07 October 2008

Tuesday greetings, Reader,

I hope you found the long weekend refreshing and, with the change to daylight saving time, you are fully energised for the sprint to Christmas.

An email from an associate who has recently recruited staff stimulated the following discourse:

At a time when our business sector is experiencing severe stress, and competition for employment is likely to become more severe, the initial impression created with a potential employer is absolutely critical. A desirable position is likely to attract significant response from potential employees, so it is vital to ensure that your written application receives the most favourable possible reaction.

It is intriguing then, to read a collection of application letters – especially so, when the criteria for a position include accuracy, precision and carefulness.

Letters arrive with incorrect business name, misspellings, atrocious grammar and major omissions. Often the obvious is overlooked – the applicant doesn’t actually apply for the position. Frequently, specific required information is not provided, even such basic data as return mail address, contact phone number or the title of the position for which application is being made.

Many applicants completely ignore specified selection criteria, to their detriment. Others totally ignore mandatory requirements for qualifications, experience or specific skill sets. Even when the required content is (more or less) present, many applications demonstrate a total lack of understanding of corporate style requirements. A business letter is different in form to a love letter, or an SMS message, and for good reason. Not understanding the difference adds yet another black mark.

As a potential employer, I have always performed an initial cull of applications based on care in the application. My reasoning is that if the applicant doesn’t care about the quality of their application, they are likely to apply the same lack of care to their work for me. When business computer skills are a specified requirement, lack of use of a spell-checker is suicidal. So is lack of proof reading, to pick up correctly spelled, but misplaced words.

Yes, over the years I may have culled a few otherwise useful applicants on this basis, but that’s life. Care is a two-way street. If you want me to care about your application, show me that you have put some care into its preparation.

What do you think? I’ll be interested to hear of, and publish for the benefit of Members (anonymously if you wish) some of your experiences.

Finally, I was taken to task for recognising a couple of our Patron Members specifically in my recent article relating to community involvement. More specifically, I was taken to task for not recognising the community involvement of our other Patron Members and, indeed, the vast majority of all our members.

The active involvement of all our members in supporting the HBEC is just one indication of their shared community involvement. It is silly to try to recognise every member on every occasion, but please don’t interpret a negative from my mention of only a couple of specific members. I promise to share the limelight around. And no, it wasn’t a Patron Member who chipped me.

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Business-related skills development from Port Macquarie Community College

Networking Skills for Shy People in Business
Effective Networking can really help build your business. If you're shy meeting new people, to increase your contacts and promote yourself can be a traumatic thought. Your attempts might be unsuccessful if people misinterpret your shyness as having no confidence in your own abilities and no interest in them!
810W011 Thu Oct 16 1 session 9am-4pm $75

Assertiveness Skills
You will love this assertiveness workshop for women if: you have trouble saying no to people, putting up with 'things' for too long and then end up snapping aggressively; being afraid of conflict; sick of feeling like a pushover or are the kids running rings around you? Well, come and learn the skills to handle those people that know how to push your buttons and to stand up for yourself gently without being mean.
810H015 Wed Oct 15 1 session 9am-5pm $85

MS Word Essentials
This class is ideal for expanding your skills and knowledge with MS Word. Topics covered will be saving documents, navigation, adjusting margins and layout, shortcuts, copy and move, search and replace, simple tables, autotext, mailmerge and printing.
809C012 Mon Oct 13 & Oct 20 2 sessions 1:30pm-4:30pm $90

Introduction to MYOB
BSBADM309A - Process accounts payable and receivable, Statement of Attainment from Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30201. Topics include: manage and set up your business or club accounts. Record sales and receivables, purchases and payables, invoices and payments, cheques and deposits.
810C002 Thu Oct 16 to Nov 27 7 sessions 6pm-9pm $250

Computers for the Absolute Beginner
This course is for you if you have never used a computer before and need to start at the very beginning. We provide one computer per participant and our patient friendly tutor will guide you through the basics of the keyboard, mouse, parts of a window, startup, shutdown and basic word processing. This is a course with no pressure, You can do it!
810C012 Sat Oct 18 to Nov 1 3 sessions 12:30pm-4:30pm $125

MS Outlook
Organise your time and schedules more efficiently. Let Outlook handle your busy life style. Learn how to use your email, work with the calendar, schedule meetings and appointments, set up your contacts and address book, to do lists and reminder notes.
810C013 Mon Oct 13 to Oct 27 3 sessions 9:30am-12:30pm $105

Creative Writing
Have you always wanted to write? This course will show you how to get started on that first book. If you always planned to write a book someday then that day has arrived, each session includes valuable tips on aspects of style and content.
810CP006 Tue Oct 14 to Nov 18 6 sessions 6pm-8pm $110

Introduction to Wine Appreciation (of course it’s business-related. Wine and business are inseperable!)
Lively and social overview of basic winemaking, red and white varieties and styles. Local viticultural areas, wine with food and fortified and sparkling wine production. All in a relaxed atmosphere. Conducted by the Senior Wine Maker from Cassegrain Vineyards, wines will be available for tasting in some classes.
Optional 6th session at Cassegrain Restaurant (at own cost)
810LR007 Tue Oct 14 to Nov 18 6 sessions 6:30pm-8:30pm $120

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Hastings BEC Networking Breakfast – Thursday 9th October at Mercure Centro Hotel

If the weather gods are kind to us, and provide another morning like today’s, this will be sensational – on the rooftop at Mercure.

