www.ANISEConsulting.com

Using Linkedin polls to assist in the decision making process

2011-04-01T09:23:00.001+10:00

Early March I created a poll on Linkedin. I asked the question Speaker / Professional Speaker / Keynote Speaker which term do you prefer? I promoted the poll via Linkedin and Twitter to gain more exposure. The poll is now closed and the graph above shows you the results.

I thought the ability to create polls and discussions on Linkedin may be of interest to you. Linkedin polls are free, and quite quick to set up. You can see from the image above, as well as a graphical response, I was also provided with a breakdown of the respondents; their age, business position, and gender. I can also use the checkboxes, to define the demographics for each answer. I think it would also have been useful to know there location, as I believe for the question I asked, people in Australia may respond to people from the rest of the world, especially USA, who always seem to pump up descriptions of themselves.

I don’t think a LinkedIn poll can be used in place of comprehensive in-depth market research. It is what it is.

How can you use Linkedin polls?

· To gather different opinions on a subject.

· To engage with the community.

· To assist in the decision making process.

If you would like to view my poll here is the link :- http://linkd.in/egmyGH

Have you ever used Linkedin poll? Why? Was it successful for you?

Are you using SKYPE yet?

2011-03-28T14:43:00.001+10:00

I use SKYPE for meetings almost daily. I absolutely love it. Once my clients have surmounted any technology fears they may have and they have reasonably fast broadband connection they also love it. It improves my productivity and reduces my expenses. It is a productive tool for both me and you my clients, previously we would have a 2 hour on-site meeting, now when issues arise and we can deal with them quickly and move on. Instead of working with 2 to 3 clients a day, I can support 10 – 12 clients. As well as eliminating expenses involved with travelling, SKYPE is also free and works within my internet package.

To add to that, my market has gone from local businesses to worldwide businesses, I can SKYPE into Belgium or the Australian desert and have a meeting with them. If you are on the internet I can serve you.

I use the Microsoft VX-7000 Lifecam, which is very simple to set-up, and is so easy to use; I bought my entire family a Microsoft VX-7000 Lifecam at around $100 it helps us stay in touch.

Sound and video quality via skype is normally excellent, and on the rare occasions it isn’t we just restart the call again. It is free so not a big issue. I look forward to providing you remote support! Please contact me for my SKYPE name, so you add me to your SKYPE contacts.

Don't know where to go for advice?

2011-03-27T21:53:00.001+10:00

Australian Government tool to help small business find the right advisors for them : - http://www.business.gov.au/AdvisorFinder/AdvisorFinder.aspx

Recording Loan Amortisation in MYOB

2010-11-09T11:32:00.001+10:00

If your business has a loan, you could ask your tax accountant to provide you with a schedule for 12 month amortisation schedule, that you could then record in your data file. This will allow you to prudently report your monthly profits.

Your small business tax calendar - available from @ato_gov_au

2010-11-09T11:25:00.000+10:00

If you are a bookkeeper why not value add to your client’s service and print them out a small business tax calendar from the ATO.

(from ATO website)

What is your small business tax calendar?

Your small business tax calendar is an easy-to-use computer tool that will help you plan and manage your tax obligations and give you timely reminders.

It automatically builds a 12-month schedule tailored to your business lodgment and payment needs.

You can:

personalise it in around 10 minutes when you answer specific questions about your business

use it to record personal notes and reminders

update it at any time if you change your business structure or reporting obligations

print a one-page summary of your tax obligations and due dates for the year to use as a yearly planner

receive a reminder through Microsoft Outlook or from your computer system when a lodgment or payment is due.

If you run:

more than one business, you can set up a unique tax calendar for each business

a bookkeeping service, you can set up a unique tax calendar for each of your clients.

If you use Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, you can download and use a free copy of the tax calendar for the 2010-11 financial year.

You should get the latest version of the tax calendar at the beginning of each financial year to ensure you have the latest information for lodgments and payments.

If you have installed a previous version, you will need to uninstall it before installing this latest version. We recommend you print your calendars before doing this.

To uninstall the tax calendar, open your Control Panel and select: 'Add or Remove Programs' – 'Your small business tax calendar' – 'Remove'.

If you set reminders in Outlook using the 2009–10 tax calendar, remember to remove them after you have installed the new version.

To remove reminders, install the new version, run the 'Your small business tax calendar' icon on your desktop and then select: 'Tools' – 'Remove Outlook reminders'.

To receive email notifications about updates to the tax calendar, email your name, Australian business number (ABN) and contact details to taxcalendar@ato.gov.au.

To provide us with feedback about the tax calendar, email us at taxcalendar@ato.gov.au

Who can use the tax calendar?

Your small business tax calendar was designed for use by small businesses, including sole traders, with an annual turnover of $2 million or less.

The tax calendar can be used by endorsed charities, deductible gift recipients and non-profit organisations.

The tax calendar is not for:

businesses with an annual turnover of more than $2 million

companies involved in overseas shipping, insurance and re-insurance, or controlling non-residents’ money.

FAIRWORK AUSTRALIA - Pay Rates Calculator

2010-11-09T11:17:00.001+10:00

If you are responsible for processing payroll and you are affected by Modern Awards it is recommended that you use the

FAIRWORK AUSTRALIA - Pay Rates Calculator, calculate individual pays and print a copy and keep it in your records.

Transitional arrangements in most modern awards mean that some new pay rates commenced on the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2010.In most cases the arrangements give employers and employees time to adjust to the changes by allowing new pay rates to be phased in over a period of four years until the full modern award rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2014.

In this period pay rates need to be calculated with reference to the pre-modern award entitlement that used to cover, or would have covered, the employee before 1 January 2010 as well as the relevant modern award entitlement.

The Pay Rates Calculator takes these arrangements into account and helps you calculate base rates of pay and penalty rates.

RSS

What is the Pay Rates Calculator?

The Pay Rates Calculator helps you calculate base rates of pay and penalty rates in accordance with the model transitional provisions contained within most modern awards. The Pay Rates Calculator will also take into account any changes to pay and penalty rates resulting from Fair Work Australia’s annual wage review. Employers should check that they are paying the correct rates from 1 July each year.

Once you’ve calculated your base rates of pay and penalties, you can export the results to your payroll system or print a copy to keep a record.

The pay rates calculated by the Pay Rates Calculator are minimum rates only - employers may choose to pay their employees more than the minimum at any time.

There are specific transitional arrangements that affect the Children Services modern award, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services modern award, some Building and Construction modern awards and some South Australian Hospitality employees.

Information relating to the effect of these arrangements in the Plumbing and Building and Construction modern awards is available at specific transitional arrangements. More information on other modern awards with specific transitional arrangements will be coming soon.

How do I use Pay Rates Calculator?

You will need to know all relevant information on entitlements from the modern award and the pre-modern award for the Pay Rates Calculator to calculate the employee’s base rate of pay and penalties. Among other things, this will include:

· the employee’s relevant modern award and pre-modern award classification

· information on any applicable industry allowance and/or all-purpose allowances

· detailed information on penalties prescribed by the modern and pre-modern award.

You will also need to know an employee’s working hours to calculate penalty rates for a particular shift.

The Pay Rates Calculator will help you identify the relevant entitlements from the modern award you select. You will however, need to provide all information on pre-modern award entitlements to complete your calculations.

The Pay Rates Calculator will calculate minimum rates of pay based on the details you provide. If you have not provided the right information, or there are changes in your circumstances, it may affect the accuracy of the rates that the Pay Rates Calculator provides.

Who can use Pay Rates Calculator?

Employers and employees can use the Pay Rates Calculator to calculate base rates of pay and penalties if they were:

· covered by a pre-modern award prior to 1 January 2010

· are now covered by a modern award containing the model transitional provisions.

Grow Your Business Thru Online Surveys featuring Susan Oakes, Valerie Khoo & a Monkey

2010-11-04T08:43:00.001+10:00

Recently I attended Valerie Khoos’ Online Business Booster Bootcamp and one of the aspects that she advocated was collecting client testimonial. This is something that I have done haphazardly in the past, if someone compliments me or sends me a thank-you card, I ask for permission to use their words in our ANISE Consulting marketing material. Inspired by Valerie I decided I should be more proactive.

There is a particular aspect of our business that I am keen to promote, so what I have done is generate a survey, using SURVEY MONKEY. This was a completely free online service, as newbie’s it took us about 3 hours to master. I must also mention that Susan Oakes at Marketing 4 Business kindly reviewed my draft survey. I am not an expert in this area and her keen eye was able to provide a lot of helpful guidance.

I am sending the survey out to clients who use a particular aspect of our business that I am keen to promote. I am hoping that they will provide me with useful insights into client perception of the service, identify what they like about the service, how I can improve the service, and client testimonials, that I can in turn use to promote the service. As an added bonus, I am also re-connecting with the clients, reminding them about this service that ANISE Consulting offers.

Do you think a survey could benefit your business? Would client feedback help you develop your business? Would re-connecting with your clients benefit your business? Maybe take a moment to look at Survey Monkey?

I will keep you updated on how it goes.

Queensland Big Idea Competition : up to $50 000 per project

2010-11-03T10:15:00.001+10:00

Do you have a great idea that could change everything, but need help to get it off the ground? Here is your chance to make it happen. The Queensland Big Idea Competition.

