The Pulse - Newcastle NSW

We Do Things A Little Different Here

2011-12-16T23:35:00.002+11:00

Julie Baird talks about Newcastle's new museum. From TEDXNewy 2011.

Dobell, Whitely, Nolan and Boyd Masterpieces On Show Newcastle

2011-11-24T22:49:00.001+11:00

NEWCASTLE Art Gallery is hosting Australia’s most important modern artworks next month will be a ‘‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’’ for art lovers. Rarely seen away from Sydney, a collection of 20th-century Australian masterpieces will soon adorn the walls of the Newcastle gallery.

Legendary artists such as William Dobell, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Brett Whiteley are on loan to Newcastle from the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of NSW.

Iconic works by Newcastle-born painter William Dobell are among the paintings selected for the Australian Modern Masterpieces exhibition.

They include Dobell’s 1941 painting Portrait of a Strapper, which the Newcastle gallery owns and which will sit alongside his Archibald Prize-winning portrait of Margaret Olley from 1948.

Entry will be $8 per adult, with children under-12 free.

Salary Packaging : Mark Amos

2011-10-31T10:56:00.000+11:00

Name: Mark Amos

What does your business do?

The JSA Group has offices in Newcastle, Charlestown & New Lambton NSW providing Financial Planning, Accounting, Mortgages & Finance, and more recently Salary Packaging.

What is salary packaging and how does it help me if I am employee?

Salary packaging allows employees to bundle benefits (such as cars, laptops, super etc) pre-tax. This may provide substantial savings and an increase take home pay.

Is there a benefit for employers to be doing salary packaging or does this just
add more work for them to do?

For employers, salary packaging can attract and retain quality staff at no cost to the business, by providing substantial additional employment benefits.

JSA takes care of all the administration in a simple, uncomplicated process.

What do like most about your work?
Unlocking business potential and driving business growth. Connecting people, providing solutions and delivering outcomes.

Is there a typical kind of person or business with whom you work?

Fulltime employees in small business, not for profits, public health or rebatable organizations (eg Private Schools).

Where does salary packaging sit in running a business effectively?
Most business owners acknowledge that the greatest asset in their business is their people. Most would welcome the opportunity to reward their staff with higher salaries or increased benefits.

Salary packaging is a means of providing this reward to staff at no cost to the business.

Can I do it myself?
Definitely. Salary packaging is merely a way of taking advantage of lucrative taxation benefits on offer to employees.

JSA can either help you do this yourself, or we can take over the entire compliance and administration burden from you.

Are there common problems you see in how businesses arrange their business around benefits and assets such as cars and the like?
Motor vehicles are always a big problem for a business – from what to buy, how best to buy it, how to finance it, how to service and maintain it, how long to keep it, and how best to dispose of it.

Much of this is done “ad-hoc” and without too much thought or external advice, and left to the accountant to sort out the mess at the end of the financial year.

JSA can substantially reduce vehicle ownership and management costs to a business, reduce the administration burden and turn this into a value employee benefit.

What would you suggest businesses look for when balancing their business's bottom line with obligations and benefits for employees?

There are a number of substantial benefits that can be provided to employees without impacting on business profitability. This can include offering a good superannuation scheme, a group insurance scheme or a well resolved salary packaging arrangement.

All of this can be provided at no cost to the employer through the assistance of the JSA group.

What are some other flow-on effects have clients noticed after setting up salary packaging with good results?

Clients tend to attract and retain good staff that are more engaged, incentivized and rewarded through salary packaging arrangements.

Do you have any tips for businesses looking to review the way they approach these issues in the business?

Take the time to see how salary packaging can benefit your business (irrespective of its size or industry type). Salary packaging is often seen as too hard or complex which is simply not the case. In a tough employment climate, salary packaging can provide a significant competitive edge to your business.

What locations do you service?

All states and territories of Australia.

How can people reach you if they would like to discuss salary packaging options?

By phoning (02) 4908 0999 or emailing me at marka@jsagroup.com.au or visiting www.jsagroup.com.au

Any information contained in this communication is of a general nature only and does not take into account your circumstances or needs. You must decide if this information is suitable to your personal situation or seek advice.

Newcastle Boys and Girls High Historic Records Donated

2011-10-26T19:14:00.000+11:00

Eleven school enrolment registers from the former Newcastle Girls High School and two from Newcastle Boys High School were donated yesterday to State Records NSW.

The records have been digitised and will help family historians and migrants needing to prove residency.
The registers show each student’s name, address, father’s occupation and their post-school destination.

Among the girls’ school records were daughters of tallowsmen and dredgemasters who went on to either Newcastle Teacher’s College or the old Royal Newcastle Hospital.

Full article

Day Trips: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

2011-10-13T19:52:00.002+11:00

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens cover an area of 140 hectares, much of which has been preserved as natural bushland.

2100 Pacific Highway, (20 mins north of Newcastle), Heatherbrae NSW 2324, Australia +61 2 4987 1655

The Gardens, which were opened to the public in 1986, are designed, developed and managed by a non-profit company of volunteers. The development of the Gardens was recognised in 1999, with the winning of the 'Significant Regional Attraction' award in the Hunter Regional Awards for Excellence in Tourism.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Website

Hunter Region Ecology
The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, through its Rare Plants Committee, is involved in research into the ecology of the Hunter Region of New South Wales, with a focus on Plant Biodiversity.
Technical Papers reporting this research and discussing Hunter Region Ecology are available in this section of the Gardens website, using the links below:
Hunter Region Ecosystems

See more on Panoramia

Nobbys Lighthouse Newy's Latest Attraction

2011-10-13T19:09:00.001+11:00

Nobby's Lighthouse lights up as Newcastle's newest attraction

[Wed 12/10/2011 09:56:41]

After more than 100 years of restricted public access, renowned historical landmark Nobby's Lighthouse has opened its doors as the newest attraction in Newcastle.

Nobbys Head was the 3rd lighthouse built in NSW

One of the city’s oldest buildings, the lighthouse now invites visitors to access the structure atop Nobbys Headland and take a look into Newcastle’s nautical past while enjoying sweeping views over the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Established in 1854, Nobbys Lighthouse was the third lighthouse built in NSW and is included in the City of Newcastle's Coat of Arms. The original 20,000 candle-power light was attended by three keepers, until the light was converted to electric operation in 1935.

