2012 Sydney Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program

2012 Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program.

This mentoring program is ONLY for entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 years with a passion and ambition for entrepreneurship who have been working in their business for at least a year.

If you’re eager to learn the business skills and experience that you need to succeed, grow and manage all of the hard bits in business, then this mentoring program is for you.

The Sydney City Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program is being run by The Frank Team on behalf of the NSW Government’s Department of Trade & Investment.

There are only 25 spots available so you do need to get in quick. You can get in touch with us on 1300 799 923. To APPLY – fill out the APPLICATION FORM and send it to jessica@frankteam.com.au.

What YOU Get……..

• Four months to focus ON your business, rather than just working IN it
• Expert help and advice over four months that will accelerate the growth of your business and help you manage it all
• A personalised business growth plan
• Knowledge in finance systems, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, pricing and heaps more
• Marketing systems to get the $$ you need to establish and grow
• Sales and promotion tips that you can apply straight away
• Creating simple but critical systems to get your biz working without you!
• The opportunity to leverage and optimise your website
• Learning how to utilise social media to drive leads, conversion and growth
• Heaps of networking
• Hanging out with other young entrepreneurs who will inspire and support you and who know exactly what it’s like to be young, ambitious and running your own business
• PLUS – You will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor to advise and support you over the 4 months.

This program is AMAZING VALUE. You get workshops, networking, guest speakers and your very own mentor. You would normally pay thousands of dollars for all of that. But thanks to The Department of Trade & Investment you pay only $385 (inc GST) for a 4 MONTH INTENSIVE PROGRAM.

You can get in touch with us on 1300 799 923. To APPLY – fill out the APPLICATION FORM and send it to jessica@frankteam.com.au.

A young entrepreneur who has completed the Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program said…..
“Not only did I learn practical, realistic methods to improve my marketing systems, I had ample opportunity to apply these methods during the actual workshops. It’s all very well learning systems and strategies, but if you don’t have the time to implement them into your business nothing actually changes!”

– Amanda Gonzalez, http://www.untangletheweb.com.au/

A few successful young entrepreneurs who have attended The FRANK Team’s programs and events include…

1. Husayn Ali, BRW Fast 50 (Property Development)
2. Vanessa Cullen, Founder of Forward Thinking Design & 2010 Anthill 30under30 Winner  – http://www.forwardthinkingdesign.com.au/
3. Jeremy Liddle, CEO RioLife (Fastest Growing Small Biz in 2010)

Eligibility

1. You must be between the ages of 18 – 35
2. You must own a small business that has been running for over 12 months
3. You want to be working ON the business, and not IN it
4. You want to ACCELERATE, EXPAND and GROW the business beyond yourself
5. You are prepared to work with a mentor

Who, When & Where

Workshops/events will take place in a Sydney city location on the following dates:

• Information event for young entrepreneurs – Thursday 9^th Feb from 6 – 9pm
• Meet your Mentor event – Thursday 23^rd Feb from 6 – 9pm
• Workshop 1: Business Planning – Thursday 1^st March from 6 – 9pm
• Workshop 2: Financial Fundamentals – Thursday 8^th March from 6 – 9pm
• Workshop 3: Marketing, Lifecycle Marketing Systems – Thursday 15^th March from 6 – 9pm
• Networking Event: Thursday 22^nd March from 6 – 9pm
• Workshop 4: Leveraging & Optimising Your Website – Thursday 12^th April from 6 – 9pm
• Workshop 5: SEO & Social Media to Drive Leads, Conversion & Growth –  Thursday 26th April from 6 – 9pm
• Graduation Event: Thursday 3^rd May from 6 – 9pm

You will get to learn from award winning trainers and facilitators, the opportunity to meet experts and to work one-on-one with mentors to gain advice and support, who themselves are successful business owners. Each young entrepreneur gets their OWN MENTOR!!

Venue
All workshops will be held in Sydney City – TBA

Don’t sign up unless you are really committed
This is the one thing we ask.

There is a lot to execute and deliver – so only join up if you are willing to get stuff done and create some serious IMPACT. You are required to attend every workshop/event otherwise you are wasting your time.
You bring your laptop to the sessions and you implement and put all the theory into PRACTICE. And best of all you get heaps of mentoring and networking ops to support you along the way!

You can get in touch with us on 1300 799 923. To APPLY – fill out the APPLICATION FORM and send it to jessica@frankteam.com.au.

Price

This program is AMAZING VALUE. You get workshops, networking, guest speakers and your very own mentor. You would normally pay thousands of dollars for this type of training, but thanks to The Department of Trade & Investment you pay ONLY $385 (inc GST).

There are only 25 SPACES available so you do need to get in quick.

How to Apply?

1. Download the application form
2. Fill out the application form in full.
3. Email the application form to jessica@frankteam.com.au
4. We will contact you confirming your application
5. We will check your application and ensure you fit the eligibility criteria
6. Once you are eligible, we will send you an invoice for the $385 program fee. You can pay via internet banking.
7. Once we have received payment we will send you confirmation of your position in the program. Your position is not secure until we have received payment.
The Sydney City Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program is being run by The Frank Team on behalf of the Department of Trade & Investment.

What you need to know about Contracts and Insurance

As a young entrepreneur, it is easy to get flummoxed about the “legal stuff” – so Vanessa Cullen, Director of Forward Thinking Design and winner of 2010 Anthill 30 under 30 winner; has put together a Contracts and Insurance 101 piece to help you get your head around it all….

