Brisbane Central Leads Club

Next guest event: 1 December, 2010

2010-11-23T22:22:00.000+10:00

Each month members of our chapter of Leads Club hold one meeting in which we try to attract as many guests as possible. It's more fun, and members and guests are exposed to a wider group of people in their own businesses and trades.

The next guest event is on 1December 2010. It's at 7.15am at Brisbane Workers Club, 2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington (entrance off Given Terrace). All welcome!

If you want to attend, contact our director Jason Bragger: jason@dolfinwise.com.au or phone: 07 3831 5990

Successful mixers

2010-11-23T22:08:00.000+10:00

We have had two successful mixers in the last couple of months. Each month a member hosts a social event, designed to profile their business, and have other members attend in a social setting outside the usual format of Leads Club meetings.

Members can hold the mixers themselves or co-host with one or 2 others.

October's mixer was co-hosted by Andrew Gibbs, chartered accountant, and Stephen Page of Harrington Family Lawyers at Andrew's office. It was a roaring success.

November's mixer, held last week, was hosted by our Director, Jason Bragger at his Dolfinwise office. Members attending were able to meet several financial planners (both from Dolfinwise and elsewhere). Thank you, Jason!

New management team

2010-11-23T22:02:00.000+10:00

We have a new management team. Jason Bragger, of Dolfinwise is our new director. Dave Challinor of Fortified Finance and Leasing is our new assistant director, and Rob Caughey of Action Coach remains in the role of the hard working recorder.

The change in the management team is in accordance with the usual 6 month rotation of positions that our Leads Club enjoys, like other Leads Clubs. The turnover is designed to give all members a go.

Jason and Dave replace outgoing director Stephen Page of Harrington Family Lawyers and Stewart Jones of Betta Computers.

Bridge to Brisbane

2010-08-31T20:39:00.000+10:00

Stephen and Stewart, happy after completing the race!

Several of our members participated in this year's Bridge to Brisbane race. Our team was led by our director Stephen Page and assistant director Stewart Jones.

Our T shirts were provided courtesy of national director Catherine Lonergan, who called on the skills of a Leads Club member at another chapter to design the shirts.

"It was another wonderful race. Even if not racing, the spectacle of the day was more than worth the early start," said Stephen.

"I thought it would be much more arduous than it was. I had a great time," said Stewart.

National Director in town

2010-08-31T20:27:00.000+10:00

Leads Club Australia national director Catherine Lonergan was in town on Saturday, and our director, Stephen Page, was lucky enough to catch up.

Catherine was in Brisbane for the first Australia and New Zealand Dubli conference. DubLi is a web platform originating in Dubai. It is a world wide online trading firm. It is composed of two very unique and individual business models; DubLi.com - a reverse auction portal for high level branded merchandise and DubLi Network - the business opportunity where anyone can establish their own business in a competitive market; with little if no risk.

Visit to Whittier Leads Club

2010-08-23T22:35:00.001+10:00

Our director, Stephen Page of Harrington Family Lawyers recently spoke at Whittier Chapter of Leads Club in Los Angeles.

Richard Montano, Stephen Page, Lisa Bentson, Mark Villalobos

Those attending Whittier Chapter included fellow guest speaker Lisa Bentson, director Mark Villalobos, and assistant director Richard Montano.

Stephen spoke about our chapter, and how he became involved in Leads Club.

Whittier Chapter is a thriving chapter at Whittier, which is southeast of Los Angeles, but about 30 minutes north of Anaheim. The chapter was founded 15 years ago. Members were keen to give each other leads, and the number of leads (and their value) were monitored so that the success or otherwise of the chapter and each member in it was able to be measured. It was clear that networking within the club had been so successful that in addition to the business each member gave to the others that friendships had evolved.

Members spoke positively about a recent mixer involving the local chamber of commerce.

Lisa Bentson is the president of Ali Lassen's Leads Club and is the daughter of the founder, Ali Lassen. Lisa was the other guest speaker on the morning, and quickly engaged with chapter members.

Lisa and all the members of the Whittier chapter were friendly and inviting. Stephen was made to feel very welcome. Well done!

Upcoming mixer

2010-06-16T18:06:00.002+10:00

Although Brisbane Central Leads Club is a business club, designed to grow each member's business, we also like to meet socially once a month. We call this a mixer. The purposes of this are:

for the members to see each other member's business
see how they do business
increase trust and camaraderie among members, and
therefore generate more leads within the club.

This month the mixer is being held at Rob Caughey's Action Coach at Morningside at 6pm on 29 June. All are welcome.

Top 5 ways of growing a business using a blog

2010-06-15T20:37:00.000+10:00

There are five top ways of growing a business by using a blog, according to one of our members. Stephen Page of Harrington Family Lawyers and author of the Australian Divorce Blog and the Australian Gay and Lesbian Law Blog said those ways were:

1. Create a blog that has a name related to your field of expertise.

For example, if you know about widgets, you might call your blog Simply Widgets.

