The Ark Informer - November 2010 An Economic Update

In this Ark Informer "Where to Now?", we give an update on interest rates, an international snapshot, the rising australian dollar, inflation and our view of where the market is heading. For those of you who haven't downloaded the ebook "investing in equities", please feel free to do so. There is also an excellent whitepaper written by Russell Investments and the ASX analysing asset classes over the past 10 and 20 years. We are holding a Webinar next week on Property and Self Managed Super Funds to register, please click here If you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us. With Kind Regards Ivan Kaye www.arktotalwealth.com.au Join Me on LinkedIn http://au.linkedin.com/in/ivankayebsi Tel +612 92623333 Mobile +61413339888

The Ark Informer - November 2010 An Economic Update

The United States, Europe and Japan are struggling to support a sustained recovery, Emerging Asian economies are motoring along, supported by domestic demand. The Australian economy seems to be riding the Asian wave! Interest Rates In Australia, as we all know, the RBA were sneaky on announcing an increase to the official cash rate from 4.5% to 4.75% on Melbourne Cup day, thinking that we would not notice. We wait to see how the lenders respond. We have already seen the Commonwealth Bank increase rates by 0.45%, almost double the RBA increase. We expect lenders to start to announce their positions in the next few days. With interest rates at less than 1% in USA and Europe – governments are doing all in their power to stimulate the economy. Australia – Interest rates are 4.75% and forecast to rise (see graph below). The Australian Dollar strengthening as high interest rates are attracting overseas money. International Snapshots USA Interest rates are .25%, and the only tool left in the Federal Reserves belt is to stimulate the economy is to print more money. No matter how low interest rates are this will not help families with negative equity and no jobs The outlook for the US economy remains bleak, and deflation concerns are still present. However, financial market performance will be effected by any further decisions surrounding more quantitative easing in the near future But – one should invest in times of despondency! See the Emotional Investment - Rollercoaster http://arktotalwealth.com.au/news1.aspx EUROPE Interest rates remain at all time lows of 1% in Europe and 0.5% in the UK The share market remains volatile in response to mixed recovery signals Germany and France experiencing a relatively strong resurgence, while other nations suffer from persistently high unemployment ASIA China is a major driver of this growth with GDP growing 10.3% over the year during the second quarter, compared to 11.9% in the first quarter. This provides a sustainable growth story, as inflation is well contained India has also experienced vigorous growth with leading indicators such as business and consumer confidence,  as well as the production manufacturing index continuing to rise. Growth is projected at 9.7% in 2010 and 8.4% in 2011 according to the IMF The likes of Singapore, Korea and Taiwan are also showing double digit growth AUSTRALIA The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised interest rates seven times between October 2009 and November 2010  The Australian economy is showing steady growth, with a strong reliance on the resource sector There’s a lot of planned investment over the coming year but business is not putting that into play at the moment Investment, consumption, employment and confidence improving across most sectors  The IMF forecasts economic expansion of 3% this year and 3.5% in 2011 Australia and the Resources Sector China’s insatiable need for our resources has boosted terms of trade, leading to wage growth and rising employment Overseas investors are looking to Australia for an exposure to China Market, 40% of our market is owned by foreign investors and they will be looking to invest here to get access to the Chinese growth story  Huge disparity between the 2 economies  wage growth in the mining sector has boomed, with the average wage being $103,000, the average wage across Australia is $62,000 pa In the last financial year, company profits across Australia were up 18%. Strip out the mining sector and profits were only up 3% The Rising Aussie Dollar Its highest level since the currency was floated in 1983 Vacancy rates which are very, very low here — 2 to 3%, whereas in the US you’ve got 15% vacancy rates Unemployment is going south and that means sub 5% - USA 10% Government net debt levels of around 5% of GDP, compared with over 68% in the UK and 65% in the US The Aussie Dollar could move beyond parity in the next 6–12 months as further quantitative easing looks likely in the US A high Aussie Dollar is positive for Australian consumers (who will see the cost of goods fall), as well as for airlines and retailers, but not good for the tourism sector, manufacturing and exporters Inflation Growth prospects in the Asian region and a booming commodity sector has a risk of causing inflation The RBA has kept a lid on inflation by steadily increasing interest rates Housing affordability and consumer spending needs to remain robust 200,000 first home buyers may not be able to pay their mortgages if rates increase! There needs to be a careful balance of managing interest rates and inflation The Market ‘The Australian market has been trading in a pretty tight band from 4300 to about 4600–4700. Are we ready for a rally? Economy – good A relative bond yield  -good Dividend yields –good Employment – good Solid corporate profits and above average equity yields that are currently averaging 5 – 5.5% fully franked make shares good income generators. We believe it is possible that the market will hit 5,000 by March 2011 and 5500 by Dec 2011. What should you be doing now? We believe that adopting a process of investing into the market on a regular basis is a sound strategy,Once you have a financial strategy in place, regularly review it, but don't deviate from a sound plan.   For a free Financial Health Check, please don't hesitate to contact us  graphs and tables sourced from ANZ