Indemnity, Business Insurance, Contracts, IP and more

Service Contracts

• If you’re in a service industry get your service contract written by the best legal counsel you can afford.

Your professional association may be able to provide you with a basic pro-forma contract template but I’ve largely found these to be deficient when it comes to the reality of what people will try to get out of paying you for your services.

By all means, draft your own contract, using such pro-formas as a basis but do invest in submitting this to a solicitor who specialises in contractual law and has experience of your industry.

Their services certainly won’t be cheap but you’ll save so much more in the long run by having a good, solid, hole-proof contract upfront.

Who’s Signing the Contract?

• Ensure that the person signing (and named in) the contract is the same person responsible for paying you.

If anyone says they’ll be paying you on the behalf of the person who signed then get it in writing, with an acknowledgement that they’ve read the contract and understand that they’ll be held accountable for late payment.

Or, better still, reissue the contract in their name and have them sign. Ensure you’re contracting with an individual or company, not a trading name or false entity.

For large contracts you’d be well advised to conduct a background credit check on the client to ensure they have the capacity to pay versus a history of defaults.

Claiming Fees

• Aside from your fees, also include costs in your contract so you can be reimbursed for travel, printing etc. Make it very clear when payments fall due.

Ensure all parties can identify the end of a stage of delivery so there’s no later argument about when your services have been deemed to be completed, your involvement in the project is in order and the account should be settled.

Licensing Intellectual Property

• Include licensing arrangements in contract terms and conditions even if project is only proposed as a one-off.

You must limit the licence to use your IP or risk it being stolen and replicated.

An example of this for us is when we design one store but the client then decides to sell our design to franchisees to roll-out subsequent stores.

We have licencing arrangements with our clients that allow them the freedom to expand and franchise but which also ensure we receive a suitable return on the replication of our design.

Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance
• You must get public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. You’d have to be crazy to run a business without protecting yourself from litigation.

Read the paperwork carefully and ensure you’re properly covered.

Business Insurance
• I also recommend you get business insurance to protect your business from costly interruption and to protect your assets.

Be careful to enquire about ‘add on’ covers.

These are items that you’d think would be covered in the general business insurance but which your insurer has decided (in their infinite wisdom) to make separate options.

We got stung one year by not realising that business items in a business vehicle were not insured because we didn’t realise it was a separate ‘option’.

When items were stolen from a vehicle, we found we had no cover. Business items on your person or in your vehicle may not be automatically covered. Read the PDS in great detail.

Purchase Records

• Record all conversations with insurers and suppliers at purchase time, they often do and you should too. This protects you from errors in their sales process that may be difficult to prove later on.

We hope this helped!

Kickstart Your Marketing Systems – Training for Young Entrepreneurs

How to easily set up your marketing system and grow your business faster

 

WANTED: Passionate Young Entrepreneurs Ready To Grow Their Business

 

 

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS STEPPING UP PROGRAM

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

There is a fine line between having a business that runs you and one that you own. If your business has hit a point where you feel like you are doing all the jobs in the business and you could burn out at any minute, it’s time to stop and have a think about a better way to grow your business.

If your business looks like this (organisational chart above), you need to get out of your own way and start building systems in your business to organise and delegate some of the responsibilities.

It’s time you took the stress out of your business and stopped doing some of the jobs you do each day and put people and systems in place. This is how you grow your business and it’s what The Frank Team can teach you in their Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program.

 

The Frank Team recently reflected on their own successful business journey, as well as consulting with successful young entrepreneurs about their business’s development needs in the growth phase. Two things stood out: systems development and marketing. The Frank Team has combined these two areas in their Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program specifically to help you as the young entrepreneur get through this phase of your businesses growth, and would like to invite you to be part of our next Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program. 

This program is made possible by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment (DII) the New South Wales Government’s business development agency.
DII delivers programs and services that support the NSW Government’s commitment to winning new business activity for NSW, and developing the capacity and productivity of the State’s economy.
For further information on how DII can help your business go to www.business.nsw.gov.au

 

Introducing the YESUP Kickstart Your Marketing Systems Program

The Frank Team and the NSW Department of Industry and Investment would like to invite you to apply for a comprehensive program to help you easily setup your marketing system in your business & gain expert mentoring.

Apply Now – Due to the popularity of our Program we have just announced new dates for the next YESUP

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

 

What do other young entrepreneurs think about The Frank Team Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program?

“The whole experience was completely satisfying, well rounded & highly valuable” Annie Le Cavalier, Vibewire

“The Frank Team staff are the most energetic and enthusiastic people I have come across running such a course. Very impressed. You guys rock! I gained new insight into approaching my business from different angles. I highly recommend this course to others. Great course run by great people.” Daniel Castaneda, Cast Graphics

“This program was fantastic – really gave me the opportunity to take time and focus on business systems and fill the gaps in my knowledge.” Vanessa Cullen, Forward Thinking Designs

“The focus on systems was invaluable” Eira Marten, Vibewire

“I wish the program was longer – it was awesome.” Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, Best Catch Australia

“I’m impressed with the quality of The Frank Team” Janelle Bowden, Access CR

Apply now for your chance to join the YESUP Program as there are limited spaces available.

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

It will only cost you $200 (plus G.S.T) but the full program is valued at over $4,450. This is made possible by the NSW Department of State & Regional Development.

