketing and Promotion
• Bookkeeping
• Mail outs
Not all Virtual Assistant’s offer all of these services. Some may specialise in just a few whilst others may specialise in additional services such as; Real Estate, Legal, Marketing Assistance etc.
No many VA’s will do cold calling or telemarketing.

The benefits of using a Virtual Assistant
There are a heap of benefits of using a Virtual Assistant and include such things as;
• Saving valuable time and money, allowing you time to work on your business (you get to focus on the stuff that brings in the money!).
• No office space, equipment or software required.
• No payroll tax.
• No super, sick and holiday pay.
• Only pay for time on task or per project, so only time actually spent working.
• Support on an “as needed” basis. You can use a Virtual Assistant on a full time, part time, casual basis or for a one off special project.

Ok, so just how much should you expect to pay for this kind of help?
The cost of using a Virtual Assistant can vary depending on the service required and the particular Virtual Assistant’s skills and experience. Virtual Assistants are generally paid by the hour and most Virtual Assistants have a 1 hour minimum.
Rates for services such as general data entry or word processing may be charged at a slightly cheaper rate than say website maintenance or desktop publishing. A general rate scale for a Virtual Assistant in Australia could range from $25 through to $45 per hour. Most Virtual Assistants will offer established clients a “retainer rate”, which is a discounted rate for a regular nominated amount of time. For example if a client uses the Virtual Assistant’s services for 20 hours each month the discount may be a percentage off the normal hourly rate.
But when you consider that you only pay for the time they are actually working on your job, which may only be 3 – 4 hours a week or even a month, to take off your hands the tedious tasks that have been bugging you for ages, and you think about how much you could make per hour if you were just working on what you love and are good at, then it is a definite option to consider.
You can expect to be required to sign a Virtual Assistant Project Agreement or Virtual Assistant Retainer Agreement and some Virtual Assistant’s may even require you to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.

Who can use a Virtual Assistant?

Almost any kind of business can benefit from using a Virtual Assistant. At this point they are most commonly used by small to medium business. Some industries or businesses that currently work with Virtual Assistant’s include;
• Contractors (Electricians, Plumbers, Handyman etc)
• Real Estate Consultants
• Marketing Consultants
• Physicians
• Web Based businesses
• Personal Coaching Consultants
• Online Store owners
• Online Network owners

How to work really effectively with a Virtual Assistant:

As you and your Virtual Assistant will be in different locations, (sometimes as remote as the other side of the country or even the world!) communication is the key factor in any Virtual Assistant / Client relationship. You will need to discuss things such as;
• What is expected for the project – timing, deadlines etc. So a really good and clear brief (explanation of what the job is that you want done) is essential.
• When both you and the Virtual Assistant are available to discuss amendments, progress of the project.
• What sort of communication is best suited to you both eg; phone, fax, email, instant messaging.
• Computer programs and versions to be used.
• And don’t forget the most important; tracking of their results and outcomes.

To find yourself a VA you can do a google search, check out LinkedIn & Twitter for profiles of VA’s and of course ask your networks for referrals.
The majority of VA’s are members of a Virtual Assistant Network. So if for instance your VA couldn’t do a particular task or needed extra assistance to complete a project they could call on one of the other members of their network for help. The 2 big ones in Australia are:
www.virtuallyyours.com.au
www.vadirectory.net
Hope that has been helpful. Goodluck in finding the VA to ease your business to-do list worries!

Article contributed by:
Leigh Pendergast – Director – Butterfly Virtual Assistant Services
butterfly-va If you would like more information about the services provided by Butterfly Virtual Assistant Services please do not hesitate to visit the website www.butterflyvirtualassistant.com.au or email leigh@butterflyvirtualassistant.com.au

You will also find some other helpful articles about Virtual Assistants on the Flying Solo website:
Five tips for working with a virtual assistant.
Where should virtual assistants be based.
Working virtually – a definition.

Tags: frank team, the frank team, virtual assistants, young entrepreneurs

YESUP09 – Where, When & Who!