INFO :-

We’re looking for innovative ideas that could change the way your business works and have the potential to transform the industry you work in. We’re offering up to $50,000 per project, so put your application in today!

http://www.bigideaqld.com.au/

A rare occurrence an Out-Of-Balance Trial Balance in MYOB

2010-10-24T17:00:00.001+10:00

It is a rare occurrence but I have seen it happen. The trial balance in MYOB does not balance. This should not happen, it is software, and you are forced to post equal double sided entries – in accordance with the rules of double entry bookkeeping - however if it does happen here are a few suggestions :-

1. Optimise the MYOB company data file.

2. Verify the MYOB company data file – if any errors are identified, record them and contact ANISE Consulting, or your local MYOB Certified Consultant or MYOB technical support.

3. Check thru the General Journal entries. Do any stand out as having issues? [Trick work out the difference in the trial balance DR and CR, half it and search for that amount in a transaction] Sometimes the GST can be posted to the wrong side because the incorrect purchase/sales button has been selected. Select the entry, select the other option, save the entry, and them refresh the trial balance.

I would be interested to hear if you have any other solutions to an out of balance trial balance.

Bookkeeping for Dummies ~ Veechi Curtis

2010-09-28T15:08:00.001+10:00

A note from Veechi Curtis that may be of interest to you:

Just a quick reminder that the 1^st July 2010 saw yet another change in employee rates and conditions across Australia. These changes affect minimum rates of pay, casual loadings, and weekend penalty rates Transitional provisions do apply however, so you may be able to phase in any increases annually over the next five years. So don't be caught out, and visit the Fair Work Australia website to make sure you're paying your employees the correct amount.

By the way, the Fair Work Australia website may not be relevant to you if you're a sole trader or partnership based in Western Australia. In this case you need to go to http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au.

My latest book Bookkeeping For Dummies, includes two chapters about managing employee payroll, including info about how to keep up to date with the latest award changes, and how to keep on top of all your employee reporting obligations. I've got a special offer of free freight running with this title until the end of September - so why not order your book today and get it sent freight-free?

Click here to find out more about this title and to purchase online.

Best regards

Veechi Curtis

What is the difference between a grey and white arrow in MYOB?

2010-09-20T22:24:00.001+10:00

A white arrow typically indicates that if you drill down the information below is somewhat editable.

A grey arrow typically indicates that the information below is not editable at all.

Multicultural Assistance Program Grants for 2010-11 now open!

2010-09-17T16:57:00.001+10:00

The Multicultural Assistance Program grants are allocated to projects, multicultural festivals, and cultural events that strengthen multiculturalism, foster harmonious community relations and participation, and build community capacity, including improved access to services in Queensland.

Funding Guidelines

The 2010-11 Funding Information Paper provides details of funding available and information about how to develop an application.

Applicants must use the 2010-11 Funding Submission Form provided in the Funding Information Paper to submit a funding application.

The 2010-11 Funding Information Paper and submission forms are available at www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/be-involved/grants/multicultural-assistance-program/ .

You may contact Multicultural Affairs Queensland on 13 13 04 to obtain the Funding Information Paper and submission forms if you do not have access to internet or have a problem downloading the documents.

Closing date for submission of applications is Monday 15 November 2010.

I recommend UTBOX as my efax service use my referral code, and we can both get $5 credit PSRE-SSQY-6CBK.

2010-09-09T20:54:00.001+10:00

I investigated the options for faxing for a long time. I compared all the electronic fax services and the more conventional services. I eventually picked UTBOX based on price, and the option for a Brisbane based fax number. Once I signed up and started using the service, I found lots of other features that I loved, it has been one of the most cost effective decisions I ever made. I recommend UTBOX to all start-ups, and businesses who need a fax number.

UTBOX offers you a local fax number, check there website to see if it has the locations that you want. You can send and receive both faxes and sms text messages to your inbox. How easy is that!!

I actually did not realise when I signed up how handy the ability to send sms from my email would be, but it has been used just as much as the fax option.

Recently I realised I was getting a lot of spam faxes, I contacted UTBOX, and 2 minutes later I had a new and clean fax number. Too Easy!

A lot of companies offer these services, but what is great about UTBOX, is that I can easily set up numerous numbers on it, and staff can be working from their home office, and appear to be sending a fax or sms text from my business offering a professional image. UTBOX is a paperless office solution, saving me the cost of a fax machine, real estate in my home office, it is environmentally friendly and cheap!

If you sign up use my referral code, and we can both get $5 credit PSRE-SSQY-6CBK.

I have incorrectly entered an invoice in MYOB. How do I delete it?

2010-09-06T10:56:00.001+10:00

GoTo Sales Command Centre -> CLICK on Sales Register -> CLICK on Open Invoice the fourth tab along

Expand the date range to find the errors.

I typically expand the date range from 1.1.2001 – 1.1.2011 so I can see everything.

To select the invoice that you want, double click on it or CLICK on the white arrow.

Hover over the invoice, right CLICK and SELECT Delete Sale.

Once you have deleted an invoice, watch the invoice numbering, to make sure they are consistent to what you want.

Stop Spam Faxes...

2010-09-04T20:51:00.000+10:00

If like me your inbox has started to fill up with spam faxes you can register your fax number on the Do Not Call Register. A few minutes of your time, could save dealing with lots of unwanted faxes in the future. The Do Not Call Register is a secure database where you can list your numbers to avoid receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls and marketing faxes.

Employee reimbursements and GST

2010-09-04T13:32:00.001+10:00

Here is the ATO link Employee reimbursements and GST http://www.ato.gov.au/print.asp?doc=/content/26349.htm

At the bottom of the first page, it says;

You can claim GST credits if you have relevant documents, such as receipts or tax invoices that were issued to your employee, and if the payments meet the requirements of the GST legislation. Your employee should provide these documents to you to substantiate their claims for reimbursement.

Your employees can not claim the expenses themselves and then claim them from you, effectively claiming them twice. The employee/contractor may record them as an asset account “Reimbursable Expenses Receivable” [though what they do with them is not really your concern].

Refer to : Tax Act substation section of tax act 1997 section 900-1 to 900-250 also FBT Legislation & Tax Ruling 96/7.

Copy Cat Websites?

2010-09-01T06:07:00.000+10:00

Here is an interesting site that I just discovered. http://www.copyscape.com You enter your website name in the site and it will let you know if there are duplicates of your website out there. I actually did not expect it to come up with anything. It did however pick up several sites, that I have duplicated my own content, as part of a promotional exposure.

Though interestingly I have found another consultant has duplicated part of my website. 22 words to be exact. She is not based in Queensland, so I am not to stressed, and I will take it as a form of flattery.

A dissection of article marketing success

2010-08-31T13:16:00.001+10:00

Article marketing is an effective method of promoting your business. Not just a media release, but a written newsworthy article. This is primarily the method that I have used to promote my business. I thought you may find it interesting to see the submission and printed version of an article. Personally I am not a wordsmith, my grammar is not perfect, and I have a very simple chucky style of writing.

The first article I wrote for www.flyingsolo.com.au took me about 2 weeks to write and was rejected :(((, the next article took another two weeks, and fortunately got accepted!!

Now I have a really good system down to pat. On Monday I think of an idea, think of 5 key points related to that idea, go to my public speaking sessions (I attend 2 a week, typically on Tuesday) present my ideas in a five - seven minute talk.

I get constructive feedback there, and then I go away and rethink it, and sit down at the computer to write it. I turn my TweetDeck on and pose questions and tweet sentences, in an hour I get amazing feedback, words, turns of phrases, clarification etc.

I print it out, hang it on the fridge, edit it while making dinner. Then by about 7:30pm in the evening whammy it is done, and submit it to a variety of different publications I know write for,

I also did the Sydney Writer Centre course Online Feature Writing Course with Valerie Khoo which helped me in this never ending journey.

Back to the article dissection; I am a member of the Riverside Toastmasters, and with the recently held QUEST Business Achiever Awards, saw an opportunity for a newsworthy article; Top Tips for your acceptance speech for the QUEST South East Advertiser Business Awards from the Bulimba Riverside Toastmasters. So the goal was to promote the club and get my name in the paper (which I achieved) I did it by providing helpful and timely information to business who were attending the award.

The picture above, is the actual article as it appeared in the QUEST paper, and below is the article I submitted to them;

YELLOW – highlights what they used as is.

BLUE – highlights what they used, but they moved around slightly

Your business’s name has been called out as a winner of the QUEST South East Advertiser Business Awards and now you need to give a speech... but don’t panic! Heather Smith from the Bulimba Riverside Toastmasters is here to share some top tips for your acceptance speech.

Practise and palm cards

Take the time prior to the event to think about what you want to say and who you want to thank. Practice out loud in front of a mirror or in the car a few times. It is ok to take palm cards along, to jog your memory on the night.

Take a deep breath

While you walk up to the stage, take a deep breath, slowly exhale and gather your thoughts. This is your moment, enjoy it.

Stay focused

The lights on the stage will be bright and hot and in all likelihood you will need to speak out to an audience whom you may not see. Hold your head high, and speak outwards, the audience can see you, and they want to hear you.

Share your feelings

The audience want to share in your joy, so share with them how excited you are about winning the award.

Keep it short and relevant

The audience want to hear what you have to say, but it is a big night and they want to get home too!

Call to action

You are in front of the crème de la crème of South East Queensland Businesses; invite them to do business with you.

