Property or Shares? Hear from 2 Experts

As you may know, we recently acquired a stake in PowWow Events (www.powwowevents.com.au )

Pow Wow Events aims to provide you with an environment conducive to learning and with speakers who are not only leaders here in Australia but throughout the world.

We are delighted to invite you to learn the secrets of building a growth generating, tax shedding, high growth property portfolio PLUS how to generate cash flow, growth and minimise risk from share investing.

Events are in Sydney and Brisbane


Peter Spann (multi-millionaire share investor who advises on over ½ a billion in client funds) and Maurice Goldberg (property expert who has advised on over ½ a billion in residential investment property) join together to fight it out – shares v’s property – and you’re the winner.

Too often people either love shares OR they love property. Even if (and it’s pretty unusual) they like both they learn by making mistakes…and lots of them.

Peter and Maurice have made millions (and both have, many times over) but they have also made the mistakes so that you won’t have to!

Most “experts” don’t want to tell you about their losses, only their wins, and as you become an expert Peter and Maurice will not only help you achieve the financial freedom you always wanted but also help you build an exciting and risk managed solution. A plan that’s not just a hope or a dream and certainly not a gamble…. Real, considered, intelligent and exciting.

You will leave this day with more certainty about your next steps on your path to financial freedom.

From broke to multi-millionaire in just 7 years
Peter’s rise to wealth was swift and exciting. At 21 he was broke and working for Woolworths as a check out operator. At 28 he had built a property portfolio of over 100 individual properties and a cash flow generating share portfolio that enabled him to fund them.

His wealth creation motto is “if I can do it you can too” and he set out to prove it by teaching his strategies to literally tens of thousands of ordinary Australians – he was so successful he became known as…

The Millionaire Maker!

You can become wealthy.

You can be making more money than you are now – without working.

You can get good investment returns without taking extraordinary risk.

But you won’t be able to do it without a great wealth creation strategy.

And that’s exactly what we intend to give you.

What you’ll learn from Peter…

Super charge your wealth strategy

You’ll learn the strategy that made Peter, and hundreds who followed him rich – almost anybody can do it and you can start today.

Your Ticket to Freedom

Most people never start investing because they think it’s too hard or they don’t have enough. Peter will show you how you could retire rich starting from just $10 a day.

Easy Wealth Creation

Becoming wealthy doesn’t have to be hard – with the right strategy you can be on your road to riches the easy way

Generating Cash Flow

How you can turn your share portfolio into a money spinning cash machine to fund your lifestyle or investing – $50, $100, to thousands of dollars a month are possible

Where Billionaires hang from trees

Billions of dollars are made each day from the new industrial revolution but most people don’t even know it’s happening – you can invest the same way Billionaires do – Peter shows you how

Would you rather $16,289 or $137,858?

For example one strategy you will learn can produce up to 3% per month! Many of our clients are netting 20% to 30% PA by using it. To give you an idea of how exciting that is, if you invested $10,000 in the bank at 5% PA in 10 years it would have grown to $16,289. If you were able to get 30% PA that same $10,000 would have grown to $137,858! Pretty extraordinary isn’t it?

Click Here to Register for BRISBANE free to your family and friends

Click Here to register for Sydney free to your family and friends





Taking you beyond what you thought was possible

Maurice Goldberg is a thought leader in wealth creation. Not only has he created hundreds of millionaires but he has taught wealth creation ”experts”’ around Australia how to “think smart” when it comes to residential real estate A qualified architect, financial planner and real estate agent, he has combined his passion for property with his love of helping people achieve their goals.

Taking people beyond what they thought possible is the main purpose of my work. Wealth creation is just part of that picture, however, I have observed that when people move in the direction of their financial potential, many other areas of their lives also open up and flourish.”

7 ways to rapidly build your property portfolio

Many people sit around for years waiting to invest when they should be rapidly and safely compounding their wealth creation – Maurice teaches you when and where you should start looking for properties and when you should start buying.

Squeezing financers – save thousands

Let’s face it nobody likes paying banks anything more than you absolutely have to – Maurice explains how you could be paying thousands of extra dollars in hidden fees and costs that are better off in your pocket and how you can use creative financing strategies to get you into your next property.

Property profits

How you can use your portfolio to build your wealth and retire rich

The 5 keys to scientific property research

How you can find the properties that will make you the most. How to identify suburbs, even streets that are most likely to outperform the smart way – Pulse , the research company that Maurice started provides research to investment advisers all over Australia and this alone could save you tens of thousands when buying and more importantly compound your profits by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The 4 Stages to creating total Abundance

Once you know these you will be aware of your patterns that prevent you “living the life you were born to live “. You will then be able to make the choice to have the wealth you desire and deserve.

Click Here to Register for BRISBANE free to your family and friends


Click Here to register for Sydney free to your family and friends



Discover how you could build a cash flow positive portfolio of quality investments

There are many ways to invest for positive return – property, high yield share funds and more but most people are mystified by the complexity of it. This workshop unravels the confusion and puts everything in plain English.

100% Full-On Wealth Education

What you get is a strong, solid, practical, and realistic education in wealth thinking, prosperity practice, quality investing, income generating, fast track strategies and tactics to safely build your wealth.

We’ve gone to a lot of trouble to ensure that these seminars will provide you with considerable value and at a price no one can refuse – FREE!

A lifetime investment in your most precious resource…
you!

• 
  
  Should you attend Automatic Wealth…
  
  You should do everything you possibly can to be a part of The Automatic Wealth seminar if…
  
  
• You want to move your investment strategy to the next level
• You want to shrink the time it will take for you to achieve financial freedom …
• You have been thinking about investing, but don’t know where to start…
• You have spare time that you could devote to increasing your income or investing but you don’t have the knowledge you need to take those first steps…
• You have all the knowledge you need but, for some reason, you just can’t seem to be able to begin investing…
• You are worried about the future and want a plan that will ensure your financial independence…
• You want to get out of the rat race, establish a passive income for yourself, and spend the rest of your life lying on the beach, or playing golf, or skiing …
• You have an investment portfolio, but the returns you are getting are not as exciting as you suspect they could be …
• You have been burned in your previous attempts at investing, and you’re concerned you may have lost your nerve …
• You just love being with other motivated, success oriented people who are working together to extract the most they possibly can from their lives …
• You feel as if you are the only person you know who is struggling to get ahead – everybody else seems to be taking advantage of you!

If any (or all) of these possibilities gets you nodding, then Automatic Wealth is definitely for you!


Remember, there is no risk to you!

And even if you are sceptical (and when it comes to investing money you should be) the seminar is free – you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Don’t you owe Automatic Wealth to yourself?

Reflect for a moment about everything you will learn at the seminar.

The investment strategies, the personal skills and the hard-won experiences Peter and Maurice will share freely with you.

Think about the step-by-step plan you’ll create for yourself – a plan to leave mediocrity behind and step into a new world of true financial freedom.

And think about just how good you’ll feel when you return to your friends and family to celebrate your success.Please register now!

Click Here to Register for BRISBANE

Click Here to register for Sydney

FREE to you AND your friends and family

1800 878 878

The team will answer any questions you may have, and help you through the enrolment process.

It’s time to make a genuine difference to your life and investing.

And get ready for a big difference to your financial future.

The 6th Sense

The 6th Sense...seriously awesome technology.... the 1st wave of new technological innovation.... Imagine "Minority Report" and then some.

Classic at the Ark GOlf Day

 

Ark Total Wealth Golf Day at Northbridge

Ark Total Wealth was priviliged to host a golf day at NorthBridge to 40 Avid Golfers. Thanks to our Sponsors - BT, Pulse Property, Ark, Liquidity and BSI People.

Thanks so much to our clients, friends and suppliers for a great day and an awesome year.

Gotta love SYdney - and Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach, home to some of the worlds greatest surfers, became home to a new surfing phenomenon today when Towel Surfing was born!

Over 200 people joined in synchronous dance on their towels to the music of Australian music icon Ben Lee in a perfectly choreographed routine that amazed onlookers.

It started with one, lone individual, who walked through the crowd of sunbathers and surfers and placed his boombox on the sand in the middle of the crowded beach and pressed play. What followed was a contagion of rhythm and dance as one by one other beachgoers joined in began surfing on their towels.
They kicked their feet, paddled with their hands and bobbed up and down checking for waves all while remaining on their towels, dry on the pristine sand of Bondi Beach.