March 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Marketing

The Real Basics of Online Marketing – Workshop

February 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under Homepage, Online & IT, Training, Workshops for Young Entrepreneurs

6 Comments

LEARN THE SECRETS TO MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE EFFECTIVELY

Presented by Young Entrepreneur Fred Schebesta
Bought to you by The Frank Team – SHOW ME HOW Young Entrepreneurs Workshop Series

Want to learn some of the real basics of online marketing so that you can do it yourself or direct your web contractor more effectively?

Want to learn how to market your business online like the professionals? And unlock the potential of online marketing for your business.

Guru Young Direct Marketer & Young Entrepreneur, Fred Schebesta is running his highly popular 11 Online Marketing Secrets Seminar especially for The Frank Team to reveal and teach online marketing secrets to young entrepreneurs. Yey!

In an increasingly online world, savvy young business owners are harnessing the power of online marketing. Many recognise that it is a strategic part of the overall marketing mix, but don’t know where to start and for many it seems just too hard.

Using the power of the web levels the playing field for every business – big or small, which is perfect for young entrepreneurs. Everyone has the chance to attract customers and with this seminar you have the prefect opportunity to learn exactly how to really unlock the potential of the web for your business.

Fred will share his knowledge in a highly practical and clear way; no jargon (unless it is explained!). It will only cover the stuff you need to know about and focus on showing you HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF.

“I would like to share the secrets I have learnt and to teach young entrepreneurs the secrets to online marketing that I have learnt through trial and error. There are some really easy, cheap and highly effective ways that you can have your website and online marketing super charging your business now.” Fred Schebesta.

Here at The Frank Team we noticed that many young entrepreneurs with websites are unsure of some of the basics of online marketing. That is anything from key words, search engine optimisation, landing pages and good web page structure. As such they are not getting the most out of their website or web development team.

Young Entrepreneur Fred Schebesta, an online marketing gun, is here to save the day! We have an awesome 3 hour practical workshop that will cover the basics of online marketing in a really fun, simple & highly practical way. Low on jargon and high on usefulness is what we can guarantee.

What will be covered in the workshop?

The workshop will cover Fred’s Top 11 Tips:

1. Improved conversion into database list secrets

2. How to use your email list

3. Secret & Easy Search engine marketing tactics

4. How to quickly leverage Customer profiling

5. Landing page secrets to improved conversion

6. 4 secrets to immediately improve your online Credibility

7. Increased effectiveness secrets for your pay per click search marketing

8. Using domain names to your advantage

9. Secret Microsite techniques for 2 bites at the cherry

10. Website statistics secret formula

11. 3 Fred Schebesta secret tactics to increased traffic

The Frank Team will also provide facilitated network time to ensure you get to meet other awesome young entrepreneurs.

When: 4.30 – 7.30pm Monday 27 April 2009
Price: $66 (incl GST)* – includes workbook with all Fred’s powerpoint slides. *Special price for The Frank Team young entrepreneurs
Where: PLEASE NOTE: CHANGE OF VENUE

Venue -Place: bioFirst Seminar Room

Ground Floor, National Innovation Centre, Australian Technology Park

4 Cornwallis St

Eveleigh, NSW 2015

Googlemap – http://tinyurl.com/cdoont

Parking available on site. Enter via Cornwallis Street (do not take the main ATP entry)

Secure your seat now for Fred’s “Online Marketing Secrets”

If you wish to pay by direct deposit please contacts us to arrange.

Any questions? email The Frank Team or (02) 95186244.

What do other people think of Fred’s seminar?

Fred Schebesta is Director of innovative online direct marketing company, Freestyle Media.

Fred works with Australia’s leading brands offering insight into the world of online direct marketing. He is recognised industry-wide for his skills in combining proven and traditional approaches with new thinking and ideas.

Fred was acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading entrepreneurial minds under the age of 30 when he was listed in the 2008 Australian Anthill’s 30under30.

