Ytrep Opps – April

Hey Team!

Another freshly-baked batch of young entrepreneur opportunities below.  Mmmm…. Enjoy!

9th Annual Australian Innovation Festival (26 April – 31 May)

The 2010 Australian Innovation Festival kicks off at the end of this month bringing a host of events and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country.  Check out www.ausinnovation.org for locations & registration details and see below for Festival Launch dates in your capital city:
National / Sydney: 10:30am-12:30pm, Thursday 22 April
Brisbane: 6:00pm-8:00pm, Thursday 22 April
Canberra: 6:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday 27th April
Melbourne: 10:00am-12:00pm, Wednesday 28th April
Adelaide: 8:30am-2:30pm, Thursday 29th April
Perth: 6:00pm-8”00pm, Thursday 29th April
Darwin: 1:00pm, Thursday 29th April
Hobart: 7:00am-8:45am, Tuesday 18th May

North Coast Innovation Festival (26 April – 31 May)

To coincide with the Australian Innovation Festival, 2010 North Coast Innovation Festival will kick off a program designed to showcase the intellectual capital, innovation and creativity on the NSW North Coast.   Festival events will include seminars, workshops, exhibitions, tours and webinars from 26 April to 31 May 2010 in various locations from Tweed Heads to Foster-Tuncurry.  Grab more details at www.ncinnovationfestival.com.au

Creative3 – Creativity x Investment x Enterprise (Today – 16 April)

Brissy will host the international Creative3 Forum from 14 – 16 April, bringing together the brightest talent and industry practitioners from across the creative fields, as well as creative enterprise leaders to share their ideas and offerings, form partnerships, network, and do business. The 3-day program will feature keynote presentations, business development workshops and networking opportunities + the flagship Investment Marketplace.  7 aspiring creative entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas to a dragon’s den of industry leaders and business experts for their chance to win a $100,000 business package. Register now and join in the action – www.creative3.com.au

Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) Young Social Pioneers Program 2010

Are you a young social change-maker? Have you been actively working on an idea or project for 6months? 14 social pioneers will gain a place on YSP 2010, a unique year-long program providing skills development, mentoring, intensive group and individual training and access to an international network of social innovators. Areas of work can include education, environment, health and wellbeing, human rights, media and technology, performing and visual arts, politics and science.  Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years of age, applications close Friday 11th June. For more information and to apply, visit: www.youngsocialpioneers.org.au.

fastBREAK Innovation Series – Friday April 30, Topic: Are you Alone?

Vibewire present the 2010 fastBREAK innovation series to showcase fresh perspectives and provocative ideas from some of Sydney’s brightest young thought leaders. Each event features 5 young industry leaders from various sectors to tackle big questions with five-minute responses around themes of creativity, commercialisation, collaboration, connections and conversation. Listen in then join the speakers for breakfast.  Takes place on the last Friday of the month (next event 30 April), 7:45am-9am @ the Boiler Room Mezzanine, Powerhouse Museum, cost just $8. More info at: http://vibewire.org/2010/04/fastbreak-are-you-alone/.  

Will you be one of the hot 30 under 30?

Smart Company is again looking for Australia’s hottest young entrepreneurs for their annual hot 30 under 30 list.  Think you’ve got what it takes?  Complete a 10min questionnaire about you and your biz to find out!  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=T78b14EKfqie9GIOdm1XViuOf5kMp2kdApomsoR32PU=& Know a rising young star and want to nominate them?  Email the editor, James Thomson at jthomson@smartcompany.com.au with details.  Good luck!

Share the love – buttons for your website, blog posts and articles

Want to help your clients/customers/readers to share your online gems with their friends and contacts? www.addthis.com automatically generates a html tag for a nifty little Twitter/Facebook/MySpace /Google sharing button.  Simply paste the code on your website or at the end of your post and voila! instant sharing.  

The Hive Melbourne Meets Steve Sammartino of Rentoid - Tuesday 20th April

After working in consumer goods marketing for 15 years Steve Sammartino created rentoid.com in 2007 – A peer-to-peer rental website where people can rent items to and from each other.  Steve is the anti-geek and he says most of his on line success has resulted from what he does off line, busting the myth that we need to be stroking at a keyboard 24 hours a day.  And, with Rentoid now boasting more than $50 million worth of items for rent, he migtht be onto something! Catch up with Steve and The Hive team at The Order of Melbourne, 401 Swanston Street Melborune.  Registration is free (we love that!) so jump online at www.thehive.org.au.

Join the conversation – simpler business reporting

Want to help put an end to complicated paperwork?  The government, through the Standard Business Reporting initiative is proposing to simplify reporting requirements for all businesses.  They’ve put together a business reporting blog and invite business owners, reporting professionals, software developers and members of the public to discuss the SBR online. To participate, go to: http://blog.sbr.gov.au/.  For the full down-low on SBR, check-out:  www.sbr.gov.au.

Last Chance! Applications for 2010 Victoria Fellowships close this afternoon!

Applications close today for the 2010 Victoria Fellowships – up to 6 fellowships for emerging leaders in engineering, science or technology.  Each Fellow will receive a travel grant of up to $18,000 for short-term overseas study to develop a commercial idea, undertake specialist training or career development.  Nominations also open for the Victoria Prize -$50,000 for a scientific discovery or technological innovation. Go to http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVIC/STANDARD/PC_60157.html

Cool online resource for managing event regos – FREE

It can be such a challenge coordinating networking, launch or product/service events if you have to manage RSVPS and admin nightmares through Outlook…. we know!  Eventbrite.com is an online event management and ticketing service which makes it easy regardless of your event type and size.  Eventbrite is 100% free if your event is free.  If you sell tickets for your event, then EventBrite charges 2.5% of the ticket price + 99c per ticket sold (max fee $9.95).  So, if you’re hosting an event, check-out www.eventbrite.com.

Ytrep Opps – March

Hey legends!

Check out our latest opps for young entrepreneurs below…

Promote your Biz with Kochie and Mel on Sunrise!

The Sunrise Family Small Business Register is all about supporting biz owners who are working hard just to make ends meet – let alone pay for advertising on national TV! Get your chance to spruik your biz to thousands of viewers on Sunrise, by uploading your 30-second pitch to the Sunrise YouTube page! Head to the website to list your biz on the Small Business Register and grab all the details for the YouTube Pitch Promotion! Go to: http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/factsheets/article/-/article/6802910/sunrise-family-small-business-register/

Calling Brissy Brains! IdeaParty Tuesday April 13th @ Visible Ink Valley

Got a big idea but don’t know where to start? Have a project but need a little help? Bring your wishes and plans to the IdeaParty – and get some fun and useful ideas from new friends and peers. It’s informal and casual – but potentially powerful! Any ideas and backgrounds welcome – you may just be the ideal person for someone else’s Big Dream! Learn how IdeaParties work here: http://www.shersuccessteams.com/iparties.htm and contact Tiara Shafiq to RSVP by Friday 9th April (for catering purposes) at: me@themerchgirl.net

Business awards – ready to start your winning streak?

Ready to take your biz to the next level and achieve award-winning status? There are loads of business awards and programs around, so get these bad boys on your radar and begin your 2010 awards application schedule: http://www.snobs.com.au/2010/02/20/business-awards-competitions/

Thinking of breaking into the UK market?

Access Wales is offering business owners the opportunity to test the Wales, UK market with 12 months FREE office space and professional consultancy support! The program is available to innovative, high-growth potential SMEs, currently located anywhere outside of Wales (yep – Aussie Entrepreneurs!) . You’ll get free desk space for 12months, full coordination of your travel, general and specialist business support through the Welsh Assembly Government and Access Wales’ professional consultancy partners and access to a dedicated point of contact throughout! For more details and to apply, go to: http://www.ibwales.com/business-support/access-wales/

Media Opportunity – Gen Ys affected by GFC

One Green Bean are looking for 18-24 year old Gen Y guys and girls who are interested in speaking to their metro newspaper about the negative impact the GFC had on them and their careers/businesses. You will need to talk about the impact on your employment/biz, personal finances and savings, and be willing to be photographed in the next two weeks. Please send an outline of your current employment status and one or two sentences about how the GFC affected you in a negative way, and what city you live in, to michelle@onegreenbean.com.au

Building your biz on social media, emerging technology or new enterprise?

Get into the ConnectNow conference 7-9th April 2010 and do away with old and ineffective advertising and marketing strategies that were too expensive anyway! Get the tools and strategies you need to help drive business growth in today’s market. International specialists from all over the world are converging on the University of Sydney campus for three days of presentations, keynotes and workshops. You can register for one day, two days or all three – prices start from $400 (25% of profits go to local Sydney charities). Go to: www.connectnow.net.au

Want to monatise your website, blog, magazine, e-newsletter or online network?

MediaScope is a new directory dedicated to connecting advertising buyers and advertising sellers…. essentially, a website designed to help you get the $$$! If you have a great advertising opportunity but have found the thought of seeking advertisers just too overwhelming, why not upload a listing and get advertising buyers coming to you?? What’s even better – it is FREE! If you are a media buyer or a small business owner Looking for an edge when promoting your business, you can subscribe to receive Ad updates with all of the latest last minute or first-to-market advertising offers. Check out: www.mediascope.com.au

Get Winning Biz Listings… FREE!!

Got your biz listed on True Local and Hot Frog and thing this is enough? My Business Help offers 20 top FREE business directories where you should be listing your biz TODAY. Haven’t listed on a business directory yet? You’ll definitely want to click here…
http://www.mybusinesshelp.com.au/10-free-australian-directories-to-list-your-business/
http://www.mybusinesshelp.com.au/another-10-free-australian-directories-to-list-your-business/

Avoid Business Brain Drain – have fun and stay sharp!

Running around the (home/garage) office, managing mountains of admin and dealing with cash flows stress can take its toll on our bodies… and our brains. Keep yours as sharp as a tac by building your left (logical, analytical) and right (creative, intuitive) brain with these fun, free tools. Stop working IN your business by getting your brain focussed ON your business… plus, have something on hand to distract you while on hold with your telephone/insurance/internet/supplies/courier/banking provider. Go to: www.lumosity.com

Get free business guides for your Smart Company

Smart Company has a range of free business guides to help you build your biz. Get 101 Tips for Your Business in 2010, 25 Tips for Real Entrepreneurs and more! Start with http://www.smartcompany.com.au/101-tips-for-your-business-in-2010 and go from there!

Sort your space – new ideas for your home office and professional profile

Spending 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20hrs on your biz is all that much easier in a great space! Check out these great products to keep your great ideas top-of-mind:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41787742\
http://www.myaquanotes.com/
Wanna look the biz and go Green? Haul is a great Australian business designing “rubbish” products from A4 satchels to MacBook sleeves from recycled billboard advertisements, licence plates and other trashy bits! Get some derelict style a la Zoolander @ www.haul.com.au

Ytrep Opps – February

Hey there! 

We took some time off to recharge, and now we’re back – excited to be joining you for another year of entrepreneurial ideas, opportunities, and action!!!  Grab some Friday Fun below and have a great weekend!

Entrepreneurs Can Change the World

We know it, so check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6MhAwQ64c0&feature=player_embedded

Use your skills to Make a World of Difference

The Vodafone Foundation – Australia is giving 5 Aussies the incredible opportunity to work for the charity of their choice for one year… they’ll pay your annual salary (up to $50,000) and expenses (up to $25,000)!  Jump online and complete the application form to let the Foundation know how you will make a world of difference for your chosen charity.  Entries close Wednesday 17 February (err… so be quick!).  Go to: www.vodafone.com.au/worldofdifference.

Be your own Media Monitor with Google Alerts

Want to know where your business is being seen and discussed online? Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results from web and news, based on your choice of query or topic!  Set alerts on your business name, your products and services, your competitors, your industry or key events and other relevant info.  They’re easy to set up and Alerts come straight your inbox!  Go to: www.google.com/alerts.

Understand complicated techno stuff – and use it in your biz!

If you’re like me and you are Gen Y in the “birth-year” sense but not in the “innate-understanding-of-all-things-technological” sense then Common Craft videos will be your saviour!  Famous for their super simple Youtube videos on everything from the web, blogs, social media and social networking to zombies, electing a US President and borrowing money!  Let Lee & Sachi LeFever (and faithful dog Amos!) explain the complicated world of Web 2.0 technology (and other complicated stuff) to you today:  www.commoncraft.com.       

Let TED Inspire You

We’ve said it before, get your fill of inspiration as well as heaps of free professional development from the world’s leading experts in everything from marketing and advertising to consumer behavior, creative thinking and social media.  TED = Technology, Entertainment & Deisgn and these days, it is OH so much more!  Set up a TED Talks feed at: http://feeds.feedburner.com/tedtalks_video (we promise there will be something there for you and your biz!).

Saucy PR and Other Promo Opportunities

Get connected with journos and others looking for your insight and expertise at the SourceBottle – a free subscription service for anyone looking to connect with opportunities to raise their profile!  SourceBottle also allows event coordinators to send out product requests for gift bags, conferences and events so you can get product samples and service offers in front of your target audience!  Jump on and Drink Up at www.sourcebottle.com.au 

Are you a Young Woman in Manufacturing?

The Department of Industry & Investment NSW has recently assisted the formation of a ‘Women in Manufacturing’ business cluster, designed to connect women manufacturers with like-minded professionals and opportunities for professional development.  If this is you, get more info and check out all of the NSW DII programs designed to support women in business at:  www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au.

Ytrep Opps – November 09

With only a few weeks left till Christmas, Santa and his Elve’s are busy getting all these opportunities out to you!

Get into these opportunities quick!

Twitter for Entrepreneurs

We’ve all seen the Twitter model applied to organizational employees via Yammer, which encourages co-workers to share and collaborate by frequently answering (in 140 characters or less) the question, “What are you working on?”

Now Canadian startup Sprouter invites entrepreneurs to do the same thing as an opening for discussion, support and collaboration.

Sprouter is an online community that allows small business owners and entrepreneurs to share links, ask questions and share expertise with their peers. Whereas most social networks focus on connecting users with people they already know, the premise behind Sprouter is that it’s often the people one hasn’t yet connected with—but who share common goals and interests—that can be the most valuable resources. Accordingly, the site’s search function can help members find not just entrepreneurs in their area or industry, but also those who are discussing a topic of common interest—funding, for example. Members of the site can create profiles and start real-time discussions around any concept, company, association or event.

Sarah Prevette, Sprouter’s founder and CEO, explains: “The power of social networking by individuals has been made more than evident, and Sprouter is striving to create that same sense of community and sharing for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs face struggles on a daily basis—from how to get funding to the best business tools to use. Sprouter can provide the forum for real-time networking and collaboration so everyone can benefit from mistakes and successes.” Sprouter is free for users, and hopes to generate income through partnerships with venture funding agencies and small business associations.

Launched to the public just this week, Sprouter also hosts monthly events to bring local entrepreneurs together for in-person networking. The site’s community currently includes members from all over the world, including India, Australia, Europe and North America. One to try out for your own entrepreneurial edification…?

Website: www.sprouter.com
Contact: info@sprouter.com

2009 Online Diva’s Awards

Online Diva’s are a networking group that brings business women together who share a common vision; Running an Online Business and working in the Online World.

They are celebrating their 1 yr anniversary along with the 2009 Online Diva Awards!

All the juicy details:

Where: Hugo’s Lounge, 33 Bayswater Road Kings Cross

When: Thursday 19th November 2009, 8pm – 10pm

Packed with lots of FREE goodies such as:

• FREE entry
• FREE  cocktail on arrival
• FREE gourmet pizza

This is a FREE event with limited spaces available, RSVP to hollie@onlinedivas.com.au . Be sure to vote for your favourite ONLINE DIVA for 2009 at – www.onlinedivas.blogspot.com

Calling Youth Candidates for Parliament 2010

The YMCA has started the ball rolling in South Australia and is calling all candidates to express their interests from people aged 16 – 25 who are interested in running for the office for youth 2010.

If you know anyone or would like information sent to you please contact Sophie Rose on (08) 82002513 or via email sophie.rose@ymca.org.au.

Small Business Benchmarks

This is a great resource that helps with your financial projections when starting up. These Benchmarks provide a snapshot of how businesses in an industry are performing, on average, by providing a measure of various business costs in relation to turnover.

http://ato.gov.au/businesses/pathway.asp?pc=001/003/102&mfp=001/003&mnu=48610

The Secret Confessions Of A Happy Entrepreneur

Over the last eleven years, I have spent a lot of time and money educating myself on how to build businesses. A university education, my own business coach, 100’s of books, online courses, weekend workshops – it never ended. For years, I strived to always know more in order to keep me ahead of the next business. I was the poster-boy for professional development. 

But over the past couple of years, it is fair to say that I have mellowed considerably. While still learning, I have made some small changes in the way I see things and these changes have given me a general feeling of happiness and contentment. No matter how good my business, relationship, bank balance or footy team is doing; life is good.

Who would have thought that you could achieve internal happiness that was not reliant on a big bank balance or having a great business? Defiantly not me.

So this is why I stepped off the business building band-wagon for the moment… to bring you ‘my secret confessions of a happy entrepreneur’. These are simple rules that I follow in order to make every day a good one. Some of them are easier to implement and follow than others, but hey, if it was all easy everybody would do it.

Confession No#1: I stopped letting desire rule my life.

I use to want…more clients, more businesses, more money, more, more, more. Desire was ruling my life. I was totally obsessed by achieving these things in life – sad, eh? But if you take a step back and look at it, our society, our parents, our schools etc all expect us to excel. It is the norm and the pressure can be intense.

Work hard, make more, get more and work harder – where does it stop?

So a couple of years ago I decided to start enjoying each moment for what it was, rather than for seeing it as a stepping stone to some ultimate place of achievement (wherever that is?). Now every moment is great and if I collectively steer these moments in the right direction, I’m sure the destination will look after itself.

Confession No#2: I learnt to control my inner environment

One day I realised that as a personal trainer, I had spent so many years studying only the body to make people LOOK good, and completely ignored what was upstairs. We often hear the fears and insecurities of our clients and I was yet to come across a client that didn’t have some kind of emotional scarring negatively affecting their life. 

So my theory is… that if we can train the body, we must also be able to train the mind. With that, I threw myself into a regular practice of meditation in order to confront what happens when you peel away the distractions of life and just sit with your thoughts.

These quiet times of meditation allow me to look into my thoughts and see that most of the time they are actually just stories that I make up. No logic, no substance. Just fear based stories designed to give myself a hard time. So now I don’t give myself a hard time when these thoughts come. I just don’t give them a second thought – literally.

Confession No#3: I found activities that made me happy and I did them often

This is definitely one confession that can be a starting point for everybody. Identify what you enjoy doing and do it often – no bloody ninja mind tricks need here. For me, I LOVE to hang with ‘my girl’ and our baby boy, go surfing, get dirty in the garden (I currently have a small addiction to growing bananas) and go camping.

Life gets busy and things will ALWAYS get in the way. It is your responsibility to make time in your life for this stuff. There will ALWAYS be more work to do. The activities that make you happy are often things that will take your mind completely away from your business and you will more than likely come back refreshed, balanced and ready to attack.

Confession No#4: I realised that life is not perfect

Funny that. No matter how many good intentions you have, sometimes bad stuff happens. Now that could be on a big scale or it could be on a small scale. But one of the best things that I have done is to realise that there are bad days in life and that is OK.

Now this doesn’t mean that I just throw my hands in the air and walk away, I still have a clear and present focus on what I want to achieve in life. It’s just that I understand that there is some bad stuff that is going to happen along the way that I have no control over and getting upset about it is not going to help me or my family.

Confession No#5: Make your own path

Following people in life can be beneficial for a certain time but there is definitely a period where it is time to step out from the shadows and make your own path. Yeah it’s scary and exciting, but isn’t that what life’s all about?

Being comfortable with who you are and acknowledging the fact that some people will either like you or they won’t (and that’s really up to them) is a BIG step. Wanting to be liked is a common trait in our society but being 100% you (regardless of the response) can be extremely liberating.

Confession No# 6: I learnt to embrace change

Change was never really my friend. I would always find that I would get to a certain stage of my life or in my business which I would be really happy with and something would change. I would always fight this type of change and want things to be just the way the used to be.

Then I took some time and had a good look at that very concept and realise that everything is always changing… I change, my relationship with my partner changes, my business changes, my veggie patch changes and my little baby boy definitely changes. So now instead of fighting change, I welcome it. Nothing ever stays the same is this world and that is a good thing – we live in an ever evolving world.

Confession No#7: I learnt to be a treasure hunter – to find the good in the world

I know that you have probably heard this line of thinking before but I am here to tell you that it is extremely powerful. Each day, you can get up and look at all of the good in the world. Acknowledging how grateful you are for everything that you have and looking at all the positive qualities of those around you.

OR

You can complain about your shitty situation, whine about your partner’s in-ability to wash the dishes properly (because that is very important) and general wallow in self pity.

I know which one I choose every day. Hug your partner or family and tell them you love them, be grateful for what you have and see the good in the world. It makes life a much more enjoyable place to hang out.

Confession No# 8: I learnt to give with no expectation of reward or praise 

Now remember back to the person that I explained about at the start of this article. The one that spent thousands of dollars and 100’s of hours, bettering himself so that HE could gain more. Mmmm, very self-focused eh?

Well, I am proud to say that there has definitely been a significant shift in this kind of thinking when it comes to giving. I have surrendered trying to plan, structure and educate my way to where I want to go. I now just give what I can to those who need it. Where it will lead me I am not really sure but it is one hell of a ride.

My business now allows me to give to lots of people without asking anything in return. Free personal training, free business advice, helping friends, family; whatever I can give, I do. It’s funny you know, because the gratitude I feel in return from people is much bigger than any financial reward could ever provide. 

That makes me happy.

So there is a little insight into the personal side of what makes me a happy entrepreneur. Heck, it hasn’t always been this way and it has been a pretty crazy path to get here. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Text by Rick Watson
www.personaltrainingbusinessinabox.com

Get ready for the upturn 2009 Annual Business Conference

 

 

 

 

Get ready for the upturn

2009 Annual Business Conference

Hosted by Sutherland Shire Council

·         Be inspired by great speakers.

·         Hear practical business advice.

·         Gain insight from business case studies.

·         Take advantage of fantastic networking opportunities. 

Download the get ready for the upturn 2009 brochure

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

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

Ytrep Opps – August 09

Happy Day! Check out these great opportunities we have hunted down for you.

Represent Australia & Travel

Ever heard of SWY? The Ship for World Youth program is an amazing and life changing experience run for young people by the Japanese govt. And guess what, there is an opportunity for you to get involved! Jessica Kiely-Schebesta knows all about this program as she was part of it in 2005 and she raves about it all of the time!
Australia has been selected by the Japanese Govt as one of the 13 countries that will participate in the 22nd Ship for World Youth (SWY22) program. The Japanese Embassy is now seeking a 12 member delegation of Australian young people between the ages of 18 to 30 from all walks of life. If you think you’ve got what it takes for this 2 month cross cultural exchange program then apply now. More info and application forms http://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/education/Ship.htm
If you have any further questions about the Ship for World Youth program please contact communication@swyaustralia.org

Media Opportunities

1. We have been contacted by a journalist looking for someone who has sourced their own work/career mentor through INFORMAL means, NOT a formal workplace program. They are interested in how you found them and how the relationship works. They are not looking for people matched by agencies, just individuals who have set up this relationship of their own accord. Contact Sue White at reachsuewhite@gmail.com for this opportunity.

2. Have you had a good experience working as a volunteer that led to paid work and/or another positive work outcome? Contact Sue White via email with a few details of your volunteering experience – where it was, why you did it and what the result was. Sue reachsuewhite@gmail.com

Young Entrepreneur Camps – QLD

Edgeware has a new set of their UPLOAD young entrepreneur camps coming up in September in QLD. Their sessions are interactive, hand-son and you work with expert trainers and real-world entrepreneurs. UPLOAD camps are all about helping young people to equip themselves to navigate turbulent times and to create meaningful, sustainable and responsible employment and life pathways. More info and registration details here http://www.edgeware.com.au/upload.htm

Fed Government Contracts

If you are in the housing/construction or education industries then there are currently massive Fed govt contracts available and up for grabs to tender for. The following 2 projects are underway:
- Improving the quality of facilities in Australian schools.
- Improving the quality and building new social house homes
Opportunities exist for local subcontractors and service providers of all disciplines to the building industry along with opportunities for suppliers of locally manufactured building products. The Industry Capability Network (NSW) Ltd welcomes registrations of interest against both these projects from suitably qualified companies who wish to participate. The two separate registration portals exist for these projects. Go to www.housingnsw.icn.org.au and or www.nswber.icn.org.au Interested businesses are welcome to register on both sites if relevant. For more information and enquiries contact ICN on (02) 9025 3150 or e-mail enquiry@icnnsw.org.au

Build Your Leadership Skills in the UK

This opportunity is perfect for young social entrepreneurs.
The British Council, through the Global Changemakers programme, is organising a week-long Global Youth Summit in the UK in November 2009. A group of 60 outstanding candidates from around the world including Australia will be selected to attend high-level leadership and media training in the UK. Furthermore, a group of the delegates will be selected to present their findings at the World Economic Forum at Davos in January 2010 to an audience of world leaders in politics, business and independent sectors. Applications for participation in the Global Youth Summit will be open online from 1 to 21 August 2009 at www.global-changemakers.net. Or contact Amrit directly amrit.gill@britishcouncil.org.au.

Ytrep Opps – July 09

Here is your latest line-up of opportunities for young entrepreneurs from around the place. Which one are you going to take advantage of?

New ABC TV Show – Strictly Speaking

ABC are auditioning for speakers for the new “Strictly Speaking” TV show. They will select 27 people with an extraordinary talent for public speaking. They will strive to be crowned Australia’s best public speaker in this brilliant new program. Auditions throughout August.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/strictlyspeaking/

Pitch Your Business Idea

Pitch Club is partnering with the Sydney Angels at the next Pitch Club event (Sydney, 20th August 2009). With a feedback panel of Angels, an Angel Investor guest speaker and a crowd starving for new and innovative ideas, now is the time to prepare!
Fill out the form at http://www.pitchclub.com to express your interest in pitching.
This is a great way to practice your “pitch”, getting in front of investors and do some great networking.

My Business Awards 09

The team at My Business magazine invites you to enter the 2009 ActionCOACH My Business Awards. You can be in the running to have your business recognised for achieving excellence in your field and win some great prizes and publicity. There is an Award for Best Young Gun in Small Business – which is perfect for young entrepreneurs.
Entry is FREE, quick and easy, You are invited to enter the Awards up until Wednesday 26th August 2009. Enter online at www.mybusiness.com.au/awards09 or post your submission according to the entry guidelines.

Funky Fairy Parties – Needs New Talent!

Young Entrepreneur Hanna Scrivener is looking for some new funky fairies to join her growing business. Be transformed into a Funky Fairy and help bring enchantment and fun to kids parties. If you or someone you know are young, bubbly and love kids then contact Hannah!
Office: +61 0418469821 www.funkyfairyparties.com.au

Twitter for Business Webinar

Bet you have heard a heap of people talk about Twitter and how awesome it is and are wondering just what is going on! Well start learning cos it is a great business tool for networking, gaining new business and keeping up with friends. Wonderful photographer and young entrepreneur Alex Vaughan has recommended this webinar as a great way to start learning. https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/666788904
The Frank Team will soon run a Social Media workshop to learn more!! Stay tuned.

30under30 – Announced

Anthill is announcing the winners of their Young Entrepreneurs 30under30 over the next few weeks. Keep up to date with the winners! http://anthillonline.com/congratulations-nick-ferguson-2009-anthill-30under30-winner/

Congrats so far to Nick Ferguson from SA – what a champ!

Represent Australia

The Japanese Embassy in Australia is seeking participants for the 22nd Ship for World Youth program.
The Japanese Government has announced that Australia has been selected as one of the countries that will participate in the 22nd Ship for World Youth (SWY22) Program. They are now seeking a 12 member delegation of Australian young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from all walks of life. If you think that you’ve got what it takes to represent Australia in this unique, 2 month cross-cultural exchange program, then apply now. Application forms and further details can be found at the website for the Japanese Embassy in Australia – http://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/education/Ship.htm
The Ship for World Youth (SWY) is a unique international cultural exchange program organised by the Government of Japan. The most prestigious program of its kind, SWY brings together over 250 youth between the ages of 18 and 30 from around the world to learn about international cooperation and understanding. Over a two-month period, participants are involved in a wide range of activities aimed at fostering cultural sensitivity, understanding and friendship. Most of the program is conducted onboard the cruise liner Fuji Maru, with some activities scheduled in Japan, and others in a number of seaports that are visited in the course of the voyage.
Commencing in 1989, the program is run on an annual basis. Each year a different mix of nations is invited to participate and different ports of call are incorporated into the itinerary. See http://www.swyaa.org/ and http://www.swyaustralia.org/ for more information on the SWY program.
The basic itinerary of SWY22 in 2010 will be:
Jan. 12 Arrival of the non-Japanese participants in Tokyo
Jan. 13-21 Activities in Japan
Jan. 22 Departure from Japan
Jan. 22-March 5, Official on-board activities of the SWY22 program
March 5 Return to Japan, disembarkation (all participants).
The Participating countries for SWY22 will be:
Australia
Kingdom of Bahrain
Republic of Ecuador
Arab Republic of Egypt
Hellenic Republic (Greece)
India
Japan
Republic of Kenya
Sultanate of Oman
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Republic of Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Republic of Yemen
And the ship will stop in the following countries:
India
UAE
Please note that the Japanese government selects the participating countries depending on the recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considering Japan’s diplomatic relations with the respective countries, the balance of the number of countries invited from different regions, post-progam activities of the SWY Alumni Associations (SWYAAs) and the overall balance of the countries invited for the various international youth exchange programs sponsored by the Cabinet Office this year and past couple of years.
The Japanese Embassy in Australia will coordinate the selection process for Australia’s representatives for SWY22 with support from. Application forms and further details can be found here - http://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/education/Ship.htm Applications close 3PM 24 AUGUST 2009.
If you have any further questions about the Ship for World Youth program please contact communication@swyaustralia.org

Now go and take advantage of these opportunities and see your business SOAR!

Next Page »