Start generating Cash flow By using Buy-Write

I met Peter Spann at a seminar recently and I was immediately impressed. I was even more impressed when I discovered he was one of the speakers. And even more impressed indeed when I heard him speak. He kept 5,000 people enthralled as he detailed his rags to riches story and laid out in plain English a simple way just about everybody can use to increase their financial success.

So when I heard today that he was running a seminar on one of his simplest and most exciting strategies I just knew I’d have to let you know about it. Normally he only presents these seminars to his clients but I have talked him into to letting me make them available to you as well (It’s a strange name for a seminar but a bit of an in-joke he’ll let you in on when you’re there).


It’s a strategy that Peter personally uses to generate cash flow, lower risk and boost returns and if you have any interest in getting ahead financially you need to be there.


Over 750 people are already registered for these events in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and we hope to see you and your friends as Peter shares with you a great strategy that is designed to generate you more cashflow.


I invite you to click here to see Peter talk about his new seminar;



BRISBANE: Tuesday 20th October, 2009

SYDNEY: Wednesday 21st October, 2009

MELBOURNE: Tuesday 27th October, 2009


Register now online by clicking here or by calling the team at Pow Wow Events on 1300 550 240


Have a great weekend.....

oh, and by the way, I have done a deal with Peter, that if you click here you can download his free e book.

Best regards

Ivan

House prices set to soar 20% by 2012

Wednesday 14 October 2009
Patrick Stafford
SmartCompany

Investors are being told now is the time to enter the housing market, as prices are set to rise up to 20% by 2012 with Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane properties expected to record the most growth, a new report has revealed.

But property experts say the numbers are either relatively low, or overly optimistic, and warn there are still major supply issues affecting the market.

According to the latest figures from QBE Lenders Mortgage Insurance, Australian properties will grow by about 3% next year, followed by about 8% during 2011-12, adding up to an extra $100,000 in value in some instances.

QBE chief executive Ian Graham said for a $500,000 house, the growth will add $15,000 in value this year, $41,000 next year and $44,000 during 2012. The growth has quashed fears the reduction of the first home owner's grant would slow the property market.

"Although first home buyer demand will ease after the First Home Buyers Grant expires at the end of 2009, upgrades and investor demand is expected to gather momentum and take over as the main drivers of the housing cycle," Graham said.

The highest growth rate can be found in Adelaide, where prices will increase by 21% by 2012, higher than any other capital city.

Prices in Sydney will grow by 2% in 2010, 7.2% and a massive 10.9% during 2012. In Melbourne, properties are expected to grow in value by 3% next year, 7.5% the following year and 7.8% in 2012.

Darwin properties will grow by 17% by 2012, with Brisbane and Hobart expected to record growth of 15% each. Perth and Canberra investors will see their properties grow in value by 12%.

"Despite a 0.25% rate rise in the first week of October, housing interest rates are expected to remain at a stimulatory level for some time, with the low interest rate environment remaining supportive of the first-home buyer," Graham said.

"A broad-based recovery is forecast from the second half of 2010 as conditions in the labour market stabilise and investors and buyers are attracted back into the market by low interest rates and high rental yields."

But despite the encouraging figures, the growth remains lower than the massive 24% rate in Sydney during 2002, and the 36% growth rate in Perth in 2006. Australian Property Monitors senior economist Matthew Bell says the growth of the market remains relatively low.

"Those numbers don't seem excessively high to me. While we have house prices growing, with figures to come at the end of the month, I think returning back to the +5% growth rates isn't a big leap given the supply and demand issues that we have."

"The longer we go with the numbers we have, I don't think anyone thinks the supply is meeting demand, and I'm hoping that changes so it puts less pressure on the prices... although everyone would love to have a high gain in value."

David Airey, president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, says he is astonished at the report's prediction of 11% growth in Perth by 2012, and that he is hesitant about taking the figures on board.

"These figures are highly optimistic. We are confident the property market is showing all the signs of a steady recovery towards normal growth, particularly in Sydney, but I'm reluctant to substantiate other people's figures."

"We rely on figures produced by real estate agents, and we look closely at those each quarter, you can't accurately predict beyond the current financial year, and certainly not beyond 2012. I'd be very cautious about putting highly optimistic figures out there... and certainly not double digits."

2009 housing-table

Pulse Alert - RBA Lifts interest rates

I am a subscriber to Gavin Chaus's Pulse Alerts.... which is awesome.... see www.pulseproperty.com.au

Interesting article from Gavin

Dear Subscribers,
Well the title of the article is clear enough - the RBA has lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points in the first move away from their emergency cash rate level of 3% despite inflation remaining at 1.5% - well under the RBA's target range of 2 to 3%. The rise has been prompted by a stronger than expected performance in the unemployment rates, stronger retail sales, rising consumer confidence levels and a rebound in the sharemarket** (which is up 50% from its lows). Additionally, the strong performance of the housing market has also prompted a move by the RBA to control what many fear may turn into a housing bubble. Australia well and truly remains the most robust of all developed economies.
This pre-emptive move has also been due to the stronger than expected performance of our trading partners in China, India and other Asian nations. While China's central bankers and policy makers haven't really responded any differently than anyone else in the world, (ie. they are spending like crazy!) the key difference is that they have cash... and LOTS of it. The benefits of this has indirectly flowed into our economy in the form of high commodities prices and export volumes. This is really the key difference that sets us apart from virtually all othe developed economis - small population, big land mass, strategic location near Asia and a heaps of valuable dirt.

Clearly Glenn Stevens thinks that we are well on our way to recovery.


This increase in rates stands in stark contrast to other developed economies. It is likely to increase demand for Australian dollars and attract foreign money flows into this country. We can expect the Aussie dollar to strengthen against the USD.

In part this will be due to USD weakness as the creditor nations of the world become increasingly nervous about their USD holdings, rather than the inherent stength of the AUD alone. If China chooses to maintain its US dollar peg, which is highly likely, this will present itself in the form of lower (officially recorded) inflation levels for us.
What else?
Well, the rates are still well in a stimulatory range. As we have mentioned before, rates are unlikely to shoot up very fast due to the highly leveraged nature of our household sector and for the most part, those who remain on variable rates should hold their nerve and avoid fixing for now. We can expect a cautious, wait and see approach by the RBA rather than any quick movements as the recovery for the global economy is likely far less certain than suggested by most mainstream commentators.

In the meantime, property prices are likely to continue ticking upwards across the board with excellent opportunities being presented in isolated markets which will show greater than average returns.


Kind regards,
Gavin Chau
Head of Research
** it is impossible to ignore the fact that the recent rebound inthe sharemarkets (globally) have effectively been a result of forced speculation due to the twin threat of inflation (monetary debasement) and low interest rates available in cash investments. While many stocks were deeply oversold and represented good buying last year, a rebound based purely on money flows rather than the weight of productive activity is unlikley to be durable... the so called suckers rally.

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RBA lifts rates
CHRIS ZAPPONE
October 6, 2009 - 2:52PM
The Reserve Bank has raised its key interest rate, making Australia the first developed nation to reverse the cycle of cuts triggered by the global financial crisis. Analysts say more increases are on the way.


Today's 25-basis-point rise pushes the central bank's cash rate to 3.25 per cent and will add $40 to the average monthly payment for a typical $300,000 mortgage if passed on by commercial banks. The extra cost may stretch household budgets at a time when unemployment remains on the way up.

''Economic conditions in Australia have been stronger than expected and measures of confidence have recovered,'' Glenn Stevens, governor of the RBA said in a statement accompanying the rate increase. ''[The] basis for such a low interest rate setting has now passed,'' he said.

''I think it's pretty clear that (the RBA is) increasingly comfortable that growth outlook appears durable,'' said RBC Capital Markets economist Su-Lin Ong.

''They talk about a return to close-to-trend growth in the year ahead so obviously Australia is proving resilient throughout all of this.''

The Australian dollar jumped on the rate news, adding more than three-quarters of a US cent to 88.45 US cents, nearing 14 month highs - before easing back slightly. Stocks, though, fell, trimming the day's gains.