He was awarded ADMA’s 2006 Young Australian Direct Marketer of the Year for his pioneering work combining the traditional direct marketing with online marketing techniques.

He started Freestyle Media while he was studying at University in 2001. He built it into a fast growing online marketing agency and in 2007 listed company Q Limited acquired Freestyle Media.

Freestyle Media major clients include 3 Mobile, Hutchinson, Sanitarium, Virgin Mobile, NRMA, Constellation Hotel Group, University of Newcastle, McDonalds Australia, Acer Computers, and Robobank across Australia and New Zealand

In his presentations, Fred shares with participants the techniques he has used to create innovative, successful campaigns for his clients. He is committed to sharing these techniques and educating the industry about online direct marketing and its application across the online discipline.

He is a regular public speaker and holds seminar events that are designed to grow the direct marketing industry.

Comments on Fred from Michael Kiely

Marketing Wizard and Executive Editor of Marketing Magazine, Michael Kiely said, “Mr Schebesta has never worked for anyone but himself. He started Freestyle Media while at university and has built it into a substantial “digital direct marketing” agency, with a host of major brands on the register.”

“He runs an educational outreach program of seminars and articles to teach companies how to apply direct marketing principles to online marketing. He invents new techniques. He is making a significant contribution to the industry already.”

“Fred is part of the new generation of direct marketers who are introducing the disciplines of direct marketing into the glamorous internet ‘space’. Too much money has been wasted online by people who don’t know what they are buying who hire web people who don’t know how to maximise response. Fred is a good representative of the future.”

Recent Speaking Appearances

Fred is a regular speaker at conferences and events. Below are recent appearances.

* Ad:tech Panel Blogvertising, Corporate Blogging and Vlogs
* AIMIA, “The Future of Video Online”
* ADMA Forum
* AALARA conference
* CeBIT
* Chamber of Commerce, Randwick, Burwood, Canada Bay
* Connect Marketing
* Department of State & Regional Development, Business Development workshops, Sydney, Bangalow, Coffs Harbour, North Sydney, Sydney City, Griffith
* Emarketing Expo
* etail World Australasia 2007
* IQPC Online Marketing “Turbo Tutes” conference
* Search School, Melbourne
* Search Summit
* SmartCompany Webinar
* Search Engine Room
* The Last Thursday Club
* Women’s Network Australia Expo

Recent Publications

Fred is often asked for industry comment and has been regularly profiled marketing and business magazines and newspapers including:

* Marketing Magazine
* AdNews
* B&T
* SMH
* The Australian
* Management Today
* SmartCompany

Any Questions?

Secure your seat now for Fred’s “Online Marketing Secrets”

If you wish to pay by direct deposit please contacts us to arrange. Email: info@frankteam.com.au or (02) 95186244

Tags: fred schebesta, making money online, online marketing, online marketing workshop, young enrtepreneur workshop

Ten Secrets to Great Email Marketing

February 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Homepage, Homepage-Growing, Marketing, Start Up Marketing

3 Comments

email The debate about snailmail versus email rages on between the old timer marketers and the new age digital marketers. Here we get the inside word from a digital marketer’s perspective, Fred Schebesta, on how to increase your response rates and generate a multitude of leads.

As young entrepreneurs you often start with little to no money, and using the internet and emarketing smartly is vital as it doesn’t carry to cost of other more traditional marketing methods.

1. No mistakes!
Broken links and images in your emails are an instant detraction from what you’re offering. Not only does it damage the image of your company it also disables the customer from accepting your offer.

2. Make it a quick message for a quick medium.
You have 3 seconds to grab your customer’s attention otherwise they can just press delete or move onto the next email. Make sure your message is transferred quickly as people tend to read and discard email quickly.

3. Send more than one email in the campaign.
After you’ve sent your initial email with its offer send another one a week later saying that the offer has almost expired. This creates urgency for the reader.

4. Email link to websites.
You’ll receive much faster response rates if you link to a website instead of asking the buyer to pick up a telephone and call you. Ensure that your offer is clearly displayed on your website and it’s clearly understood how to accept the offer.

