The Lean Startup

key takeouts:- an entrepreneurial company is one of the hardest to manage!! - it is management under extreme uncertainty
- everyone does what it takes for company to succeed
- use accounting so that employees understand kpi's - develop key metrics
- 3 customers needed for sustainable growth  - viral, sticky and stable 
- if something doesn't work, pivotand find out what does work!

Words to Inspire for 2012

Launching our Liquidity Site in Jan 12 - feedback please

we will be launching our new site for liquidity financehttp://liquidityfinance.com.au in January..... please look with a critical eye and give your feedback..... thanks
Ivan

Things to consider when looking at opportunities in your business

I am curerntly working on an exciting opportunity to grow our business, which should be a brilliant stand alone business as well as an opportunity to grow both our existing and our clients businesses.

These are some of the things that we were looking at to determine whether we should go ahead with the business.....

• What are the opportunities? If the market is already saturated, what is our point of difference (POD or USP)  that will stand out from the competition?
• Why are we doing it? does it fit with our overall vision, product or service lines?
• Who is going to lead the team or opportunity?
• Do we have the resources and expertise to deliver the product or service?
• How will we fund growth? (make sure we have adequate cash flow to givve the opportunity a good chance of working.)
• What sort of timeframes can we expect before we will see a return? 

It would be great if you could add more things to look out for  below...

Ark and Liquidity 2012 xmas party

The global growth through a burgeoning Asian middle class can bring in a new era of growth, wealth and prosperity

Salient Points

• Shifting Wealth’ from West to East over next 25 Years
• Middle Class spurs growth and Innovation a nd there is a huge swell of Middle Class in China, Asia and India (growth from 1.8b spending $21trillion to 4.6b spending 56trillion
• Annual output to grow from 63 trillion per annum to 200 trillion per annum in 25 years
• The growth does not depend on a rebound in US or European consumer demand, but depends on the inevitable demand from a new large, growing  Asian middle class, that is  of  sufficient  size  to provide the impetus for demand growth that the world needs.

read more

How can you survive and thrive in 2012?

To have a place at the table you need to do have a competent team that is capable of delivering an excellent service at an affordable price. That is a given!!

Clients want to be the centre of their universe.  Understand what your cleints require and find ways to deliver an evolved service that fulfills their “right now” needs.

Click here to find 10 things that you should look at to survive and thrive in 2012 and beyond...

Be Part of a Mastermind Group!

"Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership!" - John C. Maxwell 

Leadership cannot be an idea we simply talk about. Leadership is the action we must live out. BSI, together with John Maxwell and Ivan Ang, have developed  an 8-week in-depth study that will afford you the opportunity to collaborate and network with 10 individuals who are focused on developing your leadership and communication skills, so that you can build strong and cohesive teams, and be prepared for accelerated growth.

Having the support and ideas from other members of your mastermind group allows us to see things differently and to get a new perspective on goals and action plans.

Together, you will learn how to effectively raise your “leadership lid” by understanding and implementing the principles of the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

These include:

• The Law of the Lid – Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness
• The Law of Influence – The True Measure of Leadership is Influence, Nothing More, Nothing Less
• The Law of The Inner Circle – A Leader’s Potential Is Determined by Those Closest to Him
• The Law of The Big Mo – Momentum Is  a Leader’s Best Friend
• The Law of Explosive Growth – To Add Growth, Lead Followers. To Multiply, Lead Leaders
• And many more…

Key Benefits of a Mastermind Group:

• Increase your own experience and confidence
• Sharpen your business and personal skills
• Create real progress in your business and your life
• Add an instant and valuable support network
• Get honest feedback, advice and brainstorming
• Borrow on the experience and skills of the other members
• Learn how to connect and have influence over key staff
• Study the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, create an action plan and have the group hold you accountable for fulfilling your plan and goals
• Receive critical insights into yourself
• Optimistic peer support in maintaining a positive mental attitude
• A sense of shared endeavour – there are others out there! 

Facilitated by: Ivan Ang 

Founding member of the John Maxwell Coaching, Speaking and Teaching Team, Ivan has extensive experience working with High Net Worth clients and Executives since 1999. He graduated with a double degree in Economics and Asian Studies from the Australian National University and also has a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from Securities Institute of Australia.

Of more importance than degrees and diplomas, Ivan draws on his extensive business and personal experience, both good and bad, and shares his lessons learnt in an open and candid manor.