November Economic Update

How to achieve optimal performance

Inflow is positive, channelled, energised and aligned emotions related to the task at hand.
In order to achieve this state of performance, you need to have a clear set of goals, and confidence that you have the skills to achieve them.

What to achieve at Board Meetings.... I have attended too many board meetings that are focussed on historical performance of financial results, and arguments on where to allocate costs that are fundamentally necessary to run an effective business. Is this because the board members are not independent and have vested interests in each of their own service lines?

Board Members are generally chosen for the VALUE THAT THEY CAN ADD to a business with the intention of maximising returns to shareholders. In order to do this, most of the meeting should be to review the goals set, and together work out, in a harmonised, positive and energised way a course of action to achieve the goals set.

Without goals, one is treading water - There is so much untapped power and potential within these board members.... A solution is to have a set agenda.... and a facilitated meeting of the masterminds... with the objective of unleashing the power and potential of the group. Two or more minds come together create a third, invisible, intangible force that can be likened to a third mind.

"Effective Organised Effort = Power - Organised effort is produced through the coordination of effort of 2 or more people, who work to a definite end, in a spirit of Harmony" - Napoleon Hill - Think and Grow Rich.

An example - a car battery has the power to drive a car - many car batteries, working together, have the power to light a stadium!! Without the batteries working together... they are merely inert objects of matter!!

Investing in Equities - the next 10 years

I found an amazing graph the other day.... the 2009 Andex Chart for Australian Investors

From Recently Updated

A quick summary of the past 50 years:-

1. Australian Equities have compared well to the rest of the world over the past 60 years, 30 years, 20 years and 10 years.
Since 1950, $100 invested in shares would have generated $84,598

2. Australian Population - since 1950, the population has increased from 8m to 212m, with life expectancies of both men and women increasing by 13 years... Males 79 and Females 83.

3. Australian Shares have compared well with other asset classes (12.6% pa over 30 years.

From Recently Updated

4. Since 1980, $100 invested would have generated $2,414, majorly outperforming the CPI

From Recently Updated

5. Since 1970 $100 invested would have generated $5,500. Australia represented 2.1% of Capitalisation of World Markets, China 5%, Europe and USA 62%. My view is the pie will change substantially over the next 30 years, with China and India being significant contributors.

From Recently Updated

6. The Aussie $ has hit parity to the US$ since being floated in 1982.

7. The markets have shat themselves during the Whitlam years and Rudd years of Government. Menzies, Frazer, Hawke, Keating and Howard were good for the Economy.

Observations:-

1. Events will affect markets... but over the long term, markets will rise... Invest regularly and over a long period of time...

2. After a downturn, there is usually a sustained period of growth.... We are in a good position at the moment.

3. Australia is well placed for growth over the next 30 years.... Growth in Population is good

Vic Government announces $17 million in SME grants in $110 million ICT action plan

Vic Government announces $17 million in SME grants in $110 million ICT action plan


Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - bsi

Thursday, 14 October 2010 09:51

Patrick Stafford

smart company

The Victorian Government has pledged over $110 million in new funding as part of its ICT Action Plan, including funding for SMEs in a number of grants and programs.