Investors are rating the chance of another rate rise when the RBA board next meets at 40 per cent. In one year's time, rates will be up to 5.25 per cent - implying eight more quarter-point increases by then.

Rebounding economy

Today's rate hike - the first shift in either direction since April, when rates were reduced to 3 per cent, and the first increase since March 2008 - is the surest sign yet that the local economy is on the mend.

The RBA has been emboldened by strong retail sales, rising consumer confidence and a rebound on share markets worldwide, which are up 50 per cent in Australia alone since March.

''The global economy is resuming growth,'' Mr Stevens said. ''With economic policy settings likely to remain expansionary for some time, the recovery will likely continue during 2010 and forecasts are being revised higher.''

While the expansion is likely to be ''modest'' for many rich nations, ''[p]rospects for Australia's Asian trading partners appear to be noticeably better,'' Mr Stevens said. ''Growth in China has been very strong, which is having a significant impact on other economies in the region and on commodity markets.''

The central bank does not want the economy's overall health to be threatened by underlying inflation or unsustainable borrowing activity, which can be triggered by low rates.

''For the health of the Aussie economy and the sustainability of the recovery I hope they do a few more (rate rises) because inflation is still going to be a problem,'' said ICAP economist Adam Carr.

''Our economy is going to be running on all cylinders next year and that could be a problem.''

The RBA's Mr Stevens, though, said inflation is likely to be ''close to target,'' with the stronger Aussie dollar helping to ease some price pressures as imports become cheaper.

And the bank is worried about the effect of unchecked house prices rises, which analysts say received an unintended boost from the First Home Buyer's Grant.

Those financial incentives for home buyers, put into place a year ago at the height of the economic crisis, were cut from last week and will be cut again at the end of the year.

Despite the positive economic signs, the job market remains weak, with the unemployment rate, currently at 5.8 per cent, expected to have hit 6 per cent in September when new data is revealed on Thursday.

czappone@fairfax.com.au
BusinessDay


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If you wish to receive Pulse Alerts, email me or contact Steve Procter on 02 9262 3333.

A linked in Group in Action

This is a fantastic example how a linked in group work together both "on line" and "off line"

If you are a SOuth African living in Sydney, I recommend you join this proactive group. Well done Alan and Gary!!

in reference to: South African Business Network in Sydney Group | LinkedIn (view on Google Sidewiki)

getting assistance to export

The EMDG is a govt incentive.... BSI will help youmaximise this claim...http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=842104056&v=feed&story_fbid=158486608904#/video/video.php?v=214314930230

in reference to: EMDG - Export Market Development Grants - BSI (view on Google Sidewiki)

join the network - and get more business!~

join the network - and get more business!~

in reference to: http://www.bsi.com.au/ (view on Google Sidewiki)

SABC Language

Love this language!!

Robert Scoble, Michael Deutch, and Mind Mapping

Robert Scoble, Michael Deutch, and Mind Mapping

Posted using ShareThis

The Opportunity that took 22 years to develop

BFO Extract from Tom Mccarthy

3 keys to creating opportunities in your life? Although

1. Very rarely, will you generate your biggest opportunities on your own. My biggest opportunities have almost always come from referrals or introductions from other people who I have befriended or helped over the years.
2. Cultivate a big network of fascinating and successful people. Although I was very shy growing up, I have learned to love meeting people. I talk to people wherever I go. Not because I think that every person I meet is going to lead to some business opportunity, but because it’s fun! I have met presidents of countries, work with Fortune 50 CEO’s, famous athletes and entertainers, but I’ve also learned a lot from taxi drivers and hotel housekeepers. Be outgoing and friendly to everybody!
3. Stay in touch and add value to your network. Don’t look at your network as a vehicle for you to be more successful. No one wants to help someone who only thinks about themselves. You’ve got to get to know the people who are in your network better. Know what they are interested in, what their business is, what their family situation is. And then stay in touch and ad value. Help them get what they need. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but If you help enough other people get what they want then you will have more opportunities than you know what to do with.

The Economic Recovery Gains Strength

The Economic Recovery Gains Strength
the ralton review Aug 09

The Australian share market was up strongly in August, marking the 6th consecutive month of positive returns for investors.
The rise in the domestic market was driven by better than expected results during reporting season, and a continuous stream of positive economic data both domestically and internationally.
We do not expect to see any significant downturn in the market from here given the flow of positive economic data and a rapid improvement in debt markets. The world is steadily regaining its "pre-Lehman Brothers" feel.
Australia also saw the finalisation of plans to commence the $50bn development of the Gorgon LNG project - a single project stimulus package expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the Australian economy for many decades to come.
The Gorgon project heads a massive pipeline of projects currently being considered for Australia (particularly in the mining and energy sectors) which will hopefully be a major driver of the Australian economy in the future.
(CONTINUE READING)

Docklands on the move?

The following article is the latest newsletter from Maurice Dunlevy | September 10, 2009
Article from: The Australian

BILLIONAIRE property developer Lang Walker is dusting off plans for a Melbourne apartment tower that will form part of a new wave of residential development in the $5.5 billion Docklands.

The apartment building is earmarked for the Batman's Hill precinct, where Mr Walker's private Walker Corporation is in an $850 million joint venture with Malaysia's Kuok Group to build four commercial towers.

The Kuok Group originally intended to build four towers containing more than 1000 residential and serviced apartments, as well as offices and a five-star Shangri-La Hotel in a mixed-use development known as Village Docklands.

However, with only one apartment tower built when Mr Walker took the helm of the project in 2006 -- and some of Australia's largest companies then in the market for new office accommodation -- Village Docklands was dropped in favour of an all-commercial development in which four six-star Green Star office buildings were planned.

The rebadged 735 Collins Street project was shortlisted by ANZ and Commonwealth Bank for leased offices.

Newspaper publisher Herald and Weekly Times also shortlisted the complex, but none of the deals eventuated after ANZ decided to build its own Docklands riverfront building within the Lend Lease-controlled Victoria Harbour precinct.

The Commonwealth Bank stayed on at the Commonwealth Property Office Fund's 385 Bourke Street CBD office tower, as did HWT, which eventually signed again at the Dexus-controlled Southgate complex at Southbank.

For cashed-up Mr Walker, who received about $1bn from the 2006 sale of real estate assets to Mirvac Group, the proposed apartment tower will be one of several major developments undertaken by his Walker Corporation in Melbourne.

With its Kew Cottages residential development already well under way, Walker Corporation is almost certain to buy Amcor's Alphington Mill site in the city's inner-northeast for a masterplanned community.

Later this year Walker Corporation will also open the second stage of its $150m Point Cook Town Centre.

The group's Docklands tower is one of several planned for the once derelict waterfront area, amid state government forecasts that the precinct's population will almost treble in the next decade.

The population of almost 6500 is tipped to rise to 11,000 by 2015 and 17,000 by 2020.

About 3300 apartments have been built or are under construction since Andrew and Michael Buxton's MAB Corporation built the first Docklands tower at the NewQuay precinct in 1999.

MAB has since built another four towers, and last week unveiled plans for a $1bn residential project in NewQuay that involves about 1500 new homes.

Mirvac, which plans to launch its sixth residential tower next year, is already building low-rise riverfront homes on the southern side of the Yarra, while Lend Lease has plans for more residential towers at Victoria Harbour.

the strangest secret in the world

AWESOME VIDEO

why do only 5% achieve success!!

Success - = - "what you want to do"
what is the key:-

we become what we think about (buddha)(disraeli)(emerson)(william james) (george bernard shaw)

have goals - progressively realise to a worthy ideal.... plan... have a goal, have a destination

conformity is a disease - don't act as the 95%

Chinese buyers fuel top-end property boom

the AGe
MARIKA DOBBIN
September 19, 2009

NICK Johnstone is a man on a mission. Next week, the Brighton estate agent will fly to Shanghai with the aim of selling 30 of Melbourne's most expensive homes to Chinese buyers.

It will be the first time a Melbourne agency has attended the China International Luxury Property Show, but it is just one example of a phenomenon that has transformed Australia's residential market.

''Australia is the flavour of the month amongst the Chinese investors,'' Mr Johnstone, 41, said yesterday. ''They love property and there's plenty of money over there so they're good clients to have.''