Newcastle city views from Nobby's Lighthouse

The lighthouse and its grounds are now accessible to the public free-of-charge, on the first and third Sunday of each month between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

The journey to reach Nobbys Lighthouse is an experience in itself. Located at the end of a long man-made spit at the entrance to beautiful Newcastle Harbour, the lighthouse is accessed by an 800-metre scenic pathway running from the base of the headland, along the breakwater and up to the peak where a spectacular view awaits.

Light refreshments are available at the lighthouse kiosk which operates on open days, or visitors can pack their own picnic to enjoy at the top.

Open days at the Nobbys Lighthouse are managed by L!vesites – an initiative of Newcastle City Council which brings people and businesses in the local community together to deliver creative events and cultural experiences in the city’s public spaces.

The lighthouse will be a key site for upcoming events in Newcastle, including Australia Day and New Year’s Eve activities, one-off art exhibitions and other special experiences. The site is also available for private functions.

For more information on the lighthouse site in Newcastle please visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au

Urban Insider - Cooks Hill NSW

2011-10-10T10:57:00.000+11:00

Cooks Hill is an inner city suburb of Newcastle NSW. Here are some urban shots from the local online hipster magazine Urban Insider. See full gallery here

Cooks Hill grew from coal mines in the area. Land sales developed from Brooks Street onto Darby Street to create the commercial centre there today. Darby Street was originally known as Lake Macquarie road and was one of the few public access roads through AA Company Coal Mine land.

Raymond Terrace On The Williams River

2011-10-03T21:44:00.001+11:00

Williams River at Raymond Terrace NSW

Just over the Hexham Bridge, Raymond Terrace is an easy commute to Newcastle, Nelson Bay, Maitland and Hawks Nest. The Newcastle Airport is close by and services are easy to access.

See also Botanical Gardens entry

Day Trips: Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens

2011-09-15T18:21:00.000+10:00

Newcastle is fortunate to have many interesting areas to visit all within an hour of the Newcastle and 3 hours drive from Sydney. The twin hamlets of Tea Gardens, with its river leading to the Great Lakes and Hawks Nest with 26 miles of sandy beach are one such trip that's worth taking. There is also a ferry running across the bay to Nelson Bay.

Here are some views.

Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest

Smart City - Innovative Newcastle NSW Video

2011-07-21T17:32:00.000+10:00

Smart City - Innovative Newcastle NSW

2011-07-01T17:48:00.001+10:00

Smarter City - Innovative Newcastle was the theme for the latest Lunaticks Society event held at The Delaney in Darby Street Cooks Hill on Wednesday.

The event was billed to showcase Newcastle City Council's recently released strategic plan to become a Smart, Innovation City to help Newcastle develop a healthy, diverse, creative and resilient economy.

All things considered, sadly, there was little that we saw which addressed this.

It became clear that we need to focus on the city we want to be and face the new environment with hope and ideas, not be harking back to the past and what we've already tried.

Craig Wilson's (@MediaHunter) plan for creatng an innovative city

And we need to do it without expectation of this being driven by council.

But, how do you create a culture of new ideas? How do you attract smart people? How do you turn an Old World City into one the World’s Smartest Cities?

Our Town - Then

Goodbye Steelworks

This old way of being is now gone with these steelworks that in previous years had described the narrative of Newcastle.

This way of life that has gone already.

One day perhaps the coal will go too and even without that happening new industries can blossom in our Town. Smart industries.

New technology.

Bright ideas.

A new economic driver that doesn't rely on digging up what's there and shipping it out without adding value. That idea was old and tired back when this 1979 advertisement first aired. In 2011 it is ridiculous as a proposition for future prosperity.

We need a new economic driver that will see new generations working in great jobs with a future, not crying for a past that is well past it's use-by date.

What would our movie of NEWcastle look like if we made it now?

Social Media In Newcastle & Hunter Valley

2011-06-19T17:19:00.001+10:00

In 1952 People Paraded in Hunter Street. In 2011 We Get Together Online!

Social media is in the news a lot lately and if you own a business you might be wondering what all the fuss is about.

While many business owners have moved to set up a business page there is more to social media marketing than just putting up a Facebook page (and no your personal Facebook page is NOT the place for your business).

Businesses need to embrace social media but setting up a Facebook page is not a strategy. Here are some tips to get started.

A question this week on Quora was a good one and one that deserves some attention from us all, in conducting our business activities.

Here’s my response.

“My company is a B2B company and we are trying to come up with a strategy around social media. I find it tough to figure out what to include and what to avoid. Are there any factors I should take in to consideration while devising a strategy?”

I would suggest you start with a clear understanding of the social media environment and a well defined purpose (and expectation) that is realistic and achievable in the first instance.
For those who want to use social media, and those who vehemently don’t want to – they need to understand enough to make an informed choice either way and to deal with the consequences of that choice. Whether one is ‘using social media’ or not they can be the subject of discussion on social media and managing one’s reputation online is just one element of this new world.

Basics

Get these right the first time. Know what kind of Facebook page is the wrong kind to use for business. Use the right kind. Don’t set up a Twitter page then fail to keep updated regularly.
*Remember Your Website!
* Make sure your website is optimized for search – and for the people who
will use it! – Most that I see are very poor – on both counts. (Never
mind they may have cost a lot of money from an expensive web designer).
Never, never let a stranger be in control of your business online. Get informed and get interested.

Not Just What, But How

It is important to understand the etiquette of online interaction and also the ways to leverage time and effort without putting those to whom we are connected offside. (Easy to do!)
Putting up a Facebook or Twitter Page ( and with the correct configuration and naming protocols) all need to be considered and that is just the beginning, the strategy behind this needs to support the objectives and while platforms are free to use there is always a cost in time and resources and budget need to be allocated for this purpose. Expect this and include it in your plan.

Social Media Policy

Some things to consider on creating a social media strategy:
Your social media policy – needs to be fair, realistic and training done with employees so that everyone is clear. Also needs to be in line with employment legistation so that you are not overstepping and writing in clauses that you have no right to demand. Suggest your policy begin with an intention to be open to the opportunities of social media, as well as the potential downside.

Hoary Old Myths

On the matter of Control – some employers think they can dictate all manner of things to employees and restrict their access to social media during work hours and this will keep them in control of their staff members. This is quite a silly assumption. Firstly, because you have no control now, secondly, because such an environment may just guarantee that good candidates won’t want to work for you. Lastly – they can access anything they wish to via their smartphones and a combative attitude is not going to deliver a harmonious outcome that leverages the best available opportunities that new media can deliver.