Over many years of observing and working with clients, Ivan believes that the one thing that limits greater success in his client’s personal and professional life is their leadership effectiveness. The ability to think and make courageous decisions and connect with people plays a significant part in wealth creation and creating a significant legacy.

Ivan is looking forward to assisting you on your journey to becoming a successful leader.

Total Costs for the Course

The nominal cost of these 1 hr per week over 8 weeks program is only $100 and a money back guarantee that if you didn't get at least $100 of value, we would gladly refund their money and they keep the book for free.The total cost for this 8 week course is $100

Your Commitment

• To arrive on time
• Attend all meetings – 1 hour per week
• Keep discussions confidential
• Do all relevant readings and assignments
• Make a positive contribute to the group
  

WHO IS THIS FOR

•  CEOs and COOs
•  General Managers
•  Team Leaders etc

WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT IVAN ANG AND THE MASTERMIND GROUPS

“Ivan Ang and the John Maxwell Leadership Team have carried out an excellent series of workshops in the recent Master Mind Group sessions. Ivan did a great job of presenting the sessions - always full of vigour and genuine enthusiasm for his subject and audience - our group looked forward to the sessions week on week. We are excited about Ivan's planned Inner Circle Project and hope to work with him in the future. I highly recommend Ivan and his team.” December 6, 2011 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value - Tony M

 “I was lucky to receive an invitation to the Maxwell Mastermind group, not knowing who was running it. I was pleasantly surprised initially and then over the 8 weeks of the course I developed a great respect for Ivan's ability to lead the group, draw out the involvement from myself and the other participants and help us to get as much as we could out of the time we had together. 

I would recommend that if you get the chance to participate in one of Ivan's group sessions.” November 29, 2011Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value - Paul D

“Ivan's teachings have helped me develop new strengths and find new ways to achieve goals. His mastermind group has been a great opportunity to meet new people and to develop leadership skills.” November 29, 2011Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative - Paulo M

click here to see more referrals 

 Place and Dates

 These Networking Groups will be held at our offices on Level 7, 14 Martin Place, Sydney 2000, starting Monday 10^th October 2011

 The course will commence on the following dates, and continue on those days for the following 8 weeks.

• Wednesday, 11^th January 2012, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
• Thursday,    12^th January 2012, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• Friday,         13^th January 2012, 7.30 am to 8.30 am

To Register your Interest and to determine Eligibility Click Here

Time to look at your travel insurance

Ensure that your travel insurance needs are covered before going away. Top cover is complete cover, which is your peace of mind away from home! see http://www.bsi.com.au/news/cat/wealth/post/travel_insurance1/

Got Equity in your Property? What is the risk and the opportunity?

The world is in financial turmoil, Europe is debt ridden, a credit squeeze is looming!!
My mantra is to buy in Gloom and sell in Boom.....
My view is that we are in GLOOM and that there will be great buying opportunities that will present itself over the next 12 months!
Hope for the best, but ensure you are prepared for the worsed!!

So what is the opportunity?

Whether we are in for a storm, or there is potential to take advantage of potential opportunities..... you need money, or access to money.

At the moment, those with Equity in their property are in the pound seats, but not for long. If you have equity in your home, consider of obtaining a line of credit.

Cash is king, and you want to be in a position to take advantage of bargains that are available, or have enough resources to weather a potential storm.

Those with lines of credit will definitely have a competitive edge. Loans will become harder to get as the credit squeeze unfolds, and what you will be able to get now, you may not be able to get then.

Interest rates are at a low, and it is a great time to borrow, but the risk at the moment isn't wjhether interest rates will go up or down - but the ability to get cash due to a potential credit squeeze!!

Holiday Cheer from Reserve Bank as it cuts rates by 0.25% to 4.25% - but what does it mean to you?

In today’s Reserve Bank Meeting the RBA has reduced the cash rate by 0.25% to 4.25%.

We now must all sit and wait for the banks to pass on the full rate reduction, after much speculation in the press that they were not going to pass on the full rate cut and therefore not giving home owners the relief they are seeking.

Watch this space for any updates.

WHY?

The current crisis in Europe is deeper than what we are reading in the papers, this is the reason why the major central banks came together last week to put together a decisive action to provided liquidity in the bond market. By cutting rates, the Reserve Bank would be looking at staying ahead of the looming crisis.

