Monash Enterprise Centre is again giving you the opportunity to purchase the Entertainment Book for 2012. It is filled with many great value offers, ranging from accommodation, travel and dining, to all manner of retail services.

Grab your copy today by placing your order online at:

Monash Business Incubator Entertainment Book

View the virtual display book here

Kym Illman has put together a regular series of short videos for business people just like you. He turned a tiny home-based business into an international success story through innovative marketing and outstanding customer service. Let him help you grow your business. Every week he’ll be releasing a new video. It will challenge you try new strategies and open your mind to how other businesses grow and prosper. There is no charge for these videos, so if you’re ready to become a Master of Marketing visit www.MasteringMarketing.com.au and register FREE to get started.

This Forum is looking at ways local businesses can partner with community organisations for mutual benefit. If you are a business that has partnered with a community organisation attend this forum and have your say.

Check out the latest edition here.

Your input is welcome. Are there additional links you’d like to see on our website?

To learn more about how to separate business and performance issues go to http://www.dsbn.com.au/Articles/business-vs-performance-issues

DSBN,  the Dynamic Small Business Network, provides examples to assist you in sorting out where business v performance issues can slow your business. have your considered these issues when your business does not meet your business goals?

For more news from Small Business Victoria go to http://bit.ly/t6lZtJ

The Christmas season affects different companies in different ways, and it can have a significant impact on your business. For some it is a boom time, for others a period of significant dislocation. Because of these differences there is not a one size fits all answer to the best way to prepare for and manage the festive season.

You need to look at your business model. Examine how the season affects your customers and suppliers. With this information, what you need to do is reasonably predictable. Any period where operating conditions change means that there can be impacts on your profitability and cashflow. You need to look at both of these areas.

For the full article go to http://bit.ly/rXxjB3

In conclusion:

The key here is to understand the effect of the period and build it into your budget. You need to do this both at a trading level and also in terms of cash flow.

Once you understand the impact, ensure that you can afford it and don’t over commit your business. Too much Xmas spirit can be deadly.

Manage the change period and your business will start the New Year fit and healthy.

Greg Hayes is a director of Hayes Knight and specialises in taxation & business planning advice.

As a Centre for start-up and small businesses it’s appropriate to consider the question of bonuses as the year draws to a close.

Some thoughts from Vicki Crowe

Vicki Crowe founded Cannon Recruitment in 1994 and Enneagram Australasia in 2004. Over the past 17 years she has consulted to government, national and global organisations on HR and leadership. www.enneagramaustralasia.com.au

Apparently big bonuses are back and that’s okay if you’re one of the bigger players.

If you are a start-up, however, it can be difficult to find those extra dollars to implement a monetary bonus scheme.  So the first things you need to decide on are what your business can afford and whether your bonuses will be of a monetary or non-monetary value. Then before you race off and start structuring the scheme, take the time to have a chat with each staff member to gain an understanding of his or her current needs. Don’t presume just because you work with them on a daily basis that you know exactly what they would currently value.

If you decide on a non-monetary bonus, it’s a good idea prior to having the chat to make a list of some of your affordable options. Be creative and think about what you know about their lives outside work. Are they a working parent who would love more flexible hours or time off during the school holidays?

Are they trying to save for a deposit for a house and would value a small monetary bonus or are they mad sports fan and would really value a club membership or tickets to a game?

Consider whether the bonus scheme will be based on company performance or individual performance. You need to be a bit careful if it is based on individual performance because if the company does not have a good year you will still have to find the money to pay the agreed individual bonus.

Traditionally, bonus schemes have been linked to performance or productivity. Some positions, although valuable to the business, can be difficult to measure, as they do not directly contribute to the financial success of the business. These include receptionists, administration, accounts and personal assistants. For these positions you will need to think about the things that the staff member actually influences and base their performance objectives on these areas.

For example, a receptionist may be measured by the consistency of feedback received from your customers or clients with how helpful they were.

To help you get that list going, let’s have a look at some of the non-monetary bonuses that the big players are offering:

• Google: yoga classes, on site car washes, a rock climbing wall, dry cleaning service, gym and fitness classes, haircuts, bike repairs and subsidised massages.
• Facebook: photo processing, weekly lectures by entrepreneurs, Pilates classes, leather repair and 50% reimbursement on gym fees.

Some companies that I work with offer subsidised (70%) on-site massages, contributions to health funds, childcare, education/training, fortnightly car washes, free lunch and magazine subscriptions.

So, either put an affordable dollar value on a monetary bonus or find out what would make a difference to their lives, regardless you’ll find it goes along way to motivating and boosting morale.

Do you have any good examples of what you do for your staff at year-end?

End of Year Membership Sale – $100 0ff each package (limited time only!)

Ends 10th December, 2011- offer strictly not available after this date.

If you join online you will pay $100 more for each package so email Maree today for details. This rate also applies to renewal of memberships prior to expiry date. Renew now and save!

If you have been thinking of joining Network Events Melbourne, now is the time. To join at discounted rates as follows please email: info@networkevents.com.au

Gold Membership   $295

Silver Membership $195

Bronze Membership $95

Conference 2012 – March 9 & 10 2012 (save the date)

Keep your eye out for the earlybird rate!

Members have been asking to book for the 2012 conference (2 days & 1 night). The venue is in Moorolbark & you will work ON your business there! No more going to a conference & coming away having to do a lot of work. We have business coaches, social media experts, and marketing, media & SEO experts. We also have computers available.

Jim Penman from “Jims Mowing” will also speak on his amazing journey to success.

The price will include morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner. At the end of an intensive day unwind with us, network & listen to vocal freedom!

You can attend for the day or stay overnight with an amazing twin share or single room rate! The event will have an earlybird rate as I have had so many inquiries- numbers will be limited!

Regards

Maree Hamilton

Managing Director, Network Events Melbourne