Business MagazineConnexions

Move YOUR Business Forward with

MasterMinding?

Busting the Sales Myths

How To Ditch The End Of Year Marketing Overwhelm

How to Understand your Brand Archetype

Selling is a Process

Is YOUR Business YOUR Passion?

Natasha Howie and Jennie Gorman

From Jennie’s DeskWhat has happened to 2012? I find it hard to believe that we are now in November and fast approaching Christmas. The shopping centres are decorated, carols are being sung and I feel as though I have hardly started the year.

What about you? Do you feel this too?

Again there are some wonderful article writerswho have given me subjects that I am sure will be supportive to you as the reader and business owner. Many readers realise I also love to add some quotes and sayings as these inspire me to build, grow and be the best I can be at any given moment.

I would like to say a very big thank you to all the writers who have contributed to this issue along with the five previous ones. Without you and your generous information,there would be no e-magazine.

I have had a wonderful month with two ‘Power of Relationship Marketing’ workshops, eight MasterMind group sessions, as well as

Networking Chats and Business Ideas Brisbane groups. It has been a month of catching up with clients too, being away from Brisbane for two conferences as well as some fun!!

Now is the time to get down to some serious work and preparation for 2013. It is going to be a huge year ahead, which is exciting. My diary for next year is filling fast.

Remember, if you are in Brisbane and wish to prepare for a successful year ahead, I have two workshops on ‘Create What YOU Want for 2013’ coming up on 26th November and 4th December.

Enjoy the last part of the year, not only preparing for the future, but celebrating the successes you have had during the year.

Take care, have fun and laugh lots.

From the Editor

Rodney Bukuya says: “In the world of turning Professional Networking into BusinessProfits, Jennie Gorman is second to none. I, along with many others, have been the lucky recipient of Jennie’s vast wealth of knowledge in this area and I considermyself very lucky to have her guidance close to hand whenever I need it. Thank You Jennie for all of your help. It’s much appreciated.” http://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneybukuya

Alicia Power says: “Jennie is a global networker with the real power to change people’s lives with her authenticity, empathy and deep passion for transformation through networking. I have known Jennie for over 15 years and regard her as one of Australia’s secret weapons for conscious business leaders. Her commitment to educating and supporting her networks is heart-driven. 100% contribution is her hallmark.” Alicia Power, Owner, Soul Mentoring www.soulmentoring.com

Darin Scott says: “Jennie Gorman is without a doubt one of THE people involved in training that you should be working with. Her chosen field of effectivenetworking is vital to any business, and any individual. And the RESULTS you get from her sharing her expertise, knowledge and experience with you is invaluable.Do yourself a favour … book into one of Jennie’s courses as soon as you can,” Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity Darin Scott http://www.linkedin.com/in/darinscott

Janis Hanley says: Jennie is a master in networking because she is a master in generosity. There is no secret here – it is about giving – giving means abundance for all. Thank you Jennie for your generosity in presenting your ‘Power of Relationship Marketing’ course. www.visiond.com.au

Jeff Withers says: I have listened and ‘worked’ with many networking experts over time. Jennie has gone the extra mile in presenting networking and the skills needed to be successful that far exceeds anything I have learned from any other source. www.redriverjourney.com.au

Ann-Mhayra Aleckson says: I had no idea of the importance to my business and my personal growth of a well-planned networking strategy. Thank you. www.Ann-Mhayra.com

Page 06 Want to Move YOUR Business Forward with MasterMinding?Every business owner wants to succeed in their business endeavours. It is recommended that you join a MasterMind Group.

Page 08 Busting the Sales MythsThe market has changed; but there are some sales myths that some salespeople still believe.

Page 09 Five Top Tips to Starting a Successful BusinessHere are five top tips Richard Branson picked up over the years.

Page 10 How To Ditch The End Of Year Marketing OverwhelmIt’s all too easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest marketing tactics. This is called “Shiny Object Syndrome”.

Page 12 How to Understand your Brand Archetype to Connect with your Ideal CustomerOne of the biggest misunderstandings about branding is that it is all about the logo, signage or the colours.

Page 14 How can Introverts do Business Networking and attain Success?It is a drawback to be an introvert and if you are a businessman, it can be one of the greatest glitches.

Page 16 Monetise Your Wardrobe for Business SuccessThe way we dress is determined by many things – our upbringing, current financial state, and etc…

Page 18 Four Types of Entrepreneurs Which one are you?Entrepreneurs possess certain characteristics that distinguish themselves from other people.

Page 20 My Confessions that Led to a Massive BreakthroughI had given my personal power and “WHY” to a relationship that was destroying me and my life.

Page 22 What is happening to our creativity?I wondered why I was never enjoying the success in my jobs that I could have.

Page 24 Indoor Pets, Stress and The Earthing ConnectionChronic disease is on the rise in pets. Obesity was diagnosed in pets.

Page 26 BREAST CANCER - CLUSTERS and EMFsDirty Electricity (DE) is taking away women’s breasts with working at computers a high risk factor.

Page 28 Selling is a ProcessSelling is a process that few understand and even fewer implement.

Page 30 Is YOUR Business YOUR Passion?Waking up in the morning energised knowing that you are doing something you love?

Page 32 Reasonableness: A multipurpose leadership toolLeaders and managers, even parents, benefit from the robust use of an unrecognised leadership tool.

Page 36 Mental and Emotional Focus – the Key to SuccessHave you considered the power of your mind and emotions …

Page 38 Presenting Information EffectivelyMulvey’s philosophy: 1. Have something to say, 2. Care that they get the message. 3. When you’ve said what you want to say… shut up!

Page 39 The New Paradigms Affecting Business Marketing and Intellectual PropertyThe new models of doing business and embracing business online invoke the need for becoming more aware of protecting your intellectual property (IP).

Page 40 The Importance of Established Business Principles for Small BusinessThere is nothing more important for the success of small business than having business ethics that are admirable.

Page 42 People Searching Google On Mobile Devices…Google has reported a whopping 400% increase in searches using smart phone devices over the last year.

Page 44 For Just 2 Minutes - P.A.U.S.EPausing helps you re-centre yourself so that you can hear your truth, connect with your heart, calm your mind and bring needed rest to your body.

Page 45 Tips to consolidate rather than capitulate?Small business is not getting any incentive at the moment to continue to employ people.

Table of Contents

Networking Chats 9 Oct.12Photography by Kerrin Smith

6 Connexions Business Mag

Want to Move YOUR Business Forward with MasterMinding?

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a MasterMind group.

For more information, go to

www.businessmastermindgroups.com.auand find out more about what they are,

where they are and how they can support you to move your business forward.

Every business owner would want to succeed in their business endeavours. They would want to develop and continually grow their business in orderto catch up with the rapidly changing business world. But it is inevitable to encounter problems and trials that would test the strength of your business. In order to be prepared to face those upcoming problems, it is recommended that you join a MasterMind Group.

So, what is a MasterMind Group, you may ask. It is a group of business owners who come togetherand talk about what they do best, doing business. The unique thing about a MasterMind Group is that every member would want nothing but to help you grow together with your business. The group objective is to guarantee that you will all succeed in your business.

Commitment is one of the most valued qualities of a MasterMInd Group. Every member should be committed to join and attend all meetings and activities. In this way, no one would miss out on the progress and development of every member in the group. To make sure that each group would function well, a selection and screening is being made prior to joining the group. In this way, each member of the group would have more things in common and establishing connection would be easier.

The group meets twice a month, and in every meeting they would discuss with each other their progress and development, as well as follow through with the topics discussed on the previous meeting. The group would discuss their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and business threats. In this way, they could brainstorm on what to do and organise activities that would help them and create a win-win situation for every member.

Having a group of people who are committed to support you will surely push you nowhere but up. Being a part of a MasterMind group is not only a good strategy for your business, but it is also a good way to have good emotional support. You can discuss, share and compare experiences about your business. The best thing about mastermind-ing is that others in the group know exactly what you mean and feel, as you are all in the same situa-tion of growing and learning.

Copyright © 2012 Jennie Gorman

8 Connexions Business Mag

Busting the Sales Mythsby Kevin Ryan

The market has changed; but there are some sales myths that some salespeople still believe. Here are three that need to be disposed of immediately.