Whilst the share market got a relief rally last week from the Central bank’s actions, it still does not remove the fact that domestically, a lot of Australian households are struggling to meet their day to day living costs. As a result, discretionary retail spending is still low. In its bid to resuscitate spending, the RBA has decided to give local retailers a bit of a helping hand by reducing interest rates.

What does this mean for you?

If banks pass this on

• On a $300k mortgage – savings of $60 per month!
• Housing more affordable
• Kick start the economy
• Interest on savings reduced

 Other effects

• Potential lower Aussie Dollar
• Increased Confidence
• More spending for Christmas trade (Potential win for retailers) and not having to hear the continual whine of the woes of retailers

Therefore, this rate cut would not only revive some retailers, but it could also reduce the interest costs for many numerous small businesses and households.

Lenders are still offering great fixed rates, well below the variable rates – some of these are very attractive.

Contact us today about your current home loan and see if you are on the most competitive package and product to suit your needs. Call us on 02 92902777 or click here to set up a complimentary financial health check.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

MICHAEL LUCA
Mortgage Broker

Suite 701, Level 7, 14 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000
GPO BOX 4013 Sydney NSW 2001
P: +61 2 9290 2777
D: +61 2 8203 0426
M: 0405 113 543
F: +61 2 9262 5788
E:Michael.luca@liquidityfinance.com.au

Read the RBA Statement here:http://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2011/mr-11-28.html

Eight Reasons to Be Bullish Next Year

My view - a great time to start building an investment portfolio!

1. Time heals all wounds.

The scars of the financial crisis may be deep, but the fact is four years later, the hallmarks that caused the crash are all in the rearview mirror. It's not 2008 all over again, and the doom-and-gloomers will be on the wrong side of the trade again in 2012.

For the record, the S&P 500 earned $543.2 billion in 2009, $792.8 billion in 2010, and is expected to earn $910.3 billion in 2011. What's more, the S&P 500 is expected to earn $1.04 trillion in 2012.  The point is, while there have been declines and long periods of consolidation, history tells us they are only temporary given enough time. Believe it or not, the bull market will return. Here's a bet on 2012 as the business cycle kicks back in.

2. Corporate profits are at an all-time high.

You may not realize this, but after tax, corporate profits are higher now than they were at the peak in 2006. Take a look:

Now that 96.6% of the S&P 500 has reported Q3 earnings, we know profits are up 15.6% year over year. What's more, if you take out the financials, the growth is even better.

Without them, S&P earnings are up 18.7% year over year... That's bullish, not bearish.

3. The economy is expanding.

The long story short here is pretty simple: We are experiencing a moderate growth expansion — not some bearish apocalypse.

Notice I said expansion, not recovery. That's because real GDP has moved above its previous peak, going all the way back to Q4 2007:

As for the double-dip recession, it just isn't going to happen. Incoming data on consumption, business spending, and residential investment all point to GDP growth of near 3.3% in the fourth quarter.

So while Europe fiddles, Uncle Sam is, in fact, gaining strength...

4. Job growth will improve.

With the profits at an all-time high and the economy now expanding, job growth will eventually begin to follow suit. (Keep in mind that job growth is always a lagging indicator. It's no different this time around.) According to John Herrmann, senior fixed-income strategist at State Street Global Markets, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic on the job front. Herrmann says private sector payrolls will increase an average of 160,000 per month for the rest of this year — and by 200,000 per month in the first four months of 2012. Absent the ongoing shrinkage of government jobs, that means 1,120,000 new private sector jobs will be created by May 1 if Herrmann is accurate in his predictions. That will be a huge win for the markets going into the first half of 2012, even if Herrmann ultimately misses the high-water mark.

5. The housing market bottoms.

Six years after I made my call for housing to drop by 30%, it finally begins to happen. Down 35% nationwide, home prices reach bottom in 2012, spurred on by pent-up demand and the lowest interest rates of all time, thanks to the Fed pushing rates down on mortgage bonds.

The result is the one thing the market has found to be most elusive of all: the return of housing demand going into the spring buying season. Admittedly, it won't be blockbuster... but it will be enough to change the housing conversation next year. And as this change begins to unfold, it is going to be a huge plus both psychologically and in terms of GDP growth. Negative housing news may not move the market these days, but positive news undoubtedly will. Expect real estate to surprise to the upside in 2012.