5. Reply to your responses.
Unlike with other mediums, the time between when your offer is delivered and when it can be acted upon is very short. As a rule, your response time should not be longer than 12 hours.

6. Give customers a reason to refer.
At the bottom of your email put a small blurb. “If you know of anyone else who would be interested in this offer please forward them this email.” Give your customers a reason to refer a friend and you’ll see an even better response rate.

7. Layout of the email.
Understand how your audience is going to read their email. In general people only view the email in a small box. What that means for your email is that it needs to convey its message in that little box and give them a reason to scroll down.

8. Tune into WIIFM.
The WIIFM (Whats in it for me?) station is a favourite station when it comes to accepting special sales offers. Ensure that your buyer has a clear and simple way of accepting your offer. ‘Click here to receive a free case study’ – ‘ Reply to this email to receive a free copy’ – ‘Place your name in the form to begin
your registration process’.

9. Flashy images vs Text.
There must be a balance between images and text in email marketing. Preferably more text than images. One image plus a single link with a call to action in actual text is ideal.

10. Clean Subjects.
Ensure that you have a subject line that is catchy enough for your email to be opened and relevant enough for the email to be read all the way through. Try using questions (e.g. Are you struggling to find clients?) or great adjectives (e.g. Exclusive unveiling of new product).

For more info and tips from Fred, check out his blog.

Tags: email marketing, fred schebesta, online marketing, secrets to great email marketing, young entreprenuers

Being HIGHLY effective

February 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Homepage, Homepage-Growing, Management

Imagination & Creativity

February 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Ideas, Management

1 Comment

Imagine that…

Albert Einstein said ‘Imagination is more important than Knowledge’ – but what about in business?

When we use our imagination we free our mind from its ‘factory pre-settings’ to think more creatively and develop different and potentially better ways of doing business.

After years of education where we’re often rewarded for following the rules and memorising information rather than exploring it, we look back at young children and wonder where all that fun and creativity went. How can kids spend hours with fuzzy pipe cleaners, textas and coloured paper with sheer fascination?

Imagination is a natural ability in each of us, to which our memories, experience, interests, thoughts, knowledge and freedom contribute. So consider that imagination is always in you, sometimes it just needs encouragement.

Imagination is left and right brain

In business, imagination is used to create a company but we often divide the workplace into creative and practical thinkers. Practical thinkers concern themselves with concrete details and planning, while creative people are known as divergent thinkers, arty and emotive. Rather than dividing us up, what if every one of us possessed both these qualities but just chose a different way of looking at the world?

Take the classic pessimist/optimist battle – two outlooks on life we regularly all switch between depending on our mood and the moment. Hearing your alarm clock go off at 5am hardly compares to winning a million dollars, right? The pessimist looks at life and thinks ‘why oh, why?’ just as the practical thinker tries to figure everything out. Meanwhile, dreamers and optimists envision imaginative scenarios that haven’t happened or might happen, and open-mindedly ask ‘Why couldn’t that be possible?’.

George Bernard Shaw said, “You see things as they are and ask, ‘Why?’ I dream things as they never were and ask, ‘Why not?’”.

So imagination is typically a right-brain function that needs to be supplemented with left-brain logic. And you’ve got both.

You can improve your creative thinking just by exercising it…

Ask Questions – What would you like to do that you’ve never done before? Where would be the best place in the world to live? What would be the best job?
Ask questions that get you thinking outside the square you live in.

Just Do It A Chinese proverb states, I hear: I forget - I see: I remember - I do: I understand.

Jet Set – There’s no better way to broaden and refresh your outlook than travel. Travel takes you out of a rut and exposes you to new people, customs, ideas and ways of living. Every culture provides a unique way of looking at common situations and solving problems. If the budget bites, arm-chair travel with television programs and books on the world around us, or spend the day in an unexplored part of your city.

The Power of One – The more you apply your ability to think and use the talent around you, the better you’ll become at creating new ideas. If you rely on ‘experts’ and consultants to solve your problems, your creative abilities can dry out.