While Chinese buyers have fuelled the top-end real estate revival, they are also courting controversy, with some local house hunters complaining they are being priced out by foreigners who have no intention of living in their new properties.

A few critics go further, arguing Chinese money is now putting upwards pressure on interest rates.

But you will not catch Mr Johnstone of J. P. Dixon complaining. He has made at least 40 per cent of sales this year to the Chinese. Other agents in the east and south-eastern suburbs have reported the same level of demand.

''We've had several buy properties sight unseen, just over the internet and phone.'' Mr Johnstone said. ''A lady from Shanghai, whose son goes to Wesley College, bought four houses in Brighton from us in two months, worth $20 million.

''They buy them to land bank, not to rent them out. The houses just sit vacant because they are after the capital growth.''

The floodgates opened on foreign investment in March when the Federal Government relaxed its rules on property ownership.

The changes made it easier for foreign companies and temporary residents, such as 12-month business visa holders, foreign students, and their parents, to invest.

Last month, Treasurer Wayne Swan announced a further relaxation of Australia's foreign investment screening to ''help boost Australia's growth''.

But the big spend-up is being fuelled by more than just Australian policy change.

Armadale entrepreneur Barry Jan, who runs property shopping tours from China to Australia, said the Communist Party had had an about-face on citizens investing their wealth overseas. ''People are investing now in case they can't get their money out later,'' he said.

Kew property adviser Monique Wakelin said many Chinese had come to see Australian property as a stable hedge against global economic tumult and the potential devaluation of the yuan.

''They are looking for avenues to protect at least part of their wealth, and A-grade Melbourne residential property fits the bill.'' The confluence of events has seen Chinese money inflating prices for top-end homes by at least 10 per cent in a matter of months, according to Boroondara agent James Connell from Marshall White.

''Chinese people have effectively kick-started our economy and underpinned all our housing values in inner Melbourne,'' he said.

Keen to cash in on the boom, Marshall White, J. P. Dixon and other big agencies such as Jellis Craig are hastily establishing connections with offshore accounts, lawyers and businessmen to funnel a stream of buyers into Melbourne.

Also in hot demand are Mandarin-speaking Melbourne real estate agents and property lawyers.

Meanwhile, Australia's largest developers - including Australand, Central Equity, Simonds, Becton - are setting up offices in China and Hong Kong to spruik off-the-plan developments.

And an industry of ''Australian property and migration'' exhibitions has burgeoned in the cities and mining towns, such as Taiyuan, attracting hundreds of people.

Yet all the evidence put forward about the property revolution is so far anecdotal because there is no measure being kept on the amount of investment by temporary residents in residential property.

The Government's March law change abolished mandatory reporting of such acquisitions in a bid to ''enhance flexibility in the market''.

What is certain is that in the past financial year before the change, foreign investment in Australian residential property increased by a third to $20.4 billion from the year before. Victoria attracted 21 per cent of that investment, according to the Foreign Investment Review Board's annual report released last month.

Australian Government support for export businesses

By Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)

Any first foray into exports can seem daunting. One must set about preparing an export business plan, developing a marketing strategy, organising logistics and securing finance. While government support can be a key to export success, navigating through the myriad of government programs can be a challenge on its own.

The Australian Government’s three key export agencies, AusIndustry, Austrade and Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) , offer valuable support, whether a business is new to the export game, building on early successes or an established global player.

AusIndustry, the Australian Government’s agency for supporting business innovation, can help on the export journey.

BSI assists companies identify which programmes are best for them and assists in maximising these grants.

If a company is in the early stages of growth, or a separate company has been set up to commercialise research, you could be eligible for financial assistance and business advice under AusIndustry’s Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program.

Another AusIndustry scheme, Tradex, can provide up-front exemption from customs duty and GST on eligible imported goods that are intended for export.

Austrade, the Australian Government’s trade and investment promotion agency, has programs designed to assist in developing the skills and knowledge to find and maximise export opportunities.

An Austrade Export Adviser can help determine the best way to obtain market research, link the company up with international partners, provide on-the-ground support when it is time to visit potential buyers and help develop a risk management plan.

Once an overseas market has been identified, an effective export marketing strategy is essential. Austrade can advise a business on how best to market its product or service internationally.

Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme encourages the growth of export markets by reimbursing up to 50% of expenses incurred on eligible export promotion or marketing activities above a threshold amount.

It’s also a good idea to talk to a bank at an early stage about the finance to support export plans. If the bank can’t provide all the necessary support, contact EFIC. As the Australian Government’s export credit agency, EFIC provides finance and insurance solutions to help Australian exporters overcome the financial barriers when growing their businesses overseas.

EFIC helps successful businesses to win, finance and protect export trade or overseas investments. Working directly with exporters or with their banks, EFIC provides loans, guarantees, bonds and insurance products which can be tailored to the needs of both large and small exporters.
16/09/2009 12:00 AM

for more information join the bsi network

New RandD Tax Credit Scheme

Friday 18 September 2009

Changes to the R&D Tax Credit scheme will come into effect in the 2010-11 income year. The scheme will replace the R&D Tax Concession with a tax credit system. Key changes include:

*
a 45 per cent refundable tax credit (the equivalent to a 150 per cent tax deduction) will be provided to small businesses with a turnover of less than $20 million per annum
*
a 40 per cent non-refundable tax credit (the equivalent of a 133 per cent tax deduction) will be provided to businesses with a turnover of $20 million or more per annum.

To find out more about the changes, visit the AusIndustry website. There are also business consultation sessions being held around Australia in the next few weeks. For more information and to register, visit the R&D Tax Credit Consultation page.


This information is brought to you by www.business.gov.au

call BSI on 02 92125505 to see how this may effect you

Property hotspots in Australia

* Reporter: David Richardson
* Broadcast Date: September 18, 2009

From the beaches to the restaurant strips, the property market is on the move again and if you're looking this weekend, there are gems to be found - if you know what you're looking for.

Matthew Liddell from Australian Property Magazine has crunched the numbers to come up with the property hotspots across the country.

"I think the biggest trends in terms of driving property hot spots are new transport, new infrastructure, high migration rates and factors like that," Liddell said.

"Once it's identified as a hotspot, it's great if you can get in before the experts call a hotspot, but there's still value there."

Bronte in Sydney's eastern suburbs is one of the country's most exclusive beach areas but it's been battered in the past year, with some properties dropping half a million dollars. Bronte leads Liddell's list of hot Sydney properties.

Liddell also recommends Haberfield in the inner west and Oatlands in the city's west.

"You're looking for infrastructure that's going in. You're looking urban gentification and you're looking employment nodes around the area."

And if you're looking to buy as an investment, Bronte again gets the nod.

Melbourne's hotspots are old favourites like Carlton in the inner city, a diners delight with it's famous restaurant strip. Kew in the city's east has also seen huge drops but is expected to recover well into next year.

Southbank is seen as the best investment area.

John Edwards from Residex advises to those searching for a property to spread their search.

"Our crystal ball tells us probably the most likely outcome is that Melbourne is going to perform better than all other places on the East coast," Edwards said.

"Those suburbs with a value around $350,000 to $500,000 are going to be the ones that do best over the next five years."
Queensland has ridden the crest of a property wave for years. But it's recovery from the recent falls is slower than the rest of the country, that points to hotspots.

Manly in Brisbane's east, right on the water, is already making up ground while Newstead in the inner city is also on the rise. But the heady property boom days may be over.

"In every city there are always the gems that we've been looking at but what we can say is you can't go to a place like Brisbane and say for certain that you are going to do very well. That's not likely to happen," Edwards said.

Just 7k's from the CBD, Carina is Brisbane's top investment suburb.

In Adelaide, a new tram line is pushing the property hotspots bringing suburbs closer to the city.

Peter Koulizos, known as the Property Professor, says Torrensville is a suburb to watch.

"Torrensville is only 3k's to the city in between the city and the sea. A lot of renovation happening in Torrensville that is of houses. So that's a good sign that people are willing to spend their money to upgrade their homes," Koulizos said.

Littlehampton in the Adelaide Hills is ear-marked as the best investment buy.

"I think it is a fantastic time to buy, not a good time to sell but a great time to buy. With interest rates so low. Vendors very willing to negotiate and discuss. I think it's a great time," Koulizos adds.