6. Consumers make a comeback.

 In a way, this one is already happening.

As the chart below shows, total retail sales are now above 2008 levels. In fact, retail sales are now up 18.9% from the bottom — and 4.5% above the pre-recession peak.

As the virtuous circle of rising markets, the expanding economy, the housing bottom, and job creation begin to take hold, consumers will be even more willing to spend again on pent-up demands. I expect retail sales to continue to improve as a result — especially in autos and durable goods as another business cycle begins anew.

After all, consumer balance sheets are getting better, not worse...

For all consumer loans, the third quarter delinquency dropped to 3.15%, the lowest rate since the second quarter of 2007 before the recession started. Consumers get even stronger in 2012, leading them to open their wallets for the first time in years.

7. The monetary tank is full.

When things begin to turn around, there will be plenty of money behind them.

Thanks to the Fed, the banks are now loaded to the gills with loanable funds, which leads neatly to my next point…

Coming off the 2010 lows, money is moving again as banks approve more loans.

The thing to keep in mind is that these investments act with a lag effect that doesn't kick in until later...

8. That makes stocks cheap.

As profit margins rise and corporate earnings hit new highs, the S&P 500 is currently undervalued. As always, it starts with profits. They are what really make the market go round. In that regard, on a bottom-up basis the S&P 500 earned $56.88 in 2009, $83.18 in 2010, and is expected to earn $95.46 in 2011. It's estimated the EPS of the S&P 500 will cross the $100 mark for the first time ever, reaching $104.95 in 2012... On a P/E basis, that means at the 1,186 level, the S&P 500 is currently trading at 11.3X 2012 earnings. That's historically cheap. Even at just 13X 2012 earnings, the S&P is worth 1,365.

Better yet, at a P/E of just 14.2, the S&P 500 would hit 1,490 — or be within a whisper of the old high going back to 2007. (For the record, the average P/E ratio for the S&P since the 1870s has been about 15.) Again, that makes stocks relatively cheap as we head into 2012... especially with 10-year note yields hovering in the 2.0% range. Of course, the great unknown in all of this is Europe. And admittedly it's a big one — but here's a guess they eventually blink and backstop the whole continent with few trillion in 2012.

The bottom line: 2012 should going to be a great year for equities.

Don’t try and separate the business and personal

The best piece of advice I could give centres around your everyday interactions. 


By nature we are relational. 


We thrive on having positive interactions with one another. 

• Remembering someone’s name,
• asking them about their son, daughter, wife, husband, or their sports game on the weekend  will go a long way to having that positive impact in someone’s life, and therefore your personal and business life.

You can’t separate your business and personal lives, you are the one person involved in both. 


Make sure every interaction that you have makes a positive difference in their day, no matter who they are. 


The best part? It doesn’t cost you a cent! 


That’s a long-term, ethical, and sustainable business strategy that will be the most valuable tool you will ever find.

Grant Freeman, New Tomorrow Financial Advice

12 Things to make more sales before Christmas

It’s November and the fourth quarter of business for many organisations. Most of the number counters see this as crunch time to achieving your sales goals, and beginning the build-up for next year.

Many of us are unsure what we can do to spped up your prospect and customer decisions. The days seem to be closing faster and if you need to fill your sales gap now is the time to do the best you can without burning the deals.

Below are 12 strategies you might want to review for yourself or your sales team as a way to close more deals without having to resort to cut price discounts or other costly offers

1. Review a range of your closed deals this year and make a list of why those customers choose to "wait until ... " and have answers for these objections.
2. Allocate the next 2 days trying to close those lingering proposals and maybe go back up to 12 months.
3. Try adding some add-ons to solutions you have already sold this year. We have all heard the saying "would you like fries with that" but do you know how much that little saying is worth to McDonalds every day?
4. Sell additional items to existing orders. Go back over your orders for the past 3-4 months and see which customers you might be able to "Sell one more". Surprising how many 1 make up a bunch if we only just ask for the order.
5. Review your top 10 customers for the current year and see if you can close at least one additional deal with at least 1 of them before year end. If you are not able to close a new deal it gives you an opportunity to see what may be available you can put into your next year forward planning.
6. If your clients still have budget to speand see if you can assist them to bring forward spending on 2012 priorities.
7. Call every client you have not spoken to in the past 90 days and see if they need your services in December to help get them off to a fast start for 2012.
8. Make contact with all of your prospects where they have deferred your advances to see which ones you are able to move to the hot prospects list.
9. Review your forecast and identify what is required to meet your target on a daily quota. Then execute.
10. Enlist your managers's and / or team's support to overcome the roadblocks holding back your prospects from buying.
11. Review your referrals and the customers who gave you these. Contact these and see if they have any additional prospects for you to follow up.

