Gold Coast/Tweed Networking

World famous Escapoligist-Magician speaking at Business Excellence Breakfast September 17th 2008

World renowned Escapoligist and Magician Arthur Coghlan will be the guest presenter at Tweed Heads Bowls Club on Wednesday 17th September 2008 at 7am. Bookings can be made by email to john@businessexcellence.net.au .
Arthur Coghlan has many stories to tell. Last year he received in the USA an award for the “Best Escapologist of all Time”. Through his positive thinking he has defied logic and baffled universities, engineers and experts from all walks of life by making the seemingly impossible, possible!
He is the most interesting  and engaging speaker you will ever hear and see. A short DVD of his many escapes will be shown prior to his presentation. This is an event not to be missed.
Check out Arthur’s web site www.arthurcoghlan.com

BUSINESS NETWORKING TIPS CONTINUED
BUILDING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
At business breakfasts and other events do not expect instant results or business. People deal with people they like and respect. This relationship may take some time and patience should be exercised to develop strong and lasting networking ties.
FOCUS MORE ON THE OTHER PARTY
At your first meeting try and glean information from the other person about what they do and what does their business do rather than earbash them about you, you, you!  You can prepare a simple two lines of what you do but then ask for their business card. Do read the card in front of the person making some sensible comment that shows you are genuinely interested in them.
VALUE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS
Treat the business cards you receive like gold! if space on back write when and where you met or other relevant comments. There are various computer programs to store the cards but my favourite method is to use the rubber band system. Put all the cards from one function together and write notes on back of one function attended etc. and slip a rubber band around them. Simple method but works for me!!
FOLLOW UP YOUR CONTACTS
Email the persons your receive new cards from within 48 hours to keep in touch or to say “enjoyed meeting you at…….”. Also arrange a face to face meeting for a tea/coffee within a reasonable time frame if you wish to establish a business relationship.
GIVE OUT CARDS TO EVERYONE
Don’t be afraid to give out cards to the garage console operator or the shop assistants you meet. You never know how many people they know. Next newsletter will discuss design of the b/card.

Enjoy the challenges in business and hope to see you at the next breakfast 17th September.
JOHN HURD

15th Birthday celebrations for Business Excellence August 20th

Looking forward to our very special Birthday Breakfast with International presenter KUREK ASHLEY on the 20th August 7am at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club.
Kurek spoke in 2006 to a packed house at his last breakfast appearance. One of the most exciting speakers in Australia today a large crowd is expected on this very special occasion.
Bookings can now be made to john at- john@businessexcellence.net.au
Copies of a recent two page article in the Sydney Sunday Telegraph- February 24th 2008 can be made available by contacting John at the above email address.
This event is very special as we are celebrating 15 years of continuous operation organising a top speaker every month since 1993!!

WHALE WATCHING CRUISE–SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD 9AM TIL 12 NOON
Aquatic Blue Charter Cruises have given Business Excellence a special price of $60-00 per person for a fabulous morning cruise that in usually $85-00. We are allowed 30- 35 guests for this special event.
Please contact John at the above email address if you want your name down.

5 BUSINESS NETWORKING TIPS.
1. BE ORGANISED
When attending a business breakfast or similar function make sure you have plenty of  business cards with you. You may also could have a name badge to help in creating a memory to the people you meet. Spend well on your business cards as they are your first tool in networking. Use both sides and put phone and email numbers in good size print.
2. FLYERS OR SALES/SERVICE BROCHURES
Always have a good flyer or brochure with you at networking functions as an extra tool in your quest to establish your “business identity”. This should be your next step in your marketing and networking endeavours. Search around for a good graphic designer. Presentation in these two things is paramount for increased awareness and business success.
3. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Do not expect instant referrals or business from one meeting and one exchange of business cards. Relationships should develop slowly as people like to do business with people they like and trust. This does not happen at one breakfast meeting. Be genuine and friendly and ask your new contact what they do- not earbash them about your product or service too much at the initial meeting.
4. KEEP YOUR CARDS AND NOTE DETAILS OF THE CONTACT ON THE BACK OF THE CARD.
Put some notes about the new contacts on the back of their cards eg. place you met, similar interests etc.
as this will assist greatly at the next meeting or when you may need their service or product.
5.MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION.
Practice a short intoduction about your self and your business or service to make a good first impression. Be confident and well versed with your business but allow the other party time to reply with their words.
Remember you only get one chance to make the first impression.
MORE TIPS FOR BETTER BUSINESS NETWORKING NEXT ENTRY.

Enjoy our beautiful weather and keep positive in this diffiicult business environment.

JOHN HURD

Happy New Financial Year from Business Excellence

Hi all,

Here we are entering a new financial year next Tuesday 1st July!!

Now is the time to plan ahead with your marketing and promotional ideas for 2008-2009.

We have a few spots left for Gold Sponsorship with the very best networking organisation-BUSINESS EXCELLENCE- which will be 15 years old in August 2008! We are very proud with the assistance of the best sponsors to have lasted this length of time supplying solid networking and marketing opportunities to Gold Coast and Tweed Business people and organisations.