Your Social Media Strategy:

A social media policy
A Clearly articulated purpose and vision
Select appropriate platforms
Allocate a budget
Who will manage it?
Time and resources that need to be allocated
Which KPIs you are going to measure
How you will measure your results
How you will manage (an enhance) your reputation online
How you will integrate your social media with your conventional marketing
How thoroughly your social media activities should permeate throughout the operations of the business (Which department will handle this? Will all departments be involved?)
Ways you can adapt social media to help you improve how customers interact with the business
Ways that you can use social media to improve communications within the business and strengthen the team
Managing and monitoring the plan
Reporting – how often in what way
Integrating platforms to allow transfer of content seamlessly, but in a regulated way (not spamming)
Understanding that social media is not a broadcast medium! It can’t be all just about YOU!
Design for the type and quality of the content to be delivered by social media
Who will create the content?
What amount of content should be (can be) generated and by what frequency?
Modes of content that can be made available – articles, blogs, ebooks, video, podcasts etc
Integration with website

Engagement
People follow people so it is important to remember that there needs to be engagement and if multiple people contributing to the social media for the company, there is merit in these being tagged to the individual who is posting at any time. Be interesting. Be interested.

Not Just For Christmas
There is often a thought that a social media strategy is a one-off, trial kind of activity that we do. It is not set and forget and it not even a funky thing to do any more. It is become expected. If you are not visible online, for an increasing many, you just don’t exist. So get accustomed to this being a new marketplace. Devise a plan that brings your existing customers along with you and if you are really smart – introduce them to those who can help you help them develop their own online presence. This is where the magic is, and this is where most fail to connect the dots.

If you would like help to learn more about using social media for your business contact me now to arrange a chat. Your social media approach should add to and complement your business overall, not be something separate and disconnected.

More on Newcastle Yesteryear

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com

Would A CUSTOMIZED Marketing Roadmap Help You Guide Your Business On The Path To Success? ABSOLUTELY!

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Newcastle Beach Webcams

2011-06-08T18:39:00.001+10:00

See latest feed from the webcam

East Coast Beaches see link for full article

Coastal Watch - Now this is a great looking winter!

Satellite beach cams

Newcastle On Facebook

2011-06-06T20:22:00.000+10:00

Here are some groups you might like to check out on Facebook that focus on Newcastle topics.

Real Estate Newcastle

I Love Life In Newcastle

Sell A Business In The Hunter

Lindy Asimus Business Coaching

ABC Newcastle

Newcastle Business Club

The Lunaticks Society of Newcastle

See Change - Newcastle NSW Branding

2011-06-02T18:02:00.001+10:00

Novacastrians know that Newcastle has seen change after change throughout our history. Communicating the real strengths of the city (and despite what those in the inner city might think, for any of us in the Hunter Valley, and Lake Macquarie and surrounds, "Newcastle" - to anyone who doesn't live here, is all of this area combined.). The resources, the opportunities, the culture and the things that we hold as values have an unmistakable stamp upon them of what Newy is all about.

So what's Newcastle mean to you?

What defines that special difference that makes a difference?

Art Exhibition Cooks Hill Galleries - Bella Italia!

2011-04-12T14:39:00.001+10:00

See artist Rick Everingham's - Bella Italia - On Exhibition At Cooks Hill Galleries now!

01 April - 18 April 2011

Bella Italia

01 April - 18 April 2011 - Exhbition may be extended for an extra week - check Cooks Hill Gallery

About This Exhibition

Artist:
"My fascination with Italy is still as strong as ever. These paintings range from one of my favourite places in the north, Venice, down through the Cinque Terre, to areas around Tuscany, and south to Capri and Sicily, I hope you enjoy them."

Director's Comment

The consummate professional artist, Rick has developed an Italian lifestyle after frequent trips overseas led to a sea-change of residence to Tuscany, Italy. As a consistent exhibitor in our galleries we have understood the fascination of patina and soft reflective colours revealed as they mellow. An enriched base of colour suppressed by the European light produces a mottled surface on walls, courtyards, porticos and facades of Italian architecture. Everingham's paintings capture a moment of observation, a time, lifestyle or recreation.

There is a suggestion of mood or setting that is most pleasing to the eye, this feeling is further reinforced if the viewer has travelled or understands the seduction of Italy and its people.

Biography
Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1945, and until recently living in Brisbane, Rick Everingham has progressively established himself as a most successful and respected artists.
Rick has worked continuously as a painter since holding his first one man show in 1970, holding numerous exhibitions in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, and gaining an ever-increasing following along the way. International shows have been held in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and San Gimignano in Italy.

Follow Cooks Hill Galleries on Facebook

Cooks Hill Galleries 67 Bull St, Cooks Hill Newcastle Australia 2300 T: +61 (02) 49263899

Hours:

fri-sat-mon 11-6pm

sun 2-6pm or by appointment

World Naked Bike Ride in Newcastle broken up by police

2011-03-13T19:32:00.000+11:00

Great to see our police cracking down on crime wherever it happens. ;-)

The group of about 15 bike riders, some clothed and and others naked and decorated in body paint promoting their protest message rode along the Honeysuckle harbor side cycle way, down Hunter St (the main street of the city) and through on o...f the busy the restaurant and cafe precinct of Darby St. The ride was cheered and applauded by members of the public.

Full story here

Nobbys Head Open First Time In 100 Years

2011-02-24T19:33:00.001+11:00

Newcastle morning photos on display at Nobbys
See article on ABC website

Newcastle NSW Australia

2011-01-28T15:41:00.004+11:00

Visit Newcastle!

Newcastle Morning Photo

2011-01-28T15:35:00.000+11:00

Newcastle Morning Photos are images taken by everyday Novocastrians of everyday Newcastle. Individually they represent one person’s unique Newcastle moment

Check out The Novocastrian Files for more background and how to add your photos to this growing collection.

Urban Insider Newcastle

2011-01-25T18:18:00.001+11:00

What is Urban Insider?

Urban Insider is the insider's guide to Newcastle & the Hunter. It's for locals and visitors wanting to know where to get the best of what the region has to offer.
Urban Insider is designed for you, so explore the different sections and let us know what you think. If you'd like to contribute news, reviews, opinion or photos in any of these areas or have any other ideas for the site click here.
Don't forget to show us how you see the city by posting your best photos to our Twitter tag #urbaninsiderpic.

