/index.php?/news Latest News… en melanie@contactfirst.com.au Copyright 2012 2012-05-03T05:01:07+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/smart-business-needs-to-be-tech-savey/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/smart-business-needs-to-be-tech-savey/#When:05:01:07Z A number of local businesses I have assisted over the past 3 years have been a victim of antiquated systems and/or almost non-existent systems.  Once they have been convinced to introduce or implement new and updated technology into their business they too have seen and felt the benefit. I’ve just finished reading an Australian Industry Group Business report on Business Investment in New Technologies, of how it has improved business performance. The survey was conducted on 540 business CEOS in the manufacturing and construction sectors.  Some findings from this report include: - Approx 80% of respondents invested in new technologies over the past 3 years. - Close to 16% of the productivity gains achieved by these businesses were attributed to investment in new technologies. 71% of these businesses invested in order to improve productivity. - Improving workplace safety was also rated as a major motivation for investment in new technologies – particularly among construction companies and manufacturers. - Computer hardware and software along with machinery and equipment – particularly automation and control – were the most common areas for investment. A number of local businesses I have assisted over the past 3 years have been a victim of antiquated systems and/or almost non-existent systems.  Once they have been convinced to introduce or implement new and updated technology into their business they too have seen and felt the benefit. Introducing technology into your business does not have to be a complicated or expensive project.  It could be a simple MYOB or Database upgrade that could provide you with a higher level of information, and as a result save you valuable time and $’s. If you would free assistance with determining your technology needs please call me on 1800 282 208. Melanie Lavelle-Maloney, Principal, Contact First Business Solutions. Contact First operates the Redland City Business Grow Program which is a Redland City Council initiative, offering free confidential business advice and mentoring. 2012-05-03T05:01:07+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/how-to-create-business-growth-in-challenging-times/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/how-to-create-business-growth-in-challenging-times/#When:04:56:31Z I was reading with interest an article written in one of our Queensland papers a while ago. The article was re-instating what I have been saying all year – forget about the importance that folk are putting on the on-line businesses taking away trade from retailers.  Customer service is the Nr 1 deciding factor in purchasing goods/services required. I was reading with interest an article written in one of our Queensland papers a while ago. The article was re-instating what I have been saying all year – forget about the importance that folk are putting on the on-line businesses taking away trade from retailers.  Customer service is the Nr 1 deciding factor in purchasing goods/services required. This reported feedback came from retailers/businesses thriving in the post GFC slowdown, who say that to blame competition from online is to miss the point! It goes onto say… customers are craving better service and not merely chasing discounts from Australian retail outlets. Well I was pretty smitten whilst reading this, to think that our Redland business readers were already armed with this vital piece of information as early as February this year. To validate this important point, I would like to share with you news of one of my Business Grow Participants whom I spoke with last week.  They commenced their business some 12 months ago after a lengthy research period into the viability/sustainability of their new business idea.  I met with them some 2 years ago and talked through their idea, and have since then mentored them at different phases of the business development/establishment.  The business was not without its challenges, so we worked through how these challenges could be overcome. This business has grown considerably.  Initially a one man operation, it now employs 4 workers.  Turnover this very first year of business is in excess of $1 million.  How can such a business grow in a fragile climate you might ask? Well I am happy to say that this business has grown because it is a complete solutions provider for its customers. Remember that little gold nugget of mine that keeps popping up….. “All a business does is solve a problem”  The main focus of this particular business has been and always will be – Customer Service.  Finding out what their customers needs and expectations are, explaining to the customer everything they need to know about this relatively new to market product,  and providing exactly what they say they will provide – total transparency, total customer satisfaction which is reflected in this company’s ability to grow in challenging economic times. Melanie Lavelle-Maloney Contact First Business Solutions operates the Redland City Council Business Grow Program Redland City Council initiative which provides free confidential business advisory and mentoring service to businesses and residents of the Redlands. Phone 1800 282 208. 