Affinity Newsletter Magazine January 2014 Issue
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Transcript of Affinity Newsletter Magazine January 2014 Issue
NEW PROVIDERS!!!
Access to this
month’s hottest
offers Featured in the
“ASSOCIATION SPOTLIGHT" this month: THE AUSTRALIAN HAND THERAPY ASSOCIATION Fundraiser Program
and Charity Events.
AA helping Schools
AFFINITY NEWSLETTER
January 2014
MAGAZINE
WELCOME TO 2014!!! The year of AFFINITY!!!
AFFINITY NEWSLETTER MAGAZINE
2
Congratulations everyone… you made it through
yet another silly season and came out a little worse
for wear but overall unscathed or at least I hope so.
Well we are full on into the year already and it is
time to increase the intensity and focus on
supporting our organisations, improving our
customer service and getting involved in our
community.
This year Affinity will not only be focusing on
assisting organisations and businesses increase their
membership base and offering more for bang for
their buck. But we will also be assisting charities and
schools in their fundraising efforts and offer the
Affinity program as an incentive to raise even more
valuable funds for schools and charities.
Our aim is to spread the word and get the Affinity name out there. To
begin with, our Social Media campaigns will be ramped up so expect to
see a lot more of us in cyberspace.
As you may have noticed, our precious newsletter has been transformed
into an EMAG with the aim to become bigger and better with more
articles, news and updates from your favourite providers.
We have also added in many more popular providers with some great
benefits to offer AND our Membership Directory will be transformed into an
ONLINE DIRECTORY with a search function to make it even more user-
friendly and assist you in finding what you need faster. Therefore saving you
money quicker!
Fiona McTaggart
…Our Dining Directory is still a work in progress due to the number of
restaurants wanting to take part in the program and we are hoping to
have this done and dusted by mid-February for you to start taking
advantage. The directory will be inclusive of the online directory and you
will be able to search within your local area for your fine dining experience.
February sees our team heading to Melbourne for the AIME Conference,
which is always so informative and of course a HOOT!
Our monthly webinars will kick off again in March and the webinar
schedule will be listed in the February Issue of Affinity Mag for you to pick
and choose what takes your fancy. Remember if you miss out on
registering for any of the webinars, simply send us a quick email and we will
send you the recording or alternatively, visit our site and flick through our
back catalogue. We also welcome any suggestions on topics for our
webinars and will do our best to source the best speakers.
So as you will see, our calendar is already quite full but we will always have
room for new ideas, suggestions, feedback etc. so feel free to drop us a
line at 1300 793 044 or email the friendly team at
So with an action packed year ahead, I must stop flapping my gums and
get to work. We are really looking forward to seeking out new organisations
that need our help and sourcing only the best benefits we can to make
your membership matter.
If you would like to submit an article or advertisement to our brand new
baby magazine, contact Karen in the office on
[email protected] for further details or call for a chat on 1300
793 044. We can’t wait to make this the best publication it can be and we
can only do that with your help and valuable comments.
2014 is the year of Affinity, so let’s get to work! Enjoy your January and see
you next month.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 3
Fiona McTaggart, Editor-in-Chief
For this month’s
ASSOCIATION SPOLIGHT…
The Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA)
is Australia's only professional association
representing hand therapists.
Hand Therapists are registered Physiotherapists
and Occupational Therapists who, through further
education, clinical experience and independent
study have become proficient in the treatment of
upper limb conditions resulting from injury, disease
or deformity.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 4
COMMON INJURIES THAT THEY TREAT INCLUDE:
Fractures of the Hand & Wrist
Carpal Tunnel & Other Nerve Compressions
Tennis and Golfers Elbow
Tendonitis
Rheumatoid & Osteoarthritis
Sprains & Strains
Amputations & Replantations
Tendon and Nerve Injuries and Repair
Compression & Crush Injuries
Wounds & Complex Surgical Repairs
Burns & Soft Tissue Injuries
Tumours, Ganglions and Cysts
Swelling
Pins and Needles / Numbness
Pain with Unknown Cause &
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Hand Therapy involves the evaluation and specialised testing to assess the injured limb,
from which a specific treatment program can be implemented.
AHTA also acts as a central referral point for doctors and members of the public seeking
the services of Hand Therapists in specific geographic locations. AHTA provides support
for its members through continuing education, professional development, networking
and advocacy at state and national levels.