Feel free to email John john@businessexcellence.net.au for more detail on the value of this opportunity.

WELCOME NEW TWEED TRAVEL BRANCH OF HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL

A very special welcome to the team at Harvey World Travel who have opened up in Tweed Centro (Tweed Mall) right next door to our Gold Sponsor Telstra Shop (Phil McDonnell).

They are holding a FREE FILM NIGHT Monday week the 7th of July at their travel bureau from 5-30pm with a brilliant film on CANADA & ALASKA- the very popular destination of current choice. They will let you know how to save on an EARLY BIRDS BOOKING up to $5600.00 PER COUPLE!!

Bookings are essential please book by the 6th July on 55 99 2311. More detail is available by checking their advertisement in last weeks Gold Coast Sun page 19.

Business Excellence always supports and encourages new businesses so please come along for a great evening and meet Nikki and team.

NEXT BUSINESS BREAKFAST -JULY 16TH with International Speaker- ANDREAS DAGELET. See above for more information or CLICK ON NEXT BREAKFAST.

Next week we will be commencing our 18 BUSINESS NETWORKING TIPS-

Have a great week as we enter the new FINANCIAL YEAR!!!

JOHN HURD

Business Excellence celebrates 15 years of continuous success

We are celebrating our 15 years of conducting the best business breakfasts with a variety of Australia’s top speakers and presenters.

PETER BUCKLEY - Media Dynamo, is presenting at Tweed Heads on the 18th June. Peter’s topic “Focus under Fire- Decision making under Presure” will help you question your decision making progress. Bookings to john@businessexcellence.net.au

July 16th will introduce ANDREAS DAGELET- Architect, Adventurer, Business and Life Style Coach.

Andreas rode a hand cycle around Australia for 16,000 kilometers in 2006! He life stories will inspire you to improve at every level. He will assist you to create alignment, passion and measurable results. Do not miss this memorable speaker who divides his time between USA and Australia-  BOOKINGS john@businessexcellence.net.au

 NEWSFLASH!!! Our very special 15th Birthday speaker is KUREK ASHLEY- the most dynamic speaker in Australia today.

He has been called the Austraian version of Anthony Robins!!! Featured in an extensive article in the Sunday Telegraph his life story and his rise to great success will inspire you become a visionary- focusing on your goal- not looking behind or sideways always forward!! This article can be faxed to you  on request to my email address as shown above. 

Kurek has worked with the Broncos and Olympic Gold Medal Winners Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst. Raised in the USA his story is one of “rags to riches”. The most exciting speaker in Australia today. This breakfast will be a “sell out” and early bookings are suggested.

GOLD SPONSORS

Check out our list of Sponsors on the sidebar for any business purchase or service need. They are reputable people who guarantee their product or service.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BEST NETWORKING BUSINESS BREAKFAST SOON.

CHEERS

jOHN HURD

International Business Management expert to visit Tweed

Pictured RIC WILMOT- Professional Conference Speaker and Management Consultant to Australian and overseas leading companies.

Ric starting his working life studying Economics but finished as an Accountant. He has played/coached Rugby for over 30 years but still found time to study and qualify in Financial Planning, Organisational Development, NLP and Myer Briggs.

His unique but confronting style of purposely “provoking” his audience has seen his popularity rise in USA, Dubai, London, New Zealand and all states of Australia.

Ric believes that any and every person can succeed by thinking differently and using wisdom.

A visit to his web site will give further reason for your attendance at Tweed Heads Bowls Club on Wednesday 17th October 2007. His web address is http://www.executivewisdom.com/

This breakfast will be a sell out so early bookings are a must to- john@businessexcellence.net.au

For a very reasonable $25-00 you will hear from Ric Wilmot- brilliant ideas to improve your business- not wthstanding most companies pay many thousands for the privilege!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TWEED BOWLS CLUB ON MULTI- MILLIONS RE-VAMP.

Tweed Bowls has just undergone a fabulous new fit out giving members and visitors a great experience. They have a magnificent new multi-purpose conference room seating about 250 with all the latest electronic equipment that is available for hire.

Famous for their food the new bistro and other restaurants offer superb cuisine at a very affordable price!! Being now SMOKE FREE there is now no excuse not to drop in after work for a “cold one”.

GOLD SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE IN CERTAIN CATEGORIES.

Due to staff moves and various business changes there are now vacancies in the following categories:

Hairdresser
Graphic designer
Health and Skin care
Insurance Agent
Photographer
Bank
Restaurant/coffee shop
Sign Writers
Trades eg. Electricians, Plumbers etc

Business Excellence offers tremendous opportunities for very reasonable cost and fees are fully tax- deductible. Contact John today for a confidential discussion on the many benefits of joining the longest running business breakfast/marketing and promotional organisation in Tweed/Gold Coast- (est. 1993)

Thanks for taking the time to visit the blog and read the information.