Roberts Legal Launches New Offices in Adamstown

2010-11-24T12:16:00.002+11:00

The launch of the new premises for Roberts Legal sees the business expanding to meet the demand for responsive and quality legal services.

Founders Anna and Sam Roberts have remodelled the historic Adamstown building in Brunker Road and brought a youthful and up-to-date presentation to meet the needs of clients.

The launch, held on November 18, 2010 was well attended and proved a good chance for attendees to make new connections and renew old acquaintences with professionals in allied fields.

Roberts Legal - Information

Roberts Legal was established by Sam & Anna Roberts in November 2007. The aim was simply to provide quality, value and efficient legal services in a market where those basic expectations seem to have been forgotten. The practice has since flourished. In June 2010 Roberts Legal relocated to larger premises at 274 Brunker Road, Adamstown (opposite the Nags Head Hotel).

Partners and husband and wife team Anna and Sam Roberts have built their practice on the foundation of referrals and as such have a strong appreciation of the need to deliver client satisfaction and great results.

Providing commercial and general legal services including:

* Commercial Disputes & Litigation,
* Business Advice & Commercial Transactions,
* Comprehensive Estate Planning for individuals,
* Business Risk Assessment & Business Succession Planning,
* Insolvency & Corporate Restructuring,
* Building & Construction Contracts & Disputes
* Property Development & Transactions,
* Intellectual Property Law.
* Conveyancing,
* Family Law,
* Adminstration of Deceased Estates,
* Contested Wills Claims,
* Debt Collection,
* Criminal Law.

Roberts Legal can be contacted at

Telephone: 02 4952 3901
Website: www.robertslegal.com.au
On Facebook: Like Roberts Legal!

Santa Spotting

2010-11-18T09:46:00.000+11:00

Have you seen Santa yet? I spied this waiting at the lights at New Lambton yesterday.

Have you seen Santa in some odd place around Newcastle? Send me your photo and I'll add it it here.

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit

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Social Media Training Newcastle NSW

2010-11-04T18:32:00.000+11:00

Just added to this blog you'll find a link to some videos on Social Media basics to give you some background if the whole social media rush has gone past without understanding much about it. It can be confusing! It is something of a moveable feast and what was true last month - may not be true tomorrow. So it is imperative to be on top of the changes as they happen and understand that this is a dynamic field that can't be just 'set and forget'.

I've met a lot of people lately who are just lost when it comes to getting their business online and developing a strategy to follow using online tools. On the other hand I'm seeing a lot of people spruiking social media products - from people who have no online footprint to speak of at all, have been online in a very limited capacity and think that social media is about broadcasting advertisements. It isn't. And it isn't something separate to your business. Your social media engagement should be a part of your overall business strategy and should be clearly understood and planned to get you the best outcomes possible, and improve your relationships - not damage them.

So I thought I'd run some training sessions for those who are looking for some help and want to learn to find their way around the online tools and resources available, and choose some low cost means of getting their business name out there and into Google.

Places are limited, and will be held over Skype or Phone, and email. Cost is $100 for the class, payable in advance via Paypal and will be held at a time that suits your schedule and mine.

Find out:

How to get started online.
Tools to use.
How to develop a strategy to follow
Maximise your efforts without spending too much time.
Learn what kinds of things to post online to your target audience.
Learn what not to do online!
Discover how to monitor and manage your reputation online
Overview of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Blogging for business.
Social Media marketing tips
What to put in your online profile.

Email me to arrange a time and do mention this blog when making your booking to secure this special rate.

Book Now!

Society 2.0 - New Lunaticks Event

2010-10-28T14:33:00.000+11:00

Well a great evening at The Delaney on Tuesday night with the latest event for the New Lunaticks, this time fronted by Roger Pryor.

Here's what it was about...

Society 2.0 - What can we learn about ourselves off the internet?

With the pace of change (especially around the internet & technology) changing rapidly what does that mean for us as people? What does it mean in our everyday social lives? What does it mean in our workforce? What does it mean for employers? For Employees?

With 2 great events under The Lunaticks Society's belt we have decided to bring you an interactive event to discuss how the internet has impacted on our everyday lives & what the future may look like for Society 3.0.

Are we ready?

What are the risks?

What are the benefits?

What do we need to fear?

What can we get excited about?

What opportunities do employers have?

What do employees need to think about?

We've dragged together a bunch of experts to share their stories and also answer some of your questions surrounding Privacy, your Identity, Social Interaction, Work/Personal Boundaries of online Communications, Potential Issues for Employers & workplace policies.

And here are some highlights from the evening.

Photo gallery from the event

Small Business Month | Coaching Q&A

2010-09-19T12:48:00.003+10:00

Small Business Month is September and to celebrate, Port Stephens Council is hosting a workshop for business owners to attend and find out all they ever wanted to know about coaching and how their business can use the tools of coaching to reach better results and be more profitable and stress-free.

You can register for the event which is to be held at Raymond Terrace on 23 September at the link below.

Join Lindy Asimus and Robert Watson for an action-packed and entertaining 2 hours!

UPDATE: We'll be having more Q&A sessions for business in November 2010. If you'd like to go on the mailing list for notices, let me know, or if you would like to run a Q&A for your clients, then we'd love to talk to you! You can add real value for your business clients and open opportunities for them to excel.

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit
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Newcastle - Incubator For Innovation?

2010-09-10T18:15:00.000+10:00

Some interesting thoughts on what a revitalised Newcastle might look like, from Brendan Brooks' Hyperblog. Head over and add your comments to what reads like a compelling argument.

I would love to see Newcastle grow beyond the 'dig it up and ship it out' model.

What would you like to see happen in Newcastle to take us into the future?
(Please, no franchise outlets!)

More on Australian Innovation

Feel 'em Up Friday - Cancer Awareness

2010-09-03T15:18:00.001+10:00

Much madness on Twitter in Newcastle district this week sees today named as Feel Em Up Friday in honour of raising consciousness about breast cancer (and men's cancer too). See Carol Duncan's ABC blog for all the details. You can listen to the podcast, learn about mammograms and other critical information on breast cancer and surviving well.

1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime.

And if you want to support your favourite cancer cause, this could be a good time to review your personal insurance and get a donation made on your behalf too. Read Christie Birch's personal story about her mother's fight with cancer and contact them to ask how you can review your insurance and get a donation sent to your favourite cancer charity.