Speaking on stage can be intimidating and you need to remember the audience are on your side, they want to share in your excitement, and they want to hear what you want to say. [Note this was used in the second paragraph]

The Bulimba Riverside Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Brisbane Sailing Squadron - bottom of Quay Street, Bulimba. The club has been helping people become better speakers since 1988 and is holding a “Bring a Friend” night on August 10^th, all are welcome.

Are MYOB Profit and Loss Reports for jobs on a cash or accrual basis?

2010-08-29T11:34:00.001+10:00

I think I am pretty safe to say, that in MYOB if the report does not clearly state that it is a CASH report then it is reporting on an accruals basis. I will add to this, in most instances, unless it is clearly stated most reports are GST exclusive.

In MYOB is it ok to reconcile to 3 Aug rather than end of month?

2010-08-29T11:22:00.001+10:00

QUESTION

Is it ok to reconcile to 3 Aug rather than end of month?

ANSWER

Typically I would do a weekly draft reconciliation, and the I would formally reconcile to the bank statement date.

When I came to do the BAS I would reconcile to the end of the month, even if the bank statement date was, e.g. 28^th and the end of the month was the 31^st.

In the long run, the 3^rd of August is within a BAS period, so it does not really matter, but I would try and correct within MYOB, so I could do a correct reconciliation, but sometimes these things are more difficult said than done

I do not quite understand what you are saying, has this been incorrectly recorded in MYOB?

How do I correct an incorrect payment in a locked period in MYOB?

2010-08-29T11:14:00.001+10:00

QUESTION

I’ve identified a payment which was duplicated in June which is now a locked period as all the BAS has been done, and end of year sent to the accountant. It was on the Bank Rec as an outstanding payment. Can the payment be reversed if it’s a different financial year?

ANSWER

CLICK on Set-UP -> Preferences -> Security and Select Transactions can’t be changed, They must be reversed System Wide.

Then find the transaction and reverse it as of today’s date (so any GST is properly recognised).

The correction does not occur in the same financial year, but it does eventually occur.

How you print the "spend money" information relating to the BAS break down in MYOB?

2010-08-29T11:03:00.001+10:00

CLICK on BASLink and then Prepare Statement.

Go to the bottom left hand corner and CLICK on the button called Transactions.

It will either be Spend Money or Receive Money.

Please note however that at ANISE Consulting, we recommend you put this transaction thru as a Purchase or a Sale, so you can recognise what has happened when you prepare the BAS, and then record it when the financial transaction occurs.

FREE iSkills Computer Classes in Bulimba (BRISBANE)

2010-08-29T10:09:00.001+10:00

Introduction to computers

Date: Thursday 2 and 23 September

Time: 9am to 9.30am

Contact: Bulimba Library 34078223

Introduction to the internet

Date: Thursday 16 September

Time: 10.30am

Contact: Bulimba Library 34078223

QLD Seminars that may be of interest to you:

2010-08-19T13:19:00.001+10:00

Check below for a list of events where you can see us presenting. More details about these events can be viewed at the QMI Events Calendar or by clicking on the appropriate weblink for each event. Events marked * are supported by the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, click here to go to their website. Events marked ^…are supported by the Queensland Government's Department of Education and Training,click here to go to their website.

Manufacturing Strategy clinic - BRISBANE SOUTHSIDE	25 Aug*	event details
Surat Basin Local Supply Network - DALBY	26 Aug	event details
Sustainability to manufacture effectively - TOOWOOMBA	26 Aug*	event details
Green skills seminar - GOLD COAST	31 Aug^…	event details
Green skills seminar - TOOWOOMBA	2 Sep^…	event details
Green skills seminar - BRISBANE NORTHSIDE	6 Sep^…	event details
Reap the benefits of an engaged team workshop - TOOWOOMBA	8 Sep	event details
Seven ways to increase revenue and reduce costs - MT ISA	9 Sep*	event details
Seven ways to increase revenue and reduce costs - CABOOLTURE	9 Sep*	event details
Green Skills seminar - BRISBANE SOUTHSIDE	10 Sep^…	event details
Voice of the customer workshop - MACKAY	14 Sep*	event details
Green Skills seminar - MARYBOROUGH	16 Sep^…	event details
Green skills seminar - TOWNSVILLE	21 Sep^…	event details
Green skills seminar - MACKAY	23 Sep^…	event details
Resources & Regions: Regional Mining series - BRISBANE CITY	28-29 Sep	event details
Green skills seminar - MT ISA	28 Sep^…	event details
Green skills seminar - GLADSTONE	30 Sep^…	event details
Enterprise Biloela Industry Summit breakfast - BILOELA	5 Oct	event details
Sustainability to manufacture effectively for job shops - BRISBANE NORTHSIDE	14 Oct*	event details
PACRIM Stainless 2010	21-22 Oct	event details

Tips for updating your resume / profile

2010-08-17T11:10:00.000+10:00

Mel Kettle recently tweeted “Trying to re-write my biz profiles. It's hard to write about yourself!”

Agreed it is for many people, very hard to do this, and there are strategies and tips that you can employ. If need be you can get experts to help you. But the worst thing you can do is just ignore your profile.

A profile or a resume, even one that is sitting on Linkedin, should be reviewed quarterly. Why, because it is really so easy to spend a lot of time working on something, and then overlook including it on your resume. I was speaking with a gentleman recently, who needs to update his resume after 5 years of neglect. The task is overwhelming, can you recall all the achievements you have had over the past 5 years, and then filter thru them to see what is worthy of inclusion?

Diarise reviewing your resume every 3 months, and the task will be all of 30 minutes. The key areas that should consider including on your resume are;

Details of how you achieved a project within budget constraints; this demonstrates that you are able to manage and minimise expenses while delivering work outputs.

Details of defined business metrics, and how you were able to achieve against them; this demonstrates that you can work towards goals.

Details of how you work with a team, what is your perceived role in the team, and how you work with them; this demonstrates that you can work with other people, that you can communicate, and fit within a corporate culture.

I am a huge fan of Linkedin and I would encourage you to take the profile review, one step further, and ask recent clients for ‘recommendations’ on your Linkedin profile.

Luck is where Preparation meets Opportunity and you never know what is around the corner.

Please join me on linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/in/aniseconsulting

Open Day - Historical Balmoral Cemetery

2010-08-16T14:52:00.001+10:00

I recently dropped my car off at Hoppy's Car Wash and walked across the road for a stroll thru the Balmoral Cemetery in Norman Park. It is the first time I can recall walking thru the cemetery. It is a prime piece of real estate in a really bad condition. Sadly many of the headstones, are broken in some way. I am not sure if it is due to vandals, or Australia’s harsh environment. I know I have not witnessed such devastation in English cemeteries.

From Di Farmer’s email:

If you’re interested in the history of our local area, the Balmoral Cemetery Open Day is the place to be on Sunday 22 August. Reading the names as you walk past the graves is like reading the street directory of our local area – all the names of our first families, of our local soldiers who went away to war, even some famous politicians! The cemetery is well looked after by the enthusiastic Friends of Balmoral Cemetery group, who’ve collected some wonderful stories about the occupants of the graves. They will hold guided tours and talks from 9 am on the 22^nd, to showcase just how important the cemetery is to our local history. For more information, phone Betty Sinden, on 3395 7916.

10 top tax tips, an article I wrote for the Women's Day

2010-08-13T18:42:00.002+10:00

Here is an extract of the article I wrote for Women’s Day, hopefully it is the first of many.

Read it on their site here :- 10 Top Tax Tips

1. Say Hello to the ATO!

The Australian Taxation Office offers free tax preparation software. ETAX is an easy way to prepare individual income tax returns and lodge them online. They have developed an informative video that provides an overview of how to use their ETAX software. Watch the ETAX video here.

The ETAX software can be downloaded here.

2. Visit the Newsagency.

If you prefer dealing with paper, your local newsagency has free TaxPack 2010 and TaxPack 2010 supplement booklets available to help you complete your income tax return.

3. Be Organised.

Remember to ask for a tax receipt if you pay for something that may be claimable.

Your paperwork needs to be safely stored for generally 5 years. If you lose a tax deductible receipt, you may lose the ability to claim it!

Don’t use highlighters, or leave receipts in the heat or next to plastic wallets, as it will cause them to fade. If you are technically minded it is acceptable for you to scan receipts or use a service like Shoeboxed.

Typically each year you require the same sort of information. For easy reference keep each financial year paperwork in its’ own file.

Use dividers to separate and identify; general tax information, bank statements, investment accounts, declarable income, shares, superannuation information, claimable receipts, government payments.

4. Record your records.

Use an excel spreadsheet to record your income and expenses during the year, or an easy online solution like XERO Personal.

Once your ETAX software knows your tax file number, it will ‘auto fill’ your information based on data collected from other institutions, such as banks, employers, other government departments etc.

It is worth cross-checking that the pre-filled information is correct - that is, that your financial information has been properly linked to your tax file number.

5. Here I am!

Make sure you receive payment summaries (previously known as group certificates) from all employees in this financial year; they should be issued by 14th July.

6. Stay Informed.

Understand what work related expenses you can claim, and those that are unique to your industry; airline stewards are allowed to claim stockings, hairdressers can claim protective aprons and gloves, while teachers can claim suntan cream.

If your claims exceed $300 you must have written evidence to substantiate your claims.

7. Review your Rebates.

Tax rebates, such as the private health insurance rebate, reduces the tax you owe and may be offered as an incentive, as a credit for tax already paid, or to relieve personal circumstances.