1. The market is a level playing fieldWith apologies to the competition commissions and fair trade tribunals around the world – of course it isn’t. Never was, probably never will be. The only way that would be possible is if all the competitors in the market had equal power. And we know that’s not the case. The big and power-ful will try to use their muscle to manipulate the market and the smaller competitors will be reliant on their ingenuity, uniqueness and flexibility to glean themselves a slice of the cake.

2. Your competitors will play by the rulesRules? What do you think this is – Scrabble? Apart from the trade practices regulations, anything is fair game. You should use this by being pro-active. You should be constantly looking for ways that you can tilt the playing field in a way that suits you and also benefits the client.

3. You have more information than your clientThis used to be the case not so long ago. As the salesperson, you were their primary source of information. Now, they not only have all the data on the company website, they have access to every blog, forum or discussion board where your product is mentioned. For the first time since modern marketing methods evolved, consumers of the same product have easy access to each other.Does this make the salesperson redundant? Far from it; but it does mean that their role might change. In the past they were the information source; now, they need to be the information sorter.

Your problem with clients is not their ignorance, it is their pre-conceptions. Information is not knowledge.Ironically, more information does not necessarily make you better informed. It has been shown that beyond a certain point, more information makes decision making harder. It has been described as ‘analysis paralysis’. This is where a skilled salespersoncomes in – asking the right questions, helping to prioritise criteria and sorting the information overload so the client can make sense of it all and, most importantly, regain their decision-making confidence.

The salesperson who will thrive in this environmentwill be more of a facilitator than an information source, more of a questioner than a teller.

The era of the ‘re-invented’ salesperson is upon us. This person will be more a trusted buying adviser than a product pusher – and they will be moreimportant than ever.

Kevin Ryan CSP* - 2011 Nevin Award - NSAA’s Highest Honour

www.ryanandassociates.com.au

2012 November 9

Five Top Tips to Starting a Successful Business

by Richard BransonAs LinkedIn is a business that started in a living room, much like Virgin began in a basement, I thought on the site should be about how to simply start a successful business. Here are five top tips I’ve picked up over the years. 1. Listen more than you talkWe have two ears and one mouth, using them in proportion is not a bad idea! To be a good leader you have to be a great listener. Brilliant ideas can spring from the most unlikely places, so you should always keep your ears open for some shrewdadvice. This can mean following online comments as closely as board meeting notes, or asking the frontline staff for their opinions as often as the CEOs. Get out there, listen to people, draw people out and learn from them. 2. Keep it simpleYou have to do something radically different to stand out in business. But nobody ever said differenthas to be complex. There are thousands of simple business solutions to problems out there, just waiting to be solved by the next big thing in business.Maintain a focus upon innovation, but don’t try to reinvent the wheel. A simple change for the better is far more effective than five complicated changesfor the worse. 3. Take pride in your workLast week I enjoyed my favourite night of the year, the Virgin Stars of the Year Awards, where we celebrated some of those people who have gone the extra mile for us around the Virgin world. With so many different companies, nationalities and personalities represented under one roof, it was interesting to see what qualities they all have in common. One was pride in their work, and in the company they represent. Remember your staff are your biggest brand advocates, and focusing on helping them take pride will shine through in how they treat your customers.

4. Have fun, success will followIf you aren’t having fun, you are doing it wrong. If you feel like getting up in the morning to work on your business is a chore, then it’s time to try something else. If you are having a good time, there is a far greater chance a positive, innovative atmosphere will be nurtured and your business will fluorish. A smile and a joke can go a long way, so be quick to see the lighter side of life. 5. Rip it up and start againIf you are an entrepreneur and your first ventureisn’t a success, welcome to the club! Every successful business person has experienced a few failures along the way – the important thing is how you learn from them. Don’t allow yourselfto get disheartened by a setback or two, instead dust yourself off and work out what went wrong. Then you can find the positives, analyse where you can improve, rip it up and start again.

Blog by Richard BransonFounder at Virgin Group

How To Ditch The End Of YearMarketing Overwhelm

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest marketing tactics that you hear about. This is called “Shiny Object Syndrome” and I often see business owners frantically chasing one bright shiny marketing tactic or strategy after the other hoping to get results. This can be a huge time waster not to mention taking up an enormous amount of your precious energy reserves that you need to build your business.

So if you’re finding that you’re feeling exhausted from end of year marketing overwhelm, follow my three favourite principles for marketing simplicity and enjoy the freedom of letting everything else go until you’re ready to tackle something new!

1. KISS - Keep It Simple Strategies!

Pick no more than three strategies that compliment your current strengths that you can consistently apply to your business. You’ll find that by being consistent and keeping them to your strengths, you’ll get much greater results than if you were to juggle too many strategies poorly.

HeRe’S How:1. Brainstorm all of your marketing “should do’s”. Get them all out of your head and on to paper.2. Circle no more than three strategies that align with your natural strengths. 3. Set aside half a day each week to work on these and implement them consistently.

2. Focus, Focus, Focus!

Refrain from reading, opening or getting distractedby any new strategies until you have systemised AND are getting results from the three strategies you’re focused on. Laser focus gets results!

3. RoI – Return on Investment

If you’re not getting realistic results within 90 days of a new strategy, either ditch it or make a commitmentto learn how to improve your results asap. Making this a rule in your business will prevent any more time wasting on marketing activities that aren’t growing your business.

Want To Create Your Marketing Map For 2013? Join in this interactive workshop where you’ll create your marketing map for 2013 and walk away with a simple “how-to” to getting better results in your marketing!

Click here for details

Article by Samantha Lyttle

www.marketlaunch.com.au

10 Connexions Business Mag

2012 November 11

12 Connexions Business Mag

How to Understand your Brand Archetype to Connect with your Ideal Customer

by Andy Monks

One of the biggest misunderstandings about branding is that it is all about the logo, signage or the colours. Whilst they are important factors like the wheels in a car, they are not the whole car. It’s a misconception that has carried over from the 1950’s, brand is about so much more than that and the most common element overlooked is...... wait for it...... THE CUSTOMER AND CLIENT!!!

It’s crazy really but the branding process can turn into one of the greatest ego-gratifying exercises possible, it’s a party but a party of one because none of your customers are invited.

So what do you do...invite all your customers and ask their opinions? That’s equally as unwise becauseyou may not like what they say and mostly what the masses has to say is not generally positive.

So how do you deal with this paradox?

There are number of ways to work with our clientsand one of them is looking at the Brand Archetypes.

Carl Jung distinguished the 12 archetypes that tap into the heart of the Hero’s Journey and the heart of human being’s psychology. Distinguishing your brand’s archetype will help you to communicate and connect authentically with your ideal customer on a very deep level.

These are not definitive but are the starting point.

12 Base Brand ArchetypesThe Innocent (Saint, Angel)Qualities: Simple life, doing things right.Examples: IKEA, Dove, Apple

The orphan or ordinary Guy & Gal.Qualities: Bond by being humble, hard-working and friendly, fit in. Very AustralianExamples: Bonds, Bunnings, Target

The warrior or DefenderQualities: Protect others, Bravery, Courage and ServiceExamples: Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Australian Army

The Care-Giver or NurturerQualities: Help others, be loved, provide for needsExamples: Johnson and Johnson, Campbell’s, Red Cross

The explorerQualities: Exploring the World, being the constant in a changing world, escapeExamples: Jeep, Red Bull, National Geographic

The Rebel or MaverickQualities: Freedom from establishment through nonconformity and defianceExamples: Harley Davidson, Virgin

Andy Monks has worked in the entertainment and advertising industry for almost 20 years including being part of the AcademyAward-winning team that made Happy Feet. He has founded and run a number of businesses, is a Professional Speaker and has a profitable practice as an Artist.

His latest venture, Alchemy Funhouse, with business partner Jamie Engel, seeks to crack open and teach others how to take their passions, projects and business into highly successful ventures by understanding the connection of branding and business to the Hero’s Journey expressed through all human myth, religion and stories dating back to the caveman days. They have opened up 1-day workshops aimed at business owners and creative entrepreneursin November and December.In 2013, they will be launching a premier online program to take people and businesses through their own Hero’s Journey to increase profits, lifestyle and recognition.