The message of course, is that early detection is the best weapon against cancer, so make this the week when you remember to take care of yourself.

And of course the collectors are out selling Legacy badges today. Our Newcastlecoffee Twitter group were glad to support the cause this morning at Sprocket Roasters cafe and all left with a new Legacy badge or pen in hand. If you see the collectors do give generously. Legacy is another organisation doing great things in the community to help families.

Oh ... and if you want to join us one Friday morning at our Twitter meeting, come along! You'll be welcome.
Info here

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach & Social Media Development
Design Business Engineering
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Social Media Training For Local Business

2010-08-29T15:22:00.000+10:00

It was recently my pleasure to run a small workshop for small business as a 'hands-on' introduction to social media, hosted by Wayne Lennan Financial Services in Hunter Street. Commendable and it would be good to see other businesses taking an interest in bringing new ideas to their own network.

As I hold these workshops it becomes apparent that while there is a mile of information available online and free platforms to use, it takes more than that to get an understanding of how social media can work for business, and just How-To get started effectively.

From a business coaching point of view, I see social media as being a game-changer for small business, as it offers them the key to break out of being captive to the business that happens to walk past their door when they are open. The internet opens the potential to spread word of a business and find new customers well outside the usual suspects.

Exciting times for those businesses with owners willing to embrace new ways of working, and getting serious about presenting a world class face to their customers.

If you'd like to talk about social media for your business, or helping
your business clients understand the new marketing media, contact me
to discuss your ideas.

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit
Australia's Marketing Mentor

Contact Me

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Scenic Newcastle NSW

2010-07-29T17:56:00.000+10:00

Some nice shots from the Newcastle area by local photographer Doug Hall.

If you have some photographs from the area you'd like to have added to this blog, give me a call.

Dudley Beach

Valentine

Contact:
Doug Hall | 0411962288 www.glossyfx.com.au

The Lunaticks Guide to Social Media for Business - Newcastle NSW

2010-07-03T15:28:00.002+10:00

Looking for a new medium to actively engage your consumers with a unique one to one experience?

Lunaticks Society of Newcastle has enticed some of the leading names in Newcastle’s digital and social media world to share their wisdom and reveal their social media secrets for The Lunaticks Guide to Social Media for Business.

Whether you’re in senior management, marketing and advertising, technology, retail, music and arts, finance or you merely want to stay abreast of the latest social media trends and strategies, then this an event you won’t want to miss.

LOCATION & DATE

Upstairs in the newly renovated Delany Hotel, 143 Darby Street, Newcastle

Tuesday 6^thJuly between 6.30pm and 8.30pm

SOCIAL MEDIA SECRETS TO BE DISCUSSED

Where are the successful business people using Social Media? Why would my business want to use Social Media? Where are the opportunities in Social Media? What Social Media platforms should I use i.e. twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc…? Can I get someone else to do it for me? How do I get people to follow me or my brand? How do I find time to do this thing? What sort of stuff do you post up? How does Social Media fit in with my other marketing activities? What are the risks? Will Social Media affect my future employability? What is the future of Social Media?

SCHEDULE:

6.30pm – 7pm Registration and networking 7pm to 7.05pm Introduction to the Lunaticks Society of Newcastle – Gordon Whitehead (@the_git) 7.05pm to 8pm Social Media and Twitter: what’s it good for?

Moderator - Gordon Whitehead (@the_git)
Panelist –Carol Duncan (@carolduncan) blogger, ABC radio presenter & media consultant
Panelist – Craig Wilson (@mediahunter) blogger, founder of NLYZR.com & digital agency Sticky
Panelist - Jayne Kearney (@indydreaming) blogger, writer, editor of Sunny Days magazine
Panelist - Matthew Hatton (@bernietb) blogger and online consumer rights advocate
Panelist – Steph Hinds (@Growthwise) blogger and co-founder of Growthwise

8pm to 8.30pm Panel Q & A

EVENT TWITTER

hashtag: #newlunaticks We certainly hope for some LIVE amusing, witty and compelling tweets via ‘backchannel’ tweeting before, during and after the event.

EVENT TICKETS

Event tickets are a VERY cost effective i.e. they’re FREE!

CONTENT PRODUCTION

We expect people to bring smart phones, digital cameras and video cameras to tweet, take silly or serious photographs, conduct interviews or create micro-movies. Fingers cross there will be wireless internet access and a laptop set up connected to a data projector use to display a LIVE twitterfeed during the event.

Click here to register and print your ticket (no charge)

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit

Contact Me

Revitalisation Masterplan Hunter Street Newcastle

2010-06-24T18:07:00.003+10:00

SCAPE strategy have recently completed the Contextual and Strategic Framework reports for the Hunter Street Revitalisation Masterplan (HSRM) in Newcastle, NSW.

Led by the City of Newcastle Council, the aims of the project are to arrest the decline of Hunter Street and to bring about revitalisation by way of 4 sets of principles : street activation via good urban design , a better integrated transport network, a system of green spaces or corridors and connecting cultural aspects with community use and future desires. Read more here

And from the Herald...

"A WEST end city gateway, a civic cultural precinct, a bustling central shopping area and a cosmopolitan east end - this is how the Hunter Street of the future could look.

Civic strategists have developed an ambitious new plan for overhauling the Newcastle thoroughfare, a former jewel in the city's crown that has come to symbolise the central business district's decay and neglect.

Newcastle City Council has employed urban planning consultants Scape Strategy to help develop a vision for Hunter Street.

The Herald can exclusively reveal the first images of how the new and improved three-kilometre strip could look.

Andrew Turnbull and Bob Perry, of Scape Strategy, presented artwork and ideas to councillors on Tuesday night.

Four precincts and four principles would guide the Hunter Street revitalisation masterplan, Mr Turnbull said.

Proposed precincts were west end, civic, central and east end."

Read full article here

What do you think of this idea?

Newcastle - Yesteryear

2010-06-14T11:08:00.012+10:00

How things have changed! Easy to lose sight of how much our city and harbour foreshore has changed.

Newcastle railway station showing rail yard 31 dec 1930

newcastle railway station 13 feb 1956

Newcastle Railway Refreshment Room - interior showing staff behind counter

Newcastle railway refreshment room sleeping quarters

View of city council electricity and town hall with civic park in foreground Newcastle

You can find more at http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/ or purchase copies of photos you like there.