8. Be Kind.

Donations over $2 in value are tax deductible; just remember to keep those receipts!

9. Phone a Friend.

If you are unsure, you can ring the ATO on the personal tax line 13 28 61.

10. The Lodge.

Save money and submit your own income tax return online or by snail mail by the 1st November 2010 (The typical date 31st October 2010 is a Sunday).

How did they find me?

2010-08-13T18:39:00.001+10:00

I just received the email below. I receive this sort of email every few days. What amazes me, is that they are able to find my humble little website. Doesn’t that contradict exactly what they are selling, the ability to promote my website across the net?

My Friday brain thinks if your sales folk can find my website, then my websites SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) or ability to be found is doing OK.

Thanks but no thanks.

From: Opal Infotech [mailto:response@opal.in]
Sent: Friday, 13 August 2010 6:17 PM
To: info@aniseconsulting.com
Subject: About Your Website

Greetings!

We have visited your website (www.Aniseconsulting.com.au) and discovered that your product has amazing business potential through the website. But we found that your website is not registered in most of the leading search engines and directories with most searchable keywords, which is a great disadvantage.

We at Opal Infotech offer professional services to market your website by submitting your website in all the leading search engines and directories such as Google, Yahoo, Bing etc.

Since 1999 we have more than 850 clients from 33 countries. You can view the positioning of the web site promoted by us for some of our clients on (http://www.webmasterindia.com/list/). All of these are on the first page of Google.

We are professional in our attitude and value your business, as we too want to see your business grow tangibly. Please respond if you want to promote your business globally which will help in finding new customers for your business.

Thanking You,

Ms. Goral Patel

Manager - Business Development

Mobile: +91-9426720808

Opal Infotechs

411-Samaan Complex,

Nr. Jodhpur Cross Road, Satellite,

Ahmedabad - 380 015

Gujarat, India

Phone : +91-79-26752333, 26750333

Email : response@webmasterindia.com

. . . BECAUSE YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE THE FIRST IMPRESSION

To unsubscribe reply to this mail with code number 001

What do Rob Thomas, Robbie Williams & Robert Gerrish have in common?

2010-08-11T18:44:00.001+10:00

The strangest thing happened with my new iPod nano, it would only sync to artists with the name Robert. I tweeted my frustration & Mr Thomas replied. So who is Robert Goulet? From his own website [http://robertgoulet.com/bios.php];

ROBERT GOULET’s Grammy, Tony and an Emmy winner, was a legendary artist of striking power, whose vocal talents illuminated every medium of the entertainment world. He is considered one of the greatest baritones of our time and was undoubtedly one of the most prominent musical stars to grace the stages worldwide for over six decades.

I however did not have Robert Goulet on my iPod, only Rob Thomas, Robbie Williams’ and Robert Gerrish.

Venue sought for business meeting for 20 people in South East Brisbane

2010-08-11T16:03:00.000+10:00

We are looking for a venue for a monthly morning business meeting. Possibly a maximum of 20 people will be in attendance (bookkeepers). It would be good to have an area where we could have a group discussion, and possibly a white board, though we do not need to be in a closed off area. We would meet 11 times a year and meetings would last approximately 90 minutes. They can purchase their own coffee / food, or we could get it catered. The budget is around $10 per head. If you have any suggestions I welcome them.

The Bulimba Riverside Toastmaster Twitter : @BulimbaToasts

2010-08-10T07:45:00.000+10:00

I joined The Bulimba Riverside Toastmaster [www.riversidetoastmasters.org ]early this year. The image above, is their stall at the Morningside Festival. You may recall I was on the Morningside Festival Committee for many years, and on the day, I volunteered on a stall, it was nice to work on a stall on the day, to come full circle. One day I will actually go to the Festival with no commitments and just enjoy myself ha ha. But it is always great to talk to the community and I truly believe, the ability to speak well, will help many people working in small business.

The Bulimba Riverside Toastmaster meets at the Brisbane Sailing Squadron at the end of Quay Street twice a month. CLICK here to find out more about membership:- http://www.riversidetoastmasters.org/membershipinfo.html

Follow them on Twitter : http://twitter.com/BulimbaToasts

We give you all the power you need to communicate ~ Generator

2010-08-09T21:09:00.001+10:00

I love this image. CHAC has revamped its branding using a company called Generator in Fortitude Valley

http://www.generator.com.au . If you are looking for a company to assist you with graphic design or branding, or as they put it :-

We give you all the power you need to communicate.

Take a look at their website. The website is great. The SEO behind the website is lacking, I can never Google and find them, something that a lot of businesses seem to overlook. But if you want branding, I think it would be worth talking to these guys, though only if they are wearing their ABBA costumes (take a look at the website!)

Are you watching the election on Twitter?

2010-08-09T07:00:00.000+10:00

Interestingly some of the key players are actively tweeting, they need to, for it is a place to communicate, and if peeps (people on twitter) are listening, then, if you want your voice to be heard you need to talk here. Anyway I have been active, and as you can see from the tweet comments above, that appeared on the ABC website, the political journalist Laurie Oakes has commented on one of my tweets.

To sign up to twitter http://twitter.com

http://twitter.com/LaurieOakes

http://twitter.com/Therese_Rein

The hash tag for watching he election on twitter is #ausvotes. Simply click on the word, within a tweet (not here) and it will take you to a stream or conversation of people talking about the election. It is certainly makes for interesting reading, perhaps it is only the opinions of people on twitter, but at least it is not the opinions of Murdoch and Packer, it is Australia with a voice.

Proud to be a finalist in the Professional Services Category of the 2010 Business Achiever Awards

2010-08-08T21:41:00.001+10:00

Thank-you to everyone who voted for us, we are proud to be a finalist in the 2010 Business Achiever Awards. These events are sponsored by our local paper, and voted for by our local clients. Thank-you so much for taking the time to vote for us, we really do appreciate it.

Tax Issues Entry System (TIES) - Making the tax system work better for everyone

2010-07-31T07:36:00.001+10:00

TIES
The Tax Issues Entry System (TIES) is an initiative jointly managed by the ATO and Treasury. TIES provides an opportunity to raise issues relating to the care and maintenance of the Government’s tax and superannuation systems. Care and maintenance issues are about making sure the existing law operates in the way it was intended, by correcting technical or drafting defects, removing anomalies and addressing unintended outcomes.

http://www.ties.gov.au

On the site you can view current and finalised issues with advice on how to document issues.

You can contact them via:
        Email: ties@ato.gov.au
        Mail: TIES, GPO Box 3275, Canberra ACT 2601
        Phone: 1300 788 317 (8am to 6pm weekdays)

Issues with automatic MYOB Recurring Transactions

2010-07-21T22:36:00.001+10:00

To improve your productivity and save you valuable time I recommend setting up MYOB Recurring Transactions. We can provide you remote support to show you how to do this. However there is one important issue you need to be aware of. If you have automatic MYOB recurring transactions set up, and you open the data file several times in the day, the transaction will actually record itself each time the data file is opened. Oooops this could cause problems – you have been warned.

Converting from QuickBooks to MYOB

2010-07-21T22:35:00.002+10:00

As I understand it MYOB does not support the QUICKBOOKS conversion assistant, and it has not been updated to the latest version of MYOB. What you can do with the QUICKBOOKS file, is export the lists to an IIF file and these can be opened in excel and converted to be imported into MYOB. This is the order you need to import the data into MYOB. After each import back-up the file, and check the MYOBLOG. After each import the MYOBLOG will overwrite the last one, so you need to check it each time. To avoid import errors, the data must be imported using the sequence below. After each import, read the import confirmation dialogue box and if necessary, check the MYOBPLOG.txt error log.

Accounts – We recommended you don’t import the Balances. Before importing any other data, manually determine and enter the account Opening Balances.
Tax Code List – Non-consolidated Codes must be imported before Consolidated Codes.
Cards – If your customer cards include a linked Salesperson, import your employee cards first.
Jobs – If you use jobs in any of your transactions, you will need to import them before those transactions.
Items, Activities, then Activity Slips. Immediately after importing your items, use Count Inventory to enter your item balances as at the new data file’s Conversion Date.
Purchases and Sales – Item purchases must be imported before the item sales.
Disbursements and Receipts – Import both Spend Money and Receive Money transactions.

Unless the Pay Bills or Receive Payments export files were created with another application, they cannot be imported and will need to be manually entered.
General Journals. (From MYOB Support Notes)

I am interested to hear any other experiences or suggestions. Converting from QuickBooks to MYOB is a laborious task that should not be undertaken lightly.

Australian of the Year Awards 2011 - Now Open

2010-07-21T22:35:00.000+10:00

These prestigious awards provide us with the opportunity to nominate and celebrate outstanding Queenslanders who contribute to the growth, success and value of our State and nation.

There are four categories:

Queensland Australian of the Year

Queensland Senior Australian of the Year

Queensland Young Australian of the Year

Queensland Local Hero

For more information or to download a nomination form, visit

http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS BOOTCAMP - with Andrew Griffiths - FULL DAY SEMINAR

2010-07-21T22:34:00.002+10:00

(maximum 25 people per seminar)

“This energetic, powerful one day programme will give you literally hundreds of smart tips and strategies that will take your presenting to a whole new level. Andrew will show you how to be not just a little more effective in your presentations but hugely more effective! If you are serious about becoming the very best presenter you can be, investing in this one day workshop is the place to start!”