State ICT minister John Lenders announced the action plan at an industry function yesterday. He also used the occasion to pledge the State Government's support for the National Broadband Network, claiming each SME connected to a high-speed internet connection receives a $5,000 productivity savings.

The action plan consists of six elements –

· supporting development of industry expertise,

· increasing the global profile of the Vic ICT industry,

· establishing VIC as the centre for ICT R&D,

· using ICT to foster innovation,

· increasing skills and

· establishing a productive broadband economy.

Lenders said yesterday the Government wants to increase the use of ICT within the state's economy, setting a number of benchmarks including the creation of 800 new ICT jobs each year.

"If we are re-elected, we have the action plan here to support the ICT industry," he said. "The Government's objectives are to increase the use of ICT across the entire economy, and contribute to economic growth and to sharpen Victoria's innovative edge."

Benefits for SMEs include $8 million for the Smart SMEs Innovation Commercialisation Program. This will include funding for the Regional Technology Commercialisation Program, which assists regional companies taking their products to national and international markets, helping develop business cases and obtaining funding.

Another $5 million will be provided to the Collaborative Internet Innovation Fund in order to support a second round of funding.

The Collaborative Internet Innovation Fund delivers grants of up to $500,000 to adopters of new technology so they can create new projects, and promote the use of that technology in internet-based activities.

Funds are matched by a ratio of 1:1 and can be spent on salary and costs for new staff, purchase of equipment or professional services. Businesses can read more about the project here.

A second round of funding will be promoted for the Smart SMEs Market Validation Program. The program helps pre-commercial SMEs with R&D initiatives the opportunity to help develop technology solutions for Government.

Successful SMEs receive grants of up to $100,000 to undertake a feasibility study over three months, while further funding of up to $1.5 million can be provided to take a R&D project through to proof of concept.

Another $700,000 will also be provided to the Australian Information Industry Association to continue business development forums, including the CollabIT program which helps SMEs build relationships and network.

A further $550,000 with the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association will be used to hold business development forums and promote mobile technology.

Lenders also said another $4.1 million will be pledged towards an online publishing strategy, which will feature successful business models in digital publishing and journalism, along with supporting new businesses and applications "that allow the gathering and distribution of local content".

Another $2 million will also be used for the Government's digital media programs, which "encourage the development of digital media, console and online games".

Shaw also said the Victorian Government is hoping to recapture some of the publishing industry lost to Sydney. "We can recapture the national voice but in the online space," he said.

He said the Government is putting the finishing touches and details for the program will be released soon.

Another $1 million will be given to the ICT Trade Events program, which will help export-ready companies attend overseas trade fairs.

A further $33 million will be provided to the NICTA VRL to 204-15 to help improve research and development. Australian Industry Group Victorian director Tim Piper particularly approved of this announcement.

"It's not necessarily coming out of the Federal Government, where legislation being discussed is looking more at research than the development," he said. "We think both the 'R' and the 'D' are important for Australian businesses."

Lenders also said the Government will place a large focus on developing skills and post-secondary education for the ICT industry. The TAFE sector will be called upon to work with young ICT professionals and enhance VET qualifications.

He also said the Government is putting a large focus on enhancing broadband. He pledged another $20 million for the VicFibreLINKS program to help establish backbone links in regional areas including routes to Mildura and Warrnambool.

He also took the opportunity to welcome the NBN, saying that "the NBN is locked in, it's certain". He also said the "economics stand up" regarding the network, and stated that every new business signing up to high-speed broadband generates a $5,000 gain in productivity per year.

"We think the economics stand up," Lenders said. "If we are re-elected, we have the action plan here to support the ICT industry."

He said the state government will work with NBNCo. To exceed its minimum rollout obligations in Victoria and said it will help businesses and local governments track the progress of the rollout.