For more resources on these topics or to find out info about their programs, visit their website www.alchemyfunhouse.com

2012 November 13

The Lover or ConnectorQualities: Make things happen through relationships, knowing peopleExamples: Facebook, LinkedIn, RSVP

The Creator or ArtistQualities: Create something enduring and of beauty, imaginationExamples: Lego, Adobe

The Jester or entertainerQualities: Make friends and avoid enemies via humour, funExamples: Fanta, Bundaberg Rum

The Sage or PhilosopherQualities: Find the truth and understand the world and see in new waysExamples: Anthony Robbins, Oprah, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

The Magician or DreamerQualities: Help people achieve wonder and fantasyor supernatural experiencesExamples: Disney, Nintendo

The Ruler or LeaderQualities: Lead people to common place, confidence, determination, influence.Examples: Rolex, Gillette

Again this is not the definitive list and there are always variations and hybrids. Each archetype has its strengths and weaknesses, understanding these can positively alter business results and your customers’experiences immensely.

In this day and age of social media, it’s also critical you understand where your personal brand fits here. Again, if you don’t, everyone else will define who you are as a brand.

Today you are competing for people’s time like no other age. People are ruthless with how they use it and who they give it to. If you can connect by having a strong Brand Archetype, you will be the one they think of when they need that service and often the one they will pay a premium price for.

How can Introverts doBusiness Networking and attain Success?

by Stewart Smith

It is a drawback to be an introvert and if you are a businessman, it can be one of the greatest glitches,which can happen to your marketing strategy. So, how can you succeed in such a situation? Networkingis one of the most important factors that can help you to reach out to the people all around the globe. However, networking is not an easy task,if introversion is to be considered. Most of the introverts find themselves drained out, if they take part in group activities, because it causes them stress. So, this can pose as great problem with regards to your business and the marketing techniques. Now, what can you do, in order to be able to solve this problem, and yet network your business to success?

Networking as an introvert

You should not lose confidence over the fact that you are an introvert. Rather, you should know how to use it to your advantage. Networking still is considered to be one of the most crucial businesstools you can use. It is always important to keep relationship-building to yourself, rather than outsourcing it in small or large scale. So, some of the tips that may help you avoid makingany mistakes with regards to networking just becauseyou are an introvert are:• Network on a one to one basis – If you have always been shying away from interacting with many people at the same time, it would be better for you to start off the interaction with one person at a time. Once you can cross this hurdle, you may be able to cross the next hurdles too.• Start talking to few people at a time – Other than talking to people with regards to the busi-ness, you can start talking to a group of people you are familiar with. The topic of discussion will have to be nothing specific, but you can project on what you are trying to use as a business planner.

• Plan events beforehand and get details – If you are trying to hold an event, after you have been able to set up the basic networking relations, it would be wise of you to plan the events much beforethe event. Get a write up on what you are going to say. This may help you to handle the event smoothly enough.• Depend on your other strengths – If you shy away from talking to people, and in building uprelationships, it would be better for you to depend on your other strengths. It is known in general that introverts have better listening power. They imbibe well. So, in order to gain knowledge and use it to your advantage, it would be better for you to depend on this particular strength. While interacting with people, rather than concentrating on your discomfort, try listening to what others have to say. This may help you to address others well, and easily enough.• Set a goal and the number of people you can talk to – You should also be able to set a goal as to how much you would like to share, with regards to the business idea and the products you are offering or the service, in an event. In addition to this, you will also be required to set goal on the number of people you can think of talking to. This can make things easier for you.

All of these together may help you in doing away with the problem you have been facing as an introvert,if you are trying to market your business.

Stewart Smith is a financial writer. He has written various financial articles on financial topics like how to settle Debt, credit score management, credit card debt, Bankruptcy, etc. He tries to help people with financial problem with his knowledge.

14 Connexions Business Mag

2012 November 15

16 Connexions Business Mag

Monetise Your Wardrobe for Business Successby Margaret Sims

It is amazing the number of people who come up to me at networking events and say ‘Margaret, you should talk to that person. They are in business and they need to dress better.’

The way we dress is determined by many things – our upbringing, our current financial state, our self-beliefs, our desire to please others, our motives and our dressing knowledge and skills to name a few. Some dress to show their wealth and status and some dress to hide it. For women every life event brings up the common cry ‘What will I wear?’ None of us want the embarrassment and shame of getting it wrong.

Here are my three modern dressing tips for business and professional women over 40 to help you build a wardrobe that makes you shine and adds value to your business life.

Get Rid of Poor InvestmentsAny investor knows that hanging on to poorperforming assets will drain or destroy your future wealth. So it is with your wardrobe.

Now is the time to go through your clothes andaccessories with a critical eye. We have all heard the old adage - ‘Dress like the next job level you want.’ That also applies if you are in business for yourself. Clearly define your goals for the next 12 months and look to see if each item in your wardroberepresents you at that level of income. Keep the ones that do and get rid of those that drag you down or keep you forever at your current level. Dispose of your cheap, make-do items as well as the expensive, classic suits that do not fit your future direction. You may not be able to do a complete purge but you can devise a plan for replacing items gradually.

Also check items for repair and alteration. Potentialclients do notice you scuffed shoes and ill-fittingclothes. Fix them or throw them out.

Pay Yourself FirstAnother important investment rule is to pay yourselffirst by putting a certain percentage of your incomeaside for monetary growth. This also applies in your professional wardrobe.

Use some of that money you put aside to invest in purchasing well-made, quality clothes and accessories.You may buy them at full-price or on sale. Go for brand, fit and the quality. People do decide to employyou; have you speak to their group or give you a promotion based on their visual impression of you. When you buy judiciously, you can use appeal to do part of this work for you. A good first impression makes the next step easier. A poor first impression means you have to work harder to turn it around.

Learn all the modern dressing skills you need to represent yourself as professional, approachable, confident and forward-thinking. Buy books, go to workshops or pay an Image Consultant so that you gain an edge over your competition. Create your unique brand and show your personality through what you wear.

Money Loves to work and Be AppreciatedThe classic money novel, ‘The Richest Man in Babylon’by George S Classon reminds us that money will lose its value if we do not put it to work. Hide it under the bed and inflation will erode its value.

Once you have started to build a wardrobe of betterquality clothes that suit your 12 month goals, make them work for you. Working clothes that are rarely worn are underperforming assets. Quality, modern, neutral pants and skirts can mix and match with a variety of tops, skirts and jackets. Use accessories to diversify your basic clothing investments and give them variety. Increase your awareness and appreciation of the abundance in your wardrobe by working out new clothing combinations.

Step up by having professional photos taken for promotion and advertising. Opportunities to speak can arise at any time. Even short elevator speechesare an opportunity for your clothing to reinforce your personality and your business message.You do not need a walk-in wardrobe full of clothes. Fewer, well-chosen items that you wear often will bring you financial rewards.

Last wordsTalking to other people about their dress sense and their business wardrobe needs to be done in private with sensitivity and respect.

When you lift your clothing and yourself to the next monetary level, others will notice and want to know your secret and who taught you your business dressing skills.

The Fashion Translator‘Helping Quiet Achieving Women shine confidently in a world of noisy experts’

If you are ready to step up and become a woman of influence in 2013,

Margaret can help you be professional and memorable so that you look & act like

the Expert You Are

Call Margaret Sims on 0407 137 264 or go to http://www.yourfuturedirection.com.au/WowStore.php for more information.

18 Connexions Business Mag

FOUR TYPES OF ENTREPRENEURS:Which one are you?

by Dale Beaumont

Entrepreneurs possess certain characteristics that distinguish themselves from other people. Ambition,drive, clarity, knowledge, and resilience are some of these qualities. However, while these traits are important in defining an entrepreneur, it is also important to note that there are various types of business owners.

It’s impossible to be all things to all people, and therefore there is a great need for entrepreneurs to recognise which type they are. Why? By understanding what category you fall into you are essentially assessing your style and acknowledgingwhere your strengths and weaknesses lie. Once you have done this, you can then emphasise you strengths and compensate for your weaknesses in your efforts to grow your business and move it for-ward.

Based on my experience and observations, there are four types of entrepreneurs with styles that influencethe state of your business.

1. Creator

Do you love creating concepts? Are you an inventor?A dreamer? Creators are entrepreneurs who are stimulated by ideas and concepts. They are usuallyinventors or people who enjoy challenging convention, look at problems and ask themselves: how can we do this better? What needs to improve for this problem to be solved?Creators come up with the great ideas and let them be taken over by someone else. Therefore they may not make as much money as other types of entrepreneurs, but they do it, because it’s what stimulates them.