2. Post items on the blog regularly.

There need to be regular blogposts. Don't let the blog go stale- no one will look at it.

3. Show your expertise in your field by the content of your blogs.

Stephen authors two different blogs: one focussed on divorce and family law, and the other on a different market- those of LGBTI people. The contents of one do not necessarily refelct the contents of the other, given their separate market positions. What is written must reflect your expertise and reputation. Write something knowledgable and you will appear knowledgable. Write something trashy, and you will probably attract clients you don't want.

4. Google remembers

Your reputation may be lost very easily from a blogpost. Assume that everything that you write will be viewed forever: all your typos, grammatical mistakes, or worse, any unprofessional content. Google and other search engines will scoop it up and serve it to any prospective customer or employer.

5. Link your blog to your other online presence

A blog is not the be all and end all of an online presence. Work out what works for you. When you do, makes them all work together. Stephen uses Linkedin and Twitter, in combination with the blogs to put out a more powerful message.

5 ways to build a business

2010-06-15T20:13:00.001+10:00

There are 5 ways to build a business, according to one of our members. Rob Caughey of Action Coach business coaching, recently spoke about those five ways, which he emphasised all business owners need to know, and remain focussed on if they are to succeed in business. Rob also mentioned that by focusing on all of the 5 ways and not just one or two, can lead to exponential profit in the business.

1. Leads

Focusing on leads or new business helps grow the business as a whole. Many businesses focus on new business.

2. Conversion Rate

As Rob showed, by increasing the conversion rate of new leads will directly lead to a large increase in profit.

3. Number of transactions

It is one thing to have an increase in the number of customers who have converted form leads, it is another to engage at a greater level with each and every customer. The classic example that Rob talked about came from McDonald's: "would you like fries with that?"; which in enough sales led to an increase in sales (and profits) for McDonald's.

4. Average Sale

By focusing on the average sale will enable the business owner to focus on increasing the amount of that average sale.

5. Margins

Sales revenue is not enough. There also needs to be a focus on the profit margin, including increasing it by reducing costs.

New Members Wanted

2010-05-04T22:43:00.000+10:00

Brisbane Central Leads Club is seeking new members in the following categories (each member on acceptance will be the only member in that category):

commercial solicitor
marketing/PR
web developer
general insurance broker

If you want to generate new business, by obtaining leads from other business people, then consider joining.

We meet each Wednesday at 7am at Paddington. Our club is dynamic and growing. Members are focussed on growing their businesses and those of other members.

To contact us, phone our director, Stephen Page on 07 3221 9544 or email him spage@harringtonfasmilylawyers.com .

You are more than welcome to come for a visit and work out for yourself if there is a suitable fit.

Visit from National Director

2010-05-04T22:35:00.000+10:00

Last week our club was visited by Leads Club Australia national director, Catherine Lonergan. Catherine spoke of:

how she is mentored by and continues to be inspired by Lisa Bentson, President and CEO of Ali Lassen's Leads Club (and daughter of the founder Ali Lassen).
how Leads Club continues to inspire her.
her pride in Brisbane Central Leads Club, including its stewardship under outgoing director Gino Saggiomo and how the club has continued to grow and prosper.

Catherine thanked the outgoing management team led by Gino Saggiomo and welcomed the incoming managment team led by Stephen Page.

Thank you, Gino

2010-04-20T21:20:00.000+10:00

For the last 6 months, our club has been led by our director Gino Saggiomo, with assistance from assistant director Stephen Page and recorder Kim Matheson.

Thank you to all, but especially a big thank you to Gino. Gino has made us focus on what we need to: growing the club and making it a dynamic and healthy one that is able to focus on building leads and members.

Welcome to Andrew, Rob, Val, Ang

2010-04-20T21:16:00.000+10:00

Welcome to our new members:

Andrew Gibbs, chartered accountant of Kearney and Gibbs Chartered Accountants

Rob Caughey, business coach of Action Coach

Val Wilson, secretary and bookkeeper, of Val's Secretarial and Bookkeeping Service

Ang Li, solicitor of Peter G Williams and Associates

Computer Usage Do's and Don't's

2009-09-08T21:04:00.003+10:00

By Stewart Jones

Betta Computers

Emails

Don’t open or answer any unfamiliar e-mails. Just opening an email with an attachment, can add a worm to your computer. If you really think it might be from someone you know, hit reply and ask them to identify themselves. If that doesn't work, you know it's junk.
Don't fall for phishers. Phishing is a new scam. There are cyber crooks looking for information. They ask for your credit card numbers and social security information, phone numbers or even email addresses. Never respond to these emails.
Do archive important emails. Most companies due to cost do not archive emails for long term retrieval. It is therefore very important that you save important emails into appropriate folders on your company server.

