Glorious sunny greetings, Reader,
Ch – Ch – Ch – Changes!
How often have you heard the word “change” recently? Well hang onto your braces, because you’re going to hear it a lot more.
Paul McCarthy, Patriarch of Paul McCarthy Advertising, provided a very interesting and thought-provoking talk at last Thursday’s BEC Networking Breakfast. Paul produces several pairs of scissors, and challenged the businessmen in the room to cut off their ties. The shock was palpable. The look of surprise and anxiety on faces was really noticeable. Paul then explained that, if the only slightly shocking thought of cutting off your tie causes that sort of anxiety, how are you going to manage in a world where global economic meltdown is a real possibility.
Paul was talking about change and, more importantly, the ways in which we plan for and accommodate change. Too many businesses in Port Macquarie (and elsewhere) resist or ignore change, to their detriment. Change is inevitable. Businesses must plan for, recognise and embrace change, and take advantage of the opportunities presented by change.
So often, since I’ve moved to Port, I’ve heard people say “I moved here to a nice quiet town and I don’t want it to change.” I understand their sentiment, but they have to realise that by their act of moving here, they have themselves caused change. The gradual population increase, of itself, inevitably causes change. The funny thing is, I’ve never heard anyone complain about the improved medical, banking, ambulance or retail services. So, it would seem, only some types of change are worthy of complaint. And here lies the theme of today’s dissertation.
Our town (and its surrounding area) WILL change. We can choose to stick our head in the sand, ignore it, and be bulldozed by the changes. Or we can embrace change, work with and contribute to the change agents, and have some say in determining the form of changes, to maintain and update the qualities we want to keep, and to dispose of outdated and inappropriate legacy items.
Business operators must stay alert to changes in their business environment. From operating costs, through materials handling practices, to staff and labour issues. Opportunities abound for people who are alert to future trends. Paul mentioned a few significant issues affecting, or about to affect Australian businesses. I’d like to briefly list a few things worthy of your thought:
· Tightening and more restrictive global credit policies – what impact will this have on your business? You need to know.
· The stock market (globally) COULD crash another 50% - what impact on you? What can you do to reduce your risk?
· The foreshore may be completely redeveloped from
· Low cost direct flights will become available to (and from)
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· VERY fast broadband communications WILL very soon be available across the area. How can your business benefit?
· Fuel and energy costs could double or treble within the next couple of years. How can your business minimise the impact?
When you start considering global-scale changes, Paul’s metaphor of tie cutting starts to make sense. If we have trouble handling a small sudden change, we need to move our heads into a different space to be able to handle really big changes.
OK. If I haven’t depressed you too much to continue, here is this week’s events news:
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The Springboard Business Development Program is set to kick off next week. There are a few places left for anyone interested in developing and growing their business. For more information go to: http://www.portace.com.au/Springboard.html
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As mentioned above, last Thursday’s BEC Networking Breakfast was a huge success. 73 people attended (through torrential rain! – that’s true dedication.) and enjoyed an interesting and informative event. Many thanks to Paul McCarthy Advertising for sponsoring the event.
Our next
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This Thursday, 17th April, a Business Lunch will be held at the Mercure Centro Hotel with very special guest speaker Paul Condren.
This lunch is co-ordinated by NSW Business Chamber. Most members would have received an invitation by now however if you have not received an invitation, and would like to attend, you are certainly welcome.
Cost is $20
Date is Thursday 17 April
Time is 12noon to 2pm
Topic – Differentiate or Die “How any business can become an irresistible brand and take market leadership”
Venue is Restaurant Synergy in the Mercure Centro Hotel, Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie
To book: Phone Maree McIntyre on 65840910 or email Ann-Maree Crowe (GM of Mercure Centro Hotel) or Maree McIntyre (of NSW Business Chamber).
# Please note: Restaurant Synergy is now managed by the Mercure Centro Hotel, and inquiries can be directed to Ann-Maree Crowe.
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Women in Business Regional Program
The Women in Business Regional Program has been developed to improve the business skills of women who own or operate a small business in a regional community and assist them to grow their business. The Program is very practical and is designed to meet the needs of local businesswomen.
The program offers businesswomen a combination of:
· Business skills training workshops;
· Opportunities to work with an experienced business person, who will act as a mentor to small groups of women on the program; and
· Networking events, where you will be able to meet other businesswomen and representatives of local business organisations.
The program will be held in PORT MACQUARIE and will run over a 3-month period (Yet to be finalized, commencing May/June). The cost of the full program is only $150.00 (exclusive of GST).
For more information, download the full information brochure from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/WIBRP.doc
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As an aside, I really liked Paul McCarthy’s jocular suggestion of making Port Macquarie “The
Did you know that the neck tie (a red scarf tied around the neck) was originally created by Croatian troops as an identifying mark. Thus the word “cravat” from the Croatian word “Hravatski”. See http://www.ties-neckties.com/ or http://www.cravatten-statt.com/
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Understanding and Engaging Generation Y
If you have ever wondered why today’s young people seem so weird, disrespectful, disloyal and impatient, this session is for you! By outlining the influences and characteristics of each generation through the 20th century, Michael McQueen highlights how each group’s mindsets, attitudes and expectations differ based on the year they were born.
In this session, Michael explores Generation Y’s paradigm when it comes to patience, respect, communication, loyalty and work ethic. Get set for a revealing and humourous look at how this younger generation approach and view the world in a very different way to their employers.
This session concludes with some strategies for recruiting, motivating and retaining younger employees.
Date - Monday 21 April 2008
Location - Rushcutters Room, Port Panthers
(Free parking in Settlement City Shopping Centre Car Park)
Time - 7.30am – 9.00am
(Buffet breakfast provided)
Cost - FREE
Download your registration form from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/UEGY.pdf
And, if you want to know how the big guys are appealing to Gen Y’ers, see Google’s
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I mentioned to BEC Member Peter Coe that I liked his new email footer / logo. He replied:
Thanks Gregg, its taken a few iterations and some nice work by Snap Printing on the logo. I also have obtained certification with Results Coaching Systems. Means I am also close to accreditation with the International Coaching Federation.
I have a web site now and have not really "launched" it. Perhaps you could mention my web site in the next newsletter??
Web: http://www.coeconsult.com.au/
No. Sorry Peter. That would be blatant advertising, and we can’t do that.
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Port
Lots of changes at Chamber. Peter Buckland has stepped down from the Presidency, due to business commitments in WA keeping him on the move.
Rob Turner has been elected PMCC President. Congratulations Rob.
My counterpart, Mike Young, has resigned from the PMCC Executive Officer job to move to
Next PMCC Members’ Night will be
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2008 Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm
Venue: Quality Resort Sails, Port
Cost: $10.00 per person
Drinks and savouries will be provided on the night
Non-members and guests are most welcome
For catering purposes please RSVP by 3:00pm Monday 28th April 2008
(02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au
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Important Change To
In a surprise development, the outstanding a cappella group “The Idea of North” will perform at Camden Haven Music Festival on 29th April 2008 in Port Macquarie.
Due to a late cancellation of contract by Saffire, which was to have performed on that date, the Festival committee has been fortunate to arrange a visit by Idea of North, which has been described by James Morrison as ‘the best contemporary vocal quartet in Australia’. Their last performance in Port Macquarie two years ago played to an enthusiastic full house, appreciating this extraordinary group.
Download the full press release here www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/CHMF1.doc
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And that’s about it for this week (and no, I’m not wearing a tie ;-)
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