If the weather is inclement, no problem. The rooftop reception area at Mercure also caters for wet weather, with roll-down “windows” to keep us dry.

This will be a relaxed and “less wordy than usual” breakfast, with plenty of time for catching up with your business colleagues – and for enjoying the surroundings.

Hosted by Digital Design & Poster Studio, with some wonderful lucky door prizes.

Starts at 6.45am for 7.00am at Mercure Centro Hotel, Cnr William and Hay Sts Port Macquarie
$20 for Members and $25 for Guests. Guests and visitors are very welcome.
RSVP by cob Tuesday 7th October (that’s today! – or early tomorrow at latest) to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

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The Home Business Forum meets every second month in Port Macquarie from 9:00 until 12:30.
The next meeting is on Friday 17th October 2008 at Panthers.

The cost to attend is only $15 with morning tea provided.

Our Guest speakers this time are:

Barbara & Laurie Smith presenting:
"Make the Important Things Count" - Learn from the experts in time management how to work smarter not harder!
Laurie and his wife Barbara have had a diverse background in management roles, including being owners/directors of a Time Management franchise - Priority Management. As time management trainers, they trained over 2,000 people in personal effectiveness, and major clients included Westpac, BHP, RTA and AMP.

Wayne Graham, (PM Hastings Council’s Industry Development Officer) presents:
'Doing business from home in the Hastings 5 years from now'
Discuss strategic issues affecting home-based businesses in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. Wayne and guest speakers will talk to us about home based business issues concerning the local council, regulations, business statistics, infrastructure development, population trends and the industry development program. How council can help you grow your business and the do’s and don’ts of operating business from home.

If you are interested in attending or to find out more, contact
Renee Bell Photographer Tel: 02 6584 8866 / email: info@reneebell.com.au
OR Lisa Christie Tel: 0438 847 825 / email: lisa@visualedge.com.au

Everyone is welcome but you must RSVP! For more information: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/hbfoct08.pdf

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Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce is holding a Meet The Candidates evening

Tonight, Tuesday 7th October
At Panthers Auditorium
Starting at 6.30 pm
No RSVP necessary – all welcome

And the next Members Meeting is to be held:

Date: Tuesday 21st October 2008
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Quality Resort Sails, Port Macquarie
Cost: $10.00 for members $20.00 for non-members
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 20th October to (02) 6583 4412 or Email: info@portchamber.com.au .

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The next Customer Care Meet & Mingle Night will be held:

DATE: Tuesday, 21 October 2008

TIME: 6pm - 9pm

VENUE: Port Macquarie Race Club, Port Macquarie

COST: $10 per head (payable by either cash or cheque made out to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council upon entry, includes nibbles)

RSVP: ASAP but by Thursday, 16 Oct 08 to Rachel.Ross@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

Highlights of the evening include:
• Guest Speaker - Rodney Nugent (Monday morning "Take 15" staff education and awareness designed to ensure knowledge and service excellence)
• Administrator, Dick Persson welcome and introduction of new General Manager, Andrew Roach and his wife, Amy.
• Introduction of Liz Paine - new Customer Care Trainer replacing part of Geraldine's position
• Introduction of Sue Faulkner - new Customer Care Consultant replacing part of Geraldine's position
• Lucky Door Prize - 1 Free full page interview in the November issue of Focus Magazine
• Announcement of our 200th Customer Care Accredited Member - Special surprise for them!
• Craig Freudenstein, Catering Manager of Port Macquarie Race Club will be showcasing his glorious food. Yum!
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Port Macquarie Cup Champagne Breakfast – Friday 10th October

Kick off the Port Macquarie Cup in style at the Town Green Inn (upper level)

Inclusions:
Deluxe canape breakfast
Live entertainment
Prize draw
One-way private coach transfer from TGs to the race course

9.00am till 11.30am. Cost $40

For tickets, contact Jordan Humphries on 6580 7899 or email jordan@macquariehotel.com.au

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TASTINGS OF THE HASTINGS - A JOURNEY OF FLAVOUR

Take a journey of flavour to Greater Port Macquarie for “Tasting of the Hastings”, a week long celebration of food and wine from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November 2008. New events this year include a Farmers Market dinner, SLURP night of wine, an evening with the winemakers at Bago in Bloom, plus favourites from last year, coffee and brewery tours – all culminating in the main event on Sunday 2 November 2008.

On the Sunday some 5,000 gourmands will converge on Port Macquarie Race Course to taste their way through stalls from 50 local food producers and growers, and 20 restaurants. Buy local trademarks such as freshly shucked Laurieton oysters, Lorne Valley macadamia nuts, Ricardoes Tomatoes and strawberries, and wicked Russian style chocolates.