Security

Don’t use obvious passwords. Don't use anything connected to your driver's licence number. Don't use combinations of numbers and letters which are obvious. Don't use anything with your mother's maiden name or your birth date.
Do install Windows Updates if prompted as they ensure your computer is more secure and safe. These can be saved until the end of your business day to avoid disruptions.
Do use a reputable SSL Certificate on your exchange server.

Data

Don’t save business data to your local hard disk (c: drive). This includes your desktop. Most businesses don’t backup their workstations, so it is vital that data is saved onto your network server in the correct location.

Green Computing

Do turn off devices if they are not being used or are not required. For maintenance purposes or other reasons, I.T. equipment may need to be left on 24x7. If this is the case, turn off items that are not required like screens, scanners, printers, modems, etc.

Software

Do keep your new workstation running lean and mean. Don’t suck up system resources with unnecessary programs. Install the absolute minimum amount of software needed to run your workflow.
Don’t use software that isn’t certified and legally licensed. Downloading software from a pirate site, or accepting a “shared” copy, is not only illegal, it’s stupid. Identity thieves and malware authors use these sites and software to walk right in and set up shop in your computer, and the part that must really give them a giggle is… you do all the work for them.

Online Shopping

Don’t Shop online without being sure of two safety features. Check the order page for the lock icon at the bottom. This way you know the system is encrypted and your personal data if transferred safely. The URL on the address bar should say "https", the "s" stands for secure.
Don’t store credit card information on a website. It may be more convenient, but it's not safe.

General

You should always properly shutdown the computer. Then it is okay to turn off any peripheral devices such as printer, scanner, monitor, speakers or modem for example. Devices that are connected to the USB ports can be connected, disconnected and switched on or off without first powering off the computer. The same goes for the printer and scanner, unless the devices are bi-directional.
Keep your keyboard and screen clean. It is also necessary to clean the rubber ball and rollers of your mouse. Keeping the printer, scanner and other peripherals clean by wiping the chassis is one way to attract a buyer when it is time to upgrade. It is easy to clean the keyboard and keys. I would not recommend submerging the mouse or keyboard in water, then leaving them out to dry. There are easier methods you can follow.
If you need to move your computer, even a few centimetres always shutdown first. Adjusting the monitor is also best done before powering on. Moving any peripherals attached to the computer should also be carried out with no power to the system. Unnecessary judder can cause fatal breakdown of sensitive parts or reduce the working lifetime.

Internet Usage

Do use the internet as a business tool to gather information, research, development, training and many other reasons.
Don’t abuse this privilege and potentially put the company’s network at risk. Downloading of software, music, games and the use of p2p applications is not recommended.
Don’t stream music or video as this will slow down the whole internet experience for other users and potentially cost the company in additional data costs.

New Products

Do ask before purchasing new hardware or software to ensure it is suitable and compatible with your computer network. This is especially true with mobile devices such as iPhones or Blackberry’s.

August's mixer

2009-08-30T16:38:00.007+10:00

Last Thursday night, Gino Saggiomo from Rothgard Financial Planners hosted our August mixer at his office in Fortitude Valley.

Gino's hosptiality was second to none, especially when it came to the amazing food. Thank you Gino!

Derek Miles and Kim Matheson enjoying Gino's hospitality

Dave Challinor, Justin Price and Mark Bostock

Gino Saggiomo and Justin Priddle ponder the intricacies of financial advice

Mine host, Gino Saggiomo with some of his amazing food

Grant Berry sampling the produce

Stephen Page and Jason Priddle

At last, at last photos from the July mixer

2009-08-30T16:04:00.006+10:00

Here at last, are the photos from July's mixer, held by Jason Bragger of DolFinwise, at his his office at Upper Edward Street, Spring Hill. And a good night was had by all. Thank you Jason!

DolFinwise Logo

Kim Matheson and Gino Saggiomo

Kim Matheson and Jason Priddle focussing on Gino's wit

Ah ha! We knew Gino was witty.

Pictures from June Mixer

2009-06-27T07:44:00.007+10:00

Here are the piccies from the June Mixer hosted by Stewart Jones from Betta Computer Services:

Yawwwwwwwwwwn - wake up Luddites!

"And if you lot pay attention when I show you the monitors, there's free food."

"That's better!"

Derek discovers that there aren't termites after all

Jason Bragger gets us all in the mood

Jason Priddle makes another witty remark!

This month's mixer

2009-06-21T19:38:00.001+10:00

Stewart Jones is holding this month's Mixer on Thursday 25th, starting at 6pm sharp. As Stewart is kindly arranging catering for the event, please (if you haven’t done so already) contact him by Close of Business on Monday 22nd, to confirm your attendance. Details below:

Unit 2/55 Tradelink Road, Hillcrest.