How to apply

* Complete an application form and email/fax it to The Frank Team. We may then contact you to confirm a few details. Once you are found to be eligible we get in contact with you to progress your application and secure your spot with your payment.
* Call The Frank Team on (02) 9518 6244 if you have any questions at all. We want to be sure this is the right program for you and your business.

Strictly limited to 16 places ONLY in each program.

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

How will this program help you?

This program will help you easily setup your marketing system and prepare your business for further growth.

We know that young entrepreneurs are often REALLY good at doing the thing the business gets paid for (eg: PR, design work, workshops, photography, cutting keys, making films etc) but not so good at running the business side of things! This program really develops your core business skills and helps you to set up systems in a vital area, marketing, so that you business can grow.

All of the time that you spend in this program is time spent ON your business and developing your business. This time ON your business, not IN your business is vital to your continued success.

From this program you will:

* Attract and retain more customers
* Free up your time to work in other areas of your business by Creating a Comprehensive Lifecycle Marketing System
* Generate a more reliable income by creating a six to twelve month marketing calendar ready for implementation
* Track your businesses progress easier and manage the performance of your marketing
* Make better strategic decisions
* Make it easier to expand and grow your business
* Sell more to existing customers and increase your profits on a regular and consistent basis
* Invest a small amount of money for the setting up of your marketing foundations of your business
* Give you access to the type of training that normally costs you thousands of dollars

How does the program work?

The YESUP combines skills workshops, one-on-one mentoring and more to produce real and immediate results for you and your business.

The workshops are run over 4 weeks and concentrate on the Lifecycle Marketing System creation for your business. They are presented by Jessica Kiely, the Director of The Frank Team. You will bring your lap top to the workshops and DO the work required in the sessions to make sure you are setting up systems straight away to be using in your day to day business straight away.

The one-on-one mentoring is also run over the 7 weeks and allows you to work on an area you have identified within your business for intensive assistance and guidance; all with an experienced and successful business person who has volunteered their time for you.

The MORE part of our program is slipped in between the workshops & mentoring. There are goal setting sessions, legal workshops and guest speakers; all enhance your overall experience and benefit your business.

REGISTER NOW

What you will get from this program?

* 3 Skills intensive workshops on LIFECYCLE MARKETING SYSTEMS to add to your C.V and your skills toolskit

Workshop 1 – Systems for acquiring new customers

• Clarity on your businesses target markets – who they are, what they need and your key offers to them. Creating a Target Market/Offer Spreadsheet.

• Marketing Strategies for the next six months – planned and scheduled into a Marketing Calendar.

• Tracking Systems:

# Sales Targets & Sales Reporting

# KPIs

# Contacts Database
Workshop 2 – Systems for Converting Leads into customers

• Lead Tracking System: Spreadsheets & Databases

• Customer Management System checklist

• Key skills & strategies for converting your leads into sales

Workshop 3 – Systems for Customer Follow Up and Repeat Selling

• Strategies and Systems for converting one-off customers into repeat customers – creating the opportunity for significant sales and marketing savings.

• Create a follow up checklist so nothing falls through the cracks

• Six weekly marketing contact scheduled.

• A Step by step marketing process for your business created.

What is Lifecycle Marketing? It is marketing throughout the whole cycle of your business.

In the workshops you will set up systems to run the marketing in each of these segments.

* An experienced mentor – You will be matched with an experienced mentor for the course of the program; someone who has run their own business and can share insights to your business from their experiences.

- You will identify a key area that you would like to cover with your mentor, and you will get a minimum of 8 hours personal time with them over the course of the program.
- You will have a TWO structured Meet Up events with your mentor and others in the program. This gives you a chance to meet each other and set up the formal systems for your time together, it is also a great chance to network with other participants and mentors in the program.
- Plus at each of the events and workshops one of the mentors will share their business story (time permitting), so you can learn from their experience and journey.

But wait…..there is MORE to this YESUP program

You will also get:

* A Goal Setting session – This will inspire and empower you to drive your business success further by training you in how to coach yourself through the harder times.

* Networking with other young entrepreneurs who have growing businesses – This will expand your contact list, increase your partners and introduce you to new potential customers. Many of the young entrepreneurs who have done our program find this networking element the most valuable. To be able to hang out with other young entrepreneurs just like yourself in an open and learning environment leads to amazing and highly valuable things.

* A full ENYA Lawsense workshop – To help you avoid legal mistakes and save your business from losing money on legal cases. An ENYA (www.enya.org.au) Business Legal Workshop will be organised for you to attend free of charge at a time convenient to all the program participants.

* Weekly Inspirational TIPS emailed to you – For ongoing inspiration and motivation to get you through the tough times.

* Regular Mentor Case Studies – To ensure you avoid business mistakes and leverage the experience of other successful entrepreneurs.

* Graduation – be recognised for your achievement at the YESUP Graduation Event, plus hear from some awesome speakers and learn some more!

REGISTER NOW to secure your spot.

Who are our Mentors?

The Frank Team sources it’s mentors for our young entrepreneurs from many different arenas.

We have mentors from a very large variety of industries. They are from marketing, product development, commercialisation, social media, online marketing, publishing, sales, consulting, career coaching, software, importing and exporting and so much more…….

We love all of our mentors and truly appreciate the time they give to help young entrepreneurs move forward.

How do we match mentors and mentees (young entrepreneurs)?

On your registration form you will highlight the area of your business that you would like to focus on with your mentor. From this, and the other information in your registration form we create a profile about you. So when you fill out the registration form make sure you put in as much information as possible.