Koulizos warns not everyone will be able to get into the market this time around because banks are still nervous.

"If you have secure job or you and your partner have a secure job then you're laughing. If you've only moved into a new job recently or your job's not looking so good then you might struggle to get the loan."

There are other factors which will also influence real estate over the next few months. The future of the first home buyers grant is uncertain, interest rates expected to rise again before the end of the year, and the stimulus package and new construction across the country will also influence prices.

"If you do see that government funding and infrastructure is pouring into a suburb then you've got potential for something that is going to prosper in the future," Liddell said.

Australian Real Estate Hotspots Identified

Sydney, NSW (PRWEB) -- St.George Bank today released its commissioned National Hotspots property report, which identifies the suburbs that currently represent the best value real estate in Australia. The report has identified 24 property locations nationally that are likely to provide the strongest value for home buyers. Across the country, these suburbs have been chosen based on their location attributes, the value of housing in the area, the level of amenities in the suburb and the demographic mix. The locations identified should perform well and will suit both buyers looking to live in the home and investors seeking capital growth over the medium to long term.

The property hotspots chosen on a region-by-region basis are:

Sydney: Granville, Rockdale, Lidcombe, Riverwood, Waterloo

Brisbane: Keperra, Margate, Cannon Hill, Fairfield, Kedron

Melbourne: Chadstone, Ashburton, Brunswick, Flemington, Fawkner

Hobart: North Hobart

Canberra: Dickson

Perth: Bassendean, Thornlie

Adelaide: Thebarton, Glanville

Darwin: Rapid Creek

Regional Australia: Gulliver, Redan

The particular standout suburbs identified are: Granville (Sydney); Chadstone (Melbourne); Keperra (Brisbane); Bassendean (Perth); and Thebarton (Adelaide).

Background

The global credit crisis is showing signs of thawing and Australia's economic prospects are improving. But economic conditions are still relatively fragile and so many people remain uncertain about where to invest their money. As a useful guide for its customers, St.George Bank commissioned rpdata.com, Australia's largest property analysis business, to undertake in-depth research to assess investment opportunities for both homeowners and property investors. To receive a free copy of the full research report register online at St.George.com.au (http://www.stgeorge.com.au/promos/yourhome/home-loan-information.html).

Commentary on the hotspots

Besa Deda, St.George Bank's Chief Economist said the Australian property market has proved resilient compared with the share market during the economic slowdown and over the last ten years. "The share market dropped by 54 percent from its peak in late 2007 to its trough in March 2009 while dwelling values recorded a decline of just fewer than 4.0 percent from their February 2008 peak to the bottom of the market in December 2008. Since December 2008, Australian median dwelling values have rebounded and, as at the end of June, they sit at their highest ever level of $471,818. The share market has also recovered from its trough but remains more than 30 percent off its peak."

Commenting on the results Ms Deda said: "Over the 12 months to June, all mainland Australian capital city median dwelling values have risen. While Adelaide has recorded the smallest growth at just 0.6 percent, Darwin values have jumped 7.0 percent. Other capital cities have also seen median house prices (http://www.stgeorge.com.au/promos/yourhome/home-loan-information.html) increase: Melbourne (6.5 percent); Sydney (5.9 percent); Perth (1.9 percent); and Brisbane (1.4 percent)," she said.

"According to the National Hotspots research, there has also been a substantial improvement in rental yields. Currently, national gross rental yields are at 4.4 percent for houses and 5.3 percent for units. Across mainland capital cities, the strongest rental yields for houses and units are found in Darwin, sitting at 6.4 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively. The lowest rental yields are found in Melbourne, recorded at 4.2 percent for houses and 4.8 percent for units.

"The Australian property market (http://www.stgeorge.com.au/promos/yourhome/home-loan-information.html) is certainly not homogeneous and across capital cities individual performances have shown significant variations. In each city there are areas that have been overlooked by property buyers, despite positive factors that actually make these locations attractive spots for home owner-occupiers or investors," Ms Deda said.

The 24 hotspot suburbs identified include an interesting mix of older demographic areas where the majority of dwellings are owner-occupied but have great potential for renovation, and younger demographic areas where the dwellings are dominated by apartments and offer good value for money.

In addition, just about all the hotspots are in close proximity to retail amenities and restaurants, are well serviced by public transport and, most importantly, are all discounted or underperforming for their current location when compared with nearby suburbs. As a result, they are expected to perform well.

"Savvy home buyers and investors should look outside the square and consider the areas which have not attracted the same level of attention as traditional blue-ribbon locations. For example, some of the suburbs identified in the National Hotspot research include light industrial areas which are expected to eventually transform into residential areas with amenities," Ms Deda said.

Factors underpinning potential growth in residential housing markets

Low mortgage rates, the boost to the first-home-buyers' grant, improved housing affordability, rising rental yields and relatively low vacancy rates have helped underpin a recovery in lending and sales for housing. Demographic factors are also underpinning the prospects for residential housing.

Population Growth

"There are important demographic fundamentals that shed a favourable light on the prospects for residential housing lending and prices over the medium to long term. Population growth nationally is running at its fastest pace in 40 years at a time when there is a national shortage of housing," said Ms Deda.

In raw terms, the population in Australia grew by 406,000 persons in the year to December 2008. Although overseas migration has been cut over this financial year, it remains above historic levels and may well be supplemented by the poor economic conditions abroad resulting in fewer people leaving Australia for foreign shores. The level of natural population increase has also climbed in recent times.

Fundamentally, an increasing population fuels demand for housing. Population growth has been running at this robust pace at a time when residential construction has been weak. The current undersupply of housing throughout Australia is estimated to sit anywhere between 20,000 and 80,000 per year. With fewer dwellings being built, the supply shortage continues to be exacerbated and is anticipated to increase over the next few years as the population grows further and the required amount of dwelling commencements needed to fill this shortage goes unfulfilled.

This imbalance between demand and supply has placed a floor under dwelling values and is likely to place upward pressure on dwelling prices over the medium to long term.

Overall, national demographics then are encouraging and favourable for a housing upswing in the medium term, particularly when combined with the current low interest rate environment.

Consumer Sentiment

Over the long term, consumer confidence levels have influenced housing sales volumes. This influence is not surprising given that the cost of the commitment to purchase property takes a level of confidence in the market. The Melbourne Institute-Westpac measure of consumer sentiment has risen in the last four consecutive months. It now sits well above the 100-point level that shows there are more consumers optimistic than pessimistic about the economic outlook.

Home Lending Up

Life was breathed into residential lending by significant cuts to interest rates and the government's first home buyers' boost. Housing finance commitments have witnessed a strong recovery, mainly in the owner-occupier segment. "The number of loans extended to owner occupiers has risen in nine of the last ten months and stood 25.7 percent higher than a year ago in July. The value of all loans retreated in June and July, but it follows six consecutive months of increases and annual growth remains buoyant at 24.3 percent," said Ms Deda.

The recovery was initially driven by first home buyers (http://www.stgeorge.com.au/promos/yourhome/home-loan-information.html) and by households taking out a loan as an owner-occupier. But in recent months, upgrader demand has lifted. However, the value of loans for investment housing appears to be retreating again after recovering earlier in the year.

Unemployment

Rising unemployment is one of the risks to the housing market recovery. So far the unemployment rate has not climbed to the levels feared earlier this year and last year. Indeed, since the global credit crisis began, there has been net job creation in Australia.

"Greater labour market flexibility has meant employers have responded to softer economic conditions by reducing the hours worked by staff wherever possible rather than making lay offs. Further, in comparison to previous downturns, there are more dual income households and many home owners have enjoyed a build up in property values in their homes in recent years," Ms Deda concluded.

While such material is published with permission from rpdata.com, St.George Bank Limited accepts no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. We recommend you seek independent advice before making a decision based on this information.

###

New R&D Tax Credit

Consulting with stakeholders

Today the Rudd Government will begin consultation with key stakeholders on the detailed design features of the new R&D Tax Credit.

Releasing the Research and Development Tax Incentive Consultation Paper, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Innovation Minister Kim Carr urged business and other stakeholders to make their voices heard on reforms to the scheme.