Canapés & Champagne will be served upon arrival followed by a brief guided tour of our facility then a tasty slap up BBQ. Because of catering requirements, we ask that everyone could please RSVP by no later than Monday 22nd June. It would be great to see as many there as possible, to support a fellow Club Member, & it’s also a good opportunity to invite guests & potential future Members. Look forward to seeing you all there, & please RSVP to Stewart: Stewart@bettacomputers.com.au 3809 2999

This week's speakers

2009-06-08T20:18:00.001+10:00

This Wednesday's speakers are:

Jason Priddle of Breeze Homeloans
Gino Saggiomo of Rothgard Financial Partners

Last week's speakers

2009-06-08T20:16:00.004+10:00

Last week's speakers were Derek Miles, our Director, of Tax and Accounting Advisors, and Stephen Page, our Recorder (Treasurer) of Harrington Family Lawyers.

Mixer a success

2009-06-01T06:30:00.000+10:00

The mixer last Thursday night at Tax and Accounting Advisors, co-hosted by Derek Miles of Tax and Accounting Advisors and by Jason Priddle of Breeze Homeloans was a great success, including there being three visitors.

The June mixer is being hosted by Stewart Jones of Betta Computers.

This week's speakers

2009-05-31T20:00:00.000+10:00

This week's speakers are:

Derek Miles, accountant of Tax and Accounting Advisors.
Stephen Page, family lawyer, of Harrington Family Lawyers.

Our meeting:

Paddington Worker's Centre, corner Given and Latrobe Terraces, Paddington
Wednesday 3 June 2009, 7.00 for 7.15am
Visitors welcome- contact Jason Bragger of Dolfinwise: (07) 3221 3066

Last week's speakers

2009-05-31T18:45:00.003+10:00

Last week's speakers were Jason Bragger, financial planner from Dolfinwise, and Kim Matheson from Alpha Office Furniture.

This month's mixer; Thursday night

2009-05-23T13:25:00.002+10:00

This month's mixer, jointly held by Derek Miles of Financial Milestones - Tax and Accounting Advisors, and Jason Priddle of Breeze Homeloans, is on this Thursday night at 6pm at Derek's office: 2/71 Edith St, Wynnum

Cost is $10 and all are welcome!

All enquiries:

Derek Miles 3396 7757;
0411 865 695 derek@financialmilestones.com.au
Jason Priddle 0412 471 808 breezehL@bigpond.com

Next month's mixer will be hosted by Stewart Jones, Betta Computers.

Next week's speakers

2009-05-23T13:19:00.002+10:00

The speakers this Wednesday are:

Jason Bragger, Financial Planner of Dolfinwise
Kim Matheson of Alpha Office Furniture

Our speakers last week

2009-05-23T13:11:00.003+10:00

Our speakers last Wednesday were:

Nikki Loxley of Empra - event marketing, public relations and advertising. Nikki spoke about setting up websites, their purpose and design
Mark Bostock of Peter G. Williams and Associates Solicitors. Mark spoke about home purchase contracts, especially issues to do with flood searches, and it being especially unwise to self-act on a purchase.

Our most recent mixer

2009-05-13T21:46:00.004+10:00

Our most recent mixer held at the Bali Grill, Rosalie.

Top night, and a chance for us to socialise, and not just talk shop!

Next Mixer: 28 May, 2009

2009-05-13T20:36:00.001+10:00

The next mixer will be on 28 May, to be held by Derek Miles and Jason Priddle. Details are available to members on the Linkedin group.

Speakers for next week: 20/5/09

2009-05-13T20:27:00.000+10:00

Our speakers for our meeting on 20 May are Nikki Loxley and Mark Bostock.

Nikki is from Empra - which stands for Events Management, Public Relations and Advertising.

Mark Bostock is from Peter G. Williams and Associates, solicitors.

Our speakers today

2009-05-13T20:21:00.000+10:00

Our speakers today were:

Gino Saggiomo from Rothgard Financial Partners. Gino talked about business insurance and key person insurance.
Stewart Jones from Betta Computers. Stewart talked about backup systems and email archiving.
Rose Webb, from Optus Business Direct, and more importantly our Leads Club Chapter Consultant. Rose talked about how to get and keep getting leads.

Thank you to all our speakers

This week

2009-05-11T11:12:00.000+10:00

Our other speaker (other than Stewart Jones) this Wednesday is the much travelled Gino Saggiomo from Rothgard Financial Partners.

Welcome back, Gino!

This week's speaker

2009-05-10T19:35:00.000+10:00

This week's speaker is Stewart Jones from Betta Computers: http://www.bettacomputers.com.au/