Coffee Time Minutes for 8th August 2012

Welcome
Welcome to our new visitors – Lyn, Nicole and Jean


Apologies
Kate Morris and Kellie Targett


Who we are?
Small and Home Business owners meeting to build relationships from other SBO’s.


What is CT?
Relatively casual meeting group, where you can network, talk about business ideas and strategies, and learn from one another.


Where?
The Edge Cafe & Bar Tuggerah’s Zenith Centre.


When?
At 10.30 am on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month. Arrival 10.25 am for 10.30 am start. (Runs for about 1 hour)


Update on our Raffle?
Today we raised $44 bringing the total this year raised $418.50 (including this week’s total) for this year for the Iris Foundation in 2012.

This year we will continue with our Raffles and donation to Iris Foundation. This year we will do a raffle again for the Iris Foundation. We will be looking for prizes/donations up to the value of $10. Its will be up to you if you would like to participate and none should feel obliged. Tickets will be $2 each, or three for $5.


Updated Members
We have over 120 members for Coffee Time. You can come when you are free, never feel obligated and always feel welcome. I have a list with everyone who has come along to Coffee Time; I am updating the distribution list. If you would like to be included, please check your details are correct, update where necessary and add if not on there.

Please utilise the card holder box, please pass around each meeting, and feel free to support each other and utilize their services.


Recap of last meeting
Who was here last meeting? Who remembers what we talked about? Did we put into practice? How did we go?


Workcover
Don’t forget Jay can come out to your workplace and do a free assessment; you can then get a $500 voucher/credit towards purchasing safe office things (chair, etc). Jay also has workshops, one on one meeting and assessments currently available. If you wish to have a free appointment with Jay please contact him on jay.lewis@workcover.nsw.gov.au



Upcoming Networking:
• Coffee Time 22nd August – Insurances and your business – Tony Bourke and Kellie Targett
• Coffee Time 12th September - Open Forum – Sales
• Coffee Time 26 September – NSW Business Chamber - Daniel Farmer
• Coffee Time 10th October – TBA
• Coffee Time 24th October – TBA
• Coffee Time 14th November – Open Forum – Preparing for 2013
• Coffee Time 28th November – Security in your business – Mark Izzard
• Coffee Time 13th December – Christmas Party – Morning coffee meeting and luncheon
• Fridays round the coast SBNG – 3rd Friday here at Zenith
• BWC lunches on each month – for more info contact Kym Williams
• Success Women’s Networking Luncheon – 23rd August


Education:

2012 – Visit BEC upstairs or log on to www.ccbec.org.au


BEC has Memberships available:
- Business Basics Membership - $249.
- Business plus Membership - $748.

For more information, please speak to Darren or Debbie at the BEC – 02 4355 4885



Update:
• Business Expo – 19th September at Mingara



Who are you & what do you do: 30 Sec story about you

Tarnia Gurney
Gurney Financial Services www.gurneyfinancialservices.com.au
Planningwerx4U www.planningwerx4u.com.au

Leanna & Ashley
Gem Candles www.gemcandles.com.au
Intimate Whispers www.intimatewhispers.com.au

Judy Roffey
Buy Local online/ LBH Promotions/ B2B www.b2bwithatwist.com.au

Rachel Dillon
Elite Embroidery www.eliteembroidery.com.au

Natalie Williams
ET Australia www.etaustralia.com

Julie Watson
Ezipix www.ezipix.com.au

Sylvie Carter
Axiom Services www.axiomservices.com.au

Lyn Sammut
Baskets Galore www.basketsgalore.com.au

Nicole Thompson
McDonalds Community Liaison Officer – McDonalds Tuggerah, Wyong and Lake Haven

Jean
McDonalds Wyong McCafe


Wins
Rachel – might have a buyer for business
Natalie – Wedding Anniversary
Leanna – New Gem Candles Sales Rep.


Presentation today

Advertising in your business – open forum

What is advertising?
The aim of advertising is to get customers attention and influence their behaviour, usually to buy your product or service. It can be expensive, so you need ensure that you are getting the right message to the right people.

What to look at before you spend:
• Is it going to get me the right customers
• Is it my target market
• What are the costs
• Will it harm my image
• Will it generate sales
• Will it increase my profile

Where to Advertise:
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Radio
• Internet
• Television
• Yellow pages
• White pages
• Buy local
• True local
• Gum tree
• Brochures
• Mail outs
• Letterbox drops

What to do:
• Set out a plan for the year or 18 months
• Work out your budget for the year, month
• Work out how much you want to spend
• Work out the amount of new clientele you need to cover the costs to make it worth while.
o E.g.: if it costs you $2000 per month, how many clients do you need to cover the cost? 10 clients a month to cover the cost of advertising.
• When signing up for advertising – read the fine print
• Be careful not to be caught up in contracts.
• Social Media – advertising through – linked in, face book, twitter
• Research all options before signing up. What works for someone, might not work for the next person
• Each business is different – check your target market

Information utilised from the NSW Department of State & Regional Development – Advertising & Promotion training guide.

If you would like further information about Advertising – speak to the BEC as they are happy to help you more.

Thanks everyone for your participation, hope everyone got something out of it.

Planningwerx4u has Business Planning CD’s for $50 (+ GST) each, if you would like one please let Tarnia know.

Winner of today’s raffle – Judy and Lyn

Today we raised $44 for Iris Foundation.

Thanks and see you next time

NEXT MEETING: 22nd August - arrive 10.25am for 10.30 start – sharp

Presentation – Panel of experts - Insurance for you