And finally begin setting appointments for January to give yourself a head start to 2012. In doing this and reviewing each of your contacts you may find a list minute opportunity while you doing this review.

Simple lesson about Leadership .... watch the shitless dude!!

Simple lesson about Leadership .... watch the shitless dude!!

If you are a first home loan owner, you are in danger of missing out on benefits of up to $17,990. See below for more details.  Please feel free to phone Michael Luca of  Liquidity Finance on 02 92902777 or click here to set up a complimentary financial health check.

The NSW government has made changes to the First Home Benefits for First Home Buyers in the State Budge which was announced earlier in 2011.


Under the changes, any first home buyer who EXCHANGES on a property after 1st of January 2012, will NOT be eligible for the stamp duty concessions of up to $17,990, unless the property has never been occupied.

If you are thinking of purchasing your first home, now is the time to speak to us! Lenders have come to the party with higher LVR’s (Up to 95% in some cases) and lower interest rates. We have also seen discounts of 1% off the Standard Variable Rates for some lenders, which will hopefully make the dream of owning your home a real possibility.

If you are not a First Home Buyers, but know someone who is, it is important that you share this information with them.

Also, if you are not a First Home Buyer and have an existing home loan, following the Melbourne Cup Interest Rate decision by the RBA to reduce rates, we have seen lenders become more competitive for your business, through “Jumbo” discounts and heavily reduced fixed rates.

A 10 minutes phone call with us, could save you a considerable amount. When is the last time you had a “Home Loan Health Check”.

We are always available to take your call and talk to you about any enquiry regarding your new and existing lending needs.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Michael Luca
Mortgage Broker
Suite 701, Level 7, 14 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000
GPO BOX 4013 Sydney NSW 2001

P: +61 2 9290 2777
D: +61 2 8203 0426
M: 0405 113 543
F: +61 2 9262 5788

E:Michael.luca@liquidityfinance.com.au

Is there upside in the Australian Markets in 2012?

extract from Morningstar 

European sovereign debt, lacklustre global growth in Developed markets and persistent reporting about market falls doesn’t look promising for an increase in Markets.

What does one do…. Stash cash in mattresses?

A recent Panel at a Property Council of Australia lunch with Morningstar head of equities research Peter Warnes, PIMCO head of wealth management Peter Dorrian and Investa group executive Michael Cook gave an indication that there was significant upside in the Australian Marketplace.

"No matter how dire markets are there is always opportunity, and  Australia is one of the few places investors can get compensated for any equity risk.” Said Warnes

"Australia has very robust terms of trade, an investment boom in infrastructure and the resources sector, a competent monetary policy, and a manageable level of debt. Our companies have good balance sheets and we are attached to the epicentre of positive growth that is China and India" Warnes says.

Warnes continues to like companies with sustainable dividend yields, such as Woolworths (WOW) and Wesfarmers (WES).

He acknowledges Australia may be too exposed to China, but also notes the continued growth in India that provides Australia with another growth prospect.

"Let's not forget that India is 15 years behind China. With a huge population, it has a hell of a lot of buying power," Warnes says.

As an equity researcher, Warnes obviously prefers equity to debt transactions, noting that while Telstra (TLS) managed to successfully raise 470 million euros in debt in two hours, at 3.5 per cent "you might as well invest in the stock and get a 9 per cent yield".

PIMCO's Dorrian has a slightly different view on bonds, believing 10-year US Treasury bonds at 2 per cent are an appropriate investment.

"Sitting in Australia, these bonds are still an appropriate investment on a fully-hedged basis (in Australian dollars). Investors can still pick up the interest rate differential. In the US, interest rates are effectively zero and in Australia they are 4 per cent, so investors are essentially getting 6 per cent yield," Dorrian says.

Cook can't help but be optimistic, particularly given Australia's relative economic strength compared to other developed markets.

Any slowdown will be beyond his control: "If the world turns to turd, well, the world turns to turd. There is nothing much we can do about it."