John Hurd

0418 269 136 john@businessexcellence.net.au

More news from BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

Thought we would start this newsletter with a pic of Greenmount Beach-Coolangatta taken from the path around the headland. This walk is highly recommended as a “de-stressor” for all of us in daily business. Take the walk from Tweed- C’gatta Surf club around to Snapper Rocks then up the the ramp to Point Danger Lookout then walk back around Rainbow Bay.
We have seen a fair bit of the world but this walk still stands out as magnificent. Please feel free to comment if you can suggest any other local “walks”.

EMAIL NOW BACK ON!!

Last weeks problems with email are now resolved so feel free to email now without any drama.
Funny how one gets so stressed when our current technology fails. Funny how we leave home without our mobile and also get greatly stressed. We should take time to use the humble telephone to keep on touch without clients from time to time!!

GOLD SPONSOR PROFILES

KYLE WARD OPTOMETRIST.
Kyle is situated just inside Tweed Mall Centro opposite the Newsagency.
His service and professional attention is supplemented by the after care (spectacle repairs etc) by NATHAN and staff. For your next eye examination or new frames contact Kyle and staff and don’t forget to mention Business Excellence.

SOLOMONS FLOORING- Greenway Drive. Tweed South.
Garry and Sue have a magnificent showroom to display their wide carpet range plus other floor types such as the timber look etc. Pay them a visit when next considering any type of floor covering and mention Business Excellence.

TURSA
(Employment & Training)

Long time Gold Sponsor TURSA has offices from Coffs Harbour to Southport supplying all your employment and training needs. Their local offices situated at South Tweed are highly visible. Their friendly staff are there to assist with any staffing needs.

TO GO DIRECT TO THESE SPONSORS AND ALL THE OTHERS PLEASE CLICK ON THEIR NAMES IN GREEN OPPOSITE*

BUSINESS BREAKFAST- Wednesday 15th August with Garry Macdonald on finance and general investment opportunities.
Garry does a brilliant talk and should not be missed!!

It was very disappointing to see the vacant seats at the last breakfast on the18th July.
If you book please advise your non-attendance if unable to keep your booking as meals and seating is arranged accordingly.

Those who missed Marketing Guru- JERRY CROCKFORD- missed one of the best marketing type presentations this year!! Marketing is a fundamental part of your business. Ask any one who attended the morning-I have never seen the audience taking so many written notes for any speaker in years.
One wonders why a one night “awards night” attracts huge numbers when Business Excellence Breakfasts continually produce the very best speakers in Australia that give you tremendous inspiration and ideas to enhance your business with significantly smaller numbers attending??

14TH BIRTHDAY BUSINESS BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST- AUGUST 15TH.

We celebrate fourteen years of successful operation in August. A special thank you to our fabulous and generous Gold Sponsors who continue to support our organisation.
Joan and I hope every sponsor can attend this very special breakfast.
We look forward to more years to come providing the best speakers each and every month.
Also thank you to the regular supporters who never miss a breakfast.
We will keep going as long as the support is there.

MORE BUSINESS TIPS

* Does your business have a community involvement? Consider sponsoring a local sporting team eg. T-Shirts or caps.
* How neat is your business presentation? Do your staff have well designed uniforms if appropriate. Could you have a corporate tie design?
* Do you offer a “money back guarantee” ? Do you offer a warranty with your products?
* Lastly - How is your attitude? Are you enthusiatic and cheerful to deal with?

SPONSORS NOTE

Our major sponsor SUMMERLAND CREDIT UNION is holding a special night August 2nd at their Greenway Drive premises- in conjunction with ABL- Australian Business Limited.
Please email me if you have not received your invitation and I will send one to you. I can email the form which then needs printing and then faxing your details off. These nights are really great for networking and social contact-see you there.

All the best

John & Joan Hurd

EMAIL ADRESS CHANGE

FOR TIME BEING PLEASE USE EMAIL—business_excellence@bigpond.com as re-registration of my domain name created some problems.

International Motivational Speaker Rosie Pekar- speaking at Tweed Wednesday 20th June 2007

Late February Business News from John’s desk

One of my favourite photos of Coolangatta Beach. It was taken from the path from Coolangatta which meanders around to Rainbow Bay. This walk is the most scenic walk in the area.

What a Fabulous Business Excellence Speaker

If you missed hearing Ron/Rowdy McLean’s Presentation Wednesday 21st February then you missed the best business tips for creating a great Customer Service Culture.

He gave several examples of businesses spending millions on their buildings, showrooms etc but spending ZILCH on “Customer Service”.

You have a brilliant opportunity to see and learn from Ron at Calypso Plaza with a full day workshop on March 12th “Leading Service Excellence”.

All books, materials etc included plus M/T, Lunch and A/T

Investment $595 PP or a special discount for Business Excellence

Sponsors and supporters by contacting me direct.

Next Business Excellence Breakfast*** Brendon Sinclair- Marketing Guru- more details next weeks posting.

Have a great day

JOHN