Strengths: • Efficient problem solvers.• Can kick-start businesses with great ideas and concepts.

weaknesses:• Have difficulty operating a business at maximum potential.• Compelled to move from project to project.

examples: Bette Graham (Liquid Paper); Miuccia Prada (Prada);Sergy Brin & LarryPage (Google); Phillip Mills (Les Mills International);Ed Catmall (Pixar).

2. Implementers

Know how to take an idea and formalise it? Concerned with making things happen? Implementerstake an idea and make it happen – they create forward motion. Implementers are able to take a whole, big idea and break it down into smallerdetails that are manageable and will put the idea into action. They will not only say what needs to done, but will then implement it also.

Implementers achieve satisfaction from seeing an idea, putting it into action and making it happen.

Strengths:• They are doers and can ensure imaginative ideas will work within a realistic structure.• They create initial momentum for a business.

weaknesses:• Once they have implemented a project, they will seek out further stimulation in the form of other projects that require building and growing.• Their nature also limits their business’ optimal performance.

examples: Andrew Mandrides (Kettle Chips); William Kellogg (Kellogg);Tim Pethick (nudie); Jeff Bezos (Amazon); Enric Bernat (Chupa Chups).

2012 November 19

3. Drivers

Not too concerned with ideas? Appreciate consistency?Once an idea has been established and implemented,Drivers will maintain it. They have consistency and longevity and will keep the business moving. Unlikethe Creator and the Implementer, the Driver is happy with repetition, but also appreciates forward motion.

Strengths:• Efficient business operators. • Can execute and monitor systems.

Weaknesses:• Inclined to reject or resist change.• Get too attached to systems and fail to see its faults.

Examples: Art Fry (3M); Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull); Ruth Handler (Barbie); Bill Bowerman (Nike); Ray Kroc (McDonalds).

4. Closer

Are you an impact player? Someone who likes to see dollars? Closers are capable of taking a solid, thoroughlytested business and turn it into a multi-million dollarcompany. It is able to acknowledge a great business, but understands that it can do so much more. Closersare all about growth and expansion. They are concernedwith getting in, exerting maximum effort for 6-12 months and getting out. They don’t want to beinvolved in the everyday running of the business. They go in fast and hard and make the difficult decisions.What’s going on? What’s wrong? I’m going to fix it. They turn the business around and make it work.

Strengths:• Provide hard-hitting solutions for tough decisions.• Ensure a business reaches its full potential.

Weaknesses:• Make decisions based on the best interest of the business and not the individual.• Can lack emotion. Examples: Akio Morita (Sony); Robert Pittman (MTV); Alan Forage(Guinness); Hugh Hefner (Playboy); Steve Jobs (Apple).

In SummaryEntrepreneurs are likely to demonstrate qualities from all of these areas, however, they are likely to excel in one area over another. You need to recognisewhat type of entrepreneur you are and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You then need to decide whether you are willing to work against your inherentnature in order to focus on areas that you are weak in.

For example, if you are great at coming up with ideasand implementing them, but not as good at closingthem, then you need to force yourself to make tougher decisions, force yourself to commit with an idea until it’s running at its optimum.

While traditionally Closers reap the financial rewards(because they eventually make the deal and make the hard decisions), it is important to know that if you do things right, you can make money in all areas.That will require you to go against your natural personality or hire someone to do it for you.

Now that you are aware of the different types of entrepreneurs, take some time to work out which one you are? Reflect on your business history, on your individual circumstances and your goals. Are you reaching your potential? If not, perhaps it’s time to make changes and bring in people who can help your business reach its full potential.

Dale Beaumont is a youngentrepreneur and the creator of the ‘Secrets Exposed’ series. Having now released over 15 bestselling business books (available in bookstores across Australia or from

www.SecretsExposed.com.au). Dale has been featuredin all forms of the media and has become a sought after speaker. To discover more about Dale books, read his blog or to download other free articles and resources, please visit;

www.DaleBeaumont.com

20 Connexions Business Mag

My Confessions that Led to a Massive Breakthrough

Part 2 (SEE PARt 1 IN OUR OCtOBER ISSUE)by Jesus Balderas

Last issue I shared some recent events that happened in my life that led me to the greatest breakthrough I have experienced. What happened, and what did I do?

I realized that I had given my personal power and “WHY” to a relationship that was destroying me and my life. The hardest part of this fact was ac-cepting that I made that choice, I wasn’t a vic-tim, I was a willing participant. If I was going to make changes and regain control of my life, I had to make some serious changes. The good news is that you can regain your power as quickly as you can give it away!

So what steps did I take:• Identify “WHY!”This sounds like rhetoric, but it was essential for me to make changes. I had to decide why I wanted to change, and it had to be more compelling than the status quo. I have watched so many people just accept life as it came to them as if they had no control. And, when we choose to live like this, we don’t have control. And, in essence we really don’t have control because we have given it away. Luckily, we can reclaim this power if we create a compelling why to base our decisions on.• Identify all the NEGATIVES in your life.This is the hardest step of all because some of these negative influences we like, are comforted by, and in some instances addicted to. In this step, I took a hard look at every relationship in my life, every habit, every excuse, and how I did everything. This was a brutally painful step for me because I had committed to complete HONESTY with myself. (BTW - This is the number one negative in many people’s lives if they aren’t getting what they want - LYING TO YOURSELF!!) Most people stop here because of the pain, but I promise you it is worth fighting through the pain.

Here are some other examples:o Laziness o No purpose or goalso Television (The average American watches more than a month of TV every year!! Get rid of your TV, start a part time business, and work only a quarter of that time previously spent in front of the television...Would that make a difference?)o Food o Excuseso Your own lies o Facebooko Texting o Your phoneo Alcoholo People who encourage you to stay where you are or support your BS!o And, so on...

• Eliminate these NEGATIVES and REPLACE them with new positive habits.This sounds easier than it really is. This is where intention meets truth. Are you committed to the changes you claim? And, this is where you discover if your WHY is compelling or just platitudes.

I made drastic changes in my life, and it was very hard. I ended relationships that had been a part of my life for years. I completely changed my eating habits. I had gone from a cheat meal (actually a regular meal) being a couple of glasses of wine, half a pizza, and a big bowl of Blue Bell Ice Cream to a cup of Kashi Go Lean Crunch with Chobani Mango Greek Yogurt and a cup of tea from Teavana. Did it feel better, HELL YES, but I did miss the grease of the pizza and the sugar of the ice cream while my mind was made numb from the wine! Would I go back, not in a million years. Am I tempted, SOME-TIMES! I eliminated the television from my life as well. Me and the boys still watch a good movie, but it is not the focus of our days anymore. There are a number of other changes made, but I know that I couldn’t have made these without having a COMPELLING WHY!

2012 November 21

• Create your Top 6 Goals for the next twelve weeks and twelve months.This is an important step. Create goals that you can measure quickly and see results in the near future. Life long goals are great, but when you are making a massive shift in life, you need to see results quickly to know that you are doing the right thing! I have a complete goal setting program that you can use to transform your life in the next 90 days. Email me if you want more details about this program.• Create a trusted group of people and mentors.You are not superman or wonder woman so create an accountability and mentoring group that will hold you to the standards you want to live. This is a critical step to long term success. Can you do it without this, yes, but it is hard.

These steps guided me to the biggest transformation in my life. For me, I hit a spot in my life where I was on auto-pilot, going through the motions and accepting. Luckily, Christina jolted me out of this mode, and then I took these steps to make my transformation. I hope they can help you make the changes you want in your life, and for those of you already on your path may it serve as a reminder to what you are already doing.

I CHALLENGE YOU to make the next 90 Days the best 90 days of 2012! P.S. This is a critical point to note, even when you make all these changes, you will still have challenges and difficulties. The difference is that you are equipped to breakthrough them now!

www.bbi-northamerica.com

22 Connexions Business Mag

What is happening to our creativity?by Kerstin Rheinlander - The Creativity Coach

For years I wondered why I was never enjoying the success in my jobs that I could have. Was I heading down a path that did not really suit my interest or passion? It seems like my jobs were merely a means to support myself but not really the path I was supposed to be on. Don’t get me wrong, I always performed my jobs to the best of my ability. Being realistic though I never got to use my real talents – my artistic creativity.

