One of the primary reasons that small businesses don’t use technology effectively is that they are not aware of the possibilities. 

Would you like to learn more about the latest technology for small business (Voice Over IP, Fax2Mail services, Naked DSL and remote access etc) and how this can reduce your office costs and make your business more efficient? 

Come along to the next meeting of the Southern Highlands Small Business Club.  Our speaker this meeting is Andrew Thornberry.  

Andrew was a finalist in South Australia’s Young Achiever of the Year Award and the youngest university lecturer in Australia at 21. Andrew has a Bachelor of Computer Science, Graduate Diploma in Business Management and 17 years’ IT experience.  Andrew started his Web, IT and Graphic Design Company Yuranga two years ago and now employs 16 people with offices in Wollongong and Vietnam.

Time  :   5.10pm for 6.00pm finish at 8.00pm  
Date   :   Wednesday 5 November 2008 
Cost   :   FREE to attend but must register for catering purposes
Venue  :    Mittagong RSL Club, Old Hume Highway, Mittagong

Kiama Small Business Forum

Kiama Municipal Council, the Kiama Community College and the Department of State and Regional Development invite you to join us for an exciting seminar.
This is a half-day package presented by Bob Johnson. 

You may not have the biggest store or the biggest range, a big advertising budget or the ideal location, but you can out-sell the ‘big guys’ if you know how!

And having a professional sales team will add valuable dollars to your bottom-line profits. We’ll show you how you and your sales team can do it. 

Following on from this workshop will be a one-on-one coaching session with local businesses to master the art of professional selling – free of charge - on 12 November. Your own ‘in-house’ business consultant.

Time  :       8.45am for 9.00am to 12noon 
Date   :   Tuesday 11 November 2008 
Cost   :   FREE to attend
RSVP  :      Call Elise at Kiama Council on 4232 0414
Venue  :    Kiama Community College – under Kiama Library

Marketing Workshop

It is not enough to just have a fantastic product or service, you also need to be able to understand how to market your product or service to potential customers and clients. 

This two-hour workshop will help you understand the different aspects of marketing, help you understand how your product / service fits into the whole market and how you can market your business more effectively. We will discuss:

• Conducting Market Research
• Who is your Target Market / Competitors
• The Four Ps of Marketing
• SWOT Analysis
• Requirements of Developing a Marketing Plan

Time  :   12 noon to 2.00pm 
Date   :   Friday 31 October 2008 
Cost   :   $40.00 – light lunch included
Venue  :   Illawarra ITeC Wollongong

Basic Bookkeeping Workshop

It is very important for any small business owner to know how to keep sound financial records but more importantly understand how to use those financial reports to make informed decisions. 

This workshop is designed to provide an overview of record keeping responsibilities and provides practical exercises in the tasks required to manage a business through record keeping. 

By attending this workshop you will develop an understanding of financial control and the importance of cash flow. Practical exercises demonstrate how to treat petty cash, cash payments, cash receipts, daily bank balances and bank reconciliations.

Time  :         9.00am to 12 noon  
Date   :        Friday 14 November  
Cost   :        $45.00 per person – light refreshments provided
Venue  :      Illawarra ITeC Wollongong

Illawarra Innovation Advisor Services

Free Advice

Do you have a new product that you want to commercialise but don’t know where to start?  Do you need legal advice on Trade Marks, Patents or Design Registration?
 
Book in for a free assessment interview with Virginia Wren from the Innovation Advisory Service.

FREE Interview with IP (Patent / Trade Mark) Attorney

Book in now for your free half-hour interview with our IP Attorney. Next appointments for the IP Attorney on Friday 7 November. 

Do you receive our weekly Illawarra ITeC Small Business News Newsletter?   If not, email Virginia today on ibec@illawarraitec.com.au and we will automatically send you a copy.  

This is only a brief outline of the types of small business advice and assistance that we can offer.  Want to know more?  Remember I am a FREE service and can assist you in developing your business in many ways. 

Call me today on 4223 3100 or check out our website at www.illawarraitec.com.au