Members of the AHTA specialise in diagnosis of hand, wrist and arm conditions and
injuries, and the rehabilitation that follows.
Getting the Upper Hand with Arthritis: Hand Care
Tips
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 5
Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with 3.85million
Australians affected at a cost to our economy of more than $23.9 billion each year in medical
care and indirect costs such as loss of earnings and lost production.
As the population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing. According to leading
researcher Access Economics, current trends suggest that, by 2050, 7 million Australians will
suffer from some form of arthritis.
There is a widely held belief that arthritis is simply a consequence of age, the pain of growing
old. But it is not a natural part of ageing. In fact 2.4 million of all people suffering from the
disease are of working age. Research suggests that early intervention can delay the onset of
the disease and may reduce the number of cases of osteoarthritis by about 500,000 within 15
years.
The majority of Australians with arthritis aren’t aware of options that are now available to help
alleviate their symptoms. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the joint cartilage deteriorates
resulting in pain and loss of movement when bone begins rubbing against bone. Rheumatoid
arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes
inflamed as part of the body’s immune system response. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the
most serious and disabling types and affects mostly women. Arthritis can affect all joints,
including the small joints of the hand.
Your hands are constantly on the go. Everyday activities such as preparing a meal,
woodworking, carrying grocery bags or using your computer, can damage your joints over
time. Joint protection techniques can help reduce pain, stress and inflammation of your joints.
These techniques can also help prevent further deformities and increase your independence
in daily activities. There are many easy and inexpensive ways to protect your hands.
Here are a few tips to keep your hands healthy:
Give your Hands a Break
If you have pain during an activity, stop the activity. Pain is one of the best ways your
body has of letting you know that you are causing tissue damage, so listen to and respect
your pain. Protect the small joints of your hands and avoid carrying several plastic grocery bags at
once to save time. Use paper bags, carry them one at a time and hold them at the
bottom instead of using the handles. If writing is painful, try using a thick, rubber grip pen with a gel tip or roller ball to
decrease the amount of pressure used. Remember to stretch and take breaks every 15 minutes during repetitive or prolonged
activities such as needlework, painting, sewing, knitting and crocheting, hammering and
filing. Figure out which activities aggravate your symptoms and avoid or modify them. Don’t
be afraid to ask others for help.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 6
Use pump shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste. Use the palm of your hand to pump
instead of squeezing the container. Use enlarged grips on every day equipment or tools to reduce strain on your joints, e.g
potato peelers, gardening tools, tooth brushes, hair brushes or build up the handle with
foam. Keep scissors and knives sharp to minimize your own effort. Always use two hands when lifting heavy objects. A gallon of milk weighs about 8
pounds, and lifting it with only your fingertips places excessive stress on your joints.
Don’t Use your Hand as a Tool
Don’t tear your mail open – use a letter opener to open mail. Use utility scissors in the kitchen – do not rip open bags. Always use the right tool for the job – use pliers for tight pinch and a small hammer for
pounding. Use a staple remover instead of your fingers and thumb. Get rid of your manual can opener – go electric! Manual can openers place excessive
strain on your fingers and thumb. Instead of holding open books or magazines with one hand, use a book stand or holder
to bring the book to eye level and a book clip or “chip” clip to avoid prolonged gripping.
Use Adaptive Equipment to Decrease Stress on your Joints
Use devices to hold objects so that you don't have to, e.g. a vice, cutting board with
picks to hold food, etc. Use foam to enlarge small diameter objects such as paring knives, cutlery, toothbrushes,
paint brushes, pens and pencils Purchase lightweight kitchen, gardening and workshop tools with built-up handles. Opening jars places undue stress on your joints – use a non-slip jar opener. If you have pain when using keys to open doors, consider adding a key extender to your
keys. If you have difficulty opening door knobs or faucets, purchase door knob or water
faucet handle extenders. Consider a card holder if you play cards for extended periods of time. Perform a search on the Internet for “adaptive equipment” to see what products are
available.
When Symptoms Become Severe
If you have already tried these techniques but you are still experiencing symptoms, it might be
time to consider other treatment options, such as hand therapy. Members of the Australian
Hand Therapy Association are either occupational or physical therapists with specialized
training in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. Hand therapy can play an
important role in the management of arthritis; long term benefits include reducing pain,
increasing motion and strength and improving overall function.