The Australian Information Industry Association welcomed the comments, saying it "applauds the minister and the Government for supporting the National Broadband Network".

RBA Maintains Interest Rates - A Reprieve!

Below is an update from our Mortgage Brokers, Liquidity FInance.. Please feel free to phone Michael or  Danny to set up a free health check on your mortgages and loans. With kind regards Today, the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to keep the cash rate at 4.5%. Although the reprieve may be short lived, as the RBA tries to keep inflation under control, we await an inevitable increase to the cash rate within the next few months. http://www.smh.com.au/business/rba-rates-surprise-20101005-165ij.html We have seen the lending market over the last few months become more and more competitive as lenders start to remove previous constraints on lending policies, reduce fixed rates and increase loan to value ratios – all positive signs that our economy remains strong. We do understand the pressures that any interest rate increase may have on your cash flow, and there may be many ways in which we can assist, whether it be consolidating   higher interest rate payments, such as personal loans and credit cards, into your home loan; or finding a better option to the home loan you currently have, we are only too happy to speak to you. Please feel free to call us today on 02 9290 2777 for a home loan health check.  Best regards Michael and Danny

Michael Luca and Danny Luu Mortgage Brokers Level 1 34 Hunter Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box 54, Millers Point NSW 2000 P: +61 2 9290 2777 D: +61 2 9216 4023 F: +61 2 9262 5788 E: michael.luca@liquidityfinance.com.au or danny.luu@liquidityfinance.com.au

Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

Found the book gathering dust on our bookshelf.... don't know why I haven't read it yet... but is a real treat....
Written in the 1930's... I reckon that Brian Tracey, Anthony Robbins, "The Secret" and all the other Gurus used this book as a basis for there philosophies!

The Secret? DESIRE, FAITH, PLANNING and PERSISTENCE .... with Autosuggestion being the mixer....
Exchangiing Ideas and creating a "Panel of Masterminds" - who are aligned  ANYTHING CAN BE ACHIEVED

Some GEMS

• "Thoughts become dreams, become actions, become habits"
• Great 50c story
• Great story about persistance
• "I am the master of my fate and captain of my soul"
• There is always a way
• Nothing is Impossible
• Thoughts are Magnets and have real Vibrations
• Focussed Energy

More to come

Your Wealth Magazine

Nicky Boyle has issued her first edition of "Your Wealth Magazine". Subscribe at www.yourwealthmagazine.com  to get your monthly copy. There should be awesome articles that should help you on your journey to wealth creation.

Success and Failure and Noah's Rules

It was my Daughter Heidi's Graduation Ceremony Last Night... and there were a few gems spoken b at the Valedictory dinner worth sharing:-

Success and Failure

Failure is a fine friend. It gives you time to reflect, change your future, step back . You cannot recognise success until you have felt the fierce feeling of failure.

Embrace it!

Noahs rules

• Plan.. Ark was built before the flood
• Stay fit.. After 600 yrs you may be asked to be doing someething fit
• Build with faith... Ark built by amateurs ... Titqanic by profressionals
• Build on high ground
• Believe in your goals and follow your beliefs no matter what others say
• Believe
• Take action

(I am sure there were others.... help me build a set of rules by adding to this post)

Below is an update from our Mortgage Brokers. Please feel free to phone Michael or  Danny to set up a free health check on your mortgages and loans. With kind regards Ivan Kaye Join Me on LinkedIn http://au.linkedin.com/in/ivankayebsi  Fixed rates are continuing to drop! Over the past few weeks, we have seen fixed rates continue to decrease. At the moment we can source a 3 year fixed rate as low as 6.95%.  With the fixed rate moving closer to the variable rate, there has never been a better time to review your current home loan structure and try and lock in some certainty in the coming 3 years. We have also seen credit policy loosen slightly with banks beginning to increase their current Loan to Value Ratios from 90% to 95%, and we believe this is symptomatic of increasing confidence and competition amongst lenders. As always, we are here to discuss all of your home buying, investment and refinancing need. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your options further. Looking forward to assisting you soon. Best regards Michael and Danny