Surf House Bye-Bye

2010-06-13T10:35:00.003+10:00

The end of an era.

This video by George McIntosh captures the feel of the time.

What do you think about the end of the surf house?

What do you think about the installation of parking meters?

2010-06-13T10:35:00.000+10:00

The end of an era.

Ian's 365 Days Of Surfing Quest

2010-05-22T07:52:00.007+10:00

Young Novacastrian Ian set himself a goal to surf for 100 consecutive days in a row. He's now almost at day 365 (May 29 2010) and here's his inspirational journey.

Fantastic effort!

Along the way, Ian:

Wore out 2 wet suits
Broke 8 boards
Snapped 4 leg ropes
Succumbed to 2 boughts of 'flu'
Wore out 2 bicycles
Sustained many puncture
Was blown off bike 3 times
Had countless cuts and injuries to his body.

What a remarkable and tenacious young man.

You can read Ian's story as it happened on his blog.

Ian's Quest Blog

Approach A Coach!

2010-05-20T18:18:00.004+10:00

Following our regular #newcastlecoffee tweetup at Sprocket Roasters, corner of Watt & Hunter Streets Newcastle, Robert Watson and I will be staying back for a test drive of our Approach A Coach service.

On Friday we'll be available for you to come and chat with our coaches and get a taste of what working with a coach is like. Free! This 9 am - 10 am session is a test run for some sessions we'll be scheduling next week, so if you can't make it on Friday 21 May, call us and reserve a space for next week.

So tell your friends, and come along, and find out what coaching can be like. And if you can't make it at this time, contact Lindy on 0403 365 855 and we'll let you know what our next date will be.

If there is an interest in this, we're prepared to make this a regular event, so your feedback is welcomed!

Hope to meet you there!

Lindy Asimus @lindyasimus &
Robert Watson @drdrdr09

Merchant Circle In Australia Great News For Newcastle Business

2010-05-17T07:34:00.004+10:00

Local Business Needs To Be Visible

Social networking is the big flavour of the day, but the basic structure of social media is essentially the same as it was when the ladies would chat over the back fence while they put their washing on the clothesline.

So the entry of Merchant Circle into the Australian market deals a blow to all the directory sites that we've had up until now. They have really not been trying, and now there is a reason for them to get their offer up to date and offer up some competition.

Let's see the locals pick up the gossip about your business, where the customers hang out. Now it isn't just the back fence where we chat and compare notes. It is also on Facebook, and Twitter and through searching for products online and looking for a local merchant to provide the goods.

Here in Newcastle and the Hunter, this makes for a very exciting turn of events, as my experience with Merchant Circle in the USA gives us a quick start to getting off the ground here in Oz. If you'd like to add your business or you'd like help getting started let me know and I'll be happy to lend you a hand.

Make sure your business is there for us to spread the word for you.

~ Lindy

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit

Australia's Marketing Mentor

Contact Me

Actionbites Blog Merchant Circle In Australia

Gen Y Weddings. Gen Y Celebrant.

2010-05-13T13:05:00.005+10:00

Have you noticed the growing trend for people to become marriage celebrants in the last few years? This struck me as being a tad counter-intuitive that the wedding industry should be booming, even as getting married becomes entirely optional in our culture now.

Kez Tippett is a regular from our Friday morning Twitter coffee club (#newcastlecoffee) and is a great example of the new-style marriage celebrant. Kez is much different than the image that might come to mind when you first think ‘marriage celebrant’. While the great majority of marriage celebrants are in their later years, and performing a few weddings a year, Kez is in great demand and it’s no wonder the young brides want her there to help them design the day they will remember well forever. Gen Y brides can be pleased to know they can find someone that they relate to and who understands them and is all about making this day about something that is completely a fit for their personality and taste, and allows them to have a moment that is authentic and true to the nature of the couple. Stuffy old boring ‘going-through-the-motions’ services are out!

Kez came to her new business, by way of her own search for a suitable person to officiate at her wedding. Her experience showed her how difficult it was to find someone who was under 60, was interested in listening to what she wanted for her special day, and was in tune with her personality at all. Her intuition proved correct and she is now in hot demand for her special services.

Some choices that are popular for weddings that she is involved with, are couples looking for short services, in a style that suits theirs, whether that be less conventional or traditional. Ceremonies that Kez officiates are tailored for the couple from scratch so they are satisfied with the day, and written sensitively using phrases and in words that are meaningful for those involved.

Readings to the couple from someone special are popular, and there are planning issues that need to be taken into account, so that the service style is a match for the location and transport, and that the whole production is able to proceed smoothly and according to the wishes of the couple.

It is plain to see how passionate Kez is about her work and how much she loves working with her couples. The attention to detail, comprehensive approach to the function and style for each couple that goes into designing a service that is a perfect match, is evident and a source of pride.

Couples spend an amazing amount of money on weddings and at the end of the day, the things that remain are the commitments they made, the memories they retain and if they are lucky, a special photo or two that shows the couple as they really were, and which captured the essence of that special moment in time.

It’s pleasing to know that young couples can have that moment produced personally for them and reflecting their essence as they look back and see what great choices they made... in everything.

You can find Kez at http://www.wedbykez.com/ Wed By Kez on Facebook

Young Marriage Celebrant Newcastle, Hunter, Central Coast

Local Talent: Doug Hall - Glossy FX

2010-05-04T13:59:00.001+10:00

We have some very talented photographers in Newcastle and I had the pleasure yesterday of learning more about Doug Hall who is a man passionate about catching the essential element of a moment.

Doug works with clients to elicit and capture exactly what they’re looking for from the photographic session that will be meaningful for them and express their unique qualities.

Interestingly, Doug Hall is all about his work being an expression of his own desire to create magic and his decision to follow that passion informs all the decisions that he makes in his business. He works hard to make it easy for clients to have their moments exquisitely rendered forever and insists on the highest production values in printing and processing.

An example of special work that Doug does is a case where he took some beautiful candid shots of a young woman, as well as an unusual and lovely black and white classic art-style portrait. What a great gift for a teenage daughter to keep for life.

What I love about Doug’s business model is that he is generous in his approach and makes that simple by charging for his time shooting and making negatives available for clients. This makes it easy to budget and spend our photography dollars in the most practical way – getting great professional products and wonderful affordable prints for family.