No matter what you’re doing, take a moment to think about your hands; you'll be rewarded
with happier and healthier hands. Your hands work hard for you, so treat them with love.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 7
AFFINITY ALLIANCE VALUED PARTNERS:
FINANCE & INSURANCE: AMEX
AUTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND (ANZ)
BILL OWENS INSURANCE BROKERS
CAIRNS PENNY
CITIBANK
COVERMORE TRAVEL INSURANCE JOE VELLA INSURANCE BROKERS
KIB INSURANCE BROKERS
NATIONAL AUTRALIA BANK
OPTIMUS 1 INSURANCE BROKERS
OZFOREX
SD LOANS & LEASING
YELLOW BRICK ROAD
YOUR RISK ADVISER INSURANCE
LEGAL & HR / IR SERVICES: ADVANCED PERSONNEL MGT
CBC STAFF SELECTION
HR DYNAMICS
JOHN HARTIGAN & ASSOCIATES
LEAPFROG RECRUITMENT
MACDONNELLS LAW
MILLER HARRIS LAWYERS
OMEGA LAWYERS
OUTSOURCE MANAGEMENT PTY LTD
SAFTEY IN THE WORKPLACE
SKILL 360 AUSTRALIA
WORKLIFE HOME
COMMUNICATION & TECHNOLOGY:
MG PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
NEXT TELECOM
PRONTO SOFTWARE
TELEQUIP
TELSTRA
THINK OFFICE TECHNOLOGY
TJ MICROSYSTEMS
TRUE NORTH TECHNOLOGY
TRAINING & EDUCATION: CAIRNS COLLEGE OF ENGLISH
CAIRNS LANGUAGE CENTRE
COLLEGE OF AUSTRALIAN TRAINING
IGNITE PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
MCLEOD TRAINING ORGANISATION
QUEENSLAND TRAINING SERVICES
SEJUMI INSTITUTE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
TROPICAL NQ INSTITUTE OF TAFE
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS:
A UNIFORM CHOICE
ACTIVE MINERALS AUTRALIA
AFFINITY CONFERENCE &
EVENT MANAGEMENT
ARCHERS
BLOCKEY CONSULTING
BUSINESS INTERVIEW CHANNEL
BUSINESS MAPPING SOLUTIONS
CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE
CAIRNSLIFE MAGAZINE
CAROL SHIPWAY MIGRATION SERVICES CI IMAGES
DIRECT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
EUTILITY
EVOLUTION BITES
FAR NORTH TRAINING & CONSULTANCY
FLEXIBLE TRAINING
FUJI XEROX BUSINESS CENTRE
G.K. CONSULTING
HASTINGS DEERING
INDIPENDENT CAPITAL ADVISERS
JCURVE SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
JIM’S BOOKKEEPING
JULIE’S HOME SERVICES
KONEKT
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
MOORE STEPHENS QLD
NEATO EMPLOYMENT
NICHE DESIGNS
NO WORRIES AUSTRALIA
NQ EXHIBITIONS
OMEGA GREENPOWER
PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE
Q.I.T.E
RAATSICC
SAM HARROP BUSINESS COACH
SELECT CARBON BIOCHAR PTY LTD
SIGNATURE STAFF
SOUTHERN CROSS SAFETY & WORKWEAR
