Hastings Business Enterprise Network Newsletter

HBEN Newsletter 14th November 2011

It's been a busy couple of weeks, and if you didn't manage to catch up with us at breakfast last week, here's how you can catch up on what's happening: check out our new HBEN website (hit F5 to refresh your browser if it is having trouble loading), like us on facebook to stay in touch and access great business information, and be sure to check out (and send us) your member offers. We'll be adding some of the pics and announcing the winner of the breakfast competition for the external hard drive (thanks to Joyer) on our facebook site soon!

Our members have also told us that you want to hear more about other local businesses, and learn from them as our local experts. So, you'll see we've added a couple of new segments below. I'd love to receive your feedback on these, and do let us know if you'd like to contribute or be featured!

Finally, please take a minute and forward the newsletter to colleagues or friends in business and help us to build better business in the Hastings. Have a magnificent week!

Liesa Davies

Manager, Hastings Business Enterprise Network

Tel: 02 6583 4412

E: manager@hastingsben.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE

Member Insights

Learnings from Locals

Down to Business

The Business Calendar

What's On

Like Us!

Our new Website...

Member Insights

We recently caught up with Glenda Hamilton from Perfectly Organised to learn more about what it takes to be a professional organiser. During our chat, she also shared her thoughts on what to do if you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the festive season pace in your personal and/or business life. Read more...

Learnings from Locals

A number of members commented after our recent breakfast, that they've learnt a lot about technology, but there are some things they just need expert help with - and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) was one of them. So why should you pay for SEO services that will ensure your website ranks highly? The team from Joyer explain more in their recent blog article. Read more...

Down to Business

Let the Retail Doctor help your Inventory Management

Retail Doctor Brian Walker says Christmas and New Year sales are a great chance for retailers to shift old or dead stock, but going about it the wrong way can mean too much discounting. Prepare for the festive retailing season with his inventory management tips. Read more... from My Business.

Should you business have a Google+ page?

The social media buzz continues and it might be difficult to know which tools will work for your business. The launch of Google+ 'pages' has just added another option. Here's one take on what it can do for your business. Read more... from Dynamic Business.

Interested in ensuring we return graduates to our regional community?
Attend the University of NSW and Mid Coast Workplacement Information Session

1 Dec 12-1.30p, Fucntion Room, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Burrawan St,

Discover how your business can support students from the University of NSW and Mid Coast Work Placement Program involving partnerships with all industries,

the Brolga Project, Hastings Education Fund and the Mid Coast Uni Portal.

Please RSVP to emmy.graham@pmhc.nsw.gov.au by cob Monday 28 Nov.

The Business Calendar

15 Nov: Port Chamber meeting - guest speaker, Wayne Graham, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, with an update on local higher education developments. Port City Bowling Club, 6pm for 6:30pm start untl 9pm. Book here.

18 Nov: Strategic Regional Leadership For Innovation Conference, The Glasshouse, Read more...

25 Nov: Home Business Forum meeting - How to Grow a Successful Startup Business. Read more...

28 Nov: Ausralian Industry Group briefing on Workplace relations, safety the environment and energy (free session). Read more...

29 Nov: Port Chamber Boardroom lunch with Craig James, Chief Economist, CommSec. Read more...

1 Dec : Combined Business Networks Christmas Party registration coming soon.

7 Dec: Chamber members lunch with Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams MP, Quality Resort Sails, $50, bookings: maree.mcentyre@nswbc.com.au or phone 6584 0910

8 Dec: Hastings Business Enterprise Network Breakfast. Details coming soon.

For more local business events information, check out the Local Business Calendar here.

What's On

17 Nov: Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service's annual Mid North Coast Corporate Golf Challenge, Emerald Downs Golf Course. Teams of 4, 18 hole ambrose, 1045 rego, early lunch and noon tee off. For more information contact Belinda Power on 0429 818 627 or click here for registration form and here for more information.

For more of what's on locally in November click here

HBEN Patron & Sponsor Members

The following businesses are Patron Members of Hastings BEN. Please support them as they support your network:

Digital Signs and Printing

TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute

Holiday Coast Credit Union

Port Macquarie Community College

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Joyer Consulting

Panthers Port Macquarie

Telstra Business Centre

Oxley Insurance Brokers

Wesley Uniting Employment

Port Macquarie News

The following businesses are Sponsor Members of Hastings BEN. Please consider them for your business needs:

Greater Port Macquarie Focus

Port Macquarie City Bowling Club

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Moisture Cure

Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers

Telstra Country Wide

North Coast Fire Systems

Blue Chip Mortgages

Centacare

Westpac Banking Corporation

Rydges Port Macquarie

National Australia Bank Limited

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber

BCU

This communication is intended for the addressee named and may contain confidential information.

Reproduction, dissemination or distribution of this message is prohibited unless authorised by the sender.Views expressed by the sender are not necessarily those of the Hastings Business Enterprise Network.If you do not wish to receive future information from Hastings BEN, please click on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.

The Hastings Business Enterprise Network (HBEN) is a business unit of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, established by the community to assist free enterprise