Cairns 20th August 2010
Townsville 27th August 2010
More cities to come.....

For more information - http://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/speakers-bootcamp.html
http://andrewgriffiths.com.au/

KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS NOW with Andrew Griffiths - FULL DAY SEMINAR

2010-07-21T22:34:00.000+10:00

(maximum 50 people per seminar)

“Let Andrew Griffiths, Australia's #1 Small Business Author share his innovative business building ideas that will literally transform any small business. Andrew has written 10 books (8 of which are best sellers) and they are now sold in over 50 countries. He knows the world of small business inside out and he is totally committed to helping small business owners to be successful.

These interactive workshops are designed to give ANY small business a major shot in the arm. Andrew talks from a place of experience. This one day event is packed with lots of practical information and real world advice that will help to transform any business and give it a serious kick-start.”

Cairns 21st August 2010
Townsville 28th August 2010
Sydney 15th September 2010
Melbourne 22nd September 2010
Perth 25th September 2010
Brisbane 29th September 2010

For more information - http://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/kickstart-seminar.html
http://andrewgriffiths.com.au/

EOFYS UPDATE from @VeechiCurtis #MYOB #BOOKKEEPING #PAYROLL

2010-06-29T07:35:00.001+10:00

June 30 approaches, and the pace never slackens.

Remember that all employers covered by the national workplace relations system (that’s almost all Australian businesses, unless you operate from Western Australia and are a sole trader or partnership) must now provide each new employee with a Fair Work Information Statement (the Statement) before, or as soon as possible after, the employee starts employment. You should also check all employee awards, as many workplace hourly rates and employment conditions are set to change on July 1.
Don’t forget that there’s new legislation this year regarding payment summaries and reportable superannuation. You can download an online guide to end-of-year-payroll, explaining how to balance payroll accounts, set up payment summaries, and check that your payment summaries are correct, all using your MYOB software This document comes complete with a June 30 checklist.
Also available is a e-book about Managing Employee Superannuation, available online for only $9.95.
Have you recently upgraded your version of QuickBooks or MYOB? I’ve written free updates that cover the new features of both MYOB AccountRight and the 2010 release of QuickBooks. You’re welcome to download these documents from my website, free of charge. Click here for the MYOB AccountRight update, or click here for the QuickBooks update.
I also have a new page at my website listing add-ons for QuickBooks. Click here to find out more.

But the biggest news of all (at least, for me it is!) is the release of my new title, Bookkeeping For Dummies. This book has been a real labour of love for myself and for my New Zealand co-author Lynley Averis. We’ve tried to think of all the things we’ve found tricky as bookkeepers, or that we know are frequent problems for the bookkeepers that we train. Maybe you muddle your debits and credits, need help journaling depreciation, you’re not sure how to balance payroll accounts, or you want strategies to help you understand financial reports. We’ve tried to cover it all, and I must say that we’re feeling pretty proud of the result. You can read more by clicking here.

Thanks, as always, for your support, and good luck with the end-of-year silly season!

Veechi Curtis
Quicksilver Communications
Web: http:www.veechicurtis.com.au
***Freelance journalist and business author***
***Author of Making the Most of MYOB Business Software, MYOB Software For Dummies, QuickBooks QBi For Dummies, Making the Most of Payroll using MYOB Software, Small Business for Dummies and co-author of Business Plans for Dummies***
You can follow me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/veechicurtis

Brisbane International Business Women's Breakfast, Wednesday , 7 July 2010 ~ Children First Program

2010-06-24T18:52:00.001+10:00

Dear Ladies,

we are inviting you for our next BIBW breakfast event.

When: Wednesday, 7 July 2010, from 7am until 9am

Where: Café Melange, 1 Parkland Boulevard, Roma Street Parkland

For location, menu and facilities, see link to their website attached (www.melangecafe.com.au)

Parking is available undercover in Parkland Crescent next to the train station, in opposite of the train station, at the Northern end of the park at College Close or – if you are lucky – along Parkland Boulevard. Parking fees are from $1.60/hrs

Breakfast is as usual affordable and ‘A La Carte’. Each of you pays for her own account.

Topic: Children First Program

Margie Bennett, Director of Bennett Consulting, will talk about her volunteer work with Centacare Brisbane’s Children First Program. Children First is a program for children aged 5-15 years who are adjusting to family life after the separation or divorce of their parents. It is an educative peer support group program that is designed to help children come to a better understanding of the divorce or separation of their parents, and also to help them adjust and adapt to the significant changes in their family life.

As usual there will be enough time for networking.

We are looking forward to see you at the breakfast.

Please RSVP by Monday, 5 July 2010.

Kind regards,

Sabina for the BIBW Team

Sabina Langenhan

(PRINCIPAL)

STREET: Level 3 Toowong Towers, 9 Sherwood Road TOOWONG QLD 4066

POSTAL: PO Box 1270 INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068

Ph:+61 (0)7 3374 0281; Mobile: +61 (0)412 300 186 Fax:+61 (0)7 3041 0317

Email:sabina@langenhanlawyers.com.au

www.langenhanlawyers.com.au

Why did I process 3 wages for one employee in MYOB, and one of them did not have super on it?

2010-06-21T11:24:00.001+10:00

Superannuation is paid at 9% on eligible wages once a monthly threshold of $450 has been reached.

If an employee was paid;

Week 1: $400 - no superannuation would accrue

Week 2: $400 – now the monthly payment to date is $800 and superannuation would accrue on the total month to date wage ($800 * 9% = 72)

Week 3: $400 – The threshold was reached in Week 2. Superannuation would accrue at a normal rate on the weekly wage ($400 * 9% = 36)

FREE BIZ "How to Classes" at OFFICEWORKS start at 11am

2010-06-18T13:55:00.001+10:00

Saturday 19th – Using Office 2010

Keep up to date with the new Microsoft Office 2010 by learning how to use the new software seamlessly. This class provides a great opportunity to have all your questions answered leaving you confidently driving this great tool.

Sunday 20th – How to choose a camera – digital SLR vs compact

Find out about the features and benefits of digital SLR and compact digital cameras and be given advice on which one best suits your needs.

Saturday 26th – Notebooks vs netbooks – choosing the perfect portable computer

Find out about the features and benefits of notebooks and netbooks and receive advice on which one will best suit your needs.

Sunday 27th – How to set up a home office (furniture, technology, office supplies)

We’ll let you know what items you need to set up an office at home. From the desk to the desktop, you’ll have your home office sorted in no time.

Payments within the Building Industry

2010-06-14T21:24:00.001+10:00

If you operate within the Building Industry, does the BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PAYMENTS ACT 2004 apply to you? I have worked with several businesses within the building industry, and do not claim to be an expert by any means. It seems that businesses within the Building and Construction Industry may not pay an invoice in its entirety, they may hold back until the job is completed. I have also heard of 10% of the payment held back until a year after completion.

It is worthwhile checking with an expert if you are experiencing payment issues.

You may also benefit from including the following phrase on your invoices;

This is a payment claim made under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 (QLD)

The construction work or related services in respect of which this Payment Claim is made and the method of calculation of the total amount of the claim are set out in the Attachment(s) to this Payment Claim.

Simplify your superannuation obligations with free government service

2010-06-14T19:46:00.001+10:00

...Alternative to MYOB M-Powered Superannuation

What is the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House?

From the website [http://www.medicare.gov.au/super]

The Australian Government is offering a free superannuation clearing house service to small businesses with less than 20 employees.

This service is optional and is designed to reduce red tape and compliance costs associated with meeting your superannuation guarantee obligations.

They've made it easier for you — employers can register online and when it's time to make your superannuation contribution payments, this can be done in one transaction, Australian Government will do the rest. It's that simple.

The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House makes superannuation payments simple. It's fast, free and efficient — letting you get back to what's important to your business.

What does this mean for you?

The service is available from July 2010, but you can register now.

It is only applicable for businesses with less than 20 employees

Super contributions made to numerous super funds will be electronically paid to a single location [the clearing house] which will process the transactions.

The free superannuation clearing house for small business is available through Medicare

The information available indicates that contributions can be made to any superannuation fund, it will be interesting to see if they can handle SMSF (Self Managed Super Funds)

BAS Agent registration confusion - you may need to register twice.

2010-06-01T15:47:00.001+10:00

I clarified a confusion I had about BAS Agent registration at the last ATO BAG meeting I attended in May.

If you are an individual you need to apply for individual BAS Agent registration.

If you are a business, undertaking BAS preparation work, your business needs to apply for BAS Agent registration.

So as my business offers BAS preparation services and as I undertake BAS preparation services I need to [and have] effectively registered twice.

During the initial stages I think there are understandably teething problems, and the application form, does not clearly distinguish between individual and business application.

I am by no means the authorities word on this matter, I however think my set-up may be similar to others and I was told in no uncertain terms, I need to register twice. Further information can be found at http://www.tpb.gov.au

Shall we catch up for coffee?

2010-06-01T15:33:00.001+10:00

I rarely have time for a one on one catch-up over coffee. It is something that I love to do, but there are not enough hours in the day to do everything. I do however chat over skype, and do plan to meet people at business / networking events [part of my multi tasking / time management strategies]

So if you have an event you are going to that may interest me, drop me a line, and I will try and come along - hope that does not sound harsh - but there is so little time & so much to do.