STAFFING SOLUTIONS NQ
THE ENTERTAINERS
THE HOTEL NETWORK
TheSPACE CAIRNS
TOTALLY WORKWEAR
TRANSFORMATIONAL PATHWAYS
TRINITY ACCOUNTANTS
WORKLINK
MARKETING & ADVERTISING:
99.5 SEA FM & 103.5 HOT FM
GRANT BROADCASTERS
DESTINATION CAIRNS MARKETING
EBEYONDS
INFUSION MARKETING
INSPIRED BY MARKETING
LIKED BY DESIGN
REALVIEW DIGITAL
RPS INTERNATIONAL
CONSULTANCY
SEVEN NETWORK SIGN-UP.TO
SIMPSON MARKETING
SOUTHERN CROSS TEN
SUZANNE ASHMOORE GRAPHIC
DESIGN
TRADE SHOW ORGANISERS
PRINTING & PROMOTIONAL:
ALL SIGNS PRINT & DESIGN
LOTSA PRINTING
INFLIGHT PUBLISHING
NEWART OFFICE CHOICE
AUTO:
AUDI CENTRE CAIRNS
AUTO ONE CAIRNS
AVBS – VEHICLE BUYING SERVICE
BATTERY WORLD
BMW AUDI ALFA ROMEO JEEP
PEUGOT RENAULT
CAIRNS ACCIDENT REPAIR
CENTRE
CAIRNS BATTERY FACTORY
CAIRNS LUXURY COACHES
KAT VEHICLE SHELVING
KMART TYRE & AUTO
MARK DODGE AUTO REPAIRS
NQ CRASH & 4WD SPARES
PACIFIC TOYOTA
PORTS NORTH
PRIVATE FLEET–VEHICLE BUYING
SERVICE
SCENIC MOTORS BEAUDESERT
SEA SWIFT PTY LTD
WESTCO MOTORS
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
8
HOUSE & GARDEN: ALPHACOOL
ANTENNAS CAIRNS
CUMMINGS LOCKSMITH
DJARRAGUN ENTERPRISES
FINLAY HOMES
JACKSON & JACKSON
LASPINA HOMES
PETER & PAULS CARPET
CLEANING & PEST CONTROL
DESIGN, ENGINEERING &
CONSTRUCTION:
ALLARO HOMES
BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION
CA ARCHITECTS
CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
CAIRNS STEEL FABRICATORS
CAPE ALUMINA
CFP HYDRAULICS
DIXON HOMES
DRAKE INTERNATIONAL
ENGINEERING TESTING SERVICES
FGF DEVELOPMENTS
FNQ COASTAL CONCRETE
GENESIS ENGINEERING
GLOBAL WELDING SUPPLIES
GO COMMERCIAL
HANSON CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
JOHN MAC ISAAC & ASSOCIATES
MMP ARCHITECTS
NEATER CONSTRUCTIONS
NORWELD ENGINEERING
PEDAL THORPE ARCHITECTS
PROFORM TOPS & LAMINATE NORTH
PROPERTY4YOU
QUAID REAL ESTATE & QUAID
AUCTIONEERS
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
ROCLA PIPELINE PRODUCTS
SAIL STRUCTURES
STUBER CONSTRUCTIONS
TAURUS FABRIC BUILD
THIRKELL CONSULTING, ENGINEERS,
BUILDING
THOMSON ADSETT ARCHITECTS
TUTT BRYANT HIRE CONFERENCE VENUES:
CAIRNS CIVIC THEATRE
JUTE THEATRE COMPANY
SEVILLE MERCY CONFERENCE CENTRE
STAGING CONNECTIONS
STRICTLY BUSINESS EVENTS
AFFINITY SHOPPER: ADVANTAGE SPORTS
AMANTE JEWELLERY
AUSSIE FARMERS DIRECT
BEACON IMPORTS
BIOGUARD AUSTRALIA
BJ BRADY FUNERALS
BLUSH PHOTOGRAPHY
CAIRNS HARDWARE CO.