We then approach one of our business mentors with that area of expertise and ask them if they would like to mentor you. They get to look through your profile to learn more about you, and of course we let them know about the commitment required of them for the program (8 hours). We do this until the right mentor is found for you and your needs.

You have TWO structured meet up sessions organised by The Frank Team on the 3rd June and 24th June from 6 – 9.30pm. The other mentoring times are organised by you and your mentor. This mentoring can take the form of face to face, over the phone, over MSN, Skype/MSN conference, meet at a networking event, go to their workplace……whatever works for you and your mentor.

These wonderful people are current or past mentors:

Fred Schebesta, FreestyleMedia and Online Marketing Sydney

Frank Restuccia, FreestyleMedia

Andrew Tucker, Customware

Rob Casteneda, Customware

Trudy Gilbert, Elite Introductions

Nic Lowe, GoGet.com.au

Denise Shrivell, Consult DS

Mike Nicholls, Enikos.com

Dan Hutton, The Beast

Belinda Yabsley, Quintessential

Troy Jones, PNMG and aLife

Sean Adams, The Seed

Dave Cunningham, Our Explorer

Jo Ladpidge, Litter Kwitter

Mark McCowan, Synchro Marketing

Angela Vithoulkas, Vivo Cafe

……………and many more.

If you would like to be a mentor and work with our dynamic young entrepreneurs please contacts is info@frankteam.com.au

80% of our mentors indicate they will continue mentoring even after the YESUP is officially finished.

What do the mentors say about their experience on The Frank Team’s YESUP?

“I was well matched to my mentoree, Faye was responsive and dedicated in wanting to take her business further. She is very talented and creative and great with people, it was easy to support such a great young business woman.”

“It is a great relationship that is continuing to finish what we have started.”

“Very positive experience.”

“Absolutely brilliant. Two inspiring young women.”

“It’s always inspirational to meet young business people, to share in the excitement of a new idea and the beginning of a business. It’s a great opportunity for me to learn and grow and share.”

“I like to help out people that are self employed as I know the journey is tough. Feel he did get some take-aways on “Pitching to prospects” and differentiating your business.”
“By focusing on their key issues it made me consider my own business issues. Learned lots.”
“My mentoree had uni exams that took some attention away – but he always had questions prepared which was great.”
“This was a very well organised positive program. Jessica’s facilitation created a great learning environment. Congrats to The Frank Team.”

 

 

How is The Frank Team’s YESUP unique?

* It is a program developed and presented by a successful young entrepreneur, Jessica Kiely-Schebesta. Jessica is totally passionate about getting your business running smoothly and successfully and committed to making that happen in this program. Jessica really cares about you and your business. Plus as a young entrepreneur (starting her first business at 19!) she knows exactly where you are coming from, and it shows!
* It is focused on setting up SYSTEMS for your business for the most important aspect of your business: marketing. Systems are what will set you free in your business and have it running smoothly and allow for growth  beyond just you.
* The experience will be:
o Fun
o Engaging
o Relevant
o Immediately applicable
o Practical
o Based on professional experience and expertise
* BONUS FEATURES: Additional elements have been incorporated into the YESUP to develop the whole young entrepreneur, thus we have a comprehensive development focus. These bonus features are not a part of any other young entrepreneurs stepping up program on offer at the moment.
o Workshops + Mentors + BONUS FEATURES

While we are running a Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Programs, with a mentoring aspect, and funded by DII NSW, that is where the similarity to any other YESUP ends. Each YESUP covers a different topic, with ours having a focus on Lifecycle Marketing and Systems Development, which is vital to growing your business.

The FRANK Team style of presenting is also very different to what you will find elsewhere. Our Director and the presenter for the program, Jessica Kiely-Schebesta, is a 32 year old entrepreneur herself. She’s been running her own businesses since the age of 19 and has never worked for anyone else. Jess’s presenting style is very engaging and a lot of fun – you’ll never get bored at one of our workshops! They’re as interactive as possible, and at the YESUP workshops we’ll encourage you to bring along your laptop and get started right away on your planning and systems.

All of our workshops are based on our own experience. The implementation of marketing systems has completely changed how The FRANK Team operates day to day – and made it a LOT easier. We’ve implemented the systems that you will be learning about in the program, meaning you can learn from our mis – takes and successes. We essentially open our business up and show you how.

We’ve also included a number of additional features in our program, such as an ENYA Lawsense Workshop; Weekly Entrepreneurial Tips; A Self-Coaching session with a qualified personal coach; as well as opportunities at every workshop for “gripes time” – share your business problems with the other participants and mentors and have everyone present brainstorming ideas to help you overcome those problems, based on their own experience.

REGISTER NOW to secure your spot.

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

What is the cost for this program?

You only have to pay $200 (plus GST) to be a part of this program which would normally cost you in excess of $4,450.

How is this course so affordable?
This is due to the support and funding from the NSW Department of State & Regional Development and our other partners.

How long does the program go for?

This program is broken up over 6 – 8 weeks months to ensure you have enough time to learn from the workshops, mentor and other components. It will begin on September 23rd with a Young Entreprenuers Meet Up, and will end on 4th November with a Young Entrepreneurs Evening & Graduation.

REGISTER NOW as only 16 lucky young entrepreneurs get to do this program at any one time.