Mr Swan said: “The new R&D Tax Credit is the biggest reform to business innovation support for more than a decade. It will boost investment, support jobs and strengthen Australian companies so they can take full advantage of new opportunities as the economy recovers.

“From 1 July 2010, the Government will replace the complex and outdated R&D Tax Concession with a simplified R&D Tax Credit which cuts red tape and provides a better incentive for all businesses to invest in research and innovation,” he said.

Senator Carr said: “Under the new incentive system, eligibility criteria will be tightened to ensure the best return for the taxpayers’ investment.

“All businesses stand to benefit, in different ways, from the reformed scheme.

“The aim of the new Tax Credit is to provide more predictable, less complex support to business.

“The consultation paper works from the basic principle that the reformed scheme will provide more generous support for R&D to help build a more innovative economy.

“The paper also poses a range of questions to business about how the Government could approach certain aspects of the scheme’s design.

“The consultation paper delivers on the Government’s promise to involve business and other stakeholders in the development of the eligibility criteria for the new credit,” he said.

Stakeholders will have another opportunity to comment on draft legislation later this year.

Submissions are requested by Monday, 26 October 2009.

The consultation paper and further information about making a submission can be found on the Treasury website www.treasury.gov.au. Public forums will also be held during September and October 2009. Further details are available on the AusIndustry website www.ausindustry.gov.au.

Cromwell Group

An Interesting COmpany for strong returns


Cromwell Group

Agents upbeat about residential market

Agents upbeat about residential market
Thursday, 17 September 2009
real estate business

Real estate agents are upbeat about the outlook for the residential sector, the Australian Property Institute’s (API) latest survey has found.

According to the Australian Property Direction Survey, sentiment for the sector was up on the previous survey, conducted six months earlier, which reported a dramatic fall in sentiment.

The survey found that residential property was on the road to recovery and any upswing would continue to be felt well into 2011.

“Sydney and Melbourne are already seen as being on the upswing and will be joined by Brisbane in 2010,” API NSW president Richard Hecek said.

While the nation’s residential property market has remained resilient through the worst part of the downturn, thanks to low interest rates and government assistance, 70 per cent of the survey’s respondents said they expect the sub $500,000 category to suffer once the first home owners grant ends.

Moreover, the survey respondents felt as though any downturn in the sub $500,000 property sector would have an impact on the broader economy.

Good time to invest in Property?

Ozzie John gives his views of what to look for in residential property investing


Opportunities for buyers


Is it really a good time to buy?

do your homework, take into account future rate rises, take advice

Five tips for business networking at breakfast

Fantastic advice by Kim Mcguinness

You have invested time and money to attend a breakfast function. It makes sense to leverage that investment by business networking. Here are five tips to help you make the most of the opportunity.

1. Be enthusiastic
Call the organiser in advance and offer your services on the day. Maybe you could help with the registration desk, handing out flyers or setting up for the event. Whatever you do, the organiser will be extremely grateful and will remember you. Don’t forget that the organiser is the key contact within the network. Further, you will have the opportunity to meet others involved with the event and also be the first guest to arrive!

If you can’t help at the event then make sure you arrive early and awake. If that requires a couple of coffees and a run around the block before you arrive then do it. Don’t bother attending the event if you are unhappy about being there at an early hour! If you are alert, awake and excited about the event and the company around you then you will genuinely have a good time, will attract great people and your business networking will be effective. Who would you rather meet – a bright, happy and inspiring person with a smile on their face or a gloomy, dreary person propping up the furniture?

2. Be real
Everyone knows the avid “networker” who rushes from person to person at an event blindly shoving cards into the hands of terrified guests. They have hardly had the time to utter “Hi, my name is Joe, here is my card” before they are on to the next victim! A true master networker is interested in the person they meet, not what the person can do for them or buy from them. It is only when you understand the person you are speaking to and where they fit in their world that the business networking opportunities between the two of you manifest.

It is much better to make two or three quality contacts than collect twenty business cards and follow up later. For starters, the “cards” you follow up with will be too busy to give you the time of day, won’t remember who you are and will throw anything you send them straight in the bin. On the other hand if you are genuinely interested in meeting the person you are speaking to, and interested in hearing what they have to say then the relationship stands a much greater chance.

A note of warning here – genuine interest is never contrived. If you really don’t like meeting people you have two choices – either don’t network or start training yourself by trying to see something positive in every person. Truly listen to people and their stories, you will be amazed how interesting they can be when given the chance to shine!

3. Maximise your business networking opportunities
Where are the business networking opportunities at the event you are attending? Most breakfast events have different “stages” where it is appropriate to move on and meet some different people. For each stage you can spend a good 20 minutes or so getting to know someone and have time to arrange a future coffee and then politely move on to the next stage. For example, pre-event coffee in the foyer where you can speak to various guests or seated at the breakfast table where you can meet an entire table of inspiring new people.

Listen, listen and then listen some more! Treat everyone you meet with respect and integrity. Listen to the conversation and focus completely on that person. You may think that the person you are speaking with is not appropriate for your business and cannot give you anything, but who knows who that person will meet in the coming months, or who they are married to, related to, or work with? Every contact is valuable and should be treated as such. At the very least you may unearth a great person who is wonderful company!

4. Follow up
All too often we go to a business networking event, meet great people, collect lots of cards and store them neatly in a drawer to gather dust. Organise your existing and new contacts and get in touch with the people you meet who you genuinely like and who inspire you. Don’t bother trying to create a fake friendship with someone who rubs you up the wrong way – it really does no-one any favours. Invite your contact to coffee to discuss how you can help each other or invite them to another business networking event.

5. Keep track via a system
Unless you have a failsafe memory, it is beneficial to have a system for keeping track of where and when you met people as well as a record of conversations and follow up between you. There are many database software programs available which allow you to track all relevant information and comments – try Act!, Access or Filemaker Pro. You can track where you met each person and use this information to look up your contacts and refresh your memory before you go to the next business networking event. If you have been especially diligent about recording details in a comments field, you can make a powerful impression by picking up on conversations where you left off! An organised database is also invaluable when referring your contacts to each other – which everyone appreciates.

Business networking is essential for personal growth, business contacts and referrals – not to mention sanity in an increasingly busy world. Treat business networking as an essential part of your business strategy and not just something you do on the side, if you have time. Choose a couple of networks and, for the greatest benefit, get involved as much as you can. Attend events with a positive attitude and keep an open mind about everyone you meet. Finally, follow your instincts and if someone doesn’t feel right just move on without needing to discuss your reasons with anyone else. Remember, what goes around comes around.

Good luck and happy networking!

Kim McGuinness is founder of Network Central and the Businesswomen’s Breakfast Series. She is also co-author of Network or Perish. Network Central provides networking and support for businesspeople in most areas of their busy lives.

Has property reached a bottom

great article by Karen Anderson

Interest rates are currently at a 49 year low and real estate agents are reporting higher and higher levels of enquiry. Buying activity has also been reported to be on the increase so the question to be asked is, “Is this the right time to be re-entering the property market?”

Well, with First Home Buyer activity starting to slow due to the government’s additional First Home Owner Grant about to expire, I think now is the time for investors to re-enter the market. Yes, we will need to be cautious as there is still some economic uncertainty but the worst is definitely behind us, as can be seen in the renewed strengths of the global and local share markets.

NSW has seen one of the longest property price stagnations in history so there are definitely some bargains to be had, although investing in property is a long term strategy. In South East Queensland, the strong population growth will eventually give rise to a shortage of supply as available properties are snapped up. As we know, anywhere where there is a shortage of supply and excess of demand, prices must rise.

Yes, there is currently an oversupply of rentals but if you are looking at the long term and current property trends, it is quite likely that this oversupply will be filled very quickly. So now could be the time to snap some great bargains with the mindset of investing for the future.

My belief is that there has never been a better time to invest in property – the four factors of the strengthening economy, massive government infrastructure spending, record low interest rates and improving market confidence I believe will form a perfect storm and we will see property prices start to rise once again. I am looking forward to scouting some great bargains right now and you might want to consider the same. Remember, as always, when investing in property, make sure you get some good advice and buy the right property for you – the one that makes sense for your current financial position and your long term goals.

Can I borrow $5?

A woman came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find her
5-year old son waiting for her at the door.

