instincts magazine - edition 6

building creative designsBlackOwlDesignC O N T A C T U S T O D A Y F O R A N O B L I G A T I O N F R E E Q U O T E

P. 4 9 4 2 6 9 6 8 E . I N F O @ B L A C K O W L D E S I G N . C O M . A U W W W . B L A C K O W L D E S I G N . C O M . A U

LOGOS . WEBSITES . CORPORATE BRANDING . FLYERS

www.instinctsmagazine.com.au 3

Cover and article: Photographed by Just One Moment. Dress by Portmans. Hair and makeup by Chantell Connolly.

Mackay’s Premier Business Magazine. OWNER/EDITOR: Jade McAuley. CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Amy Sherlock. SALES MANAGER: Kate Robinson. WRITERS: Lee Brake. Jessica Grant. Samantha May. Alanna Brake. Jade McAuley. DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Black Owl Design. PHOTOGRAPHY: Just One Moment. Nicole Hatfield. Ben Dolphin Photography.

37. MAKING HEADLINESMackay’s business community has some good news to share

Dannielle Walz from Training Ahead Australia gives us a lesson in generating leads

04. INSIDER SECRETSGetting the most from your media spend

06. NuTS N BoLTS Office ergonomics

08. WEB WISEGo pro on LinkedIn

16. MACKAY uPDATESA snapshot of our resources, sugar and economy

18. TAKING oFFHacks to make business travel easier

20. DATE PLANNERWhat’s happening in the Mackay business community

30. FIT FoR WoRKReaching peak performance

32. WoRKING SPACESTurning a shipping container into the ultimate office

PAGES: 22. - 29.Vassie Comino, Barry Comben and Nicholas Flor shares their secrets for success

24. FLYING HIGHRob Porter reveals how to create a vision for your business

All information and images are subject to copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of the publisher/owner of Instincts Magazine. The views and opinions of writers and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information at the time of print, the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or subsequent consequences, including loss or damage from reliance on information in this publication. © Copyright 2015 Instincts Magazine

4 Mackay’s Premier Business Magazine

Media buying: There are so many advertising and marketing channels, packages and options out there – it can get confusing

even for those of us who are immersed in it every day. Luckily Karen Thompson from Bright Light Marketing agreed to shed some

light on how to best optimise your media spend.

WORDS Karen ThoMpson, owner of brighT LighT MarKeTing PICTURES nicoLe haTfieLd . HAIR & MAKEUP chanTeLL connoLLy


what should i work out before buying media space?

What does your business want to get out of the advertising campaign? Do you want to promote a product/service or increase your profile? Dissect what you aim to achieve. This will determine the length of time you advertise and the intensity, what type of person are you trying to target and what sort of advertising budget is required.

how do i know what type of media is right for my business?

Analyse your target market! This will help determine the best media mix for maximum results.

Television can be a cost effective medium in regional areas like Mackay. Each programme has ratings broken down by gender, specific age groups and market. Good advice is the key to ensure you are buying the right programmes to target your potential customers at a cost efficient price.

Newspaper or magazines are excellent for information! Your advertising isn’t restricted to 15 or 30 seconds. Select a publication that targets the reader you are targeting as a customer.

Radio is fabulous for repetition... but its greatest strength is immediacy. Live crosses and outside broadcasts are powerful stuff!

Social media seems to be on everyone’s lips. It is inexpensive and it can specifically target groups of people.

how do i make sure my advertising gets results?

Don’t spend a small fortune on advertising but then “skimp” on production. Your advertisement represents your image. It needs

to look good. Keep the message clear! Be creative and ensure your offer will motivate potential customers. Keep the message consistent on all forms of media.

how can i ensure i get value for money?

Television needs to be carefully placed in good value programming with reasonable cost efficiency.

Newspaper advertising needs to be placed on appropriate days/sections to reach your potential targeted reader. Distribution/Readership figures also need to be taken into consideration.

Magazine advertising needs to be specific to the reader being targeted and also distribution/readership figures.

Radio can offer frequency with sponsorships, competitions and the strength of live events.

Social media needs to be interesting for the reader. Remember it is a social media – perfect for communicating with friends and family. Don’t bombard the reader with boring, uninteresting information – they will be turned off.

how do i measure the effectiveness of my media spend?

Were customers asking for the service or product advertised? Are there new people walking through your door? After each campaign reflect on the results, talk to your customers to find out what they think and do a post campaign analysis.

bonus Tip: mix it up! The market is always changing. What worked six months ago may not work today… especially in our current economic climate.


nuts n bolts>WORDS Jessica Grant


to enhance the erGonomics of your office, tick off the items on the checklist below.

Posture matters

Focusing on your posture is one of the easiest places to start. It may not result in a great deal of discomfort at first, but poor posture can lead to serious physical complications over time, resulting in sick leave and expensive medical bills. If you’ve ever suffered from headaches or a sore back, poor posture could be to blame.

Try to keep your shoulders relaxed, and your arms and wrists in a straight line. Your feet should be flat on the floor, with your legs uncrossed. To give your muscles a break, go for a short walk or stand and stretch every one to two hours.

have a chair affair

With many people working increasingly long hours, it’s never been more important to have an ergonomic chair. Different chairs suit different body types, so be sure to find one that works for you. For optimal comfort, invest in a chair that firmly supports your lower back. Properly positioned armrests can make a huge difference in reducing shoulder and neck pain, and you can adjust your chair to the height of your desk, allowing you to sit at a comfortable distance from your workstation.

Protect your PeePers

Sitting too close to a screen is an all too common mistake. Doing so can hurt your eyes, so try to sit at least an arm’s length away from your computer at all times. Reduce glare as much as possible by positioning your screen away from the sun, and use the lighting settings to find the perfect medium between bright and dark. Your screen should be level with your gaze; having it set too high or low could create tension in your neck. Just as you should get up and stretch your muscles throughout the day, you should also give your eyes a regular break from staring at your computer screen.

keyboard tiPs

Adjusting the height of your keyboard can effectively reduce tension in your shoulders and arms. Determine which part of the keyboard you use the most, and position this area so that it is centre with your body. This will eliminate the need for you to twist your back unnecessarily. Your forearms should be horizontal when typing, with your wrists straight. If your wrists tend to get sore and tired by the end of the day, consider using a wrist rest.

Phone it in

Do you ever find yourself cradling your phone on your shoulder to scribble down notes when taking a call? Investing in a headset means you won’t have to bend your neck at such an uncomfortable angle, and you can free up both your hands. Whether you use a mobile or a landline, headsets are relatively inexpensive and are guaranteed to make your day much easier.