2012-05-03T04:56:31+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/keeping-those-strings-attached/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/keeping-those-strings-attached/#When:04:47:50Z Last year I was asked to visit our cold Capital City, Canberra. One of the Federal Government Departments that I am contracted to wanted me for questioning? KEEPING THOSE STRINGS ATTACHED – IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESS Last year I was asked to visit our cold Capital City, Canberra. One of the Federal Government Departments that I am contracted to wanted me for questioning? I was relieved that when I arrived that they not only wanted to ask important questions,… they wanted to congratulate me on a job well done! Apparently we at Contact First Business Solutions are gaining the best results and outcomes from a series of workshops we are delivering, and which are being delivered in multiple state-wide locations throughout Australia. In 2004/05 I was contracted to operate a similar series of workshops for this Agency, Australia wide. It is so apparent now, that the contacts I made back then, have certainly contributed to Contact First being asked to initially pilot and deliver the reworked programs and tender for main delivery in two busy locations. Over the years, whilst this particular program was not in operation, I maintained contact with key personnel keeping them uptodate informally and formally on other projects I was working on, and it has obviously paid off! I’m sure at this point, Redland City Business Grow participants will roll their eyes and cringe as they continue to read this article. … I’m sorry my wonderful up and coming biz geniuses of the Redlands…., I don’t mean to sound like a broken record player… My participants consistently hear me sounding out about:- The importance of keeping those strings attached to customers and potentials, The cost of looking for new customers as opposed to keeping those you already have happy and well informed on all that we do.. Who is the most important person in your business? and really, What does any business actually do? We need to understand these basic but fundamental questions in order for our businesses to create a viable and sustainable platform for growth and prosperity. If you would like to know some more, please do not hesitate to contact me and I can assist you with some very simple strategies on how to “keep those strings attached to your important people”… Melanie Lavelle-Maloney, Business Consultant, Redland City Business Grow an initiative of Redland City Council is a free confidential business advisory and mentoring service.  Telephone freephone 1800 282 208, email rcbusinessgrow@contactfirst.com.au.  2012-05-03T04:47:50+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/indigenous-small-business-mentoring-program/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/indigenous-small-business-mentoring-program/#When:02:01:38Z Small Business Solutions is offering one-on-one mentoring support by qualified Business Skills Mentors - and it’s free! 3548_Indigenous_Small_Business_Mentoring_Program_Flyer.pdf Since 2007, Small Business Solutions (SBS) has had great success delivering successful mentoring programs in Queensland including assisting more than 100 Indigenous small business owners. Now the program will be rolled out to assist all Indigenous small business operators in Queensland. LEARN HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH DEVELOPING SKILLS IN: • Marketing • Business finance • Risk management • Managing with a sound business plan • Managing personal, family & cultural business obligations • Establishing business networks Your assigned SBS Business Skills Mentor will start by providing 3 hours of one-on-one mentoring in your workplace. Your Business Health Check is an objective diagnosis of your business’s overall performance, identifies skills you can build upon, and gives you an understanding of the growth potential of your industry. Your mentor will then provide another 6 hours of tailored coaching to support you to find effective solutions for your business. In addition, you may gain formal accreditation with a Certificate IV in Small Business Management. The SBS Indigenous Business Skills Mentoring program is an initiative of Small Business Solutions, Queensland Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE. Click the following link to register and for more information 3548_Indigenous_Small_Business_Mentoring_Program_Flyer.pdf 2012-05-03T02:01:38+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/www.becbrisbanebayregion.com.au/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/www.becbrisbanebayregion.com.au/#When:05:06:52Z Get your Business On-line.  Business Enterprise Centres have joined with David Koch and Kochies Business Builders providing workshops and know-how getting Business online, E-commerce and optimising. Contact the Redland Brisbane Bayside BEC or Redland City Business Grow for upcoming E-commerce workshops Doing Business Online. The credibility of the major retailers behind the push to impose a GST for on-line sales has flown out the window like Santa . The truth of the matter is that 83% of us now buy online albeit if the average spend is only $530 for a year .Currently this represents only 3% of retail industry income. Gerry and the others know there’s gold in them clicks. The future is certain. Business will need a web presence , online and social media connectivity with capacity to interact, communicate and transact with their customers. Being online however is not the only gold nugget for business growth and