MYOB Maintenance : How do I rollover my MYOB Data File?

2010-05-27T20:01:00.001+10:00

As we approach the end of the 2010 financial year, you need to roll over your MYOB data file, to at least 30 June 2009, so you can access reports and data for the 2010/2011 financial year.

We would love to help you with this, but it is also something that you can do yourself.

Before you do anything make a back-up. I will take the opportunity to mention a great product Carbonite for backing up your entire PC.

Now make an extra back-up and store it separately, in your fire safe, or at home, away from the office.

Put the MYOB data file on the local PC, typically C:Drive. If you do it over the network, it will take an extra long time, and there is a possibility it will crash.

Turn off your screen saver.

Close all other programs.

Start the roll over. The process can take between 5 minutes and 90 minutes, so make sure you have some non-computer based work to do. I find that just moving the mouse a little every few minutes helps, but I am not sure if this is my own personal old wives tale!

After you have finished remember to put the MYOB data file back where it is normally located and turn on the screen saver.

Happiness is a Positive Cashflow speaker Heather Smith - 2nd June 2010

2010-05-27T16:37:00.001+10:00

I am speaking at the next Brisbane International Business Women's Breakfast; “Happiness is a Positive Cash Flow” you are welcome to join us.

Topic Happiness is a Positive Cash Flow

Heather Smith will share her love of accounting in a small business environment. Using simple practical examples, and anecdotes she will work through the structure of a profit & loss statement to suit your business needs, discuss the necessity of a positive cash flow for the survival of your business and stress the importance of accurate and timely management information for business decisions.

When: Wednesday 2 June 2010, from 7am until 9am

Where: Cafe Melange, 1 Parkland Boulevard, Roma Street Parkland

Breakfast is ‘A La Carte’. Everyone pays her own account and there will be enough time for networking.

We are looking forward to see you next week.

Please RSVP by Monday, 31 May 2010. Sabina: sabina@langenhanlawyers.com.au

MYOB AccountRight v19.01 Update to upgrade - You need to install the update to the upgrade!

2010-05-14T18:15:00.001+10:00

If you have or will install MYOB AccountRight, you will instantly need to install the first update. Here is verbatim what MYOB has to say on the matter:

MYOB AccountRight v19.01 Update

The AccountRight v19.01 update is now available to all MYOB clients registered with one of the products from the MYOB AccountRight v19 product suite.

It has been made available to clients through the new Software Manager.

Follow this support note for more information on how to download and install the AccountRight v19.01 Update using the Software Manager.

What changes have taken place with the update?

The AccountRight v19.00.1 updates the Business Insights dashboards, the MYOB ODBCDirect driver to version 10.00.11 and BASLink, providing resolution to the Business Insights Dashboard and BASLink issues.

Details of the resolved issues are as follows:

Critical error in BASLink module - Runtime Error 53 – Resolved by updating BASLink

The BASLink error only appeared if MYOB AccountRight was installed and you were trying to run the BASLink module belonging to a 2009 release version of MYOB; including MYOB Accounting Plus v18.5, Premier v12.5 and Premier Enterprise v6.5. This error did not occur when you were using the BASLink module belonging to a pre-2009 release of MYOB or the 2010 AccountRight release.

The error occurred due to a registry conflict between the 2009 release and the AccountRight 2010 release.

This error was worked around by re-registering the BASLink.

Business Insights Dashboards – Resolved by updating the dashboard and MYOB ODBCDirect driver (v10.00.11)

Top Ten Items

The Top Ten Items dashboard did not refresh if a client had the Business Insights Dashboard open, AND they updated an item’s value or quantity by creating an item transaction.

Aging Information in the Analyse Customers & Suppliers dashboards.

The ‘Over 90’ column of the Aged Receivables and Aged Payables dashboards provided incomplete and inaccurate information.

My wrap of Joanna McMillan Prices talk Good Mood Food #FILEX

2010-05-14T15:03:00.003+10:00

While I was at FILEX, I surprisingly met a lot of people I know. I accidently bumped into someone, as I was heading towards a session, and she recommended I drop into the session GOOD MOOD FOOD with Joanna McMillan Price. I was pretty easy going and took up her suggestion. As I entered the session, I nearly cried! I love Joanna; she is the exquisite Scottish dietician from the TODAY show.

Her voice is simply lovely to listen to, and she imparted her wisdom in really simple to understand language. I was able to digest (pun intended!) some of her talk, but some sailed over my head. Thru the event she had three talks Good Mood Food, Digest This 2010, Fat Loss Success 2010, but I was only able to get to Good Mood Food.

I would like to share with you my random notes of the event;

whole foods = less depression processed foods = more depression

You need to have ALA EPA and DHA oils. (Oils ain’ oils!)

From my notes you get ALA’s from flaxseed, chia oil, walnuts, and you get EPA and DHA from fish, and kangaroo meat.

Omega 3’s (fishy oils) are linked to your mood, low levels have been shown to coincide with suicide attempts, ADHD’s, anxiety, postnatal depression. If you only took one thing away from the talk it was eat take Omega 3 supplements daily (100mg a day), because it is unlikely that you are getting enough in your diet. The talk took a surprising turn, as she said even fish may not have a high level of Omega 3, depending on where it was caught. Fish need to eat micro algae - green pond slime I think, they don’t just naturally produce Omega 3, so if they are farmed fish and fed grains, they are may have low levels.

The talk went on to red meat; you need your meat to be grass fed. Stay away from Wagu meat, the marbled meat or the grain fed meat, it is not natural.

She recommends CHIA Oil. The chia oil can be used for salads, baking, but not cooking. You can buy the seeds (grown in Western Australia) and put them in your porridge.

Bakers Delight are doing a CHIA bread – and the audience said it tasted good.

She recommends visiting Victor Churchill’s butcher (wow check out the website they even have their own iPhone app – now that is a luxurious destination!!

Kangaroo meat is cost effective and has loads of good omega.

Green Tea – 4 cups a day (my preference is decaffeinated)

Folate, zinc and Iron were also important.

Well by the time you have eaten all this food that is going to put you in a good mood; you will not have room for anything else!

Dark chocolate has an element which is provides a similar effect to marijuana (I feel hungry now I have mentioned chocolate)

Suggested reading The End of Overeating by Kessler

If this is of interest to you, I suggest you have a look thru the pdf’s, and visit Joanna McMillan Prices’ website.

www.joannamcmillanprice.com

www.innerhealthouterbeauty.com

Good Mood Food

Digest This 2010

Fat Loss Success 2010

"Through orangutans' eyes" : Fundraiser to save Orangutans'

2010-05-14T15:03:00.001+10:00

The orangutans' rainforest is being felled for Palm Oil and other crops at an overwhelming rate with the remaining forest being degraded by drought and forest fires. Extinction in the wild is likely in the next 10 years for Sumatran Orangutans and soon after for Bornean Orangutans. The Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) is a non profit organisation staffed by volunteers to raise funds and collect donations for Orangutan Conservation and habitat protection. In October this year the AOP is presenting a National Art exhibition and competition "Through an orangutans' eyes" and invites all artists and students to submit works interpreting the flora and fauna of the Indonesian rainforest.

www.orangutan.org.au

The Australian Orangutan Project (Brisbane)

Will be showing an exciting wildlife art exhibition showcasing the flora and fauna of the Jungles of Borneo and Sumatra

During October 21st to 24th 2010 the Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) Brisbane will be holding an exciting National fund raiser. The first of its kind to raise the much needed funds and awareness to help AOP in their fight to support the

conservation of orangutans both in Sumatra and Borneo. We are looking at gathering an array of artists who would like to donate a piece of their work for sale at the exhibition with proceeds going to the conservation work of AOP. The theme

“Through orangutans’ eyes”

will focus on what an orangutan sees in his habitat based on flora and fauna

What do you get from MYOB Cover?

2010-05-09T11:35:00.001+10:00

MYOB Cover is a comprehensive membership that gives you the software, support and services to keep your business operating efficiently and profitably.

ANISE Consulting says : You can purchase MYOB product from us with MYOB Cover however the Cover and Support is from MYOB Australia not thru us.

MYOB Cover keeps your business up to date by ensuring you are on the latest version of your MYOB software and benefit from the resources and experience of the MYOB Technical Support team. An MYOB Cover membership starts from as little as $25.75* per month and is tax-deductible for many businesses — check with your tax advisor for details.

How MYOB Cover helps keep your business running smoothly

MYOB Cover - Features & benefits+

PAYG withholding tax table updates (ATO compliance updates)
MYOB software upgrades – ensures you are always on the current version
Extended hours access to MYOB Technical Support via phone, email, web and Live Chat
Free monthly access to M-Powered Services
Discounts on MYOB Classroom Training and Seminars
Coverage, our monthly eNewsletter containing business information and special offers
Up to 10% off selected Dell hardware
Up to 20% off MYOB Business web hosting – Get your business online
10% off Business stationery from Forms Express
Recover accounts easily with D&B revenue protection services

ANISE Consulting says : if you have downloaded a free trial version (which is something I highly recommend, try before you buy) wait until the 90 days has almost expired, and then purchase your product with COVER. MYOB have been notoriously sneaky about issuing their tax tables, which you need for payroll. They normally only offer a one month sunset policy, so if you buy in June, you can get the tax tables as at 1^st July. So you want to delay your purchase as long as possible to ensure your tax tables last as long as possible.