SON: 'Mummy, may I ask you a question?'
MUM: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the woman.
SON: 'Mummy, how much do you make an hour?'
MUM: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the woman said angrily.
SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'
MUM: 'If you must know, I make $20 an hour.'
SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: "Mummy, may I please borrow $5?"
The mother was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.'
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door..
The woman sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the woman had calmed down , and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $5 and he really didn't ask for money very often.The woman went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
'Are you asleep, son?' She asked.
'No Mummy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.
'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the woman. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $5 you asked for.'
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you Mummy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.
The woman saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.
The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his mother.
'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the mother grumbled.
'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.
'Mummy, I have $20 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow.

I would like to have dinner with you.'
The mother was crushed. She put his arms around her little son, and she begged for his forgiveness.
It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those
who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $20 worth of your time with someone you love.
If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

Equity Markets following the Cycle of Market Emotions

There has been the long awaited “bounce” after the 2 year lag As at the end of August, the Australian S&P/ASX300 Accumulation Index has bounced over 40% since the March 2009 low of Despondency and Depression (The bottom of the Cycle).

At the low, valuations were attractive to allow the savvy investors to take advantage of the carnage.

As the rally progresses, we seem to be in the “Cycle of Hope” . It is these “late” joiners, rather than cheap valuations, that will keep the rally going.

So, does this mean that it is too late to join the party?

History shows that after the lift-off phase (from Depression to Hope to Relief , good returns can still be had – we need to go through the Cycle of “Optimism” “Excitement” “Thrill” and “Euphoria”

Assuming it takes four years to reach our previous high from current levels, Australian shares could return around 15% to 16% pa. However, if it takes six years to reach previous highs from current levels, returns are more likely to be around 7.5% to 8.5% pa – still good returns!!

Smile!!

Love this interview!!

'smile' from Nic Askew on Vimeo.

Ivan Kaye interviews Michael Lynch from BSI People

Michael Lynch talks about BSI People and how they have faired in the GFC.

Ivan Kaye interviews serial entrepreneur Dilip Khakhar of Adlogic

I met Dilip 20 years ago, when we assisted a startup tech company called Quickcut Pre Press Network

Quickcut was sold to Sensis and other investors for ++++$$$$ at the right time....
Dilip and part of the original Quickcut team invested in a hitecjh startup called Martian Logic, whose core product Adlogic has market share in the distribution of ads for the recruitment industry.

Ivan Kaye interviews influential tech journo Brad Howarth

Brad is an independent highly respected high tech Jounalist, who writes for all main publications.

Brad speaks to Ivan about what his work entails.

Ivan Kaye interviews Jamie Close - Wholistic health and Well Being

Jamies business and philosophy complement that of Ark - Ark looks at providing a holistic solution to a persons financial needs... taking them beyond wealth.... Jamie takes a look at a persons whole well being, incorporating body, mind and soul

Ivan Kaye talks to Colin Segal of Kep Properties

Colin and his team provides a one stop shop for residential property investors.

Ivan Kaye talks to Russell Isaacson of DGM

Russell tells us how we can increase hits on our website with search engine optimisation and affiliate marketing... (cross selling on the internet)

Interview With Scott Ennis - Switched on Media

Scott - ex Yahoo and Proctor and Gamble tells us how he can help us get more hits on our website using Search Engine Optimisastion.

Analysis of The All Ords and the Dow Jones

Analysis of the All Ords

I received an economic report with some interesting graphs today... and was playing around with trends and where we are in the cycle...

Below are some of my observations. I would be interested to hear your views.


The All Ords are up by 37 per cent since its low on the 6th of March. But it is still 33% less than the peak in 2008 of 6,500.




Is the following a reasonable projection?

From 1990 – 2000, the Index has gone from 1 – 3
From 2000 – 2010, Is it reasonable to project the Index going from 3-5 (trading currently at 4. Is there potentially a further 20% growth in the next 18 months?)
From 2010 – 2020, Is it reasonable to project the Index going from 5 – 7?

Have the fundamentals changed so much?

Do the BRIC Countries still need to develop infrastructure at a rapid rate, and have they got the MAD (Motivation, Authority and Desire) to do so?

It is my view that it is still a good time to invest in the markets.

I have no doubts that there will be fluctuations during the next 10 years, however, I believe the fundamentals of the the Australian Economy is strong. The Financial System and Infrastructure is robust, It is politically stable, the government is committed to continue to invest in Infrastructure and Innovation, and all political parties are open for business.

Analysis of the Dow Jones






• From 1980 - 1990 the Dow Jones went from an index of 1-3
• From 1990 – 2000 the Dow Jones went from an index of 3-11 (should it have gone from 3-5? Was there an accident waiting to happen?)
• From 2000 – 2010 the Dow Jones went from an index of 11-7-14-7(should it have gone from where it should have been (at 5) -7 – which is where it was in 2008.)
• From 2010 – 2020 should the Dow Jones go from 7-9? It is currently at 9….

Is the USA economy goinig to stay flat for the next 10 years? What are the factors that will enable the Dow Jones go from 9 – 14 in the next 10 years?

Interesting!!


The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to be nor should it be considered as professional advice. You should not act on the basis of anything contained in this publication without first obtaining specific professional advice. To the extent permitted by law, Ivan Kaye, Ark Total Wealth Pty Ltd; its related bodies corporate, employees and contractors accepts no liability or responsibility to any persons for any loss which may be incurred or suffered as a result of acting on or refraining from acting as a result of anything contained in this publication.

The top 10 Issues amongst Business Owners and CEO's in July 09

Message from Chris Barton - CEO Institute

Date: 8/05/2009

Subject: The top 10 Issues amongst Business Owners and CEO's in July 09, reg Chris

The CEO Institute recently produced our report on The top 10 Issues discussed amongst the member base in July 09

I thought you might find value in the information


1. Facing leadership challenges

* Changing your leadership style in difficult times
* Challenges of leadership communication in smaller businesses
* Leading teams - how managing culture impacts on leadership,
recruitment, the induction process (both formal and informal), method of
dealing with exits. An open dialogue leads to trust and respect
* Power-hungry managers can be very disruptive and upset other
executives. Their positives and negatives should be carefully assessed to
ascertain their overall worth to the organisation
* Value of management development plans
* What is the psyche of successful CEOs?


2. To grow or not to grow

* Moving your business from small, with numerous customers, to the top
end of town. What does it cost? Can it be done?
* Most businesses looking to consolidate, rather than grow
substantially in the year ahead
* Markets in general not growing - any growth that is happening, is
via increased market share
* Beefing-up systems and procedures to cope with rapid growth
* Eliminating waste and non-value-adding activities from systems and
processes
* Growth versus sustainability - the environment is still a priority
* Is business growth essential - and why? How to grow your business
and manage complexity
* KPIs for growth objectives - organic growth, new business, increased
revenue per sales
* How to prepare submissions for Governement grants - should you hire
expert submission writers or use your own resources?
* Adjusting growth expectations to reduce stress


3. Increased sales and marketing efforts

* Increased focus on business development and marketing
* Mixed view on the value of offline directories as a form of
advertising. More benefit seen in online versions
* The need to have a strong brand in this market
* Use of third party sales representatives to service capital cities -
does it work?
* The cost of unsuccessful tendering can be significant in the current
competitive environment. Targeting potentially successful tenders is
essential to avoid the waste of time and expense
* Marketing and sales effort in the current economic conditions is
paramount - as is good communication - to retain existing customers
* Pros and cons of using purchasing agents to represent you



4. Staff recruitment and boosting performance

* Trying to find good / the right people - there's not a lot of
quality on the market
* Trends in outsourcing have shifted
* Managing the knowledge in your business
* The implications of the new IR environment on wage costs and
employment
* Recruitment and performance management best practice - reference
checking, psychometric testing strongly advised, induction to include
time-frame before appointing to permanency
* Staff morale high - psychometric testing has been crucial
* Dealing with negative staff who 'bad mouth' the company
* Training staff to improve co-operation and effectiveness
* Assisting redundant staff secure employment elsewhere