Michael Luca and Danny Luu Mortgage Brokers Level 1 34 Hunter Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box 54, Millers Point NSW 2000 P: +61 2 9290 2777 D: +61 2 9216 4023 F: +61 2 9262 5788 E: michael.luca@liquidityfinance.com.au or danny.luu@liquidityfinance.com.au

Diploma of Management - Victorian Govt's Programe "Securing Jobs for your future"

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - bsi

There is an opportunity to take advantage of the Victorian Government’s “Securing jobs for your future” programme.
You or a member of your team may be eligible to Complete the accredited Diploma of Management Course valued at $4,000 over the next 6 months – AT NO COST TO YOU!!.
This course will give the applicant new management and leadership skills to enhance their career and business.
The cost of the course is $4,000, which will be funded for eligible participants by - the Victorian Government under the program “Securing jobs for your future” and a nominal enrolment fee of $250 by participants.
Ark Total Wealth has agreed to pay on your behalf the $250 enrolment fee for the first 100 eligible applicants as part of its commitment to help you become “health, wealthy and wise”.
If you or someone you might know, is a Victorian Resident , have not completed a qualification above a Certificate IV level, and are seeking to gain new skills for your current employment or future job role then you should apply.
For more information CLICK HERE to find out more and identify eligibility
If you are interested in finding out more CLICK HERE to register your interest.
With kind regards

Ivan Kaye
CEO
Ark Total Wealth
www.arktotalwealth.com.au
http://bsivc.blogspot.com/
Join Me on LinkedIn http://au.linkedin.com/in/ivankayebsi

Diploma of Management BSB 51107 Providing real world principles, tools and techniques

Course Overview BSIL Hume Learning’s Diploma of Management is a fantastic way for you to gain new management and leadership skills, to enhance your career and business. It is ideal for the business owner, senior manager, or developing business leader to: Reinforce, enhance and grow skills Apply critical and contemporary management principles, tools and techniques Develop new networks and opportunities. The Diploma program is a leading Australian business management qualification. We combine online and face to face delivery via workshops, with project work and assessments to enhance and reinforce both the content and intent of the course. Participants will work individually and in small groups to experience and learn how to implement traditional and contemporary tools, techniques and models within their own role, business and industry. This is a real-world, hands-on program that enables quick but sustainable returns on your investment. The Diploma covers key components of underpinning business management and leadership. Eight (8) units cover core business topics such as: Customer Service Financial Management Learning and Development Managing people and performance Planning Occupational Health and Safety Project Management Risk Management Personal and Team Effectiveness Compliance Human Resource Management Intellectual Property Sustainability Workplace Relations Innovation Business Strategy Course Structure The program combines 4 days of workshops with online and self paced learning, including small group work. Workshops can be delivered onsite or we have regular sessions scheduled at various locations throughout Metropolitan Melbourne. Participants will enjoy the interactive workshops, online options and project work that explore issues, share experiences and maintain high flexibility to obtain optimum results for each participant. The focus is more on “how-to” rather than “what-to” implement strategies for improvement. Progressive assessment gives participants ongoing and immediate feedback on progress and understanding. The course is normally completed in 6months, with final assessments and project work to be submitted after the final workshop. Course Fees/Eligibility The course is funded for eligible participants under the Vic State Government funded program -Securing jobs for your Future – Skills for Victoria. This funding covers most of the costs of providing the complete program. Participants are expected to contribute an enrolment fee prior tocommencing the course of approximately $250. To be eligible for this Diploma qualification you must have not completed a qualification above a Certificate IV level and be seeking to gain new skills that you can apply in either your current or future employment Certification Upon completion of all components of the course you will receive a nationally recognised Diploma of Management qualification. If you complete part of the qualification and assessments you will receive a statement of attainment for those units you have fully completed.