Heather Smith and her team at ANISE Consulting, have assisted in setting up and supporting over 300 small businesses in Brisbane and beyond. Their focus is on cashflow management. They are leading experts in MYOB Accounting software and are dabbling in Xero. For further assistance please contact us http://www.aniseconsulting.com/contactUs.html or join us;

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

My wrap of Paul Browns talk Find, Win and keep more clients #FILEX

2010-05-08T21:47:00.000+10:00

Here are some of my random highlights of Paul Browns talk on Find, Win and keep more clients at #Filex.

· You should create a tangible product that you can resell, package and brand it.

1. Your product should be objective and outcome driven. It should sell the dream!

2. It should set goals

3. Results should be regularly measured

4. Graduation & celebration

5. Understand their destination expectation

· Retention, Referrals, Renewals, Reactivation, Recharge

· Paul suggested that you do not keep the price of your product on your website. I question this, as a lot of time can be wasted just answering client basic questions.

· Always have a photo on your business card – sounding very real estatey! Your business card should have your photo, demonstrate your brand, offer something, and have a call to action.

· Your business is about getting client from point A to point B, they can do this is a taxi or a limo. What service do you offer?

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

My wrap of Andrew Griffiths @AGauthor talk on The Power of Inspiration #Filex

2010-05-08T20:32:00.002+10:00

Here are some of my random highlights of Andrew Griffiths talk on The Power of Inspiration at #Filex.

· Griffith’s recommended reading Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”; the book, released in 1937 is still relevant today, and I thought I would post some core principles from 5 of the chapters below.

· Leave your ego at the door and have a real conversation.

· Bad shit (apologies for the profanity!) is only one chapter of your life.

B Bad things happen to all of us we can either get bitter or better.

BBiz success happens in the heart

Put a pea under your cushion.

· Andrew challenged us to the Rocking Chair Test; when you are old and sitting in your rocking chair will your life put a smile on your face?

· Griffiths spoke extensively about ASSUMING and EMPATHY.

o Assuming makes an ASS out of U and Me!

o Empathy ~ Learn to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are talking to. Think about life from their perspective. Think about what issues they may have and empathize with them.

I was especially touched by his talk on Empathy. I am privileged to work with 100’s of passionate business owners who are exceptionally good at what they do. Our role at ANISE consulting is to understand what the business owner needs from their management reports and work with them to achieve it. Measure what is important, set up accounting / bookkeeping systems that work for your business, and provide support and advice as you need it.

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

The Power of Inspiration #Filex 2010 Andrew Griffiths @AGauthor

2010-05-08T20:31:00.001+10:00

Here are the slides Andrew Griffiths used at his talk. He uses the modern presentation technique of large attractive photos, and short dramatic statements. Do you like it?

Filex 2010

View more presentations from Andrew Griffiths Enterprises.

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

2010-05-08T20:24:00.001+10:00

Core principles from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

Don't criticize, condemn, or complain.
Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Extract from Wikipedia

Six Ways to Make People Like You

2010-05-08T20:17:00.001+10:00

Core principles from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

Become genuinely interested in other people.
Smile.
Remember that a man's Name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Talk in the terms of the other man's interest.
Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely.

Extract from Wikipedia

Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking

2010-05-08T20:08:00.001+10:00

Core principles from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

Avoid arguments.
Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never tell someone they are wrong.
If you're wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
Begin in a friendly way.
Start with questions the other person will answer yes to.
Let the other person do the talking.
Let the other person feel the idea is his/hers.
Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
Sympathize with the other person.
Appeal to noble motives.
Dramatize your ideas.
Throw down a challenge & don't talk negative when the person is absent, talk about only positive..

Extract from Wikipedia

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

2010-05-08T20:05:00.001+10:00

Core principles from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
Call attention to other people's mistakes indirectly.
Talk about your own mistakes first.
Ask questions instead of directly giving orders.
Let the other person save face.
Praise every improvement.
Give them a fine reputation to live up to.
Encourage them by making their faults seem easy to correct.
Make the other person happy about doing what you suggest.

Extract from Wikipedia

Seven Rules For Making your Home Life Happier

2010-05-08T20:03:00.001+10:00

Core principles from Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

This section was included in the original 1936 edition but omitted from the revised 1981 edition.

Don't nag.
Don't try to make your partner over.
Don't criticize.
Give honest appreciation.
Pay attention.
Be courteous.
Listen carefully to what your partner says and make him/her feel important about what he/she says.
Become a good listener.

Extract from Wikipedia

Please nominate us for the QUEST 2010 Business Achiever Awards

2010-05-05T22:52:00.001+10:00

For the third year in a row we hope to be nominated for the QUEST Business Achiever Awards with your help;

Please click here. I have included entry details above in case you need them.

Thank-you for your time!

We get 14 points if we get the most votes!!

Marketing with Megan Walker

2010-05-05T22:48:00.005+10:00

The next Wynnum Chamber of Commerce event is a Business Luncheon to be held at Wynnum Manly Leagues Club on Wednesday 19^th May so enter this on your blackberry or desktop calendar before you forget.

Guest speaker for this luncheon is the dynamic Megan Walker, founder and principal of Market Savvy. Megan is hot property in the marketing world. She has 16 years senior marketing experience supporting a wide range of organisations and clients. She has extensive experience in retail, professional services, infrastructure, medical and not for profit organisations. Megan, who is regarded highly for her ‘thinking outside the square’, is degree qualified in business management, communications and marketing and a Certified Practising Marketer, is a QUT mentor/guest lecturer and is an active member of Zonta International.

Megan is also the facilitator of the Smart Marketing Workshops hosted by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and also a Business Mentor for the Mentoring for Growth program.

Megan’s presentation will take a light-hearted look at today’s marketing but will be jam-packed with hot tips that you can apply to your marketing strategy.

This luncheon is to be held in the Sunset Room at Wynnum Manly Leagues Club starting promptly at 12 noon. Please arrive by 11.45am to complete registration before the start. The luncheon will conclude by 1.30pm. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL so call now on 3893 2628 or email melinda@wynnumchamber.org

Members $30.00 Non-Members $40.00

NOTE: If you are paying via online direct debit please state your invoice number OR name in the “reference box”

Bank: Bank of Queensland BSB: 124-001 A/c Number: 20179691

How can peacocks positively impact your cashflow?

2010-05-05T22:48:00.003+10:00

Travelling on business can be a busy and rushed experience and when you get back to the office, if you are anything like me, you have masses of paper, notes and work to trawl thru. To keep yourself organised I suggest you take a small purse to amass all those tax deductible receipts. Peacock zip purses from Lyssy May are an ideal and attractive solution. Keep it in your briefcase and when you collect a receipt, the brightly coloured and unusual texture of Lyssy Mays’ Peacock zip purses can easily be found. Now if you are really efficient, when you have some quiet/waiting time, you can pull out the purse, and write the purpose of the expense on the receipt. When you get back to the office you or your bookkeepers’ job will be so much simpler.

If you lose a receipt, and then don’t properly claim all of your deductibles, your cashflow will be adversely affected. You will end up paying more taxes. Keep it simple, stay organised, get yourself a receipt purse and positively impact your cashflow.

To set up a user password in MYOB:

2010-05-05T22:48:00.001+10:00

Setup->Preferences->Security->User ID’s and here you can create a new profile.

I recommend that each user, including your accountant has their own profile.

Choosing accounting software

2010-04-26T09:37:00.003+10:00

Identifying the right accounting package for your business can be difficult. Consider these important questions when you’re investigating your options.

Choosing accounting software appropriately may be critical to the success of a business, but there’s no one size fits all solution. As a business owner, you need to consider what your individual business requirements are, both now and in the future.

I have an iphone and it is full of apps.

2010-04-26T09:37:00.001+10:00

I use foursquare to find the insiders reviews of the best places to have coffee or eat when I am travelling.

I use Voice Memo to record those conversation I may need to refer back to.

I use Google Maps to find where I am going.

My phone syncs with outlook, so my contacts app is invaluable.

I use Echofon, to twitter, always useful when you have some time to kill.

I use the Clock app as a stopwatch when I am chairing meetings, or when I am public speaking.

I use the games apps to keep the kids quite while I am busy!

I have tried to use Evernote, but the images have never been clear for me, other people rave about that app though!

My favourite is ShopShop which is a very basic 'ToDoList' highlighting what I need to buy or do.

What are your favourite apps?

Upgrade to MYOB AccountRight

2010-04-26T09:36:00.001+10:00

An overview of how to upgrade to MYOB AccountRight, including the time saving feature of upgrading the datafile and templates using the UPGRADE ASSISTANT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcjQ0d9F5Go

Web Site Design for Small Business

2010-04-19T08:07:00.001+10:00

ANISE Consulting is proud to recommend Neurovision for developing your small business website.

And you thought it was going to be complicated…

For $1395 you receive:

•Your own Self Managed Website
•Setup and Administration
•5 Email Accounts with Virus & Spam Protection
•Webmail
•Custom Design
•Anti-Spam Contact Form
•Google Business Submission
•Visitor Tracking with Weekly Email Reports
•Search Engine friendly design and Google Sitemap
•Unlimited Free Support
•1 year Business Hosting

Additional options

•Photo Gallery | $185
•eCommerce | $750
•Booking Calendar | $145
•Booking Form | $145
•Social Marketing Consultancy
•Email Marketing

CLICK here to fill out the form and a representative from Neurovision will be in touch shortly.