Thinking back to my academic journey, anything to do with Art, Music, Dance or similar was not regarded as the “right” path to take. I remember the remarks too well: “You need a decent education to succeed in life! Art is not going to get you anywhere.” Maths, Literature and Science were always considered more important than the creative subjects. I recall that I showed an early interest in anything creative. But for years I struggled with producing satisfactory results in maths, science or writing. I studied hard supported by tutors but the garbled letters and numbers in algebra still looked to me like parts of a puzzle that I could never complete. Geometry made more sense as I saw the shapes and could identify with them. Physics was another challenging subject. Did I really need to know of kinetic and potential energy? All these subjects were so far removed from anything creative they were just facts, facts and more facts. How could a right brain person like me cope with this left-brain education?

All these thoughts started to emerge again like a déjà vu as I am dealing with the struggles one of my children is currently experiencing. A very smart and streetwise child but not suited for the current education system. So I ask myself, why in this extremely creativeenvironment aren’t children being taught to be creative– in every aspect? The way of teaching the creative geniuses of tomorrow has not changed a bit except for the introduction of laptops to make communication a little easier. They are still graded based on what are considered the fundamental subjects – maths, science and literature. But shouldn’t these subject stand on the same level as the creativity?

Yin Yang collage – this was a wedding present and both sides are personalised for bride and groom.

Tried out something new: powdered pigments, black lentils and copper leaf.

I think it is time for innovation to include creative subjects as part of the core subjects. Our children have a natural ability to be creative. They jump at the opportunity to try things differently or look at it from another angle. They take chances and make choices to try things out and be wrong. Unfortunately our education system does not al-low for room to be wrong because by giving the wrong answers you would fail your math, science of comprehension test.

I therefore decided to let my children have the choice to be creative, be wrong and don’t be afraid to be so in their safe environment of their home.

In my household I am elevating creativity to stand on the same level at literacy. I want my children to find what their true talents are without having to wait until they hit their midlife like me to suddenly realise that they have been wasting time on things that do not make their heart sing.

I will continue on my creative path teaching others tofind their creative joy in a fun and non-judgementalenvironment. From experience, mistakes usually bring on the best result.

Happy creating!

My lucky fish: copper, gold and silver leaf with powdered pigments

Website: www. cre-art-tivity.com.auMobile: 0448 958 366

Email: info@cre-art.tivity.com.au

Chronic disease is on the rise in pets. According to the May edition of Veterinary Practice News, from 2007 to 2011, the incidence of obesity and overweight increased 37 percent and increased 90 percent in cats. Overall, 1 in 5 cats and dogs were classified as obese or overweight in 2011.

Obesity was diagnosed in pets with other chronicdiseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism.Cancer is also on the rise.

Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Seems our pets are following us with their rise in health issues, and just maybe that is related to the fact that their natural lifestyles, in many cases, have been compromised by indoor living. More and more pets are exclusively living indoors now and suffering same “disconnect” from the Earth as we are.

“You ain’t Nothin but a ‘Ground’ Dog…”Back in 2007, a husband and wife team decided to do an experiment for dogs, utilizing a grounded pad in their bed. They identified sixteen canines with histories of unresolved arthritic pain, fatigue, anxiety, chronic cough, hip dysplasia, old injuries and emotional problems. During the study the animals slept grounded on their pads for four to six weeks, and were only allowed to be naturally grounded for a few minutes per day when they were relieving themselves.

At the end of the trial results showed improvementin many areas such as stamina, flexibility, joint mobility, muscle tone, calmness, sleep, and pain. And all this from simply re-connecting back to the animals natural state – the bare earth.

We can spend a lot of money on our pet’s health. Often, it seems we will spend more on their health than on our own. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to improve the quality and length of their lives, and ours too, simply by doing something as simple and affordable as reconnecting back to the earth’s natural healing energies?

So the next time you take your pet to the vet keep in mind that the simple solutions work the best…and Earthing truly is very simple.

Here’s to your pet’s health.

Article by :Greg Menz

Ground Zero Health

www.groundzerohealth.com24 Connexions Business Mag

Indoor Pets, Stress and The Earthing Connection

2012 November 25

26 Connexions Business Mag

BREAST CANCERCLUSTERS and EMFs

by Donna Fisher

Why is it that an associate professor can submit testimonies for women in Canada reporting how a dirtyelectrical environment can be a culprit in developingbreast cancer yet women remained uninformed on the involvement of dirty electricity with this potentially deadly health issue? Dirty Electricity (DE) is taking away women’s breasts with work-ing at computers a high risk factor. Being a very high risk disease today one would assume that a possible cause of this disease, let alone a probable cause —would be widely disseminated and acted on promptly. Sadly this is not the case. Are our experts really so uninformed? Breast cancer to-day affects 1 in 7 women yet when individual cases of breast cancer or breast cancer clusters in wom-en occur, various reproductive factors are taken into account which makes it easier to discount the role that EMFs play in causing breast cancer.

When Professor Bruce Armstrong who led the breast cancer cluster investigation at the ABC TV studios in Brisbane Queensland was questioned on national television in August 2007 on the frustrationof some of the women who felt that the proper investigations were not carried out before all the equipment was taken out, he admitted: “It is very important to do the investigations properly, and indeed we did have a problem with the ABC with the fairly quick decision to remove people from the site. It did mean that some of the measurements we wanted to do were not complete, and I do understand how the women feel in that respect; they don’t feel that it’s been done satisfactorily...”.

There are currently reports of an epidemic of male breast cancer at a Marine Corps Base Camp in the USA. The Marines have identified 55 male breast cancer cases and thought the epidemic was caused by solvent contamination of drinking wa-ter at the base. The more likely culprit is EMFs.

In 2008, it was reported that there were 108 breast cancer clusters in the USA with another since reportedin San Diego. In Australia, among others, there has been reported a breast cancer cluster at the Concord Hospital Sydney, another at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital Adelaide, another in Gin Gin, Western Australia, and a possible breast cancer clusterat Sydney Airport and many other locations where women are worried but are too scared to bring attention to it for fear of losing their employment.

It was virtually impossible for a woman in the South of the USA in the 1940s to develop breast cancer but when moving to a city that had electricity,her risk increased. These cancer clusters serve to show us what is happening silently on a daily basis in everyone’s lives. The adults and children of todayhave already been affected by EMFs. The fields from power lines and substations are not the only concern: dirty electricity is running through virtuallyevery building on the planet. People in their own homes must also protect themselves. This potent carcinogen is: invisible; silent; secretive; and subtle.

Many different types of artificially created radiation have been woven into our daily lives. Dirty electricityexplains why professional and office workers have high cancer incident rates. There have been thousandsof studies of EMFs; more so than with any other health issue. There are more epidemiological studies that link cancer to these fields than to environmental tobacco smoke.

The contention that the fields from electricity can harm has a history replete, particularly in the area of breast cancer, with destroyed careers and tarnished reputations involving scientists who sought to helpthe people, and with so-called experts who colluded with the forces going against the precautionary principle of public health: first, do no harm.

2012 November 27

Today it is quite widely accepted that the EMFs from electricity can cause childhood leukaemia. (The reason why childhood leukaemia has been studied is because the strongest evidence for a cancer is that the same cancer is significantly el-evated in children).

The WHO conservatively classified these EMFs as a Class 2b carcinogen in 2001 based on 6 epidemiologicalstudies for childhood leukaemia. Why is it though, that authorities continue to resist so heavily the contention that EMFs can cause breast cancer? There are 18 epidemiological studies (not 6 as in the case of leukaemia), showing an increased risk of breast cancer with occupational EMF exposure and, unlike for childhood leukaemia where experimentalstudies neither support nor refute the association the magnetic fields, breast cancer experimental studies (both in vivo and in vitro) show a cause and effect relationship and point to possible mechanisations of action which leukaemia does not. Any study into breast cancer has significant ramifications for all of us.

There is no doubt dirty electricity is taking away our breasts. It is vital that all females should be informed about the different types of radiation and how not to remain an unsuspecting recipient.All females should be informed how to protect themselves in their workplace and in their homes.