sustainability. Having a web presence is a function of knowing your customer and understanding how you can do business with them. At present only 37% of business have a web presence and of those only 24%  can take online orders. The biggest online business in Australia is done on e-bay. While major retailers have been caught napping with their current business models they a systematically creating and innovating their e-commerce capacities. In future we will all in-time purchase more and become trusting on-line consumers. Customers expect and deserve a choice of “bricks and clicks” options from our favourite retailers. We will always go to a store for the touch and feel or the demonstration of big ticket items but for the simple and known fun stuff hey I’m a busy person , just let me purchase what I want on-line. 2011-05-02T05:06:52+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/choosing-the-right-consultant-for-your-business/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/choosing-the-right-consultant-for-your-business/#When:04:40:02Z One of the questions I frequently get asked whilst I am visiting Redland City Business Grow Participant businesses is “How do I choose the right business consultant for my business?.”  Here are some simple steps/questions to guide you through the process? 1. Has the Consultant owned/managed/operated their own business?  If so for how long? Is it their own business they have created or a franchise model? 2. What are the business milestones/goals/successes have they achieved and enjoyed in their own business? 3. How long have they been operating as a Business Consultant? Do they have relevant ‘Professional” Business Qualifications. 4. What type of industry sectors do they have experience in? 5. Names of businesses they have previously consulted with? 6. What successes have they achieved with these businesses? 7. Are you able to contact three (3) business owners for references and further validation? 8. What do they feel is their major strength and how do they feel they can assist your business. 9. Do they have the relevant experience to help you resolve your business issues? 10. Will there be a focus on skills transfer? E.g. they need to transfer their skills in the particular area of interest to you, so you as the Owner of the Business can affectively deal with the task/problem at hand and future similar issues. 11. Are they willing to undertake a free health check on your business, draw up an action plan/proposal with timeframes of completion and meet with you to discuss the process step by step. 12. Are their fees to undertake the consulting work within your budget? Have they factored in stage payments?  What happens if it doesn’t go to plan? And finally 13. What guarantees are they able to provide you with? Key to engagement of Consultant is to consider your ability to relate to the Consultant on all levels.  From experience most of us will state that first impressions are 9/10 correct, so go with your gut feeling.  2011-05-02T04:40:02+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/redland-city-business-grow/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/redland-city-business-grow/#When:05:02:08Z If you are considering starting a new business in the Redlands, growing an existing business, or looking for general business advice, Redland City Business Grow can help. See more about Business Grow  Free Phone 1800 282 208 Who can apply to participate? All small to medium businesses in Redland City (which make up the city’s largest business segment). The main focus of the program is to assist these small (1-10 staff) to medium (11-100 staff) Redlands businesses with their business development. 2010-11-30T05:02:08+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/free-business-advice1/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/free-business-advice1/#When:04:42:30Z How do we find out what we don’t know? By simply being open to new ideas and concepts, by reading newspapers and listening to business related news on the radio and television and ….by simply engaging us to come over and conduct a free and confidential business health check on your business at your workplace. WHAT BUSINESSES DON’T KNOW? One of our favourite sayings is “ we don’t know what we don’t know”. How do we find out what we don’t know? By simply being open to new ideas and concepts, by reading newspapers and listening to business related news on the radio and television and ….by simply engaging us to come over and conduct a free and confidential business health check on your business at your workplace. So many times we feel the pressure of working in our businesses,  and neglecting to make time to work on our businesses.  This is where we are able to assist our Redland businesses,  We are able to help them readily identify areas where they need to improve and suggest ways of doing so. Where required we are able to suggest a   number of other support programs that are offered to small businesses.  Some of these are heavily subsidised by Government.  Another one of my favourite sayings is one of Confusius “He who aims at nothing is likely to hit it”.  I can’t stress enough about the importance of planning and having that end goal in mind. The lead up to the Christmas holiday period is always a hectic time, completing outstanding projects,  end of year celebrations, school concerts and planning for the family get togethers.  