Whether it is for family portraits, or business, Doug can capture a moment and bring it to life in a way that you can share with others.

You should call and speak with Doug if you know someone thinking about getting a lovely portrait of themselves, or for a child who might be having a birthday soon, or updating your professional portrait.

And for business owners, ask about the business profile movies that can be created for your business.

You can reach Glossy FX on 0411962288
Or find them on Facebook

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit

Contact Me

Actionbites Blog Why Coaching Is Great For Business

Photographic Exhibition A Touching Tribute

2010-04-25T11:17:00.003+10:00

Imagine A Life Without Illness Photo Story Exhibition will open on 7 May 2010.

Please send on to your friends and help Eddy raise lots of funds for Hunter Medical Research on Friday May 7th for Mothers with Cancer.

IMAGINING A LIFE WITHOUT ILLNESS THROUGH REAL LIFE STORIES

MEDIA RELEASE

12 April 2010

Imagining a life without illness is the theme of an inspirational new photographic story board exhibition being held in Newcastle from May 7.

Newcastle photographer Eddie Cross, himself no stranger to illness following a life-changing brain injury in 2006, has put together a photo exhibition which tells the story of 10 remarkable Hunter women and their families who have battled cancer.

“After photographing mothers with cancer and sharing tears with them while creating images of love, life and happiness, I felt it was important to help them tell their stories through these photos and stories in order to educate others,” Eddie said.

“When dealing with cancer, it’s not always a happy ending and there are some truly heartbreaking stories. There is a powerful message, however, delivered in all the photographs by those who have experienced a life threatening and life-changing disease.”

All proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to the Hunter Medical Research Institute and Eddie is hoping to raise at least $5,000.

Karen Brown, one of the participants in the exhibition knows all too the importance of cancer research. Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 36 and is now a passionate advocate for research.

“Without research I wouldn’t be here today. For my daughters and for every other mother’s daughters we should all pray for a cure for breast cancer, and do all we can to raise money and awareness.”

The exhibition will also include the auction of a commissioned oil canvas painting donated by Hunter artist Sophie Mill. The work is an artistic interpretation of one of Eddie’s original photographs depicting a young girl and mother walking into darkness surrounding by beautiful colours and light.

Imagine a Life Without Illness will run from May 7 – June 1 2010 at the King and Parry Gallery, Newcastle.

For further information or to view any of the stories

contact Eddie Cross anytime on:

(02) 4929 5555 or 0414 609 088

ecimages@bigpond.com

Autumn In Newcastle NSW

2010-04-16T14:11:00.005+10:00

Where Not To Eat

2010-04-08T15:59:00.003+10:00

So the best places for coffee was a recent topic... here's a link to use to check "Where Not To Eat" in Newcastle. You might want to bookmark this for up-to-date reference from time to time.

And for those with a little nostalgic for the Newcastle of older days, the picture above was posted on the Renew Newcastle group on Facebook.

Westpac Serious About Helping Hunter Business

2010-04-07T15:44:00.003+10:00

In a stroke, Westpac has put some real effort behind their claim to want to help local business by bringing back the Local Business Banker to their Hunter branches, and providing them with access to local resources in the form of the Hunter Coaching Network.

With a recent workshop that introduced the Local Business Bankers to a selection of coaches from the Hunter Coaching Network, the first step has been taken on the road to providing real value for business clients in the Newcastle and Hunter region.

You can read the details on the Hunter Coaching Network News section.

As we know, local business needs all the help it can get.

Social Media For Business In Newcastle

2010-04-03T12:42:00.002+11:00

A big pat on the back for Wayne Lennan on hosting the recent workshop for select business owners introducing social media marketing for business.

Here's a slideshow of what we discussed.

Lindy asimus social media for business introduction

View more presentations from Lindy Asimus Business Coach.

For those who don't know Wayne, he specialises in risk management products for families and businesses (life insurance, income protection and trauma cover etc) and has been quick to see the value in providing access to good information on the changing business environment, to his associates and business clients. The world of business is definitely changing, and as was discussed at the workshop, many businesses are noticing the change, even if they are not yet developing strategies to deal with it.

To demonstrate this change, one of the participants told me after the presentation, that his way of opening discussions with new people used to consist of networking, and setting up appointments with people he'd meet in networking situations, and meet them for coffee at a future date to run through what he does. He's finding now though, that people will take his card then go look him up on the internet and check him out before they decide if they will meet with him or not. This creates a major shift in the way that he must operate, and as he said "I'm not on the internet ... so it's like I don't exist...!" Not existing is bad enough. Being found online and not in a positive way, is another face of the same issue.

Whether we like it or not. Whether we want it to be that way or not... people are working in ways that are quite different than they were just a few short years ago.

Kudos to Wayne Lennan for taking up the challenge and sharing some insight with his business network.

Business is never going to be the same again, and all the things we knew about what 'works' is up for change.

One of the topics I covered in the presentation was the lack of ability in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley, to buy things from local companies via their website. Lots of examples where buyers with money in their hand ready to purchase locally, via a website, are greeted with nothing but blank space when it comes to finding a local business wanting to take their order, judging by the searches on Google. And yet other businesses showing up from Sydney, Adelaide, you name it - for purchases we'd like to buy from a local merchant.

This should be an issue for anyone serious about developing their business.

The really sad thing? Newcastle and the Hunter Valley could be blitzing the online world and setting the standard for business in the new world order. Our businesses could be building their sales and reducing overheads in ways that would fundamentally change they way they do business, and improve profitability (and value of the business) dramatically.

It's been said that Newcastle business isn't 'hungry' enough.

I wonder if that's true.

You can find Wayne Lennan on Facebook here

Where's The Best Coffee In Newcastle?

2010-04-02T17:18:00.005+11:00

For all the times that I meet for coffee to network and socialise, it can be hard to pin down a favourite spot.

Our #newcastlecoffee tweetup happens at Sprocket Roasters currently, on the corner of Watt and Hunter streets, and I'd say the coffee is pretty good there. The location is good at that time of the day (7.45am) it is still good for parking, but is dismal later in the day. (What is it with Newcastle parking meters anyway? So not-welcoming for people to come into the city).

I admit I tend to prefer somewhere with a pleasant outlook (as well as good coffee) and of course the quality of the coffee is important. Which rules out the usual-suspect chain shops and in particular a rather inGlorious one which shall remain nameless and thankfully, unimbibed).