CAIRNS ONE PHOTOGRAPHY
CAIRNS WHOLESALE PAINT
DIRECT FACTORY OUTLET
ENJO
EREADERS R US
ESSENTIAL BRANDS GROUP QLD
FUEL FOR LESS
HARVEY NORMAN
HIRE FOR BABY
HOPPENS CARPETS
ISUBSCRIBE
JENKINS RUBBER SHOP
JUST JEWELLERY
LAKE BARRINE NURSERY
LOST GOLF BALLS
LOVEGREEN PHOTOGRAPHY
MOTORPASS
PETALS FLORAL NETWORK
PHARMACY ONLINE
POWERBUY IT
REGENCY JEWELLERS
RONALDS JEWELLERS
ROYALTAG
SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED
SIMPLY HAMPERS
SPENDLESS SHOPPING
SWIMART POOLS
THE AUSTRALIAN BUSHSTORE
THE RACK’ N STACK WAREHOUSE
WHITE LADY FUNERALS
WOOLWORTHS WISH GIFT CARDS ZANUI HOME WARES
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
ANGSANA RESORT & SPA
ASPEN MEDICAL
BALANCE! HEALTHCARE
BAY AUDIO HEARING SPECIALIST CAIRNS FERTILITY CENTRE
CAIRNS ORTHODONTICS
CALANNA PHARMACY
CARE CHIROPRACTIC
CHIROPRACTIC WORKS
ENDOTA DAY SPAS
GOODPRICE PHARMACY
HEALTH MANAGEMENT CAIRNS
HOLY SPIRIT CARE SERVICES
JADE COSMETIC & WELLNESS CLINIC
JOHN GRIFFITHS DENTAL
REHAB MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA
STEP INTO LIFE
VISION DIRECT
WAY TO WELLNESS
TRAVEL–ACCOM-ENTERTAINMENT: ACCOR PACIFIC
AVIS CAR & TRUCK RENTAL
BIG CAT GREEN ISLAND REEF CRUISES
BOUTIQUE COLLECTION APARTMENTS
BUDGET CAR & TRUCK RENTAL
CAIRNS SHERIDAN HOTEL
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK
FLIGHT CENTRE CORPORATE TRAVEL
HALFMOON BAY GOLF CLUB
HILTON CAIRNS
HOTELS.COM
KEWARRA BEACH RESORT
MANTRA GROUP
MAREEBA LODGE
MERCURE HOTEL CAIRNS
MOVIE TICKETS
NOVOTEL OASIS CAIRNS
OCEANS HOTELS & TOURISM
PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO
QANTAS CLUB
QANTASLINK
QUICKBEDS
RAIL EUROPE
RED BALLOON
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
SHOWBIZ ATTRACTIONS
TICKETMATES-EXPERIENCE
OZ-GIFT IT NOW
VIRGIN LOUNGE
DINING & WINING:
AFFINITY DINING
BALLANDEAN ESTATE WINES
CAFÉ CHINA
CORAL COAST CATERING
DUNDEES ON THE WATERFRONT
KANIS WATERFRONT
ROLF BINDER WINES – BAROSSA
VALLEY
STRATFORD DELI & CATERING
UNION JACK HOTEL
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 9
AFFINITY ALLIANCE IS CONSTANTLY UPDATING AND ADDING NEW PROVIDERS SO MEMBERS CAN ENJOY THE NEWEST AND HOTTEST OFFERS EVERY MONTH.
Be Part Of Our Team! Join our ever growing list of new providers.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 10
The Organisational Cost of Conflict
When there are so many challenges in the day-to-day management of businesses,
the cost of conflict can be alarming. In the context of human resources alone, the
statistics around the cost of conflict demonstrate why it is critical to have an effective
and responsive dispute resolution plan:
65 per cent of performance problems result from strained relationships
between employees, rather than deficits in skill or motivation
42 per cent of practicing managers' time is spent reaching agreement with
others when conflicts occur
As much as 30 per cent of a typical manager's time is spent dealing with
conflict
Chronic, unresolved conflict is a decisive factor in at least 50 per cent of all
voluntary departures from organisations
The cost of losing an employee is 70 to 200 per cent of his/her annual salary
There is a direct correlation between the prevalence of employee conflict and
the amount of damage and theft of inventory and equipment
There is a proven correlation between absenteeism and job stress associated
with anger towards co-workers
80 per cent of turnover is related to unsatisfactory relationships with the boss
Source: Australian Mediation Association
When management or organisational responses to conflict have not resolved the
issues, various studies suggest that the on-going cost is also significant. One study
revealed that the median time between the time a legal proceeding is
commenced, until it is actually determined at a hearing, can be as great as 2.5 years
(Busch, R II "The Conundrum: Conflict- The Solution: Designing Effective Conflict
Management Systems," 16 Preventative L. Rep. Note 4 at 13)
Once a dispute is litigated, evidence shows that the time spent by senior executives
or company directors, can also be significant (and this is in addition to the time spent
by managers prior to the dispute escalating). In the late 1990’s, senior executives in
Fortune 500 Companies were spending as much as 20% of their time involved in
litigation activities.
On this month’s
AFFINITY LEGAL NETWORK
Organisational responses to workplace conflict
A survey conducted by Price Waterhouse and Cornell's PERC Institute on
Conflict Resolution of over 530 corporations in the Fortune 1000 category
revealed the following trends:
90% of respondents view Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a
critical cost-control technique.
54% of respondents indicate that cost pressures directly affected
their decision to use ADR.
88% of respondents reported using mediation in the last three years. From: Lipsky, D and Seeber, R "The use of ADR in U.S. Corporations: Executive Summary", 1997
Corporations that have embraced alternative dispute resolution
(including mediation) as part of an overall conflict management
process, have reported significant litigation cost savings (such as Brown
and Root – an 80% reduction in outside litigation costs and Motorola – a
75% reduction over a period of six years). From: Slaikeu, K. and Hasson, R (1998)
"Controlling the Costs of Conflict: How to design a system for your Organization," Jossey Bass,
at p14 and 15.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 11
The sheer size of these numbers demands that business give greater
consideration to resolving conflict at an early stage. As we have shown in
previous articles, mediation is one such effective way of resolving a large
range of conflict – organisational and personal.
In the past 12 months alone, we have assisted many businesses,
associations and individuals, successfully resolve disputes that in many
cases, were threatening to cause significant disruption to the
organisation. In one case, the small but important association was facing
closure over a single dispute between the Board and its CEO. That matter
resolved successfully and the organisation is going from strength to
strength.
Affinity Alliance has secured our services for the benefit of its members and as always,
at a special members-only rate.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 12
YBR CAR is car buying and financing without the hassle and the
haggle of dealing with a dealership.
We have created a virtual dealership environment and our point of
difference is to deliver corporate discounts to consumers and small
business owners.
YBR CAR will source locally and interstate to get the best deal for any
customer. For example a dealership in Melbourne may have stock that
needs to move. The Melbourne based dealership could pay for
transportation to Townsville and still deliver a lower price to a Townsville
based consumer. This is what YBR CAR is all about – delivering consumers
and small business owners corporate discounts on expensive car
purchases that the consumer would otherwise not be able to access.
With one phone call to Yellow Brick Road, Ian on 0731333257 or
0402174995, YBR CAR is able to:
o BUY IT - Save 5-20% off the regular list price with our
national buying power
o TRADE IT – Buy the car that you are replacing Take the
hassle out of privately selling your old car
o LEASE IT - Private and business use funding options
available
o NOVATE IT – For salary earners we are able to save you tax
with our “Salary Saver” lease
o INSURE IT - Guarantee your vehicle pay out and protect
your monthly payments
Substantial savings are being achieved for over 30 different
manufacturer brands sourced from over 300 dealerships Australia wide.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 13
Some examples of satisfied customers are:
o Carlos is a self-employed plumber based in suburban
Eagleby, QLD and was looking to replace his 4 year old ute.
Carlos was very interested in the Isuzu D-Max range that was
awarded ute of the year by 4WD Action Magazine in 2013.
YBR CAR was able to negotiate an $8,000 discount on a list
price of $37,545 i.e. a huge 21% discount plus insurance and a
chattel mortgage loan to finance the purchase.
o Kerry and Chris have never owned or operated a business
before and decided to start a home cleaning business in their
local Melbourne suburb of Rowville, VIC. Their start up business
required a small, practical vehicle and YBR CAR was able to
source a new Hyundai GD i30 at a discount of $3,765 on list
price of $21,100 i.e. 18% discount plus arranged finance to a
start-up business over a 5 year term.
o Geoff owns a growing waterproofing business in
Greenacre, Sydney and a true blue Holden man. He has
bought Holdens from the same local dealership for many
years and as a loyal customer was able to negotiate great
deals on two V8 Holdens, including a HSV GTS worth almost
$100,000. Geoff had never borrowed to pay for cars before
and YBR CAR was able to source first time finance for the 2
vehicles with a minimum of fuss and on terms more
competitive than what the dealership could offer. YBR CAR is
able to provide car buying or financing on a stand-alone
basis – we don’t impose an all or nothing offering as we
recognise many clients require flexibility in special
circumstances like Geoff.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE 14
Advertising For a Media Kit and further information on our advertising rates and specs
in our E-News and website banners, please contact head office on
1300 793 044 or visit our website.
AFFINITY MAGAZINE
15
Employment Tool Kits: 7 Reasons why you should have Policies and
Procedures
Every business in Australia, no matter what industry they are in or how many employees they have,
should have well-documented and comprehensive workplace policies and procedures.
There are many reasons for having well-developed policies and procedures in place. Policies
are critical documents to rely on when a dispute arises between an employer and an employee.
For an employer to refer to a policy in a legal matter, which is being disputed, puts the employer in
a much better position to defend themselves in a court or tribunal.