From all reports this Christmas spending is anticipated to be reduced due to the financial pressure that is currently placed on families. If you are a retailer relying on Christmas trade, beware of discounting, understand what your true break even is and make sure you are providing what your customer wants. Please factor in some time for planning and goal setting in your business for next year.  If you need assistance we would be happy to provide our free business support services. Melanie Lavelle-Maloney Principal Contact First Business Solutions. Contact First operates the Redland Business City Grow Program, a free confidential business advisory and mentoring service which is an initiative of the Redland City Council. Telephone 1800 282 208, email: rcbusinessgrow@contactfirst.com.au 2010-11-29T04:42:30+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/need-staff/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/need-staff/#When:05:23:29Z Whether it is full time, part time, traineeship, apprenticeship or casual employment you need to consider the option of employing a person with a disability. There are more than 131,000 Australians with a disability who are ready for work and tapping into this pool of applicants shows astute business judgement. Studies have found that there is a strong business case to support the employment of people with disabilities. Find out more at http://www.dwa.org.au/becneedstaff.htm Whether it is full time, part time, traineeship, apprenticeship or casual employment you need to consider the option of employing a person with a disability. There are more than 131,000 Australians with a disability who are ready for work and tapping into this pool of applicants shows astute business judgement. Find out more at http://www.dwa.org.au/becneedstaff.htm Studies have found that there is a strong business case to support the employment of people with disabilities, such as; Over 90 per cent of employers who had recently employed a person with a disability said they would be happy to continue employing people with disabilities Cost to business in absenteeism and sick leave is lower for employees with a disability than costs incurred by other employees People with disabilities often have a higher retention rate than other staff Assistance of many Commonwealth Government free programs to support the employee and employers Assists you to achieve your business social responsibility and viewed as an employer of choice. The role of DWA is to coordinate the employment of people with a disability for BEC Australia network and members by providing: Disability Awareness Training to the BEC Australia network and its members Job matching by qualified staff to vacancies provided by the BEC Australia network and its members Coordination of all incentives, supports and modifications required when employing a person with a disability A quality national service to all Assistance and solutions to barriers in the employment of people with a disability Support for existing employees with a disability to enable them to sustain employment DWA will partner with BEC Australia to promote the benefits of employing people with disabilities to the hundreds of small business BEC members in metro and regional areas across Australia. The professional teams at DWA are experienced in the field of supporting businesses to employ people with disability at a national level. 2010-11-22T05:23:29+00:00 http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/franchising-is-there-ever-enough-information/ http://www.contactfirst.com.au/news/franchising-is-there-ever-enough-information/#When:03:10:16Z Franchising is one of the most popular business structures here in Australia with over 600,000 franchised businesses. We’ve even surpassed the US which was originally the home of the franchised model! Last week, Rod and I attended the informative DEEDI Franchising Workshop which was held at Spring Hill. DEEDI host this event every year, and unfortunately it’s a once of event. I spoke to our contacts at the Department after the workshop and fingers crossed we may be able to have one of these super workshops here in the Redlands early next year. Franchising is one of the most popular business structures here in Australia with over 600,000 franchised businesses. We’ve even surpassed the US which was originally the home of the franchised model! What really came through loud and clear through all the presentations was that franchisees do not ever do enough due diligence before they enter into their franchised businesses. The rule of thumb is that for every $1,000 spent purchasing a franchised operation there should be 1 hour of research done, so for instance if a franchised operation costs $250,000 that’s 250 hours worth of research and investigations that should be undertaken before you sign on the dotted line! During the workshop we heard from; the head of the Franchise Council of Australia, a body who represent both franchisors and franchisees, Jason Gerhke, a learned ex-franchisee, who now runs his own consultancy which specialises in franchised operations, a legal expert on franchised models and a McDonalds franchisee who owns 3 McDonalds here in Queensland. A fantastic selection of speakers who informed all who attended on so many aspects of the franchised model. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1800 282 208, or by email. Melanie Lavelle-Maloney Contact First Business Solutions, Contact First operates the Redland City Business Grow program, a free on-site, confidential business advisory and mentoring service, which is an initiative of Redland City Council. 2010-10-19T03:10:16+00:00