5. Controlling debtors and cash flow management

* Restraint of trade - what are the boundaries and what power do
suppliers have in respect to the rights of the business?
* Frustration at debtors extending terms of trade without consultation
* Businesses going well are taking the opportunity to reduce debt
* Dealing with large debtors can be difficult - prompt decisive action
to collect debts is usually the best strategy
* Debt collection problems in smaller customers - don't push into
bankruptcy, as you may be worse off, limit the amount spent on lawyers, try
to get payment on drip-feed


6. Boards and shareholders

* Delegation issues from Board to CEO
* The importance of trust between CEO and key stakeholders
* Establishing Board sub-committees - what roles would they cover and
should their membership be broadedned to include non-directors?
* Issues when dis-engaging a shareholder
* Dealing with clashes between CEO and a major shareholder
* Issues arising when Board and management expectations aren't aligned


7. Business structure and performance

* Finding new ways to rescue a previously successful business that is
now struggling
* The value of business coaches - what can they bring? What is the
cost?
* The need to have an organisational structure that supports the
business and its performance going forward
* Aligning departmental balanced scorecards with those of the
organisation


8. Salaries

* Reduced working hours, wage freezes or minimal increases
* Package reductions and realigning salaries - getting rid of
employees and re-employing others at greatly reduced salaries
* Salary reviews - range from pay cuts, frozen, 3-5% depending on
merit, promotions kept separate, some cash bonuses



9. Technology

* Use of electronic tools - relevance to business / personal use
* IT security - data backup, disaster recovery plans, physical
security, communications
* Website redevelopment - importance of getting the structure right
before focusing on content
* Developing an online shop - ideas and experience



10. Succession planning

* Introspection and self-awareness are important first steps in
developing and implementing a succession plan
* Taking your business back after putting it in other hands

Digishow - "a life changing product?"

Every so often a "simple product" is developed that has life changing effects
the wheel
the toilet
the radio
the tv
the car
the computer
the mobile
the ipod
and now............ digishow
Digishow was developed by an Australian based company, Digislide, that we had the opportunity to invest in.
Eventually every mobile device and computer will have a digislide projector embedded into it.

Apparently Digislide is listing soon. see www.digislide.com.au

Would be interested to hear your views

Interview with Alex Lee of Ark Total Wealth

Ivan Kaye interviewing top financial planner, Alex Lee of Ark Total Wealth

Interview with Rob Judd of BSI Innovations on R&D

Ivan Kaye interviews R&D Tax COncession specialist Rob Judd from BSI Innovations on the R&D Tax Concession and R&D Tax Offsets. for more information see BSI R&D

Ivan Kaye interviewing Harvey Gartrell on EMDG

Ivan Kaye interviewing EMDG Expert Harvey Gartrell on Export Incentives.
For more information see www.bsi.com.au

Ark Facebook Site

Attached are details of Ark Groups Event Site

Ark Group on Facebook

Clay Shirky: How social media can make history

A major change in communication in the 21st century!! Media is global,social ubiquitous and cheap... the public are full participants communicating to each other.

Wired in a connected world - Gordon Brown

What the UK is doing for the Digital World

Australia - take note!!

A 3 step process to Improving your Well Being

The year to 30 June 2009 has effected many peoples lives. Stocks have crashed, there has been a GFC (Global Financial Crisis) and people have a sense of caution and nervousness.

In my view, the next 12 months to 30 June 2010 has the opportunity for people to improve their welll being in ways that they did not think possible.

How does one start with the road to self improvement?


The following is a 3 step plan to get positive changes in your life happening:-

Step 1

Decide on the three most important things in your life. List them quickly without too much thought, because often your first reaction will be what’s really important. The list are examples that come to mind:-
• Spend more time with your family
• Financial independence
• Health and fitness
• Purposeful work and activity
• Self improvement
• Spiritual growth
• Social connections/expanding and communicating to your network
• Contribution to society

Step 2

Write down a series of actions that you will do to improve in these areas and tell people around you what you plan to do. Put this on your blog/facebook/twitter…. I told everyone that I was going to get fit on my twitter and facebook…. Got heaps of encouragement… I am now on a mission!! This reinforces your commitment and gets your friends and family to help you reach your goal

Step 3

Get a friend/couch/mentor/spouse/financial planner to check your progress. Look over your action list regularly and note any changes — even small ones (they may still be very powerful). For example,
• if you chose ‘Spending more time with your Family’ as an important area you wanted to change, organize a walk along the Northern Beaches on a Sunday.
• If you chose financial independence – read relevant books/articles on financial wealth – find a financial planner that can relate to your financial situation/goals and objectives.
• If you choose health and fitness.. make a commitment to spend an hour 3 times a week, walking/running/gyming/cycling or do what you enjoy doing.

Start now!!
If procrastination is your enemy, make a decision to overcome it and do something different RIGHT NOW. The biggest Disease is FTI – Failure to Implement!!

One small step could mean a massive lleap towards improving the most important aspects of your life.

Leverage in Action!!

Focus Beats Brilliance...

Focus Beats Brilliance - great article by Keith Luscher - found on Linked In

Brilliance, talent, ability, skill...call it whatever you like. It’s important, but brilliance alone will not create ongoing growth or success.

A famous coach once said, “If I have to choose between the player who is high on skill, but low on discipline, and the player who is low on skill, but high on discipline, I will take the latter, because I can make him a star.”

Indeed, most successful people will be the first to admit that they are not brilliant, but they are focused, and that focus helps them maintain discipline. (In fact, they often surround themselves with brilliant people to make up the difference!) This is what is meant by the expression, “Focus Beats Brilliance.”

In his classic book, Selling the Invisible, author Harry Beckwith gives several examples—including Sears Roebuck and Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign —of how focus makes the difference. “In everything from campaigns for peanuts to campaigns for presidents,” Beckwith says, “focus wins.”

Author, speaker, and sales guru Jim McCarty tells the story of a furniture store chain that closed their Houston locations. Despite their competitive prices and monthly sales events, business was poor. Consequently, up went the Going Out of Business signs. Windows were soaped with promises of great savings and young people were hired to flag down passing cars at each location and beckon folks to come in and buy.

Thousands of dollars were spent as newspaper, radio and TV ads promoted the big event. People packed the stores! Fascinated, Jim stopped and inquired one of the flaggers, “How is business going?”

She responded, “Great, now that we are finally asking people to buy!”

“So, focus on what?” You may ask.

Focus on one message. Focus on activity that fuels business and not busy-ness (In our office that’s called “gettin’ ready to get ready.” Been there, done that!). Focus on doing one thing that creates definite value for your customers and prospects—one thing that you do better than anyone else.

Rhonda Crowe of Quest For Best Coaching & Consulting, pegs the value of focus this way. She’s a business coach who specializes in preparing nurses for growing responsibilities in health care administration and management. She doesn’t teach sales, nor does she venture outside her industry of expertise. “I’m an RN; I have worked in health care throughout my career. That’s my focus. I look at it this way: by narrowing my focus, I am actually casting a wider net.”

Touché. By focusing her expertise on knowing what she can do and for whom she can do it, by default Rhonda focuses her message as well. This enables her to focus her activity on networking with people who can help connect her with others who specifically need her services.

Don’t let the strained economy cause you to try to be all things to all people. Focus on doing what you do best, and make room for others to do what they do best. Get your focused message down (keep it pithy) and stick to it.

And remember: Focus beats brilliance....every time!

How to effectively market using Linked IN

This is some sage advice by Nate from Linked In

The 7 Steps to Generating Real, Targeted, and Profitable Business from LinkedIn
Posted on 02. Jul, 2009 by nate in How-tos

Creating a system and plan of action is the most important thing someone can do on LInkedIn to drive business.

If you don’t, you will spend all your time answering questions that are irrelevant to your end goals.

In order, the following 7 steps will drive you the most business on LInkedIn:

Know your objectives
Identify your Target Market/Titles/Companies/etc
Create interesting and compelling content this market would enjoy
Create a group around that content
Invite this market to your group (create thought leadership for yourself)
Integrate discussions and answers in other groups back to your group
Set up an offline capture system that allows you to communicate with this market more effectively
These steps are from many success stories we have created for ourselves and for clients.

Remember, being social is about building relationships. You can’t do this with a “What’s in it for Me” mentality, true relationships begin with giving; this is the starting point of creating real success on LinkedIn or any social media program.

I wish you well on your LInkedIn journey.

Best,

Nate