How to Enrol CLICK HERE to find out more and identify eligibility To more information contact Gina Sulfaro on 03 9786 5636 or email Gina at gina.sulfaro@bsilearning.com.aufor more information on dates, locations, eligibility criteria and other information you need to start your Diploma of Management journey. Send to a friend DownloadBSIL Brochure View otherHOT Topics

About Us.... BSI Learning (BSIL) is a leading provider of Organisational and People Development Services and outsourced training solutions in Australasia.Our vision is to deliver value across the entire Employee Lifecycle. We utilise the full spectrum of learning methodologies including Workshop, Action Learning, Distance Learning, Coaching and e Learning and our global training partnerships keep us abreast of the latest learnings and product developments from around the world. Visitourwebsite...

Using your Super to Buy Investment Property

Have you ever considered borrowing to buy Residential Property using your Super? "Did you know that you are able to borrow to buy Residential Property using your Super" If your answer is 'no', then the chances are that you are not fully aware of the options that are available when investing and managing your superannuation. Due to popular demand, Ark Total Wealth has decided to hold a webinar to demonstrate how to invest in property using a Self- Managed Super Fund (SMSF). Our webinars are designed to keep you up to date with the current strategies, market conditions and cutting edge research to enable you to make informed decisions about investing your super. At Ark Total Wealth, we pride ourselves on identifying innovative strategies that allow individuals and businesses to grow, manage and protect their value. This webinar  will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn from our experienced team of professionals. REGISTER NOW seats limited to 50. At this seminar our experts will cover The benefits of Investing through a SMSF How to access leverage inside the super environment When is the best time to utilise a SMSF to invest Why to invest in Property through super The importance of property research when selecting an investment Where the research is indicating to invest in the current market Why a SMSF is an effective vehicle to create manage and protect wealth	EVENT DETAILS Thursday 3 March 2011 from 6pm - 7pm

ALEX LEE CFP® B.Com Financial Advisor Alex Lee is a Certified Financial Planner® and he specialises in helping create wealth for individuals. Alex's passion is in educating the client, so that they are not only on the path of wealth creation but understand what they are doing and why they are doing it. Dylan ChanFinancial Advisor Dylan is a Financial Adviser who has provided advice in the field of property investing since 2002, strategically integrating it as an asset class into his clients portfolios. Property through SMSF's represents the next evolution of this strategy.

AFSL: 239445
Ark Total Wealth
Level 7 , 14 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000

P: 02 9262 3333 F: 02 9262 5788

Give your business a Spring Clean – Things you need to do

Written on a plane from Singapore to Sydney 28 July 2010

VALUES, VISION AND MISSION
Work out what your values are – trust, integrity, ethical, health, wealth, wisdom, excellence, loyalty
Go Back to Basics and ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing.
• Is it to make a good living from your business?
• Is it to help other people?
• Is it to maximize returns for shareholders?
• Is it to grow your business so you can exit it?
• Is it something you love to do (a hobby that you are passionate about?)
• Are you climbing the right ladder?

Identify your issues in your business and work out ways in which you can resolve these issues. Speak to Alan Milwidsky at http://www.bsi.com.au/
Think about where you want to be 5 years from now. 4 , 3 , 2 and 1 year from now and identify steps how you are going to get there

GOAL SETTING
Make your goals REAL, SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, IDENTIFIABLE and TRACKABLE
Split them into Short, Medium and Long term Goals
Activating Goals – the 7 C’s
• Conviction - you and your team need to know your vision and believe in it
• Character – act with honesty and integrity
• Courage – you need big cahoonas to take action
• Competence – you need to be the “college of knowledge”, have the required skills, the right attitude and habits to be the best
• Commitment – you need to have the 4 d’s (desire, dedication, determination and drive )
• Creativity – you need to be innovative and think “that the glass is half full than half empty” A pessimist sees difficulties in every opportunity. An optimist sees opportunities in every problem
• Caring – you need to act from the heart.