Hang out with Creatives - Think more creatively by mixing with creative people. Talk to people who possess a different energy who will stimulate your thought processes.

Even more suggestions that provide creative fuel:

Rent the movie ‘Big’ or actually go play in a toy store!

Play charades or the board game Pictionary to stimulate visual communication.

Get some fresh air into your lungs & play some sport.

Play a strategy game like chess or checkers with an opponent.

Try a word puzzle like a crossword, Boggle or Scrabble to sharpen your mind.

Hobbies like painting or sculpture are workouts for your imagination.

Try a technical hobby like amateur radio, electronics or remote control ‘toys’.

Get into a good book like a documentary, biography or mystery and give your imagination something to feed on.

Read about new trends in a magazine you wouldn’t normally buy.

Doodle or draw with your less used hand.

Go to the theatre and get immersed in someone else’s life.

Or why not just stare up at the clouds…and daydream.

Good imagination and creativity is good for business.

Tags: creativity, creativity in business, imagination, young entrepreneurs

Media Opportunity – Calling all Under 20 Young Entrepreneurs

January 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Getting Started, Homepage, Marketing

Leave a Comment

Are you a young entrepreneur who is under 20 years of age?

If yes, we wanna hear from ya!

The Frank Team has been contacted by a media outlet and they are interested in doing a story on some young (under 20) entrepreneurs out there right now running their businesses. Yey for young entrepreneurs!

If you (or anyone you know of) meet these criteria please contact us ASAP.

Criteria:
- Under 20
- Currently running your own business (part time or full time) of any type (business, social, environmental etc)
- From any state in Australia

Please get in contact with us ASAP with your direct phone number (mobile, land line), your age and your business name. You can also call me with any questions: (02) 95186244

Spread the word to any other young entrepreneurs you know and get them to contact us ASAP.

Jessica

The Frank Team – Director

jessica@frankteam.com.au

Tags: frank team, frankt eam, media opportunity, under 20 young entrepreneur, young entreprenuers

Feng Shui Productivity

January 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Get Motivated, Management

1 Comment

Feng what? Feng Shui (pronounced ‘fong sway’) is an ancient Chinese science which considers that every object and living space has its own energy that can be maximised to bring about harmony and prosperity in your environment.

So how can we utilise feng shui to maximise the potential and productivity in our home and work? Because us young entrepreneurs are willing to try anything that will see us achieving more.

Let’s start with some explanations.

What is feng shui?
Feng Shui is a science incorporating astronomy, geography, the environment, the magnetic fields and physics.
Feng shui is neither a religion or superstition but rather a modern science that has proven to be a complex mathematical system.
“Through feng shui we can restore harmony to our lives by learning to flow with and maximise the essential life or ‘energy’ force that is Chi, aligning our home, office, objects and our activities with its currents,” says Feng Shui expert, Siou Foon Lee. “This in turn facilitates wellbeing, prosperity, health and longevity. Utilising these principles of working with rather than against nature, we can harness our energy and performance, improve achievement and encourage creative intuitiveness and strengthen our frailties.”

DIY Feng Shui
While you can always bring in a feng shui expert for a consultation, ranging in price from $800 up to $4000 depending on the size of the space, here are some very practical DIY tips on creating a productive environment.

HALLS
The chi enters a building through its doors and windows, but mainly through the main door. The chi must be able to curve and wander gently through the hall and allowed to circulate slowly throughout your property. The hall should be well lit to encourage the flow of energy, have no clutter and not be over furnished. No one element in the hall – colour, lighting, pictures, carpet should be allowed to dominate.

To help good chi into your building/office, bright lights just inside and just outside the front door are excellent. Once the chi flows inside, it begins to flow through the passageways and rooms like
a slowly winding stream. This flow must be steady, never stagnating, never rushing.
A long narrow hallway or a back door facing the front door hastens the flow of chi so place mirrors along the passageway to help the chi curve and bounce.
Wind chimes can also be used to moderate flows of chi while broad-leafed plants are useful as an enhancement of chi.
Reverse all of the above if the hallway is too wide.