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

23rd September Participant Meet UP: Opportunity to meet the other young entrepreneurs in the program. (6 – 9.30pm)

30th September Meet Your Mentor: Opportunity to meet your mentor for the first time and start setting goals. (6 – 9.30pm)

7th October Workshop 1 6 – 9pm Lifecycle Marketing Systems

14th October Workshop 2 6 – 9pm Lifecycle Marketing Systems

21st October Workshop 3 6 – 9pm Lifecycle Marketing Systems

28th October Workshop 4 6 – 9pm Lifecycle Marketing Systems

4th November Young Entrepreneurs Evening & GRADUATION 6 – 9.30pm

* You must be available to attend all dates, otherwise other arrangements need to be made, to be eligible for the program.

Why are we putting this program on?

We know that most young entrepreneurs are great at starting their business but can often struggle with getting to the point where you are not working on all the parts of the business. The Frank Team wants to help you get to that next level and continue to grow your business.

Who should apply for this program?

We want to save you some time and ask you not to make an impulse decision on applying for the program. Instead only apply if you meet the eligibility criteria and you are clear on what it’s about and you are really clear on what it can do for you. Eligibility criteria:

* You want to grow your business

* You are 18 – 35 years old

* You have been operating your business for 8 to 12 months at least and the business is based in NSW. We recommend this program for those who have been in business between one and four years.

* You have current accounting/financial information for your business to prove you are currently trading.

* You are committed to the full program and available for all elements of the program (on the dates above).

Apply Now for Your Chance to join the next YESUP Program. There are only 16 spaces available.

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

Where will the program be held?

In metro CBD Sydney… stay tuned for venue information.

What do other people think of The Frank Team Workshops?
“Frank Team’s workshop for young entrepreneurs was definitely a big G-up for all of us. And we did gain so much new knowledge and confidence in selling our service. I would definitely encourage all young people who are thinking to start a new business or even running a new business to attend one of The FRANK Team’s workshops. LOOK THEM UP!”

“It taught me a lot on how I can get mself out there and how I can seek opportunities instead of me just waiting around for opportunities to come knocking on my door.”

“Jess’s enthusiasm was fantastic – she knew what she was talking about, and was very engaging.”

“Well organised, great info learned, friendly learning environment, inspirational.”

Apply now for your chance to join the YESUP Program

Only $200 (plus G.S.T) valued at over $4,450

How to apply

* Complete an application form and send it the The Frank Team

* Call The Frank Team on 9518 6244 if you have any questions at all

 

Strictly limited to 16 places in each program.

 

 

 

Who is the Frank Team & Jessica Schebesta (Kiely)?

 

Holding down a full time desk job isn’t Jessica Schebesta (Kiely)’s style – because she’d prefer to run the company! This would explain why Jessica has been running her own companies from the age of 19. She is currently 32 years old, the Founder & Director of The Frank Team and previously New Horizon Tutoring, her first ever business that she started at the age of 19.

An entrepreneur from an early age without really realising it, Jessica has never worked for anyone else having created her own employment since the end of school.

Her first business New Horizon Tutoring, which began in the Hills district offered in-house tutoring for school students, and her current company The Frank Team inspires & enables people to build their career, business and entrepreneurial skills through fun, interactive workshops, guest speaking, program development, consultancy and resources for schools, universities, councils, government departments, youth organisations, community groups and corporates. The Frank Team is a creative education company.

With The Frank Team, Jessica has taken an idea that she was told “would never work” to a national success story to show that people before profit does work. Her company has undergone amazing growth with the number of participants experiencing Frank Team programs hitting 30,000.

From its beginnings in her bedroom in 2001, The Frank Team now has 3 full time staff and 15 facilitators across Australia, and the impact of their programs have been felt in metro cities, regionally and rural locations, from Halls Creek in WA to King Island in Tasmania and everywhere in between.

2006 also saw The Frank Team run its first truly international program with Jessica travelling to Bahrain in the Middle East to develop the leadership and project management skills of their young people.

Jessica and The Frank Team have worked with organisations like the Commonwealth Bank Foundation, Westpac, NSW Department of State & Regional Development, Australian Business Community Network, NSW Parliament, Department of Education Science & Training, Macquarie University, Melbourne University, Chevron, Cerebos, National Australia Bank as well as hundreds of schools around Australia.

Over the past 10 years of running her own businesses, Jessica has developed a wealth of experience and expertise. She is an expert in powerful presentations especially for a youth audience, human resource management for small businesses including motivating and retaining staff, setting up and managing systems that help a small business tick, business and team skills, coaching and keeping people on task, and of course a large amount of experience in starting from scratch with ideas and making them a reality.

In addition to running her businesses, Jessica has been a dance teacher – teaching jazz, contemporary and tap – for over ten years. In her ‘spare’ time, Jessica loves working at her family’s sheep station near Mudgee in regional NSW.

Jessica’s key passions are equipping people with the skills to turn their ideas into a new business venture, career goal or community project, and working in collaboration with other passionate people.

“I love to combine my endless enthusiasm and teaching ability to encourage and empower all people I come in contact with to help them take their ideas and make them a reality.”

“Claims-to-Fame” – Featured in BRW as a Female Entrepreneur and 2005 NSW Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year Finalist.

Formal Qualifications
Cert IV Training & Assessment – April 2004
Bachelor of Economics (Social Science) – Psychology & Education; 1995 – 1997
FATD Tap Dancing Teacher

Sample of Informal Qualifications & Certificates
NSW Telstra Finalist Young Business Women of the Year – 2005
Non Violent Communication – April 2008
Leadership Development; Global Academy of Leadership – April 2008 (ongoing)
Acting Basics – May 2006
Financial Record Keeping – April 2002
Finance for Business Management – June 2007
17th Ship for World Youth Australian Delegate – January & February 2005

About The Frank Team

The Frank Team specialises in developing & inspiring people. We are a company made up of enterprising people who value the real over the fake, people over profit, and making a difference through creative education.