YOUR SUCCESS IS THE JOURNEY – NOT THE DESTINATION
• 4 f’s - Focused,Fast, Flexible, Fun
• 5p’s - plan, passionate, persistant, profit
• Do NOT be complacent, arrogant and live in a state of denial
• Balance your life with business, family, community, spiritual, exercise, continual learning. Make a plan and set goals for each section of your life. All the plan will do is act as a guide. There will inevitably be deviations and plans will change…. That’s ok – as long as you have your values secure. They need to be your rock and foundation.
PEOPLE
• Hire the best – speak to Michale Lynch at http://www.bsip.com.au/
• Average people will cost you money
• Empower your team
• Invest in your team – comprehensive training and a workplace that they enjoy coming to speak to Graham Raspass at http://www.bsil.com.au/
• They need to know and believe in the vision and mission and know the 30 second pitch
• You don’t need to motivate motivated staff – if you do, something in your business is missing.

OUTSOURCING
• What are you doing day to day that you can outsource for a fraction of your salary – that you can save up to 80% of your time.

PR MARKETING
Set identifiable KPI’s for your PR Marketing Plan each quarter
• how many articles
• how many journalists you contact in 1 month
• how many events
• how many blogs have you written
• you on facebook /twitter/linked in – how many contact on your social networks.

DATABASE
This is your most important asset. Make sure it is clean, up to date and your members are contacted on a regular basis

WEBSITE
• Is it up to date?
• Is it current?
• Is it interactive?
• Are there call to actions?
• No Spelling mistakes – use www.spellsrus.com
• Do you regular measure how many people look at your website – use “google analytics” or
www.statcounter.com


GRANTS/GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES/GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Are you maximizing incentives that you may be eligible for? http://www.bsi.com.au/

FIND YOURSELF A MENTOR OR ADVISORY BOARD
This is key. There are a number of successful businessmen who want to add value and give back to others.

WEALTH CREATION
• Your wealth plan is a journey – over the period, there will be ups and downs. Make sure you have a financial plan, that is continuously monitored. There will be deviations. Your financial planner will lead you in the direction that will enable you to achieve your goals. (http://www.arktotalwealth.com.au/ )
• Never over stretch your financial capacity.
• Cash is king
• Turnover is Vanity, Profit is Sanity, But Cash Flow is King and Queen
• Ensure that you have a budget
• Have proper accounting systems and reporting schedules – what you can measure you can manage
• Organise your finances
• Consolidate your loans
• Take your bank manager to lunch
• Ensure you have adequate facilities to take advantage of opportunities when they occurFind yourself an excellent mortgage broker that will go out of their way to look after you. http://www.liquidityfinance.com.au/
• Tax plan well before the end of the financial year
• Are relevant agreements in place –
o if you have a partner , do you have a buy/sell agreement
o do you have a shareholders agreement
o have you got insurances to manage your risk
o is your will in place

KNOW YOUR ECONOMY
• Where are we in the economic cycle?
• What does it mean to me and my business?
• What are the opportunities that we can take advantage of?

Coalition promises to Restore Support for Exporters

At an AIEx event this morning in Brisbane the Shadow Minister for Trade, the Hon. Warren Truss, launched the Coalition Government’s Trade Policy themed – Restoring Support for Australian Exporters.

The Australian Institute of Export demonstrated its’ commitment to the export community by mounting a substantial campaign to Government in 2009 regarding the multi-million dollar shortfall in the EMDG Scheme. This resulted in an additional $50 million being injected into the scheme by the Government.

Today Mr Truss announced the Coalitions’ plans for the future of EMDG along with additional Trade Policy initiatives. Below are the main points and click here to download a full copy of Mr Truss’s speech:

The Coalition understands that trade is the key engine of growth for Australia. One in four jobs in regional Australia is directly or indirectly linked to exports. When the Coalition was last in government, exports from regional Australia grew three times faster than did exports from major cities.