By taking just a few simple steps, you can completely transform the ergonomics in your office. Enhancing the level of comfort in your place of business will not only prevent injuries, it can also help to make your working environment much more enjoyable, allowing you to get the most out of every day.

Mackay First Aid supply and restock ready-made and customised first aid kits for all business types and sizes.

We can tailor make kits for low, moderate and high-risk environments, servicing north to Airlie Beach, south to Sarina and west to the Bowen Basin mining area.

0419 709 [email protected]

PUTIN YOUR BUSINESS

SAFETY FIRST


Company Linkedin tempLate: I recommend creating some standardised copy as a template your employees can use in their profiles (if you have employees). This not only helps to keep your messaging cohesive and accurate, but mistake free as well! LinkedIn is like a website, and just like you wouldn’t want spelling or grammatical errors on your website, you want to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is similarly free of errors.

One of the ways to ensure you (and your employees) have “clean” profiles is to create your profile first in a Word document to “catch” errors before being published online. Creating your copy in a Word doc will also allow you to count characters and do some basic formatting. And if anything happens and you lose your profile, at least you’ve got a copy of it, making it much easier to rebuild.

CLued up on keywords: Your LinkedIn profile is very similar to Google in that if you have the right keywords in the right places, you show up better in a search (both on LinkedIn and Google!). One of the best places to find keywords that other people are using on LinkedIn is in their skills section. These are LinkedIn relevant terms and they’re actually good keywords.

whether you are a soLopreneur, or the Ceo of a fortune 500, it’s important to remember that your Linkedin profiLe is a big part of your onLine brand. you need to make sure that your profiLe has Cohesive branding to your website and other soCiaL sites.

WORDS viveka von rosen, founder of Linked into business

Create a list of keywords using skills and prioritise it. You’ll be putting these keywords in your:

> Professional headline (120 characters)

> Title fields (100 characters)

> Experience and Education description fields (1000 characters)

> Summary section (2000 characters)

> Interests (1000 characters)

piCture perfeCt: You have an 87% better chance of someone engaging with you on LinkedIn if you have a photo. So make sure you invest in your business and yourself by taking and uploading a good one!

make sure you’re a headLiner: Your professional headline is the text below your name – the 120 characters that describe who you are and what you do. Most people just have their “Title at Company”. They don’t take the time to describe who they are, what they do and whom they serve. This is a great place for a tagline and a few keywords.

LinkedIn will show your picture, your name and your professional headline on most of your communications, so invest the time to make your professional headline shine.

now for exhibit a: Also make sure to add any relevant PowerPoints, SlideShare presentations, PDFs, Word docs or jpegs that really help to define your brand, your credibility and/or your expertise. Anyone can say they are the world’s best at something, but when you are interviewed on CNN, and post that interview, then you really prove that you are worthy of your prospect’s attention.

If you spend just a little time on the LinkedIn features mentioned above, you will not only look better on LinkedIn, but show up better in a LinkedIn search. And since LinkedIn actually drives more traffic than Google+ and Bing, you need to make sure that you are findable by your prospects. They are looking for someone like you, so let’s make sure it’s not your competition that shows up!

for more tips on Linkedin, check out viv’s blog at www.Linkedintobusiness.com.

Grow your business with

Savvy Scripts

Professional copywriting services including:

Connecting the soul of your business with the heart of your clients through innovative, effective and memorable copy.

Online content including sales pages and blogs | Advertising/Marketing PR copyBrochures/Flyers | Electronic/Print newsletters | Corporate/Government contentRadio/TV advertising copy | Corporate video scripts | Magazine articlesSpeech writing | Ghost writing | Not-for-profit material

If you’re passionate about connecting with your clients, contact Michaela Boyd today.

P. (07) 4958 5187 E. [email protected] www.savvyscripts.com.au

viveka von rosen


WORDS Jade Mcauley PICTURES Just One MOMent PhOtOgraPhy

CLOTHES POrtMans Mackay MAKEUP & HAIR chantell cOnnOlly

Growing up on a cane farm in Marian, Dannie’s childhood years were happy, quiet, simple. It was during high school that Dannie knew she wanted to do something more, and it was at that first job that she started to set herself apart.

She had an unfailing enthusiasm and thirst to learn – always wanting to know how the business ran, how different people thought, what could make a good idea great and so on. This attitude stayed with Dannie onto her next job, working for a mining services company, and it was here that the first nuggets of her big idea started to happen.

“I’d always had a knack for IT and watching how that company ran – I could see there was a gap in their Microsoft Office training.

It’s really common, especially in the resources sector – so much is computerised but staff, including management, aren’t always comfortable on a computer. Basic essentials like Word, Excel and Outlook are used by all levels of staff every day, and for some people it would take ages for them just to set up an email attachment.”

Seeing the amount of time wasted due to people’s inexperience with Microsoft Office, Dannie also saw the opportunity. “It was less than a year later that I got serious and started contract training for other businesses as a sole trader.”

Just 22 at this stage, Dannie once again quickly saw the opportunity that was in front of her – and had the confidence to


seize it. “I realised that running a business didn’t have to be as complicated as I thought.” And in January 2014, Training Ahead Australia (TAA) opened for business. “I was talking to business owners and the people taking our courses and their feedback told me very clearly that I really had something here, TAA had a lot of potential.”

At first, Dannie’s financial goal was $250,000 turnover for the year. “Now it looks like such a small figure but at the time I thought, for a sole trader, that would be a great achievement for me. So I took a step back and did a brand profile – I looked at what our clients were saying, what was happening in the marketplace and what was special and unique about our business. I knew I was onto something, but I wasn’t getting very far. I was setting goals but I

didn’t really know how to go about achieving them.”

In February, she signed up to the Entourage’s Scalable and Saleable program. “I knew I wanted to go big with TAA, and the Entourage was exactly the right stepping stone for me. They help startup businesses learn about marketing, sales, product development etc – but their biggest focus is demonstrating that you don’t have to follow traditional methods. They taught us to aim high and do business the way it suits you and your clients. And I was learning from the best – people like Nick Bowditch (former head of Facebook in Australia) and Ruslan Kogan, creator of Kogan.com and the richest person under 30 in Australia in 2011 and 2012 (when he turned 30). Now our annual turnover is well on the way to the $1 million mark.”


Five months into the program, Dannie received an eBlast from the group saying that they were inviting everyone to Vegas. “The first thing that went through my head was – this is a no-brainer. An opportunity to spend five days talking, drinking and learning from Jack De Losa, Andrew Morello and the rest of the Entourage crew. These people were doing exciting, disruptive things in business – and this was a huge opportunity for me. I strongly believe in surrounding yourself with the people you want to become, plus who says no to Vegas?”

The youngest in the group, in business for the shortest amount of time and never having travelled very far before – let alone overseas – Dannie came back from the trip more invigorated than ever. “I scrapped my old plan and set all new targets. First up – revisiting the purpose and vision for the business. Yes we provide Microsoft Office training – but that was just the means to the end. What we were really doing was making staff more productive, and therefore making the business more time efficient. The faster a business moves, the more it can achieve internally and in the marketplace.”

From here, Dannie started researching other services that would complement the Office training. “Once again I was talking to business owners, trying to get at the heart of what their pain points were, what ongoing problems they needed help with, how we could close that gap for them.” Taking another step back, Dannie saw the new path she would take with TAA.

“We added time management and Xero training to the mix as well as a leadership development course. Currently, we’re working on an in-depth productivity package.”

Now 24, Dannie and Training Ahead Australia are definitely making a name for themselves. “The biggest takeaway I have so far being in business is that some people will look down on or make fun of others who aren’t doing well in a particular area – but for me, I’ve really learnt to appreciate that people are trying to do their best with what they have. People who are arrogant or catty don’t reach the level of success that people who are respectful and inclusive achieve.”

“You can achieve whatever You want – no goals are unreachable.”

0437 653 328 / [email protected] / www.trainingahead.com.auenquire today!

Training Ahead Australia provides program training in a fun and interactive environment, customised to suit your staff and the needs of your business.

Word | Excel | PowerPoint | Outlook | Project | MYOB | XeroIncrease daily productivity | Deliver better results | Pay for 3, 4th person included free

the bestMICROSOFT OFFICE TRAINING

you have my Word!YOU’LL EVER RECEIVE...

Trying to connect with the big players, directors who are crazy busy and not interested in some young startup that they’ve never heard of – is definitely a challenge. I’m a big believer in branding awareness and getting your name out there, but it’s something I struggle with. I’ve cancelled business meetings because I was afraid they would say no. I’ve sooked out of networking events that I’ve paid to go to because I was worried people would think I wasn’t worth their time. I lay awake thinking about whether I should take a particular marketing opportunity because I wasn’t sure if I could make it worth the money. But one thing I have become a master at is lead gen, or lead generation.

here’s an example:

1. Write out a list of the top 50 clients I would like to have in Mackay.

2. Get 50 gift bags and a bunch of foot-shaped lollies (I bulk buy them at Campbells).

3. Put a label on each gift bag with the company director’s name, my details and the following message: “They say business opportunities start by getting a foot in the door. Given how important it is that I meet with you, there’s no way I’m risking just one.”

4. Stick a handful of the foot shaped lollies in each bag and seal.

5. Either my Mum or I will then hand deliver the parcel to the business, pretending that we are just a courier.

6. The next day, I call the director.

I find this often gets the director’s attention and I nearly always get the meeting. You can use whatever approach or message you think would suit your target market and your industry, and have some fun with it!


Determine your objectives

What is your purpose for gift giving? To rejuvenate sluggish sales, maintain market share during a competitive product introduction or perhaps reach a new group of consumers?

According to Jenelle, the more specific your objectives, the more measureable they’ll be.

review your history

“What has your business done in the past? What worked and what didn’t?”

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, and you can always learn from previous mistakes where you didn’t get the result you were aiming for.

consiDer how useful your gift will be

Is it something the client or customer will use to keep reminding them of your business or will they throw it away after one use? “The product you choose should relate to your target market and the value of their business.

For example, a real estate agent could give a good quality cheese board and set of wine glasses with every house sold. Keep it topical and relevant to your audience.”

buDget conscious

In general terms, your expenditures should be tied to anticipated, incremental sales. Some companies set aside a percentage of overall sales for promotional spending, but there is no hard and fast rule for determining this percentage.

“In the current competitive market, on average, the yearly promotional product spend by most companies is up by 30%.”

A gift can range from a few cents to hundreds of dollars, but more important is the cost versus the perceived value of the gift.

“Branded products often have a higher perceived value than non-branded products but obviously cost more money.”

NO TIME LIKE THE

A guide to corporAte gifts

Although christmAs is ArounD the corner, in business – gift giving isn’t just for the holiDAys. A well thought out token of AppreciAtion cAn creAte AnD strengthen relAtionships, no mAtter the time of yeAr.

but how Do you finD A gift thAt sAys whAt you wAnt without being cheesy or overly expensive? jenelle schembri of brAnD fActor lAys Down some guiDelines for choosing the right corporAte gift.

PRESENTWORDS sAmAnthA mAy


Ask for A sAmple

You don’t want to order 5000 corporate gifts, only to get them and be disappointed.

If your supplier cannot provide a sample, they are usually hiding something.

“Remember safety – make sure all electronic devices are compliant with Australian Safety Standards.”

plAn AheAD

Delivery usually takes around three weeks from the date you approve artwork – depending on where you sourced the items from.

“Add on top of that time to choose a product, get quotes and make decisions. So if you have a corporate event coming up where you want goodie bags, plan ahead.”

evAluAte the results

Be objective about the results and response you receive. “Keep a record of your results and observations for future use.”

know your logo AnD brAnDing

Do you have specific requirements for colours, fonts, styles etc? “One of the most common mistakes is to choose a poorly contrasting colour.

For example, a dark garment or product will often give poor contrast with a dark logo and similarly, a light coloured product can combine badly with a light logo.

So make sure you choose your logo version and promotional item carefully, including keeping in mind the size and positioning of your branding on the gift.”

professionAl At work

You can potentially save time and money by using a product professional who can guide you to the correct product selection and help with creativity.

You can spot a professional supplier by asking if they’re a member of the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA).

APPA members are much more likely to help you avoid costly pitfalls and it gives you recourse if the job goes wrong. “90% of complaints made to APPA are made against non-APPA companies and the association is powerless to intervene on your behalf.”

Mackay City Face Recognition Ad 120x210.indd 1 18/02/2015 3:41 pm


These quick reads will get you up to date on what’s happening in some of our largest

industry sectors, and what’s on the horizon for the Mackay business community.

Whilst many may want to lament the financial year that was, maybe we should really be looking back over the year, as the one that transformed our mining services sector and made us leaner, more competitive and forced us to act. There’s no disputing that many of us are now operating profitably in the bottom of the cycle. In fact for many it’s had a positive effect on our cost competitiveness and forced us to look very differently at what we do and how we do it.

A common factor amongst the most successful businesses is that they will all have a clear, current and well-articulated strategy that ensures they are both resilient in the current market and relevant in the future market. Revenue diversification will play a key role in most of these strategies and many resources-related businesses are looking to create and seek out opportunities where their skills can be applied in innovative and unique ways, both in traditional markets, and in new ones.

A new Capability and Procurement Portal (www.industryprocurementportal.com.au) aims to connect local businesses with tendering opportunities, to form joint ventures and to keep local work local.

As our mining services sector continues to adjust to the current production cycle, we will be better positioned to offer services to a number of other sectors outside of mining.

WORDS Tony Caruso, Chair of resourCe indusTry neTwork

summary reporTs on maCkay’s resourCes and sugar indusTries and

eConomy from leading professionals in our region.


The banking regulator, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, recently introduced investment lending growth benchmarks in Australia, stating investor lending growth should be below 10%.

This approach gives the Reserve Bank of Australia the opportunity to potentially reduce the cash rate further, while minimising the impact this could have on driving housing prices up, through exuberant housing demand from investors.

Reduced rates would be a bonus for owner occupiers as they will have more cash in their pocket each month after loan repayments. This will help the economy of Mackay as these borrowers then have more dollars to spend in local businesses.

Mackay’s housing market has seen a bit of pricing correction in recent years. With house prices coming down and interest rates at record lows, I’ve seen buyers starting to come back to the market – particularly first home buyers.

This is also good news for people looking to sell, as buyers come to the market and stock begins to turn over.

WORDS melissa green, owner manager of BoQ maCkay CiTy

A further dramatic drop in world sugar prices has seen them plummet to a seven year low. The October futures hit a price as low as 10.4 cents per pound US and, despite a small recovery, still remains at a low level. Even though there appears to be some optimism that global surplus and demand is on the turn around, there are very few signals of relief to these prices in the short term.

The 2015 season commenced with productivity down, due to a failed wet season and the impacts of Yellow Canopy Syndrome taking their toll on tonnes of cane per hectare. In addition, a depression of PRS and CCS is creating the perfect storm that may potentially see a drastic loss of income to the industry.

On a brighter note, during this crushing there have been improvements in milling performance, compared with 2014. Mackay Sugar and Plane Creek mills have managed through early issues and have achieved a reasonable to, at times, good level of efficiency. Every ounce of efficiency during this season’s crush will be crucial to growers’ profitability.

In the event that the 2015 crop can be crushed and wrapped up by the first or second week in November, this would improve the conditions for the establishment of the 2016 crop, providing good early storm rain is received and a reasonable growing season is experienced between January and May.

Loco drivers have reported a number of “near misses”, which is of grave concern, so I’d like to remind everyone to be cautious when approaching cane train crossings.

WORDS kevin Borg, Chairman of Canegrowers maCkay


NQAS Powershed Group Manager, Steve Anderson, bona fide business travel expert, who travels a week out of every month, has some excellent tips and tricks for easier and more affordable business travel.Consolidate your airlines... Do your research on the best value for flights, whether national or international, and stick with that airline for your air travel. “The more you fly with the airline, the more benefits you’ll be eligible for – upgrades, discounts, priority seating and the like.”the power of loyalty... Don’t underestimate the benefits of Frequent Flyer Loyalty Programs. “With points earned every time you fly (business or personal), you’ll be amazed at how quickly you progress up through the tiers and earn benefits while doing so. With benefits such as upgrades to Business Class, Priority Check-In and Priority Boarding, you can bypass the line at the terminal and beat the mad rush to be the first to board.”Lounge access is another fantastic benefit, with free Wi-Fi, full office facilities, meeting rooms, showers and bathroom facilities, complimentary bar and buffets to use at your leisure. It’s also a great place to catch up on emails or tasks that need to be done while you’re waiting for your next flight.aCCommodation partners... “Depending on the frequency of stay, hotels can often work with you to supply room discounts or upgrades.” Accommodation providers often have loyalty programs of their own too, so it’s worth looking into. Or if you’re attending a conference, opt to stay in the same hotel as the conference, or within walking distance. This

frequent business travellers who live ‘on

the road’ often have travelling down to

a sCienCe.

from sCoring upgrades, to the best way to paCk

a suitCase, anything that Can make the

hassle of jet-setting a little easier Can be a

lifesaver.

costly than you realise. “Limousine hire can sometimes be a better option, especially with transfers to and from the airport.” As opposed to taxis, limousines don’t charge by the km/minute but rather by destination. This can be beneficial in peak hour in a major city where the taxi fare would grow while you’re waiting in traffic.paCk like a pro... Have one go-to piece of luggage that always works, no matter what kind of trip you’re taking. “You can minimise wrinkles by packing your dress shirts or suits in dry cleaner bags and consider packing a digital luggage scale, to check weight requirements.” It’s also a good idea to charge everything the night before you travel – mobile, iPads/tablets, eReaders, laptops etc – one less stress for when you hit the road.bonus tip: Use a tennis ball to keep in-flight soreness at bay on long flights. Roll under your feet and even under your thighs to keep them from getting stiff/sore. It’s small, inexpensive and easy to replace.

LANAI RIVERSIDE

APARTMENTS – UNITED AND

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE

LOCAL COMMUNITY

Mackay’s small businesses are a vital cog in our economic wheel and the backbone of our region. By shopping locally, you not only create a sense of identity but also stimulate business confidence leading to employment opportunities and long-term sustainability.

P: 07 4957 4401 E: [email protected]

L A NA I R I V E R S I D E A PA RT M E N T S -W H E R E E L S E !

enables you to avoid any unnecessary travel expenses and inconvenience. And go with ‘breakfast included’. “Most accommodation packages have the option of breakfast included, which is a great time and money saver.”room upgrades... Ask for room upgrades for extended stays – but be selective when you approach, ie quiet times at reception. Staff will be more responsive when they aren’t being bombarded with requests from other guests.minimise on the ground transport Costs... Visitors transport cards are a great way to maximise your ability to move around a capital city. With Brisbane’s Go card, Sydney’s Opal card and Melbourne’s tram system, it’s never been easier to navigate these capital cities at minimal cost.And for car hire – referring back to the Frequent Flyers benefits – each program has their preferred car hire supplier. “Do some price comparisons and see if they can offer you a better discount.”don’t restriCt yourself to Cabs and hire Cars... Taking taxis to every destination could end up being more

BnA Photography


For a full calendar of events head to www.instinctsmagazine.com.au

Chamber business after hours networking21 October | 5-7pm | $22 member, $33 non member

Quest on Gordon, Mackay | [email protected]

startup weekend maCkay23-25 October | 12 - 2pm | $50-$99

CQU Mackay, Boundary Road, Ooralea | [email protected]

eCotourism australia workshop 29 October | 1–4pm | Free for MTL members

The Feathered Nest, Royston Park Drive, Kuttabul | [email protected]

yp Coffee CatCh up5 November | 7.30-8.30am | Free – just buy your own coffee

Woodman’s Axe, Sydney Street, Mackay | facebook.com/groups/YPMackay

resourCe industry network industry briefing6 November | 12-2pm | $65 members, $95 non members

Ocean International, Bridge Road, Mackay | resourceindustrynetwork.org.au/events

the Zonta Club of maCkay, maCkay women in business event13 November | 12 - 2pm | $37.30

Mackay Grande Suites, Gregory Street, Mackay | 0447 150 960

roCket network25 November | 12 - 1pm | $TBC

The Shamrock Hotel | facebook.com/groups/rocketnetwork

roCket network16 December | 5 - 7pm | Free for members / $5 non members

Oaks Rivermarque | facebook.com/groups/rocketnetwork

Chamber Coffee and Chat17 December | 8am | Free – just buy your own coffee

K&Co, Nelson Street, Mackay | [email protected]

feature


SucceSS MaSterclaSSSuccess can come in many forms, and means something different to everyone. However, there are underlying principles of success that can be applied to nearly any situation. In business, these principles are probably the same as they were 50 years ago – but it’s the way we learn them, that are continually changing.In our Success Masterclass feature for this edition, we asked three well known, respected and successful Mackay businesspeople to share their ultimate tip for success. Thank you for your time Vassie, Barry and Nick.Our main feature story for this edition is with Rob Porter, General Manager of Mackay Airport. It’s no secret that if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there? In other words, if you don’t have a vision of success for yourself and/or your business – how will you know when you’ve reached that success? Rob gave us some personal insight on how to create an overall vision for your business, and tips for achieving that vision.

I’d rather atteMpt to do SoMethIng great and faIl, than to atteMpt nothIng and Succeed.– Robert H. Schuller

feature

P. Comino & Sons is one of Mackay’s best known and most successful retail stores, and has been since 1932. For the last 29 years, Vassie Comino has been managing the store and overseeing its success.

Vassie started out as a pharmacist and counts that as the perfect training for taking over the role of “shop keeper”, as she describes it. Pharmacy ingrained in her the importance of one-on-one service and listening to the customer in order to solve their concerns and satisfy their requirements.

WORDS lee BraKe

MAV006_Maven_Instincts_Ad_SEPT15_FINAL.indd 1 2/09/2015 9:06 pm

the Shop Keeper

SucceSS MaSterclaSS: “Our customers know that if they come in here, we will look after them,” she explained. “We don’t believe in self service; we talk to every customer, find out their needs and do our best to assist them.”

“Product knowledge, good manners and being a good listener are all important attributes, but consistency is the key.”

“The reason Cominos has been a successful business for so long is that our customers know that when they come through the doors they will consistently get personal service, high quality products and reasonable prices. Maintaining that reputation is important to me – after all, it is my name above those front doors.”

Put all that together, and Vassie explained that you have a loyal customer base that will keep coming back because they know you have what they need.

“It’s those loyal customers, and the repeat business that they bring, that makes a business a success. I’m third generation, and many of our customers are too.”

Interestingly enough, P. Comino & Sons doesn’t have an online store. Why?

“Because we want people to come in and try things on, to ensure the correct fit. We want customers to leave completely satisfied and pleased with their purchases.”

the Secret to SucceSS – Consistent, good old fashioned, one-on-one customer service!


feature

As the airport’s leader, Rob worked with the NQA team on the strategic plan that instigated the new Ibis Hotel – a move that took many by surprise. But in Rob’s mind – this was just one piece of the puzzle that fitted into the vision and 20-year plan for Mackay Airport.

A crucial skill for any leader is big picture thinking. “A long-term vision for your business gives you, and those who support you, a direction to aim for. It gives you passion – so that you can live and breathe your goals.”

There are three key things that you will need a good understanding of before creating a vision:

> Your industrY

From global trends (like the rise of 3D printing), to industry-specific trends such as travel, more people are using carry-on only to save money, therefore bringing less luggage and making flights quicker to process. Being aware of what’s happening around you is a huge advantage.

From being an aviation FireFighter to a business owner to general manager oF mackaY airport,

rob porter has undertaken manY leadership roles.


feature

WORDS Jade mcauleYPICTURES Just one moment photographY

PLANES ian’s rc hobbies mackaY


“We all have the ability to shape the future. If you’re prepared, then when you see one lever begin to tire – such as mining services – you can start to push another forward, which is why Mackay’s tourism and leisure industry is up.”

Rob also encourages his team to continually think – what could happen? “Maybe one day, planes will take off directly up instead of along a runway – what would that look like? Ask yourself lots of questions! And be prepared for the dips – what will you do if xyz doesn’t happen?”

> Your customer

Market research is essential for creating a vision. “Knowing your customer really well means you can provide what they want.” Get inside your customers’ heads to find out what they want now, and may want in the future. “People have limited time, they want to get to where they’re going without delay. This insight gave us the basis for our vision. When I started at Mackay Airport, the tagline was ‘Connecting you to the world’ – but we weren’t. We took a step outside the business to see how other people saw the airport and it became obvious what we really offered – a transport hub. We were getting people to and from a work or holiday destination – it was as simple as that, hence the new tagline; ‘For workdays and holidays’.”

> Your business

“It’s important to know where you are in the business cycle. Are you in a growth or production phase?” Look at each part of your business and be honest about how it’s performing, where there are opportunities and where you’re facing challenges. “Look at how your business fits into the bigger picture.” From a world view, we’re all a part of that bigger picture and you can do things to position your business how you want, rather than be continually at the mercy of change. “Keep looking outwards and asking yourself questions. This can be as simple as seeing another

business achieve what you’re looking for and asking them how they got there.”

This leads to actually nutting out the vision for your business. “You’re looking for a very simple message. It may start off complicated but no one is going to get any use out of a 50-page strategy document. Like Nike’s ‘Just Do It’, people will relate to a message that’s simple.” Taking a ‘vertical slice’ of the business (ie selecting people from each staffing level), Rob and the team worked together to consider what was currently happening and what could happen in their industry, for their customers and within the business. “We focused on action words, without getting hung up on the actual wording, and this led us to ‘Mackay Airport – integrated multi-modal transport hub.”

Along with the wording, Rob’s trick for creating a strong vision and encouraging buy-in, is to create a picture of what that vision could look like. “It could be a model, or a collage of activity. For example, if your vision is to start a restaurant with beautiful murals along the walls, good quality tables, loyal customers etc – you may not be able to have that from day one. But if you can visualise it and create that image, then it becomes clear what you’ll need to do to make it happen.”

The team’s next step was working out a strategy to achieve their vision, and a business plan supported by specific tactics and objectives. “The vision is the cornerstone of our 20-year plan, but the road to your vision is never a direct path. It will deviate, and you need to be flexible and open to opportunities and change. However, planning is incredibly important, so that you can start setting objectives and taking action.

A strAtegic plAn is no holds bArred – thAt’s where the big ideAs hAppen. A business plan details how you will do it.” This is another part of

No one has a franchise on good ideas. As a leader,

you need to be prepared to listen

to your staff – good ideas can come from

anyone.


feature

the journey that Rob believes needs collaboration. “No one has a franchise on good ideas. As a leader, you need to be prepared to listen to your staff – good ideas can come from anyone.”

While the timeframe is relative, there is one question we can all ask ourselves when setting up a business strategy: “What do I do to make my vision happen? You need to link your vision to your overarching strategy to create a business plan that you can action. One of our tactics under the business plan was to build the hotel. A lot of people couldn’t understand why – but because we have a vision, I can share our ‘why’ with people. It’s a long-term plan, but when I explain to people where we’re going – they can start to see how it makes sense.”

Then it’s a matter of implementation and keeping your team and your actions aligned with your overall vision and strategy. “Be prepared for success.” Your vision may happen sooner than you’re prepared for and your business might not have the capacity to cope. “This is why it’s so important to keep looking outwards to see what is happening around you. Some people aim for sustainability but I’ve never understood that. Sustainability means more of the same – shoot for getting more, and be prepared to receive it.”

Although, there’s always the chance that something will go wrong. “When things don’t go according to plan, don’t focus on the ‘why’ – focus on the ‘how’.” If you can understand ‘how’ something went wrong, you can put a plan in place to prevent it from happening again.

And when it does go right? “Celebrate your successes along the way. To make the path to your vision worthwhile – you need to acknowledge and enjoy your wins.”

Tourism is everybody’s business.

Mackay Tourism membership starts at just $259 per annum (that’s only $5 per week!). Let us help you reap the benefits of the tourism industry via networking, marketing and much more. Membership fees are tax deductible.

or visit mackayregion.com

For more information, please contact Lyn at Mackay Tourism

[email protected] / 0448 994 180

8,000VISITORSPER DAY

$330m

7,500 Jobs

VISITOR SPEND

3,300 DIRECT 4,200 INDIRECT

from connected industries such as transport, retail and trades

Every dollar that tourism earns, adds an additional 87 cents into the local economy.

PER YEAR


feature

WORDS LEE BRAKE

SuccESS mAStERcLASS:


Barry Comben has just ticked over 25 years with Hugh Reilly Real Estate Mackay, working his way up to managing partner in that time. Hugh Reilly itself is just about to turn 70, so we asked Barry just how he’s achieved such stability and success in an industry known for its rollercoaster-like nature.

“There’s nothing tricky – it’s all about respect and, most importantly, using your ears,” he explains. “The more you listen to your customer’s circumstances and get to know them, the easier it is to get them into a home that they’re happy with. Everyone that comes into our office has a problem and it is our job to solve it.

“There’s an old saying in real estate that ‘buyers are liars’. I often hear agents say that their prospective buyers have told them the specifications of the house they want, and then have bought something completely different, often from someone else.

“The lesson there is that those people might have said they wanted X amount of bedrooms and a yard ‘this big’, when all they really wanted was a place for a few guests to crash and a place for the dog to play. If those agents had truly listened to their client, they might have known that a place with a park nearby and a big rumpus room was all they needed.”

Barry also explained that there are times where some directness is required.“You have to be able to ask the difficult question,” he explained. “I’ll sometimes be really straight with buyers and say, ‘you seem to really like this place; what are we going to do about it?’”

The same also goes for getting the best from your staff. “You have to listen to and respect your staff. It’s a relationship of give and take where integrity is key. If they are willing to put in 100% for you, then it’s just good leadership to listen if they have an issue and show respect and empathy – ‘Sure, of course you can pick your sick son up from school and take the afternoon off... no worries.’”

thE SEcREt to SuccESS – You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen intently to your clients and your staff!

You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.– Richard Branson

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.– Chris Grosser

The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.– Rupert Murdoch

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.– Wayne Dyer

feature



Manager of Smart HR Solutions, Nicholas Flor is a Mackay local who, with his team, has built a thriving HR business with eight facilitation centres in Queensland and two in New South Wales, and servicing mining, sugar, government, manufacturing, retail, oil and gas, and business services.

When it comes to success in business, Nicholas believes that building trust with your clientele is the most important aspect. “Revenue is a bi-product of customer care and building that trust. As a business owner, you build trust by always remaining focused on your customers’ needs and treating them the way you would like to be treated.”

Nicholas explained that immediate revenue is not his number one aim, especially if it comes at the cost of the trust he is building with his clients. “Never compromise the integrity of yourself or the business, and never promise anything you can’t deliver. If you don’t have the capacity to assist a client, where possible, refer them to someone who can – even a competitor. The trust gained is often worth more than the lost sale.”

Interestingly this principle seems to come full circle, and Nicholas explained that referrals are the bread and butter of his business. “Almost all of Smart HR’s new business has been as a result of referrals based on our customer care. It’s the old story – if you treat people well and meet their needs, they will tell others. Treat people poorly and they will tell everyone!

“Relationships built on trust are critical for success in anything you undertake. If your clients and team members know you have their best interests in mind and are prepared to go the extra mile for them, then they will stick with you for a consistently positive experience.”

thE SEcREt to SuccESS – Build trust in all relationships and don’t compromise your integrity.

WORDS LEE BRAKE THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS- ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

BLAST

BUILDINGSTRONGCONNECTIONS

3, 2, 1,

OFF

/groups/rocketnetwork

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY REBEL MARKETING AND BLACK OWL DESIGN

FOR MORE INFO, EMAIL [email protected]

NETWORKINGCONFIDENCE


A few editions ago we talked about successfully achieving goals, with one of the steps being how to stick with it. In addition to motivational reminders and visualising success, being ‘fit’ for work can be a powerful tool for improving professional performance and keeping on track, mentally.

I know, being fit and healthy is already on your to-do list, likely somewhere down the bottom after work, family, sleep and socialising, but let me tell you why you need to make more time for it.

Apart from the obvious health benefits of feeling fresher, more alert and not catching that office lurgy; eating properly (aka fruit, vege, whole grains and plenty of protein) and exercising regularly will have a huge benefit to your professional performance and mental health.

How do I know this? I took a few minutes out to speak to Little Miss Reid Owner and Head Trainer, Caroline Reid, about the benefits of health and wellbeing.

First thing I learnt - health is 20% exercise and 80% nutrition. “Fuelling your body for peak performance is vital. Without the right energy you won’t be equipped to take on your day, let alone achieve your goals and work at peak performance,” explained Caroline.

Second thing I learnt – if the mind isn’t in gear, the body won’t follow. “High stress jobs often wear people out mentally rather than physically, which leads to bad food choices and lack of motivation and energy.

WORDS AlAnnA BrAke

“When my clients start exercising, they start feeling good about themselves; they see their health improving and start seeing the results. By being physically challenged and achieving those results, they mentally become stronger and are able to start turning around their poor habits and behaviours.

“This spreads to home and work life, and you see productivity improve. Also, stressful situations are easier to handle and you have more energy.”

So, how do you find the time to exercise in your already super busy schedule? Well the key is to find something you enjoy, something that isn’t difficult to adhere to and something that makes you commit. For Caroline personally, when she decided to change her health for the better, she tried every different type of exercise available. You name it, Caroline’s tried it! Cue her love affair with tabata.

Tabata uses high intensity repetition exercises in a short time period with short breaks and will take less than an hour out of your day. Speaking from experience, tabata is a hard and fast style workout -- but in a good way. Because you are training against the clock, it is up to you how much you want to put in, but keep in mind you only get out, what you put in. After only one session, tabata definitely had me feeling stronger, more focused and wanting to come back for more.

Take the time to find out what type of workout activity suits your training style and schedule. Feeling fit and on top of the world may not be easy, but if you believe you’re worth it – you’ll make it happen.


Like any skiLL, networking is something that everyone can improve on. whether you’re an expert at being an extrovert, or a waLking waLLfLower – you can deveLop your skiLLs and take advantage of the many networking opportunities around mackay.

advertorial

One of the things that can make networking so freaky, is that you don’t want to seem pushy or salesy – with good reason! Or, you find it really hard to talk about yourself and promote what you do. You don’t need to. The one thing you need to realise, is that you are valuable and have a lot to offer others. Go in with that attitude and you’ll notice the difference.

Networking is all about building relationships, you never know when a random conversation with someone could lead to an awesome business connection. First off, ask questions. Find out about the other person – chances are, there’ll be something you discover that you have in common and can build a relationship from.

Whenever you’re out and about, you never know when you might meet someone who you find interesting, or who you think you can help in some way – or vice versa. Get some good looking cards and make sure you always carry them!

This ladies group is all about expanding your networking circle and skills at the same time. Whether you’re boosting your business or your career, starting at ground control or you’re already a high flier – Rocket Network is for ladies who launch!Our aim is to help people build strong connections and networking confidence so that you can go forth and conquer. For more information, shoot through an email to [email protected] we’re first class all the way, of course!

Proudly Brought to you By reBel MArketing And BlAck owl design


You can run a tight ship in any working environment – from a spacey office with city views to an onsite shipping container. When you have a smaller space to work with, it’s really about getting the basics right – most used items within easy reach, smart storage and a few items that still make your office somewhere you feel focused and motivated to work.

Desk organisers, globe, black lamp, grey basket: Myer . Orange drawers, chair: Empire Furniture . Diary, orange folders, orange paper clips: Officeworks . Concrete pot: Arozona . & symbol, wire house: Typo

STYLING CaMillE a intErior DEsign, 0478 084 052 LOCATION shipping ContainEr rEntals, spillEr avEnuEPICTURES BEn Dolphin photographYWORDS JaDE McaulEY


Desk organisers, globe, black lamp, grey basket: Myer . Orange drawers, chair: Empire Furniture . Diary, orange folders, orange paper clips: Officeworks . Concrete pot: Arozona . & symbol, wire house: Typo

think insiDE thE Box... Being organised frees up your time, including having a place for everything in your office. Get storage inspo from the items around you and say goodbye to last minute panicked searches!suCk it up... As long as they’re kept in a sunny spot and given a water about once a week, succulents are an easy, low maintenance way to bring a bit of greenery into your office space.

YEllow plus rED MakEs…

Orange is a great accent colour to bring a sense of the tropics into your office. From a bright citrus orange to a darker burnt orange, this warm colour is also a mental stimulant.


WORDS AlAnnA BrAke

Call it what you like, but through each stage of your life it is very likely you have had a mentor, role model, teacher or coach that has shared their experiences and given you feedback in an effort to guide you through various life lessons.

So, if you’ve gotten this far without realising you have had, or would need, a mentor – why change now?

Benefits of A mentor:> Experiencedcoachingtohelpyoufindshortcutstosuccess–

they have already been there, done that and gained priceless knowledge

> Provides constructive feedback and direction – it’s often easier for those on the outside to see your shortcomings and areas in need of improvement

> Encouragement and support – sometimes you might need to vent and sometimes you might need a kick in the butt; a mentor can help with both

And before you go calling Kerry Packer and begging him to mentor you, there are a few things need to look for when choosing a mentor for it to be a successful relationship.

finding your mentor:

> Look for someone who has similar goals to your own and has time to give – if they can’t reply to emails, let alone catch up for coffee, you won’t get a lot out of the relationship

> Find someone in the same profession and industry as you – this way they know the tricks of your trade and what you’re going through

> Choose someone who is continuously growing professionally – curious and inquisitive mentors are successful because they are thirsty for knowledge, not just happy with their successes

Ifyouarelookingforamentorbutdon’tknowanyonewhofitsthe bill, try attending industry networking events, seminars and conferences. Groups like Mackay Chamber of Commerce hold regular networking events that bring a range of professionals – from fresh-faced entrepreneurs to highly successful industry leaders – into one room. If you are too shy to talk to strangers, thenanothergoodwaytofindperspectivementorsistosignupfor industry newsletters and magazines or follow and interact with them via social media.

After you have decided on a potential mentor, it is a matter of recognising the mentor-mentee relationship and working out an arrangement.

PoPPing the question:

> Life isn’t a reality show, so opt for a more subtle approach as opposed to ‘Married at First Sight’ – popping the “will you be my mentor” question right off the bat is often not the best approach

> Make sure you are on your potential mentor’s radar – follow their work and be helpful and supportive, give and you will receive

> When you’re ready to approach your pontential mentor, don’t go in blind – know what you want to ask, explain what excites you about your business or ideas and ask for feedback

> Start with a coffee or lunch date to get to know each other and share your goals – a mentor-mentee relationship takes time to grow, so ask simple advice on one project and go from there

Creating a relationship with someone more experienced and knowledgeable than you is an extremely valuable tool for your business or professional career, as there is always something new to learn.

Not quite confident enough to approach a mentor?

Youcanalsogetmanyofthementor-menteebenefitsthroughadiverse peer group. Peers are often easier to approach and will be able to provide you with encouragement and support through shared experiences as they too grow and learn.

There are a number or groups that work to encourage young professionals such as Startup Mackay, YP Mackay and Rocket Network.


For prices, sizes and all the other benefits, download a media kit from our website or send us an email.

s a l e s @ i n s t i n c t s m a g a z i n e . c o m . a u


Having a PowerPoint template for your business ensures all presentations are consistent with your business brand. The benefit of having the document as a template rather than a blank PowerPoint presentation is that, employees cannot easily save over the top of the template.

To creaTe a TemplaTe:1. Open a blank PowerPoint presentation.2. Design the presentation in line with your business branding.3. In the ribbon click on File, then click on Save As.4. Using the Save option, select where the file should be saved.5. When the Save As box appears, change the Save As type to PowerPoint template. Note: This will change the location that the file is being saved – it is important that you navigate back to the original saving location.

6. In the file name text box, enter a relevant name for the template – eg <Company name> presentation template.7. Click Save

{ Creating a brand-Consistent PowerPoint temPlate }WORDS DaNNIelle WalZ, TraINING aHeaD aUSTralIa


parkSIDe plaZa opeNSThe $50m shopping precinct is now open for business 7 days a week on Bridge Road.

Tenants include Coles, Liquorland, Stellarossa, Ma’s Pizza Kitchen and more.

facebook.com/ParksidePlazaMackay

FooD aND FrIeNDSHIp

Mackay startup Family Table has hit the ground running, hosting cooking classes that are focused on “bringing people together”.

They offer Back to Basics or Around The World menus, as well as kids’ classes and team/corporate classes.

facebook.com/familytablemackay

mackay broker WINS aWarD

Aussie Mackay was named the Regional Office of the Year at The Adviser Magazine’s 2015 Australian Broking Awards. Aussie CEO Mr James Symond said he believed the win was due to the close ties they’ve developed with their local community over the years.

facebook.com/AussieHomeLoans

bUSINeSS bIrTHDay

Local photography and design studio Coffee & Hops celebrated their first birthday in the last quarter.

Fiona and Jason offer everything from pet photography, to graphic design, to customising drafting software for the civil engineering industry.

coffeeandhops.com

10 yearS TraDINGCheers to Cell Engineering for reaching a decade in business as the supplier of choice for providing project engineering services for the heavy metals, coal, oil and coal seam (CSG)/natural gas industries.

celleng.com.au

coveraGe expaNDeDElders Insurance Mackay has opened a second office location at the Marian Town Centre. Owner Michelle Cross said, “With so many insurers moving thousands of jobs offshore, Elders Insurance Mackay, Pioneer Valley and Isaac offices are locally owned and investing in our local community.”

eldersinsurance.com.au/mackay


If you know a business who has something exciting to share – a major award, celebrated new hire, rebrand, recent anniversary, new office etc – or a new business that’s just started (and there seems to be plenty), drop me an email: [email protected]. There are good things happening in the Mackay business community – let’s make a conscious effort to appreciate that and create some momentum!

Our other newbie is the Smells Like Team Spirit Award that will be happening internally with the Instincts team every edition. I’m sure many of you out there are with me, when I say – nothing beats a good team. Like any business owner, I’ve got to watch the pennies and I can honestly say that the team that helps to produce Instincts every month are worth at least 10 times what I pay them. But seeing as I can’t really afford that kind of rate increase, I’m introducing these awards as a very small token of the very large amount of gratitude I have for them.

The original, thought-provoking and useful magazine you see

AccommodAtion: Lanai Riverside Apartments . page 19 . lanaiapartments.com.au Business BAnking: BOQ Mackay City . page 15 . boq.com.auBusiness insuRAnce: Elders Insurance Mackay . page 36 . eldersinsurance.com.au/mackay copywRiting: Savvy Scripts . page 9 . savvyscripts.com.au FinAnciAl plAnning: Maven Capital . page 23 . mavencapital.com.au FiRst Aid supplieR: Mackay First Aid . page 7 . firstaidmackay.com.augRAphic design: Black Owl Design . page 2 . blackowldesign.com.au pRinting: BB Print . Back Cover . bbprint.com.ausoFtwARe tRAining: Training Ahead Australia . page 13 . trainingahead.com.au

Business gRoup memBeRship: Mackay Tourism . page 27 . mackayregion.com | Rocket Network . page 29 . facebook.com/groups/rocketnetwork

I’ve Introduced two new Items to InstIncts thIs edItIon – one you’ll see, one you won’t. our fIrst new feature Is just on the prevIous page, makIng headlInes. catchIng up wIth the lovely dale from chamber of commerce one afternoon, we fell onto that famIlIar topIc that many mackay people are dIscussIng.

no I don’t mean the old “doom and gloom” story, I mean the growIng number of people who actually have good busIness news.

every quarter (and will be seeing each month with our exciting new email subscriber format) is thanks to a group of very talented and creative people who I’ve somehow suckered in to help me. Our writers, photographers, graphic and interior designers, sales, admin and helpers along the way all have one motivation – to help improve your business and career.

I hope it’s working x

PS. Instincts writer Alanna Brake is the winner of our inaugural Smells Like Team Spirit Award for her insightful and personal article on pages 30-31.

PPS Yes, Nirvana is still my favourite band, and no, I’m not ashamed to admit it!

INSTINCTSM A G A Z I N E

subscribe now at:W W W. I N S T I N C T S M A G A Z I N E . C O M . A U

> Useful articles: a handy reference for business success

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO MACKAY’S PREMIER BUSINESS MAGAZINE AND RECEIVE:

> Inspirational stories: get motivated by what others have achieved

> Creative imagery: beautiful layouts and photos centred on Mackay

Each quarter we’ll send Instincts DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX in an easy-to-read, beautiful flipbook. PLUS join us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for weekly updates and tips.

CENTRAL QLD’s No. 1 PRINTING sERVICEwww.bbprint.com.au

4957 6588s a l e s @ b b p r i n t . c o m . a u

Unit 1, 8 Platinum Court Paget Mackay Qld 4740

QUEENSLANDENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT A W A R D F O R P R I N T I N G

2013 WINNER

Talk to us today!

Regardless of how large or small your print job is, it is always treated as our most

important job. Here at BB Print we want every customer to be happy. We believe

anything less than 100% is simply not good enough, that’s why we consistently strive

to produce only the very highest quality work. From our initial contact right through to

delivery, every stage of your print job is handled by highly trained staff determined to

supply you with nothing but the very best – that’s the way we do things here.

the very highest qualityWe strive to produce only

GRAPHIC DESIGN • CARBONISED BOOK SPECIALISTS • SAFETY TAGS & WATERPROOF BOOKS • FAST, SMALL RUN DIGITAL PRINTING • BUSINESS CARDS

instincts magazine - edition 6

Documents