We combine our skills as entrepreneurs with our community values, to provide authentic, innovative and fun training & programs to help make people’s ideas, careers, and businesses a reality. Our delivery and values have hit the mark with thousands of young people and young professionals because we’re straight talkers, we speak from experience not textbooks, and we provide only the skills needed to make ideas a reality. Plus our facilitators are dynamic and engaging.

 

The Frank Team was founded in 2001 by young entrepreneur Jessica Schebesta (Kiely) in response to the changing needs of young people and how they preferred to learn, and the new set of skills identified as vital to the success of this new generation. It was also her vision to see more young people empowered and supported in their path toward making their ideas happen in life. The Frank Team has since come to specialize in career, life, innovation and entrepreneurship education for Generation X & Y as well as expert youth facilitators and presenters.

 

 

Since 2001 The Frank Team has worked with over 36,000 people in every state and territory in Australia. The Frank Team has a team of 15 professional youth facilitators who deliver our in-person programs – from workshops to forums and everything in between. We have worked with hundreds of schools, universities, community groups, industry organisations & all levels of Australian government. The Frank Team has also presented in Bahrain in the Middle East & Indonesia in the Asia Pacific area.

The Frank Team’s key services include programs for young entrepreneurs, workshop and project facilitation and management, youth facilitation, customised program development for youth programs, guest speaking and keynote addresses.

New program begins in September 09. Apply Now.

The workshops are made possible by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment (DII) the New South Wales Government’s business development agency.
DII delivers programs and services that support the NSW Government’s commitment to winning new business activity for NSW, and developing the capacity and productivity of the State’s economy.
For further information on how DII can help your business go to www.business.nsw.gov.au

Got a question?

 

 

 

 

Contact The Frank Team on Ph: 02 9518 6244 or email info@frankteam.com.au

MasterMind Group for Young Entrepreneurs

The Frank Team has MasterMind groups for Young Entrepreneurs NOW OPEN.

Meet with a regular group of young entrepreneurial friends.

Have a bunch of young entrepreneurs working on your business every month!

Sit back and enjoy your MasterMind sessions being organised and professionally facilitated by The Frank Team, so you just turn up and SOAK up the learning.

Announcing The Frank Team’s Young Entrepreneurs MasterMind Group

Connection – Learning – Stories – Challenges Faced – Personal Q&As – Growth Strategies – Sharing

What’s the Go?

The Young Entrepreneurs MasterMind Group is packed with all sorts of goodies for you and your biz…….

• Meet-Up with your MasterMind group once a month for 3 hours over 4 months. That is 12 hours of intense and personal coaching from your fellow young entrepreneurs who are all experts in their areas, all working on your business for 12 hours. Imagine what 12 hours of consulting time would cost you normally – probably around $3000 at least?!

• Each Meet-Up is organised, managed and facilitated by The Frank Team – saving you hours of organisational time. We look after all of the logistics and keep you all updated. We also set the agenda each session and facilitate the session. All you need to do is turn up for your MasterMind group ready to focus on your business and share with others, The Frank Team looks after the rest.

• Each Meet-Up focusses on a business area agreed to by your group. We then create facilitated discussion and learning around that business area for your group.

• Every young entrepreneur will set goals at each session, which are recorded by The Frank Team, and then time is spent each session reflecting on achieving those goals and setting new goals for you and your business. Your MasterMind group and The Frank Team keep you accountable to your goals that you set yourself – saving you the cost of having a business coach.

• Successful entrepreneur speakers give a 20 minute presentation at each Meet-Up to provide inspiration, learning and spark conversation. You would normally have to pay anything up to $90 each to hear one of these speakers at networking events. Plus you get an intimate Q&A with them.

• Meet-Ups run in a Sydney CBD location outside of business hours.

• MasterMind groups are limited to 7 members to keep it personal

• Full term MasterMind members get discounted rates to our SHOW ME HOW workshop series – saving you more $$.

• A special area of the Frank Team forums for your MasterMind group is set up so that you can chat online in between Meet-Ups.

You will have your very own support crew that know exactly what you are going through and want to help you and your biz.

Each MasterMind group is only up to 7 members in size. We group together those in their first 0 – 2 years of business, and those who are more advanced separately. The groups still come together shortly but then separate for the goal setting and business strategy session.

Sign Up Now

Member Options

Full Term – 4 Months $330.00 Casual – 1 Month $93.50

What Does It Cost?

Full Term Rate (where you book for the full 4 mths) is $75 per month. So the full investment is $330 (exc GST). Casual Rate is $85 per month (exc GST).

Full Term is where you commit to coming to every session over the 4 months. This will give you the maximum results from the MasterMind group – so we do advise this.

Casual Members just book in on a month by month basis. This option is good if you can’t make all of the dates or just want to “dip your toe in” first to see what it is like. It is harder to keep track of goals for casual members with the group.