Local and guest chefs will conduct ‘Cooking Demonstrations’ in a kitchen and the inaugural ‘Waiters Race’ at 1pm will be a light hearted test of serving skills. The Tastings of the Hastings Main Event will be held from 8am to 2pm and offers free entry.

For the first time this year patrons can buy a souvenir cook book for $10 which features 30 local restaurants and producers, and is developed from the freshest and the best of the region.

“Tastings Diary”
? Six Degrees of Degustation Dinner (24 Oct) - six local chefs, six wines and a 6pm start at Rydges overlooking the Hastings River
? Mountain Market, Cuisine and Countryside (26 Oct) - the hinterland village of Comboyne will offer a special food market and garden walks from 10am to 1pm
? Peak Coffee Appreciation Nights (28, 29, 30 Oct) - learn from the baristas at the Mid North Coast’s first roasting business
? SLURP a Night of Wine (29 Oct) - perfect for wine connoisseurs, a fun night in the private dining room at The Corner restaurant with local sommelier Renee Baird
? Stunned Mullet ‘Farmers Market’ Dinner (30 Oct) - an evening of food and indulgence with insights from leading local producers
? The Little Brewing Company Tours (1 Nov) - discover the passion and processes behind Port’s pioneering and award-winning boutique brewery
? ‘Bago in Bloom’ at Bago Vineyards (1 Nov) - an evening with the winemakers under the pergola at this picturesque vineyard in the hinterland, ‘the home’ of monthly jazz concerts
? Tastings of the Hastings (2 Nov) – the main event with growers, producers, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and more

A full schedule of events with locations and prices is available at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au along with travel packages. Or call 1300 303 155.

Our HBEC Patron Member Holiday Coast Credit Union is the official sponsor of Tastings of the Hastings 2008.

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Kellon Beard (NSW Business Chamber) has provided an example of a useful newsletter distributed by a NSWBC Member.

The newsletter, entitled “Employment & Industrial Law Update” can be viewed by downloading here:
www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/eilu.pdf

Free subscription can be arranged on request to Jay Clowes jclowes@fwolaw.com

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Louise Petschler, Chief Executive Officer of Abacus – Australian Mutuals has provided an informative media release about the position of Australian credit unions and mutual building societies in the face of the current world financial situation. It makes interesting reading.

Download the document from: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/abacus.pdf

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If any of you know of any up and coming "Young Leaders" in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, you may be interested in this.

The Leadership Award, presented by the University of Newcastle, aims to recognise and encourage emerging leaders in the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions. Nominations are invited from individuals aged less than 35 years on 1 January 2008 residing in the following local areas: Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter, Dungog, Gloucester, Great Lakes, Wyong, Gosford, Greater Taree, Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley.

Please download the following documents: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/leadaward1.pdf , www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/leadaward2.pdf , and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/leadaward3.pdf

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Half Ironman is here again…

The Scody Half Ironman will be held in Port Macquarie on 9th November this year. This event (and the full Ironman earlier in the year) brings enormous benefits to our town in the form of tourism promotion and revenue generation for local businesses.

Tim Atherton, the Local Organising Committee Bike Director, is seeking offers of assistance from corporate groups for the bike leg. You would be allocated a "high profile" location on the course. While ensuring the safety of the competitors and public, it would give you the opportunity to "fly your organisation's flag" as well as presenting a great team building exercise for you and your staff. You are encouraged to make it a fun day out; bring a barbecue, wear your corporate T shirts and make it a real social occasion while performing a vital community service.

If you are interested, please contact Tim on mobile telephone number 0407-414-040 or by email at tim.atherton@pmhc.nsw.gov.au as soon as possible

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I (Gregg) am also seeking individual helpers for the Home Street Aid Station. We provide food, drink and support to competitors during the run leg of the event. Very happy to hear from you, on 0419 438 194 or by email to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

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In finishing, some more words of wisdon from Beth Flynn, Leadership Consultant & Trainer at Ohio State University

Promote Constructive Insubordination
From Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z., (2006). A leader’s legacy. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Leaders have to be able to promote, demonstrate, and support constructive insubordination. It’s been said that ‘if both of us are always in agreement, then one of us is redundant,’ and this is no less true today. When everyone agrees, especially for the sake of getting along, we’re unlikely to achieve the best results.

We can’t afford to surround ourselves with “yes people”. We need to have people willing to support us and also willing to voice their disagreements. Other will see issues that we don’t see – perhaps never even thought about – and may even come up with a better solution than our own.
We have to make it possible for people to argue with each other – up, down, in, out, and sideways – if we are to realize the best from today’s diverse and talented workforce. We shouldn’t strive to win every skirmish, but instead endeavor to unite in our decisions so that we can win battles that matter most. The legacy that comes from difficult conversations will be far more creative and sustaining than ones that come from people who always see eye to eye. (Kouzes & Posner, 2006, p. 68-70)

And that’s about it for another week in sunny Port Macquarie,