Come along to the Wollongong Small Business Club meeting and hear Mark Cuthbertson, who is well known as “The Team Mechanic”, discuss a range of issues that business owners and managers need to address in order to create teams that are committed to common goals and consistently function well.

For example, he will highlight the personal skills and the management practices and processes that are critical to the development of effective teamwork. The focus will not just be about how to coach team members but also look at how managers need to act, communicate and interact with their staff.

Mark has a proud local heritage and is a well known member of the Gerringong business community. After many years of managing and leading teams he is now helping business owners to “fine tune” their teams with proven approaches and effective strategies.

Through his own personal experience, Mark has a sound understanding and appreciation of the many challenges faced by small business. His presentation is bound to be beneficial and rewarding for members.

Time  :         5.15pm for 6.00pm to 7.30pm   
Date  :         Tuesday 7th October 08 
Cost   :         FREE
Venue :        Rydges Hotel Wollongong
RSVP :         lee@iacc.org.au or phone 42274500

Using technology to reduce your office costs and increase efficiency

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? 

Then come along to the next meet of the Southern Highlands Small Business Club.  Our speaker for October 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 Manager and 17 years IT experience.  Andrew started his Web, IT and Graphic Design Company Yuranga two years ago and now employee 16 people with offices in Wollongong and Vietnam. 

Time  :         5.15pm for 6.00pm to 7.30pm   
Date  :         Wednesday 8th October 08 
Cost   :         FREE
Venue  :       Mittagong RSL Club
RSVP :        Phone ITeC on 42233100 to secure booking

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 3rd October 

Free ATO workshop

Record Keeping Workshop

Who should attend?
Small business operators, who desire a better understanding of the basic concepts of record keeping for their business, including taxation issues.

Why should you attend?
You will be taken through cash receipt and cash payment record keeping and complete a Business Activity Statement (BAS).  By the end of the work shop you will be able to complete your own BAS when the time comes.

Please note bookings are essential as places are limited to 25 people

Time  :   9:30am to 1:30 pm  
Date      Wednesday 8th October – Nowra Office
              Wednesday 22nd October – Wollongong Office
Cost   :  Free
RSVP :  1300 650 058

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 P’s of Marketing
• SWOT Analysis
• Requirements of Developing a Marketing Plan

Time  :   12 noon to 2.00pm 
Date   :   Friday 31st October 2008 
Cost   :   $40.00 – light lunch included

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 42233100 or check out our website at www.illawarraitec.com.au