All females taking the drug Tamoxifen should be informed on the EMF research. All females should be informed as to the importance of moving to a lower voltage area in their workplace to: prevent breast cancer; if they already have breast cancer; or are recovering from breast cancer. Two of the three women who developed breast cancer in a workplace died on returning to the workplace. The one who refused to return to work survived.

All females should be informed as to why workingat computers puts them more at risk of breast cancer. Little did women realise that burning their underwire bras in the 1970s women’s movement could have saved many breasts from being removed. Was this an instinctive move as the rise of the computer age has coincided with the dramaticincrease in breast cancer?

USA statistics reveal that breast cancer in 1930 showed an 80 percent correlation with residential electrification. By filtering your electricity you may just save not only your breasts but also your life.

www.silentfields.com donnafisher@silentfields.com

Selling is a Processby Emma Munro

Selling is a process that few understand and even fewer implement. It is the act of moving a person from one state to another.

Simple right? So why is there such fear around sales?

Is it because of the stereotype?

You know the type. The movie ‘Glenngarry’ when Glen Ross was the epitome of that stereotype. “AlwaysBe Closing.” Gah, it even makes me want to avoid selling... for a second. The fact is that people need to be sold to. They WANT to be sold to. What they don’t want is to have the wool pulled over their eyes and led astray. This is where a solution based sales process can serve your needs, and your clients.

Solution Based Selling is exactly what it says. It is about identifying the pain in your client, present-ing them their options and providing them with a solution that suits THEIR needs... not yours.

Let’s focus on a point above about identifying the pain in your client. That scares and disgusts a lot of people. But if you are going to serve your clients in the best possible way, it is necessary. If you don’t fully understand the source of the pain, you will not be able to provide the absolutely correct solu-tion for the client sitting in front of you.

This does not mean that you tap into that pain and use it against them. No. Tap into that pain, under-stand it and then move them to a place of pleasure with your solution. If you don’t have the right so-lution, refer them to someone who does. They will respect you more for it and refer you to someone who you can help.

For information on The Sales Rally in early 2013 go to:

www.youronlinesalesmanager.com

Practical Strategies to Grow and Systemise Your BusinessThe only way forward in business is to focus on your sales strategy and processes. These presenters

have the information to show you how and will even spend time helping you to create an actionable and immediately implementable plan.

Sales RallySTOP SEarching • STarT SElling

1 Day 3 Speakers 1 Focus

YOUR BUSINESS

www.youronlinesalesmanager.com

2012 November 29

www.sendoutcards.com

30 Connexions Business Mag

Is YOUR BusinessYOUR Passion?Copyright © 2012 Jennie Gorman

Waking up in the morning, knowing that you have a long day ahead, are you energised knowing that you are doing something you love and just want to get to, or do you dread having to drag yourself to your desk?

Passion for what you do will show through when you talk about your business. More than likely, you chose to start your business because you were passionate about the subject or product. Your chance of success and personal satisfaction shines through when you speak your message if you are doing what you love! If you have lost your passion, that will shine through too!

To start and keep a business these days you need to have an entrepreneurial spirit and overwhelmingwish to make a difference. If your business is a means to an end, you will find that it may be short lived as any passion you had moves to a personal state of dislike or lack of interest.

If you started your business to create wealth and you do not have the skills, contacts, business acumen or experience, more than likely, you will be one of those who find themselves in a situation of closing the doors and looking for another way to bring in an income.

According to the Small Business Administration in the USA (Australia I believe is similar), only 44% of new businesses make it to their fourth year. If you are new in business, these numbers shouldn’t discourage you if your business is also your passion, as you will be prepared to do whatever it takes to bring your dream to fruition.

Was your business created around a dream or visionto do or be something? Is it something you have thought about for a long time, an inner knowing telling you to create ‘the dream’ for the betterment of others, in some way?

Does your business make you want to cry or bring up an emotion when you talk about it? If so, I believe that you are creating your souls purpose that only someone who has experienced that feelingcan understand.

Small business statistics from the Australian Government show that 95% of businesses are small businesses, with nearly 1 million people running a business from home at this time. This figure is growing rapidly according to the Australian Home Based Business Statistics. As employment becomes harder, especially for people over 50, starting a small home-based business becomes the one thing that people can create without the large overheads that are created by having a shop front.

Finding your true passion is something that some people just know, and for many others, it is some-thing that just clicks in when the time is right. Do you ever wonder and ask how can you find your true passion? This is something within you that only you can know and find. Bill Strickland, author of Make the Impossible Possible offers clues, writing: “Passions are irresistible.…If you’re paying attention to your life at all, the things you are passionate about won’t leave you alone. They’re the ideas, hopes, and possibilities your mind naturally gravitates to, the things you would focus your time and attention on for no other reason than that doing them feel right.”

Strickland believes that only by following your passion will you unlock your deepest potential. “I never saw a meaningful life that wasn’t based on passion. And I never saw a life full of passion that wasn’t, in some important way, extraordinary.”

Look around your community and city and see who the real entrepreneurs are … seeing how they follow their passion. So many aspiring entrepreneurs follow the crowd and end up disappointed because they feared following their heart. So, as a business owner, be passionate about your product, service, company or cause. Make a difference and shine your light.

Business Enterprises Centres around Australia can help you with your business if you need them.

www.becaustralia.org.au

Jennie Gorman0414 278 344

Reasonableness:A multipurpose leadership tool

by John Milne

Leaders and managers, even parents, benefit from the robust use of an unrecognised leadership tool. It is the quality and practice of reasonableness. It is built on a rational, logical base. It is measured, appropriate to age and circumstance. It finds clues from history. It works on observation, evidence and clear thinking. Here are seven ways it can make your leadership more effective.

A reasonable response is more likely to invite a reasonable response. If an unreasonable response is made, then it gives you the high moral ground. Understand the other person may react in an emotional way.

A reasonable precaution. Risk assessments have become mandatory in business and in government. These sensible safeguards can save lives, reputations and money. Regularly check they are in place.

A reasonable direction or request. Managers who give reasonable directions earn compliance and respect. The persuade and influence leadership style is mostly preferable to the command and control style.

A reasonable decision. In an era when every leader’s decisions may face external review, the reasonableness of a decision in light of all relevant circumstances needs to be carefully weighed and recorded.

A reasonable approach to mediation. Coming in to mediation with a fair and reasonable position opens the door to movement.

A reasonable assumption gives you a solid platform to make plans or to order priorities.

A reasonable explanation is like honey sweet and tasty.

Be reasonable in most things; be unreasonable in a few!

Irish playwright and Co-founder of the London School of Economics, George Bernard Shaw offered a contrary view: The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.

leadershipdownunder.wordpress.comCall John for inspiring breakfast speeches: 0448 357 626

32 Connexions Business Mag

www.tonyryan.com.au

2012 November 35

Have You Ever Thought About The 3 Main Styles of Interviews?

This morning I was up in Ipswich at a seminar run by my friend Paul Dunn and it was all about how to do business more effectively. Afterwards we sat down and had a chat about my business of video interviews, and he asked me how it was going.

I told him that it was going fine, but that some peopleseem to be reluctant to use interviews becausethey didn’t perceive the value of them. Now Paul has consulted tens of thousands of companies around the world, and he asked me to pass on the message that considered interviews one of the most essential forms of communications especially on the Internet. When you hear a man of his reputation, the Chairman of B1G1, giving feedback like that you really believe that it is indeed the most effective means of relationship building.

When I started my business four years ago, I decidedto concentrate on a particular form of interview style. And that is the journalistic style. Now one common style of interview is the chat show style where the audience sees both the person being interviewed and the interviewer, and while this is effective on television, it is mainly an entertainmenttype interview, and not often a business promotionalinterview.

Another form of interview that can be done is where the person being interviewed, and who is promoting their products or service, answers questions that are flashed on the screen in text form and all you ever hear is the subject answering the static questions. This leaves unpleasant silent gaps in the audio, and I see it too much.

In my opinion, and based on a lot of research, the most effective form of business promotional interview on the web is the journalistic style, such as you see on a current affairs show, and where you do not see the interviewer, but do hear their voice askingthe questions. This gives a two-way exchangebetween the people that makes the interview come alive and also allows for discussion that can move away from the script when needed, something which is not possible with a text based interview.