What do they (young entrepreneurs) think of it?
“The mastermind group was an invaluable experience being a Young person in business. Having a small group to discuss my issues with was very helpful as other members of the group were occasionally facing the same problems or had worked through them in the past.”
Clint Salter – DanceLife

“MasterMind was a great way for me to spend some time focusing directly on my businesses and some of the problems that we are facing right now. The goal setting each month helped me to stay on track and continually move forward. The whole program has had a huge impact on both my business and on me personally as a young business woman. I finally feel like I am not all alone in the business world and I now have ongoing support from some really amazing young entrepreneurs.”
Talia Taylor Jones -  Rare Indigo

What are the dates?

Monday evenings 5.30 – 8.30pm
7th September, 12th October, 9th November and 7th December
Location: Sydney CBD (TBA)

We all head out for dinner together afterwards – if you’re keen!

Register Your Interest Now - to be approved for a MasterMind group

Member Options

Full Term – 4 Months $330.00 Casual – 1 Month $93.50

Contact us with the following info -

Full Name:
Business Name:
Contact Phone Number:
Contact Email:

How many years have you been in business:

Indicate your interest in either Full Term of Casual participation

And then….

Member Options

Full Term – 4 Months $330.00 Casual – 1 Month $93.50

Mandy@frankteam.com.au
Any questions call us on (02) 95186244

Past Guest Entrepreneurs

Lara Soloman – Founder & Director, MOCKS

Mike Cannon-Brookes – Co-Founder & Director, Atlassian

Michelle Gamble – Founder & Director, Marketing Angels

Jed Kram – Founder & Director, Got Game

If you live outside Sydney and would like to be a part of a MasterMind group then please contact us and we will get one started in your area for you.

What did Jessica the facilitator think about the first MasterMind group?
“Our first group of MasterMinders have had 4 months together…. and they are ready for more! Every month we got together and shared, learnt and laughed together. Our guest speakers gave us an intimate insights into their entrepreneurial journey and how they have made it a success. They were inspirational and engaging.
Plus all sorts of business issues and challenges were discussed and strategized for every member of the MasterMind group keeping track of their goals and progress to see their businesses move forward every month. We even covered some more personal issues, which were impacting people’s businesses.
After every session we had together I felt energized and inspired and really excited at seeing their businesses developing and growing from month to month. Really looking forward to the next group.”

What do they (young entrepreneurs) think of it?
“I found the mastermind experience to be extremely valuable to me and my business. It has been a place where I was able to engage with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges to myself and working through them together.”
Mark Natoli – Private Wealth Manager

Practical TAX Assistance Available for Young Entrepreneurs

Do you need more practical help to manage your business?

Do you get confused by all of your tax obligations and worry if you are keeping up?

We know that when you start and run a business all you want to do is just that – run the business! But what comes with that is plenty of administrative things…..like TAX! It can be confusing and annoying – we know. But there is a whole heap of help out there from the ATO just waiting for you to use for free to keep you on track and growing your business….without getting into tax troubles.

The Tax Office’s Small Business Assistance Program provides free, practical help which is aimed at keeping businesses on track.

In a recent speech to the Council of Small Business of Australia, Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo announced new measures to help businesses that are struggling to manage their tax payment obligations in the current economic climate.

Eligible small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million can apply for:

• 12-month general interest charge free payment arrangements for activity statement debts (BAS)

• deferred activity statement payment due dates – they can grant requests for deferrals of up to two months for quarterly and annual payers and one month for monthly payers.

For debts of $25,000 of less, businesses can use the ATO online calculator to work out a payment arrangement that meets your circumstances. Once you have calculated a suitable payment scenario based on your circumstances, you can use this as a guide to propose a payment arrangement.

For debts of $25,000 or less, businesses can use the ATO automated self help service to apply for a payment arrangement by calling 13 72 26. The self help service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Businesses with a tax debt or experiencing payment difficulties should visit the Tax Office website www.ato.gov.au/businessdebt or phone 13 11 42 from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

The Tax Office also offers other forms of free assistance to help business. Talk to them and they can help you better understand your tax obligations. Their range of business support services gives you access to experienced tax officers who can answer your questions for free and help you get on top of your tax issues.

They offer:

- On-site visits where they come to you, nice! http://ato.gov.au/businesses/smallbusiness.asp

- Local seminars and a range of workshops

For more information:
• Free tax support
• Rates, calculators and tools
• Record keeping for small business (NAT 3029)
• Do you need financial advice about managing your business during the downturn?

5 stages of entrepreneurial freedom

By Valerie Khoo

The 5 stages of entrepreneurial freedom – which stage are you at? How your entrepreneurial journey can lead to true freedom.
I’m really passionate about the concept that you can design your small business to create the lifestyle you really want. The trouble is that many small business entrepreneurs think that it HAS to be a hard slog. Sure, there are mountains to climb during your journey from time to time, but if you structure your business the right way, you CAN create a vehicle that can give you the life of your dreams.

Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight. So what are the 5 stages of entrepreneurial freedom?

1. The idea

This is where you have your entrepreneurial seizure. It’s where you’re having coffee with your girlfriends or at after-work drinks with your work colleagues and you hit on an idea that seems just perfect. Over beers, you’re planning world domination by creating a series of iphone apps. Or you’ve thought of the best ever baby and parenting website imaginable. Or you finally want to make money from your talent for interior design instead of just decorating your friends’ houses for free.

One of the biggest steps in your entrepreneurial journey is to move this from being just an idea to a real business. The reality is that if you don’t have the momentum or passion to start this – even if just in your spare time while you have a full-time job – chances are slim that you’re going to be in it for the long haul. However, if you do take that leap, the next step is …

2. The “Am I a fraud?” syndrome

So you’ve started your business. You’re even getting customers and – believe it or not – they are paying you decent money for your services. This is where self-doubt can creep in. “Am I really good enough?” “Will people see through me?” “Is it obvious that I’m learning how to be an entrepreneur as I go along?”