About a quarter of regional Australia’s income now comes from exports.
• EMDG Scheme
o A Coalition Government will increase the EMDG cap to $200 million effective from 1 July 2011 restoring the $50 million funding shortfall.
o Furthermore, in government the Coalition will examine the merits of removing the cap altogether.
• Intensifying international trade reform
o The Coalition’s highest trade policy priority remains the Doha negotiations and an outcome that delivers genuine, new commercial opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers and service providers.
o The Coalition will establish the permanent position of Ambassador for Trade Reform to promote further trade reform internationally and coordination at home and continue funding the position of Trade Representative for Australia’s Agricultural Industries.
o Establish the new roles of Trade Representative for Australia’s Manufacturing Industries and Trade Representative for Australia’s Services Industries.
o Seek to negotiate new rules on trade in agriculture that reduce trade distorting practices and improve market access and reduce international barriers for industrial products and the service industry to achieve improved access to overseas markets.
• Pursuit of Bilateral Free Trade Agreements
o The Coalition will re-establish the Trade Advisory Council, abolished by Labor, as the Coalition’s pre-eminent source of advice from the business sector on Trade and Investment issues.
o Devote increased resources to the effective conclusion of high quality and comprehensive FTAs with China, Japan, Malaysia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia and explore the feasibility of an agreement on services with the European Union.
o A Coalition Government will support the development of the Trans-Pacific Strategy Economic Partnership Agreement, based on the expansion of the P4 free trade agreement between Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. The Coalition views this as a stepping stone to a longer term goal of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.

I look forward to an announcement on Trade and Investment from the Labor Party.

The 6 Reasons Why Property WIll Continue to Increase in Value

1. Property prices are already on the march: “The average period for saving a house deposit is 4.5 years
nationally, up from 3.7 years in 2009.” Sydney Morning Herald 06/07/10

2. There is a massive shortage of available property which will fuel increased demand and hence higher
prices.... “200,000 house shortage remains.” Sydney Morning Herald 07/07/10.

3. People who are sick of losing money in their superannuation have started transferring money out of their
super into property in higher numbers than ever before.... “owner-occupier buyers in Sydney are being
replaced by self managed superannuation funds who have taken money out of the share market” The
Business Spectator 01/07/10. Less than 2% of SMSF Assets are in Residential Property - this will change.
(currently >$300b in SMSF's)

4. Every stock market crash has been followed by a massive spike in property prices. Remember the dot com
crash of 1999? What did property prices do after that? They shot through the roof.... and the same thing is
about to happen again.

5. Population growth - migration into Australia will continue to increase demand for property which will in turn force prices upwards.

6. A change in Demographics, whereby the average # of people living in a house is now less than 2... meaning people will be looking to move into units that are convenient and close to amenities.

Singapore July 2010

Pulse Property and Allen Pathmarajah presented at the "Property Millionaires Seminar" hosted by Mortgage Academy and Rayney Wong. Heres hoping that we willll have a long and prosperous journey in the Singapore Market. The attendees were motivated, and ready to take action..... a recipe for success.

Your team is everything

If you want to create a very profitable business you need profitable employees.

The easiest way to get this is to hire motivated employees that can manage themselves to achieve results. This has been my most important fundamental focus the second time around. Developing a process for this and knowing who you want to hire have been two of my best upgrades to my second business.

Here are three key suggestions:

Don't hire average staff, or you will end up with an average company. Wait and slow down before hiring. It's better to just wait that much longer rather than hiring the wrong person. You don't actually need to hire a person if you are smart and just optimise the systems you are using at present.

Ask more questions, not less. The impact of who you hire impacts your other top performers in your company. Hire poor quality people and you say something to them. Hire high quality people and you breed greatness into your organisation.

You can't motivate people - you can only hire motivated people. Don't bother with motivational programs, just hire a motivated person. Do some personality profiling to figure out if a person is motivated or not and you will save yourself a lot of time from creating motivational programs and talking to staff members to motivate them.

If someone slips through your process, talk through it – perhaps they aren't suited to your company and would be better working in a big organisation where they want slow moving and predictable employees. Stop trying to motivate the average staff member in your company and just replace them instead.

Ark and Liquidity Wine Evening

Ark and Liquidity, celebrating 30 June 2010 with Kevin Mitchell of Kilacanoon Wines, Toby of Bacchus Wines and Rhys of the Vinepress.

BlogThis!