Here are the top 7 reasons why you should have workplace policies in place:
1. To outline your company’s Code of Conduct to ensure employees understand what is expected
of them regarding standards of behaviour and performance.
2. To meet employment related laws, which require a policy eg. Workplace, Health and Safety and
Rehabilitation.
3. To demonstrate good faith that employees will be treated fairly and equally.
4. To communicate an accepted method for dealing with complaints and misunderstandings to
help avoid favouritism.
5. To protect the company from breaches of employment legislation, such as equal opportunity
and workplace bullying laws.
6. To cover off on Employee Entitlements including annual leave, long service leave,
compassionate leave, parental leave, personal/carer’s leave, jury service, special leave, overtime,
shiftwork etc.
7. To ensure employees and managers are aware of
the consequences of failure to comply with company
policy and what actions will be taken.
Don’t get caught out by not managing your legal risks
which can arise from common workplace issues,
including unfair dismissal, general protections,
workplace health and safety, discrimination and equal
opportunity, privacy, internet and email usage and
performance management and discipline.
Employment Toolkits has done all the work for you and
for just $97 you can instantly download a Policy Toolkit
today. Go to www.employmenttoolkits.com.au or call
1300 123 678
Go to the website to download your FREE e-book on
the ‘7 Costly HR Mistakes’ businesses make.
16
BUSINESS COACHING with Pam Stellema
Top 10 Tips for A Better Year Ahead
Well next year is looming bright on the horizon and if you are like most
small business owners, you are still getting over all the trials and
tribulations that came your way this year. I will also go as far as to say
that most small business owners that I have worked with, generally fail
pretty spectacularly to plan for their successes in the coming
year. “plan for success!”, I can hear the groans now “who has time for
that?”.
Well, if you are planning to have a spectacular year next year, it is
absolutely vital to plan for the twelve months ahead. I am sure you
have heard the business saying ” Failure to plan means planning to fail!”
So true and yet so often ignored with tragic consequences.
If this is starting to sound a lot like you, I have a nice surprise in store. I have prepared a simple
checklist that will help you do a fast review of your business so that you can decide what direction
you are going to take in the coming year that will help to bring you more profit with less stress
attached.
Here goes:
1. Set realistic goals. Too many times we set unachievable goals for ourselves both personally and
professionally, and then what usually happens is we get disillusioned and give up our goals
entirely. Instead, try looking for small improvements across a range of areas in your business and
decide on how you are going to not only implement them but most importantly, measure them!
You can leverage incredible improvements buy simply making small but positive changes across the
various parts of your business. Just think what a meager five percent increase in customers +pricing +
repeat business could end up generating in real profits for you.
2. Stop hogging all the responsibility! Yes – learn the art of delegation and get good at it. Why is it
that small business owners think that they are the only ones who can tackle every job and do it
successfully?
Look for the strengths in your team and delegate work to those people who are capable of doing
the job well. Remember, don’t just throw anyone into the role because that is surely a recipe for
disaster. Choose carefully, train well and communicate clearly what you want the to outcome to
be. By doing this, you will not only free up your valuable time, but you will be giving your team the
opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
3. Let potential customers know who you are and what you do. All business needs to be
marketed. Customers won’t just magically appear on your doorstep, so now is the time to think
about how you are going to market your business to gain new clients. This doesn’t need to be
outrageously expensive either. Why not try an in house referral program or a cross promotion with
another business who has the kind of clients you would like to attract to your business? Put your
thinking caps on and come up with innovative ways to get new people in your door. Oh, and don’t
forget to make sure you keep the ones you already have!
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4. Spend more time working on your business and less time working in your business. This is often
the biggest mistake I see small business owners making in their business. If you want to correct your
business direction, you need to do it before you get too far off course. If you have a great team, get
them involved in a weekly brainstorming session and ask them to bring along their ideas to improve
the business. Also, keep tracking your financials. It’s too late at the end of the year to find out your
expenses outstripped your turnover and you have made a loss instead of a profit.
5. Add something new and innovative to your business. Find out what your clients really want from
you and what your competitors are offering and you’re not. Customers want to do business with
people they believe are up to date with knowledge and technology. The coming year is the time to
upgrade both your business and the professional development of your staff.