STAIRWAYS
Spiral stairways act as a waterfall for the chi, which is lost in a pool at the bottom. A mirror underneath the bottom step pointing upwards can help. If stairs face the front door directly, place a circular rug or wind chime hanging between the door and the stairs to moderate the chi flow.

COLOUR
Colour creates mood, energy and visual direction. Because colour is subjective, it’s your personal response to it that decides whether it’s a good colour for you to be around. By intentionally working with colour placement in your environment, you can enhance your energy with the following colours.
Green represents new beginnings, growth, and abundance.
Red is a fiery colour that can jump-start an area of your life.
Yellows and gold are earth colours that provide a feeling of being grounded. Yellow is also good for communication.
Blues are typically considered a soothing and calming colour.
Think of purple and how royalty use it, see if it gives you a feeling of wealth!

Oh and, one last tip…(sorry guys) but always leave the toilet lid down, it prevents good fortune going down the tubes!
Want more?
Check out Feng Shui Innovations for more info on feng shui, consultations and workshops.

Tags: feng shui, feng shui for business

Releasing Potential through Leadership

January 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Homepage-Growing, People

Leave a Comment

When you run your own business or social enterprise leadership skills are vital. Whether it is leading yourself, your volunteer team, your staff or your customers. And often as a young person you are taking on a leadership position for the first time, so you are just building your own leadership skills.

Great leaders make things happen by releasing the energy of others.

Traditionally the role of leadership consisted of controlling your subordinates. An effective leader was seen as someone who was able to get others to follow their orders with the results achieved limited to the vision and ability of the leader.

In an attempt to better understand the role of leadership and its ability to influence performance, leadership
guru Malcolm Knowles from the Uni of QLD business school looked at organisations as though they were
a system of human energy. Here’s what he discovered about what makes great leaders.

1. Leaders offer challenges and share responsibility
Creative leaders make a different set of assumptions (essentially positive) about human nature from the
assumptions (essentially negative) made by controlling leaders.
Creative leaders have faith in people, offer them challenges, and delegate responsibility. When people are given an opportunity to contribute, they’re more creative and productive. The more they feel their unique potential is being used, the greater their achievement.

2. Leaders involve their staff
Creative leaders know that people’s level of commitment to a decision is equal to the extent that they feel they have participated in making it. Creative leaders therefore involve their employees in every step of the planning process.

3. Leaders believe in self-fulfilment
Creative leaders understand that people tend to rise up to other people’s expectations of them. The sports
coach conveys to his team that he knows they’re capable of winning, the good supervisor displays faith in
her employees that they will produce superior work. There’s a positive relationship between positive
self-concept and superior performance.

4. Leaders value individuality
Creative leaders realise that people perform at a higher level when they’re using their unique strengths, talents and goals rather than trying to conform to an imposed stereotype. Team arrangements are therefore encouraged in which each member works at what they’re best at and enjoys most.

5. Leaders stimulate & reward creativity
Creative leaders understand that creativity is a basic requirement for the survival of individuals, organisations
and societies. Leaders exemplify creativity in their own behaviour and build an environment that encourages
and rewards innovation in others. ‘Failures’ are treated as opportunities to learn, which encourages
experimentation and growth.

6. Leaders love change
Creative leaders aspire to make their organisations innovative rather than static. They understand the theory of change and are skilled in strategies to cause it and deal with it.

7. Leaders emphasise internal motivators
Creative leaders focus on building achievement, recognition, fulfilling work, responsibility, advancement
and growth, and try to minimise dissatisfiers like organisational policy and admin, supervision and status.

8. Leaders encourage self-direction
Creative leaders understand that we all move toward states of increasing self-directedness and that we
look to leaders for guidance through this process.

What could you achieve today by releasing the energy of others?

Tags: creative leadership, leadership, malcolm knowles

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