While an interview where you can see both participants may be effective in a number of cases,there can be a tendency for the audience to focuson both parties rather than just the subject of the interview. This person, who is promoting their product or service is the one that we need to get the audience to focus on, so that the viewer can learn about what they’re promoting, not in a selling type style, but in a more appealing conversational style. And the best thing about this is it’s repeatable,meaning that once you do a single interview it can be distributed via a website, blog, YouTube, emails, QR Codes and even included in a text message.

So you see a video interview done in journalistic style is probably one the most powerful methods of communicating your message to your poten-tial audience that you can ever invest in, and your return on investment, based on my feedback can be tremendously significant because it gets seen by so many, your story is consistent, and therefore builds your brand. So why not try a Video Interviewfor yourself? It’s an easy process, quite painless and very affordable!

www.videointerviews.com.au

by Paul Humphreys

36 Connexions Business Mag

Mental and Emotional Focus – the Key to Success(Part A)

by Jeff Withers

Do you often give yourself a “talking to” … do your thoughts “get in your road” … are the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing right now being influenced by these questions?

Have you considered the power of your mind and emotions … and their effect on your performance of a physical activity? You see, performing at your best is more than simply the result of physical preparation.

When body, mind and emotions work together, heightened performance results.

Would your physical performance be improved through greater concentration, increased aware-ness, positive self-talk, the ability to visualise, more focused motivation, heightened self-belief and so on? Your mind, your emotions … they control your body, so peak physical performance is the result of “programming” and integrating these unique ele-ments into your regular ongoing self-development activities.

How you think affects your emotions …and your emotions affect your physical performance.

Try this …

Find yourself a quiet place to relax in and think of an outstanding performance at an event

(your choice of what, where, when etc) you have enjoyed in the past.

As you begin to relax, replay the occasion in your mind …

where was the event … what did you do upon arrival …

how did preparations go …what was going through your mind during all this …

Then … immerse yourself in how you felt, what you saw …

what you were saying to yourself just prior to the occasion …

the nervousness … the excitement … the tension …

Now, the event begins … enjoy the moment … relive the occasion to its full …

embrace the anticipation … the excitement …

As you relive this, allow all your emotional andphysical reactions to intensify

as if you have a big dial that you could turn – turn up the volume, magnify the colours,

increase the emotions and thoughts you are immersing yourself in.

Are you getting a reaction …is it something different …

is it a good and pleasant recollection?

If you could measure your body’s physical reactionsat this point you might notice reliving the event has increased your heart rate, perhaps quickened your breathing, maybe initiated/increased involuntarymuscle movement as you replay the experience, or perhaps changed, albeit briefly, those words that like to float around inside your head.

Your body, mind and emotions are not separate entities; they intertwine and work together toinfluence your behaviours.

Did you know imagined experiences affect you in a physiologically measurable way just as much as “real ones” do? Therefore … and here’s the excitingbit … the more vividly you visualise, the more you engage positive self-talk and the greater your

sensory reaction to an occurrence, the more powerful your experience will be. In other words, you need to decide what you intend doing in your mind and then build your desire to have this happen as you imagine it prior to any physical action taking place. Would this make a difference?

Before something can happen physically you must engage your mind and emotions.

….. To be continue in December e-magazine.

Jeff Withers www.redriverjourney.com.au

38 Connexions Business Mag

Presenting Information Effectivelyby John Mulvey

• Nervousness needs to be overcome and can be achieved by getting focus off self. • Know what it is that you want to say: learn your lines and practise in front of a mirror.• Listen with your eyes and address one person or one section at a time.• Correct posture is essential for effective breathing and naturally speaking. • Grab the attention with a strong opening. This will set the scene for a confident delivery. • Be bold with your voice to avoid speaking too quietly,keeping hands away from your face.• If relating a personal story, use first person ‘I.’ Otherwise, you lack accountability and responsibility and risk being too distant.• Include pauses when speaking. • Save any handouts until the end of your talk. • Recognise that 3% of any audience will hate you… yet 97% will want you to do well. Forget pleasing 100% and get into your talk. • If speaking for more than 30 minutes, it will help to break the talk into say three segments. too long on one section is hard for your listeners to stay with you. Have a key point for each section.• Should you take questions, make sure that you maintain eye contact with the questioner until the question is completed – without interruption – and then respond to the whole group.• Don’t get trapped into reading your lines. • People buy people first and the best presenters tell stories. A little bit about you will personalise your talk and endear you to your listeners.• Speak in language that the audience understands.

• Every time you speak it has to be for them, the listeners; eye contact will let you know if something has not been understood.• People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Be with them and for them and show that you care.• The collective age of any audience is 12 years!Believe that you’re talking to a twelve year old child and this will help you to slow down, maintain eye contact and more easily assess whether they get your message, or even if it’s time to end your talk.• Enthusiasm is an important factor. If you want your audiences to be enthused then exude enthusiasm. • Look upon speaking and presenting as a privilege, rather than a right. Enjoy the occasion by getting focus off self and keeping your message simple for them; your listeners.• Mulvey’s philosophy: 1. Have something to say, 2. Care that they get the message. 3. When you’ve said what you want to say… shut up!

John MulveyCreative Presentations

john@creativepresentations.com.au

www.creativepresentations.com.au

The New Paradigms Affecting Business Marketing and Intellectual Property

The new way of thinking about marketing and utilising more online strategies and social media opens excellent opportunitiesto reach new potential clients, but at the same time they also require some new thinking about intellectual property, either protecting it or avoiding infringing someone else’s.

I was interviewed recently by an online talk show host and the subject came up about trademarks, there’s becoming a strong correlation between wanting to be found online using such strategies as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing).

The new models of doing business and embracing business online invoke the need for becoming more aware of protecting your intellectual property (IP) , by way of trademarks, and not infringing someone else’s trademark. So the desire to become more visible online also makes you visible online in case you infringe someone else’s IP.

I always say to people that as part of the business planning trademarks and intellectual property strategies should be addressed as part of the business planning as early in the processas you can possibly do it to protect and your brand.

Here’s a couple of steps to help you along the way:► Once you decide you would you like you’d like to register your business name or domain name or design a logo do your searching to make sure that someone else hasn’t alreadythought of it first.► You can check with ASIC and IP Australia to see if your desired business name is available for you to use.► Secure the domain name.► Apply for a trademark or have someone help you do it but bear in mind that this process takes around eight months so get that process into the system as soon as you can and note that applying for a trademark doesn’t guarantee that you will be successful in having an approved.

You can find out more about trademarks at www.IPAustralia.gov.au and business names at www.asic.gov.au

For more information please contact meemail : geoff@geoffmoller.com call : 0411 351 110geoffmoller.com

Article by :

The Importance of Established Business Principlesfor Small Business

by Caroline Miall

This seven part series will tackle some of the underlying principles of small (or large) business that without which, most ventures suffer repeated setbacks, lack of repeat custom, or possibly complete ruin. Maintaining a successful business is difficult enough, but without these things as the foundation, as a business owner, you would be doomed to learn the lessons the hard way, over and over.

There is nothing more important for the success of small business than having business ethics that are admirable – that is to both your staff, and to your clients. You will find that in all situations, when quality ethics are practiced through the entire company, they will become the very core of the culture that exists in that company, and this can make a big difference in whether the company fails or reaches its potential success.

A study done by the Institute of Business Ethics (who) discovered that companies that display a definite commitment to conduct that is ethical, outperform those that do not display those same ethical practices. (Webly & More, “Does Business Ethics Pay?” http://www.ibe.org.uk/userfiles/doesbuseth icpaysumm.pdf) The study demonstrates that ethical behaviour is not just the right thing to do, but it will also return greater financial gains as well.

Here are 7 principles that can be found in ethical businesses. 1. Trust & reliability 2. Maintain open-mindedness 3. Always meet the company obligations 4. Clear documentation 5. Community involvement 6. Take control of accounting 7. Respect

40 Connexions Business Mag

Business Principles Part 1 Trust and Reliability

The first point to cover is that obviously, customers will always prefer doing business with companies that are trustworthy and reliable. There is no other way they can expect and be assured of value and quality for their dollar. It is easy to recognize when a company is trustworthy, and is often detectable from the conduct of the business owner/employee from the first contact. You can define trust as is being assured that you can rely on the character, strength, ability, and truth from a business. It is going to be evident from the start; for example whether you or your staff return phone calls, or turn up on time. Early on, these sorts of things may be the only indicator for a client that you will follow through on the rest of the job. They may prove to be as important as the paint finish and follow up.