6. Try networking. Get out and meet new people. There are plenty of opportunities to network
either at professional gatherings or socially. Don’t be afraid to sing the praises of your business to
others and always, always, always carry a good supply of business cards to hand out when you meet
someone new.
7. Plan your next holiday. Yes that’s right, I want you to plan a holiday and even better, to plan
the one after that as well. So often I see major burnout because small business owners fail to look
after themselves, fearing the total collapse of their businesses if they were to take a few days off. If
your business really can’t manage without you for more than a few days at a time, then open your
diary and plan four small breaks with your family over the next 12 months. Try and get away for at
least four or five days at a time. You will be amazed at how much clearer you can think when you
have had a rest and time away from the business. If you don’t think this is possible, refer back to
point 2!
8. Stop making do. If it’s broken or inferior, get rid of it. How can you expect yourself or your team
to deliver first class service or products if you are working with run down equipment, crappy product
or out of date procedures. Now is the time to do a total review of your equipment, products and
procedures and decide what needs to be repaired or replaced.
9. Stop doing what isn’t working. Now is the time to review what products or services you are
offering to your customers. If they are duds, get rid of them (this might also include some under-
performing staff members). Everyone is entitled to make a mistake, but only fools keep repeating the
same things and expect different outcomes. Streamline what you are offering and get rid of the
things that don’t make you money, or worse still, don’t make you look professional.
and last but not least……
10. Invest in professional help. If you have a great accountant, go to see them more than once a
year to find our how things are going. Of course, you always have the option to bring in a great
business coach who will work beside you to help you achieve the goals that you have set for
yourself. Believe me, the small investment that you make in getting outside help will be returned
many times over by the end of the year.
Pam Stellema is a Specialist Coach for small business and franchisees. Her area of expertise
lies in coaching and motivating small business owners, managers and their key staff towards
maximising productivity and profits, excellence in customer service and client retention, and
recruiting and retaining key staff.
Pam can be contacted on 0431 975515, 0755 296 426 or to send her a message click here.
17 AFFINITY MAGAZINE
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build meaningful relationships with your
customers…”
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Do you know how your computer system works?
If you own a business, you probably engage a professional service agent of some kind to manage your
IT infrastructure. Whether they are a small local operation, a large multinational or an in-house
employee, they represent a trusted link in the chain of your business. They are an integral part of
operations, decision making and financial control. They shoulder the responsibility of day to day
operations for all of the employees production, and daily interaction with your clients. IT security is now
arguably more important than locking the front door of a night before you leave the office to go home.
But how these professionals go about this is often a “black box.”
An unfortunate barrier exists between management and IT staff made up in equal parts education and
culture. Management often feels pandered to, or patronised by the computer people. There are a lot of
buzz words discussed within a closed group, and as soon as they require an explanation, the manager
making the inquiry has lost credibility. Alternately, the IT profession as a whole considers management to
be short sighted with respect to what new hardware, software or skills can deliver. Funding is often
considered to be substandard, or the first thing on the chopping block for cutbacks.
What is often required, but put off by a reluctance to sometimes face hard choices, is an audit. An audit
in the IT world is more like a health check than anything else.
Every year, sometimes more than once, any business with stock will perform a stock take. It is a simple
accounting procedure whereby items are designated as being present or missing. This is then compared
to a register for accuracy.
A business would consider the department that requires 24/7 uptime to schedule regular audits. But a
self auditing section is open to developing inaccuracies and complacency.
Tech Auditors solves this problem by being the bridge that fills that gap. In a non-adversarial and
respectful way, Tech Auditors can engage with management and IT staff in a way that may not have
been previously possible.
Our staff have many years of experience in almost every facet of the IT hardware and software industry,
dealing with vendors, distributors, suppliers and service personnel. Tech Auditors staff are trained in the
best practice use of these products, and even contribute to the betterment of some of these products
as active testers and engineers. They have over the course of their careers been involved in
management of IT departments, running IT companies large and small, and involvement in the legal
ramifications of IT use and misuse. Tech Auditors staff have access to the broadest range of knowledge
both in house, and via the array of professional subcontractors available to us.
Tech Auditors will arrange a meeting to discuss the individual nature of your company's specific
circumstances, and then arrange our auditing procedure to suit your needs. For further information, call
Julian Fields from Techauditors on 0402 907 500.
TECH AUDITORS -Julian Field
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