It’s natural to have these doubts. But it’s equally important to value what you do. I was speaking to a small business entrepreneur today who said that it’s important to really listen when you receive a compliment and to take it on board. Be proud of what you can achieve and be pro-active in buoying your self-esteem in an effort to quell those self-doubts.

3. The Confidence Boost

It’s great when you get to this stage of your journey because you’ve been doing it long enough to know that you ARE good at what you do. Here, you can cruise a little bit if you want to, you’re not struggling and your services are in demand. In fact, this is a stage where many entrepreneurs remain stuck forever. And that’s because everything is going well, money is coming in, and they don’t want to upset the status quo.

However, even though everything seems brilliant, it’s likely that you are still working dollars for hours. Sure, you might be working for lucrative dollars but you are still tied to your business – that is, your income is a function of your time. Therefore, you could be ready for the next step …

4. The Automation and “Oh Kill Me Now I Hate This” Systemisation Stage

If you want true entrepreneurial freedom then you need to take steps to structure your business so that you can walk away from it (if you want to). I’m not suggesting that you have to if you love being there – but you should structure your business in such as way that walking away is, at least, an option.

In order to do this, you need to automate as much as possible without losing quality customer service and authenticity. And you need to create robust systems so that your team (and any newbies) can follow them clearly. This is the hard part. Many entrepreneurs who make it through this stage often say it’s the most boring, mind-numbing – not to mention time-consuming – part of the process. I agree. It can be so tedious but it’s also so worth it. But if you do it properly, this leasd to…

5. True entrepreneurial freedom

I’ll be honest. It does take some blood, sweat and tears to get to this stage. But, oh my goodness, is it worth it? Yes! When your income is not a function of your time, you are no longer pressured to be working all the time. You can free your mind to improve your business or venture into new areas (maybe you are a serial entrepreneur in the making). Or maybe you just want to play golf – and that’s great too.

But the key to remember is that the more you concentrate on moving through the first four stages of your journey, the sooner you’ll be in a situation where you can hit the driving range all the time if you want to!

When it comes to your entrepreneurial journey, which stage are you at?

Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author and entrepreneur. She is passionate about the concept that your business can create the lifestyle you dream of.

Valerie’s businesses:
Sydney Writers’ Centre
Business and Careers Institute

Make the Media Your Best Friend

Young Entrepreneurs in the Media

Dealing with the media can seem daunting when you’ve never done it before. Once you learn how, media coverage can be the best marketing tool to grow your biz.

We asked 3 young entrepreneurs how they got media attention, how it helped their businesses and what tips they have for anyone starting out.

Check out their stories here

Here are some examples of media releases featured in local papers by young entrepreneurs:

Download them and start thinking about what press release you could put together to get you and your business noticed in the media!

Paul Munro, Creative Director, Vision- Print Design Studio

1. Local paper (The Highland Post) – Local Young Entrepreneurs Reject the Recession

Vanessa Cullen, Principal, Forward Thinking Design

1. Fit Out magazine – Setting the Standard

2. Local paper – Design on Future

Where has The Frank Team been in the media recently???
We have been lucky enough to get some great media attention over the years. We have used a combination of direct media releases to journalists, as well as our website ranking highly for keywords that we know journalists are looking for and they then contact us!

Check out…
News.com.au – Young entrepreneurs tell Australians to toughen up on the global financial crisis
Daily Telegraph – Youth get down to business
The Australia – Now’s the time for web starts ups to go online
Want to learn how to get yourself featured in the media?

BOOK NOW for our PR Secrets for Beginners Workshop.

Send us your media coverage and we will add it here for ALL to see! jessica@frankteam.com.au

Selling to Baby Boomers & Gen X

Bridging the Generation Gap

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!

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

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
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.

Generation Gap

BRIDGING THE GENERATION DIVIDE – Two FREE events from the NSW Department of State & Regional Development.

Two workshops dealing with how different generations view business, are being held in Sydney and Newcastle and are coming up this week.

The aim of the workshops is to develop the business knowledge and skills of up-and-coming entrepreneurs in a changing business environment.

The bulk of business leaders come from an ageing generation, with emerging leaders coming from the much younger Generation Y.

This means generational differences need to be properly understood by both sides of the divide.

There are thousands of business operators aged under 30 in NSW, and its vital young business people gain traction in a competitive business environment.

It is not enough for employers to have a cursory understanding and nominal engagement with a new generation of employees.

Up-and-coming entrepreneurs need to know the attitudes and expectations of older workers and customers.

Social researcher and best selling author Michael McQueen discusses the impacts of an ageing population at a workshop at the Hunter Business Centre,v265 King Street Newcastle West on 30 March. He explains how young business people can bridge the gap between generations to help create new business opportunities.

Social researcher and demographer Mark McCrindle describes the demographic trends of an ageing society, and the potential impact on business owners of the future at a workshop in the MLC Centre in Sydney on 2 April.

Both workshops can help today’s emerging leaders see the viewpoint of other generations so that each can work effectively, communicate productively and develop leadership skills.

For further information or to register contact Bryan Pirie on 9338 6616 or email: bryan.pirie@business.nsw.gov.au or see the NSW DSRD site for more information.

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