This faith in your company that will result in good will, great word of mouth and outstanding recommendations, is engendered by proficient, happy staff members, and a great result on the job.

That happy staff member is one who knows their work is expected to be of high quality, which is appreciated and rewarded both with a good, honestwork environment, as well as decent remuneration. If your staff are not happy in their roles, then it will show in their work, as well as in their exchanges with the client.

That does not look good for a business owner. If you have disgruntled staff, then as a business owner,you need to first and foremost, get to the bottom of the problem.

In that case, you may need to ask yourself if the element of trust and reliability is present within the internal workings of your business – i.e. in the relationships with your staff members. If it is, they will then be good representatives to your clients, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy service.

People Searching Google On Mobile Devices… The Amazing Facts That Can Bring You More Customers

by Natasha Howie

42 Connexions Business Mag

When a potential customer visits your website on a smart phone, what do they see? Is it easy and clear to understand what you do and how to contact you?

Google has reported a whopping 400% increase in searches using smart phone devices over the last year. This means 1 in 5 searches are being carried out on a smartphone device.

This can be a great think for small business owners… as one out of every three searches is for a local business. If you don’t have a mobile optimized site where people can see what you do and how to contact you immediately you could be throwing away a large portion of your business.

And the mobile search trend is rapidly increasing. Smart phone usage is expected to take over desktop usage by as soon as 2013. That means that the majority of visitors to your website will soon be coming from a mobile device.

These mobile local business searchers are looking for your open hours, location and phone number – and if they can’t find this easilythen will quickly bounce off to competitors who are mobile optimisedwhere they can.

What does your website look like on a mobile device?

The problem with most standard websites is that they are not designed for mobile phones, making them hard to read and navigate for mobile users. They take too long to load, key information is not displayed properly, and users need to scroll back and forth and zoom in and out to try and read the information.

The difference between a mobile optimised version of a website is huge on a smart phone. All theinformation is easily accessible, and customers can call you in a click of a button. Important details such as directions and opening hours are all easily found, and they are designed to automatically resize for all popular smart phone devices so that users don’t need to zoom in or scroll around.

So grab your smartphone out now and see what your website looks like on a mobile device!

Creating a mobile optimised version of your website is faster, easier and less expensive than you think. At get smart websites, mobile sites start at just $149. You can contact them on

www.getsmartwebsites.com.au1300 885 144

email natasha@getsmartwebsites.com.au

Click HeRe

For Just 2 Minutes - P.A.U.S.Eby Josephine Thomson

I can’t think of one single person on the planetwho couldn’t benefit from this today. Click http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/ and take the next 2 minutes (or much longer, if you prefer) to Listen…. Breathe….. Let Go….. Allow… and simply BE……..

Can you imagine what would happen if everyone did this today? There would be a greater sense of calm in the hearts, minds, bodies and actions of all people and this Earth would know more Peace.

Pausing helps you re-centre yourself so that you can hear your truth, connect with your heart, calm your mind and bring needed rest to your body. It allows you to respond mindfully and gives deeper meaning to your actions and it greatly facilitates meaningful, mindful and respectful communication.

Is it possible for you to go from living at break-neckspeed to being fully present in every single moment?Probably not, however steps repeated consistently over time create profound and long lasting change.

So take time out to Pause as often as you can duringthe course of a day. Right now it may only be for a couple of minutes at a time and that’s okay, for instancewhile enjoying your morning coffee or sitting at traffic lights. Be in this moment as if nothing else exists but this moment. Be ‘here’ as if you chose it.

Ask your senses to shake off their drowsiness and fully experience everything that is happening. Challenge yourself to discover beauty in each of these moments. Dare yourself to find something for which you are truly grateful. In doing so, you will greatly increase the value and meaning of each moment you’re living and ultimately the quality of your life.

Begin with the link I’ve given above. Two minutes. That’s all it takes.

Pausing with you, Josephine

Having recently completed Neuroscience studies and now moving on to the field of Epigenetics, I am discovering how vital it is to better manage our mental and emotional resources to optimise our physical health, vitality and wellbeing (I should know - having survived cancer twice!). With this in mind, I have developed a 4 minute Simple MeditationFor Busy People - just 4 minutes can grant you an experience that feels more like an hour!

For a very limited time only, Try it for yourself for only $7.99 (usually $24.99)

http://www.josephine.com.au/store

44 Connexions Business Mag

2012 November 45

tips to consolidate rather than capitulate?by tamara Simon

In light of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the constant media bombardment, I think you could be forgiven if you were feeling a bit depressed, negative or maybe just gloomy.

For those in business, life has possibly gotten a bit tougher (and maybe a bit quieter); with many trying to determine how long the GFC last, what marketingstrategies to maximise, and can they ride it out with hopefully their current staff levels in tact.

In addition, the Federal Government’s StimulusPackage hasn’t assist many small businesses, summed up I believe quite well by Joe Hockey, Shadow Treasurer on ABC’s ‘Q&A’ show - Thursday19th February 2009.

“Small business is not getting any incentive at the moment to continue to employ people when they’re seeing fewer and fewer customers come in the door. You can have all the tax concessions you want for small business, but if small business hasn’t got customers and if small business can’t borrow money from banks, then small business isn’t going to be able able to afford to buy new equipment.”

So businesses have two choices1. Increase Income2. Decrease Expenses

Simply having money in the bank account to pay the bills now doesn’t ensure long term viability and sustainability – nor does it identify the business as successful, merely surviving or treading water.

However for many, increasing income is not an option because the market is deciding not to purchasetheir services, let along pay a higher premium than in the past.

So the only viable option is to reduce expenses to keep your doors open while we see out these uncertain times.

Because it will get better (or back to what normal growth and productivity should be), rather than the wave of prosperity we’ve been riding for at least the past five years.

We just don’t know when it will get better.… but businesses need to be ready when demand returns.

As reducing salaries should be viewed as a last resort,here’s some other avenues to first consider, at least in the GFC.

• Order stationery monthly rather than ad hoc• Not provide tea, coffee, milk for staff in the short term• Maximise onsite visits – plan multiple sites in one day rather than separate trips• Review financial delegations of staff to ensure no unnecessary/unauthorised spending• Review bank fees and charges – consolidate accounts/loans• Short term freeze on salary increases• Review telephone/mobile phone plans to get the best deal• Shop around for all purchases – look for discounts

Cashflow areas to consider• Invoice clients as soon as work is completed rather than simply at the end of each month• Introduce deposit and progress payments• Offer payment plans/discounts

Finally, use this time to review your systems and develop your templates to ensure they are not an additional expense item because…

RewoRK = TIMe = MoNeY

So isn’t it time to Take Another Look to see whetheryour systems are putting your business at risk.

Tamara Simonthe BSI (Business Scene investigator)

0438 262 727

Email | tamara@takeanotherlook.com.au Website | www.takeanotherlook.com.au

46 Connexions Business Mag

Call now to book your spot for Dec/Jan issue 0414 278 344

2012 November 47

List of Contributors

Disclaimer: The opinions and viewpoints expressed in connexions Business magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any connexions Unlimited staff or related parties. The publisher, connexions Unlimited personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission.

all information contained in connexions Business magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, health, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading connexions Business magazine. reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Andy Monks www.alchemyfunhouse.com

Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Dale Beaumont www.dalebeaumont.com

Donna Fisher www.silentfields.com

Emma Munro www.youronlinesalesmanager.com

Geoff Moller www.geoffmoller.com

Greg Menz www.groundzerohealth.com

Janeece Giraldo www.winfinancial.com.au

Jeff Withers www.redriverjourney.com.au

Jennie Gorman www.connexionsunlimited.com.au

Jesus Balderas www.bbi-northamerica.com

John Milne www.leadershiptoinspire.com

John Mulvey www.creativepresentations.com.au

Josephine Thomson www.josephine.com.au

Kevin Ryan www.ryanandassociates.com.au

Kerstin Rheinlander www.cre-art-tivity.blogspot.com.au

Margaret Sims www.yourfuturedirection.com.au

Natasha Howie www.getsmartwebsites.com.au

Paul Humphreys www.videointerviews.com.au

Samantha Lyttle www.marketlaunch.com.au

Stewart Smith http://ovlg.com/