Tax agent or accountant? Who to go to for advice by MAX NEWNHAM

2010-04-19T08:06:00.006+10:00

This article was recently published in The Age;

Whether you are thinking of starting a business for the first time, or have been in business for many years, it is vitally important to get the right advice. In a lot of cases people get this advice from accountants. Unfortunately not all accountants were created equal.

In many cases people believe they have an accountant, when in actual fact they have a tax agent. Tax agents tend to mainly look back and are focused only on completing forms for the tax office and other regulators. Accountants on the other hand, as well as taking care of the compliance work, are more focused on the business and are also looking forward.

Read the article here

A tweet with @NickEarls

2010-04-19T08:06:00.005+10:00

Again demonstrating the power of twitter, here is a transcript of a recent tweet exchange I had with our Brisbane author Nick Earls. Nice to think I had an effect on him, even if it was only for dinner J

BEETROOT RISOTTO recipe from taste.com

2010-04-19T08:06:00.004+10:00

Media opportunity: productivity software

2010-04-19T08:06:00.003+10:00

Media opportunity:

I am writing an article about the productivity software listed below. If you have used any of them, would you like to provide me with a comment?

An example would be;

Biz owner John Smith says ‘ClickYes saves time when emailing invoices from MYOB. My time is valuable!’

Please email me at info@aniseconsulting.com

1. Cutepdf

2. Screenhunter 5.0 Free

3. Jing

4. PhraseExpress v5.1

5. Microsoft Photo story 3

6. ToDoList 5.6 from http://www.abstractspoon.com/.

7. Google Maps

8. CLICKYES -

9. Freemind MindMap

10. SKYPE

11.LOGMEIN

12. TweetDeck

Joe Hockey and social media

2010-04-19T08:06:00.001+10:00

The image below, shows the dilemma that Joe Hockey is facing. He was poorly advised when it came to social media and wasted time creating a personal page, which only accepts a limited number of friends. So he inevitable ‘rejects’ potential friends not something any politician wants to do. Should he set up a Facebook fan page – yes it will allow he any number of fans, it will provide him the flexibility to load videos and comments, and allow for dialogue between Joe and his followers.

Who is the Australian politician doing really well with social media? In my humble opinion Premier Kristina Keneally

Upgrade MYOB Business Basics to MYOB AccountRight Standard + Cover

2010-04-13T09:50:00.006+10:00

If you are using MYOB Business Basics and wish to upgrade, the only option for upgrading includes COVER. I personally do not think that it is fair that MYOB force you to take out COVER (an additional cost) on a software product that really does not require COVER. It could be argued that you get ‘New Features’ but many users feel they could take or leave the ‘New Features’ and they are not worth the cost.

The cost of upgrading from MYOB Business Basics to MYOB AccountRight Standard is $359 (as of 1^st April 2010, price subject to change). Therefore, to purchase Business Basics at $199 and then decide to upgrade to MYOB AccountRight Standard + Cover at $359, would be a total outlay of $558.

To purchase MYOB AccountRight Standard (without cover) would cost $399 (note this price is only $40 more than the cost of the upgrade)

Successful businesses rely on consistently making correct decisions. Make sure you purchase the right software for your business.

We can supply all your MYOB software needs J

Heather Smith and her team at ANISE Consulting, have assisted in setting up and supporting over 300 small businesses in Brisbane and beyond. Their focus is on cashflow management. They are leading experts in MYOB Accounting software and are dabbling in Xero. For further assistance please contact us http://www.aniseconsulting.com/contactUs.html or join us;

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

The youngest ever MYOB data entry operator?

2010-04-13T09:50:00.005+10:00

I recently wrote a nationally published article about exposing your children to your business.

Over the Easter break I was determined to get Mr 13 to do my MYOB data entry.

Data Entry is pretty straightforward.

But I was not going to throw him in the deep end. I want him to help me but I also want him to learn.

The process probably took 3 times as long as if I had done it myself, but the benefits will be long term.

As well as relieving my burden, he will take this knowledge with him to his business classes at school, university and life.

Small business workshops - presented by Di Farmer and the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce: The

2010-04-13T09:50:00.004+10:00

State Government runs really practical workshops for small businesses. Unfortunately it’s hard to get to them if you’re strapped for time (as most small business owners are), and they’re not being held close by. Di Farmer MP has banded together with our South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the three most popular workshops at the Colmslie Hotel.

20 April, Smart Marketing

5 May Managing for Profit

12 May Managing Your Cash

Please phone Di Farmer’s office on 07 3399 9492, if you’d like further details.

South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce - Lunch at Noon

2010-04-13T09:50:00.003+10:00

South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce - Lunch at Noon

Date: Friday, April 16th, 2010

Time: 12 midday

Venue: Norman Hotel - 102 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba

Cost: Pay as you order

RSVP: Close of business on Wednesday April 14th, 2010

to info@sebcc.com.au

MYOB Remote Training and Support : We understand MYOB and we want to support you.

2010-04-13T09:50:00.001+10:00

We are pleased to be able to offer remote support using a secure CITRIX network via GoToAssist. It only take a few moments to connect, and we can communicate with you via IM (instant Messaging within the GoToAssist programme) or via SKYPE. Please contact us with your SKYPE name so we can add it to our SKYPE phonebook.

This has immensely boosted our ability to support our clients, as if you have a problem, we can connect in and respond immediately. Many clients who have used this service already have told me they really like the ability to access small slots of help, to move them on in processing within MYOB. It is also a money saver, as you are no longer bound to the minimum 2 hour call out fee.

We look forward to supporting you via the secure CITRIX GoToAssist service.

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

Business Invoicing in MYOB or XERO

2010-04-13T09:49:00.000+10:00

Flying Solo has a comprehensive article I wrote about customising your business invoice; the key things to remember are make sure it has the amount due on it, the date it is due, contact details and most importantly payment options, how can they pay you?

How many ways are you giving your customer to pay you? Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS, Credit Card, BPAY. People like paying with credit card, because they don’t have to pay it off for 60 days, and they earn points. Do you give them that option? A colleague told me the other day that she stopped using a supplier because the supplier insisted in being paid by cheques and she hated cheques. Do you offer customers a discount for paying on time? Make it easy for your customers to pay you.

Your invoice description should be as detailed as possible. It should have a authorised activity slip, or authorised delivery slip where relevant. I make no apologies for throwing around the word ‘authorised’ you need to get acknowledgement that the product has been delivered, or the work has been done.

Do you have any business invoicing tips?

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting

Labelling Inventory - Mnemonics

2010-03-29T14:06:00.005+10:00

To easily find inventory in MYOB it is necessary to establish an understandable mnemonic system for labelling the item numbers. E.g. each grouping would be represented by a prefix letter and then further detail. The numbering needs to be in a logical manner, e.g. like something you would look up in a filing cabinet.

A famous mnemonic is Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain which represents Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet the colours or a rainbow

Don't You Just Hate Being Ignored? by Susan Oakes

2010-03-29T14:06:00.004+10:00

Have you ever filled out a contact form on a website or sent an email and weeks later you are still waiting for a response?

Unless you have been extremely lucky you probably have experienced this and felt a little frustration or even felt angry.

This issue is not restricted to large companies. It seems from reading a number of small business blog posts, especially the ones that are enjoying healthy growth, responding to emails appear to be lessening in importance.

I have even seen contact pages that say please contact me and fill out the form; however we receive so many emails it may take some time to get back to you. I asked the following question on Twitter – “Do you always answer emails especially those sent from your contact page on your website (scammers and spammers aside)?

Read more here :- Don’t You Just Hate Being Ignored? by Susan Oakes http://bit.ly/9209mR

Launch party as a means for promotion

2010-03-29T14:06:00.003+10:00

I was fortunate enough to be a guest at the recent VAustralia party in Melbourne for the launch of their South African route. I have never been to South Africa, and it is certainly exciting to have the possibility to travel to Africa on VAustralia for the really low fares. I spoke to several people who had just flown to the maiden voyage, and they said if you stay in the main areas, of Johannesburg you will have a safe and enjoyable holiday. I look forward to travelling there one day...

Easter Shutdown

2010-03-29T14:06:00.001+10:00

Our team at ANISE Consulting will be enjoying Easter holidays from 1^st April – 11^th April.

Wishing you safe and happy holiday over Easter.

Sydney Writers Centre

2010-03-22T05:11:00.003+10:00

I was delighted to be featured in a recent newsletter from the Sydney Writers Centre. If you have ever thought of writing, or want to improve your writing skills, take a look at the courses that they have to offer. I felt I learnt more than I did in 2 years of English classes, I still have a long way to go.

Student Success

We’ve received more great news from one of our former students. This week we heard from Heather Smith, who completed our Online Feature Writing course in 2009. She’s had many articles published since completing the course and had this to say:

“Valerie’s course broached the idea of interviewing people and using their quotes. This is the first time I have done this. I now have a quarterly column in the Australian Fitness Network called Grow Your Business!”

Heather’s also had articles published on news.com.au and flyingsolo.com.au. Congratulations Heather!

You can hear what Heather says about the online course in Feature Writing for Magazines and Newspapers yourself here on this video.

Writing has always been a passion of mine, and combined with my love of small business, hopefully will this decade turn into a book.

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/ANISEConsultings

TWITTER : twitter.com/aniseconsulting

YOUTUBE : http://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting