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

Personal loans from family members and friends are also highly favoured as finance for start up companies.

Cisco Systems, a successful company was founded by Sandy Lerner and Len Bosack and if wasn’t for their personal credit cards they might have never seen the levels of success they found thanks to their fluid funding tool.

Other business success stories are also based on credit card funding such as the story of Google and how Sergey Brin and Larry Page pulled their cards to fund much needed office equipment and computers to get rolling.

Movie lovers also know too well of the any famous directors who had to resort to the practice of funding their celluloid success with the help of a credit card to get off the starting blocks.
Start up funding exposed:

While a personal credit card can be and is a great tool to fund a start up venture it can be a bit of a grey zone because of the legalities involved. These days many banks offer you a business line of credit to fund a business. However, what many entrepreneurs fail to understand is that even these loans will be your personal responsibility in the event of a repayment default.

Unless your business is registered as an incorporated entity you will be made legally responsible for all debts accrued whether you apply for a business line of credit or a business credit card.

The problem for most start ups is that unless they have a guarantor with enough financial clout behind them they won’t be able to incorporate their company in the first place.
Check for exclusions:

One of the first things you should do when looking into start up funding is to see whether some of your personal assets can be excluded from your personal guarantee. Another option is to see whether the loan guaranteed percentage will decline as the business matures.

Never sign credit card contract unless you understand the legal implications of it.

Despite the possible financial implications sometimes entrepreneurs have no other option than to fund their business with a personal credit card. The same applies to personal loans from friends and family. Check what is expected of you and be sure you have a backup plan for the worst case scenario.

Business start ups mustn’t be a financial nightmare before they even take off. With a bit of financial diligence and planning you should be able to make the most of your options.

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

Wanna hear from awesome speakers who will inspire you & give you tips that will impact your business positively straight away?

Wanna hear about future young entrepreneurs programs that you can get involved in?

Do it all at The Frank Team’s Young Entrepreneurs Evening…

When: Wednesday 4^th November 6pm-9:30pm

Our Guest Speaker is successful young entrepreneur Joseph Renzi of Our Wishing Well.

Joseph will share his entrepreneurial journey and Tips for Running a Successful Biz. He is the CEO & Managing Director of OurWishingWell.com and its related websites. Joseph is a highly motivated and creative entrepreneur. He has won the Top 10 Cool Companies award from Anthill Magazine and Young BizStar. His business has been a finalist in best E-Biz and Innovative Technology awards and Joseph has been recognised by My Business Magazine as a leading E- Entrepreneur. www.ourwishingwell.com.au

Our Entrepreneurs Panel – Hear from these successful entrepreneurs, who have also been mentors in the YESUP program. They will form an informal panel and answer questions about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges and successes. This will be an intimate Q&A where you can fire your questions at them and learn directly from their experiences..

Tim Nicholas – Malcolm Auld Direct

Annalisa Holmes – The Transcription People

Glenn Drew – XSQUIZZIT

Book Your Spot NOW.

Our Participants: Hear from our YESUP participants about their experience in the program.

Join us for facilitated networking, a celebration of the completion of another YESUP Program, plus soak up the wisdom of our awesome guest speakers who are all successful entrepreneurs!

Food: Snacks & drinks provided.

Cost: All of this goodness for only $25 (inc GST) payable by PayPal or online banking (details sent to you when you RSVP).

RSVP: anna@frankteam.com.au There are limited tickets available (for non YESUP people) so please RSVP quickly.

Ph: (02) 9518 6244 by Monday 2^nd November

Where: bioFirst Seminar Room
Ground Floor, National Innovation Centre, Australian Technology Park, 4 Cornwallis St Eveleigh, NSW 2015
Parking available on site.

Big thanks to:
NSW Department of Industry and Investment (www.industry.nsw.gov.au)
ATP Innovations (www.atp-innovations.com.au )

Look forward to seeing you there!

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

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

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

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

Get an edge and grow your business idea NOW.

Come and spend the day hearing from highly successful entrepreneurs, networking with other young entrepreneurs and learning key skills that will give you the edge over your competition and the market today.

BIZ Edge Young Entrepreneurs Day is a free event held during Small Business September by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment in conjunction with The Frank Team.

This FREE event specifically for young entrepreneurs is packed with all sorts of good ideas to grow your business to the next level or to help you get started in the business world. Check out what is involved in the day……

Keynote speaker: Amanda Gome from Smart Company – A highly successful entrepreneur, Amanda will share her secrets on how she built her business empire and what gives her the EDGE in their market today.

Workshops: All participants will attend two practical and highly useful workshops.

- Online Marketing Success with Fred Schebesta will run twice so all participants go through this workshop. Fred Schebesta will share his ideas and knowledge about the important elements of online marketing success.

- ACTIVATE Steps to Start UP with The Frank Team is perfect for you to learn the steps to starting up your own business, how to take your idea and make it a reality.

- Life cycle Marketing Systems with The Frank Team will help participants learn about marketing success for their business and how to set up systems that run this part of your business. This workshop is from The F rank Team’s highly successful YESUP.
After lunch, a panel of young entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries share their secrets to success, and answer audience questions.

Your panel includes:
* George Katrib – Bayswater Property Group
* Lisa Messenger – Messenger Marketing
* Glenn Drew – esite Connect

Plus you can meet heaps of very cool people, or take part in promo opportunities where you get up in front of the group, and tell everyone about you and your business, before continuing networking after the event downstairs at The Verandah Bar.

The BIZ Edge Young Entrepreneurs Day is on Friday September 11 at the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney. The day begins at 9.30 am sharp and winds up at 3.00 pm.

To register go to www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au. Enquiries to anna@frankteam.com.au or call (02)95186244.

But there is only room for 60 people so do RSVP quick to secure your spot.

So the important details….

When: Friday September 11th

Where: Sydney Mechanic School of Arts, Pitt Street, Sydney

What time: 9.15am for a 9.30am start – 3pm

And we will start without you if you don’t arrive on time!

RSVP: To register go to www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au and search for “Biz Edge” event.

Any questions contact us on (02)95186244 and ask for Anna.

Look forward to seeing you there.

More info about the speakers at the event….

KEYNOTE – Amanda Gome
Amanda Gome is the founder and publisher of SmartCompany.com.au, a free online news and resources site for entrepreneurs. Previously she had been an editor and senior writer at BRW magazine where her passion and interest in entrepreneurship led her to founding and editing the Fast 100 list and the Emerging Companies section.

Over two decades in business journalism, Amanda has interviewed almost every entrepreneur in this country worth their salt … and plenty that weren’t! She is also an adjunct professor of business at RMIT University, lectures students in entrepreneurship and regularly comments on 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?