For view, I like the Starfish Cafe on Queens Wharf. Coffee is okay and the location good though not very cosy as such.

Out of town, I do enjoy a visit to the cafe at Heritage Gardens (heading toward East Maitland) for a coffee and conversation (and a great gingerbeer spider, if you have a yen).

So what's your favourite spot for coffee in Newcastle area - and what is it that you like about it?

Do share!

Hunter Coaching Network Website

2010-04-02T15:08:00.003+11:00

Hunter Coaching Network is a collective of business, life and executive coaches in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley. I'm happy to be one of the Hunter Coaching Network coaches!

They've just launched the website and while it is a work-in-progress, should give you a headstart on understanding what we do and how we can help in your Hunter business.

We're looking for people who want help, but also coaches and Associates and corporate sponsors who would like to support the network. If that sounds like you, let us know!

What Do You Do?

2010-04-02T12:39:00.006+11:00

Going to a lot of networking events and of course find myself answering this question quite often. Here's one answer.

I work with business owners to coach them through issues they have in their business, usually around getting better organised, implementing processes and systems, and building a vision and achieving better outcomes in the business and overall.

Often this includes review of their marketing and nowadays social media is an area that business owners either are confused about, and wary, and ignoring the opportunities to expand their marketing or dabbling without a clue what they are doing, and not clear on how to best leverage their resources.

Located in the Newcastle NSW region, I am happy to also work with people via skype and phone and email.

I am a member of BNI Tower and welcome any BNI members who would like to connect to do so.

Design Business Engineering - Business Coaching and Development
Lindyasimus.com - Personal and Business Coaching

Lindy Asimus Coaching on Facebook

Design Business Engineering on Facebook - Business and Technical coaching tips

http://twitter.com/lindyasimus

My TeamCirce Business Community
http://teamcircle.ning.com

Hunter Coaching Network profile

Cheers

Lindy

Hunter Coaching Network

2010-03-28T14:00:00.005+11:00

Well after a lot of behind-the-scenes work, the collective known as The Hunter Coaching Network is in full swing.
With a celebration at The Dockyard at Honeysuckle last Thursday, it was great to see all the coaches gathered, but even more heartwarming to see Friends Of Hunter Coaching Network gathering to wish us well.

Many thanks to all who have participated in this past year and put their energy into making this a real network of giving people.

#NewcastleCoffee Tweetup Friday 7.45am - 9am

2010-02-22T22:38:00.003+11:00

A reminder - if you've thought about looking for a Twitter meetup in the Newcastle area, then Friday's the day and 7.45am in the Newcastle CBD is the place.

Twitter can be great for business owners but anyone with an interest in Twitter is welcome to come visit and meet the great people who choose to make #newcastlecoffee a regular part of their day.

Like the ditty below, sent to me via Twitter this week attests, sometimes it's just fun to be around interesting people, and to meet people you'd never have connected with otherwise.

Hope to see you there sometime soon!

Newcastle Business Directory

2010-02-22T17:23:00.003+11:00

Some Newcastle and Hunter businesses I'm proud to support.

Newcastle & Hunter Valley
Business Associates Directory

Lindy Asimus is proud to be associated with these local Newcastle and Hunter Valley businesses. Please consider them if you are looking for services in these areas and let them know you found them on this site:

Home

Accountants

Bowling Associates Business Accountants
Compliance and Management accounting
for business owners.
Servicing Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie
Hunter Valley. Distance and country clients welcome

First Floor 28 William Street
RAYMOND TERRACE , NSW 2324
Phone: 2 4983 1611
E-Mail: don@bowlinggroup.com.au

www.bowlinggroup.com.au

Business Coaching

Design Business Engineering.
Design Your Business - Engineer it to Work!

Business and executive coach, Lindy Asimus works with business owners in
reviewing their business, creating systems to streamline the business and
produce policies and procedures to simplify, and keep the knowledge in the
business. Write a business plan or marketing plan and review and develop
strategies that will let you promote your business.
Get your business visible online by incorporating social media
(Facebook and Twitter), blogs and Web strategies.
Create more business with your existing clients and networking partners.

Contact Lindy Asimus on Mobile 0403 365 855
Contact Lindy by email to discuss your case.

www.designbusinessengineering.com
Servicing Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley
Online and internet coaching available all locations

Computer & IT

Jarvie Computing
IT Consulting Sales and Service

Specialist in onsite Small business networking. (1 to 20 employee size business)
Computer sales/service, SMB Networking, website hosting, automated remote backup.

Contact Steven Jarvie
Phone: 02 49 430318
Website: www.jarviecomputing.com.au
Servicing Newcastle and Hunter valley

General Insurance

AIIB Insurance Brokers
Business/Commercial Insurances
Specialists in insurance and review of existing
insurance packages to alert the customers
to any policy issues or pricing opportunities available.

Contact Peter Stroud-Watts
Mobile 0405 042 087

www.aiib.com.au

Servicing Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephen, Hunter Valley

Graphic Design

Psyborg™ Graphic & Multimedia Design

Graphic design, web design, interactive design, animation
press design, logo design. Specialty technical design also available.

A multimedia and graphic design studio focused on the creation of
creative and useable communication. We apply a disciplined approach
to your objective by combining an engineered structure to the creative process,
in turn developing a visual solution that resonates with your audience.
psyborg™ is particularly interested in creating rich media utilising the latest
internet technologies and constructs.

Contact Daniel Borg
Mobile 0414 914 087

www.psyborg.com.au
Servicing Global

Leadership & Executive Training

Dare2XL

Specialty: Leadership and Team Building Training, Executive Coaching, Keynote Speaking

Andrew Hughes is a Leadership Expert and Master Coach, helping businesses and individuals
develop courageous and authentic leadership patterns that produce superior and permanent
results. Andrew is an experienced and successful leader with impressive leadership credentials
in the legal industry. He is now a Director of Dare2XL and is located in Newcastle, Australia.

Visit Andrew's blog http://dare2xl.typepad.com to get great tips and mindsets that will
help you achieve the results you want in your business and life.

Contact: Andrew Hughes
Mobile: 0407 412 119

Website URL: www.dare2xl.com.au
Servicing: Newcastle, Eastern Seaboard

Live Plants For Hire

Newcastle Indoor Plant Hire

Indoor plants hire for office and home.
Also artificial Christmas tree hire and live Christmas tree sales
Hire indoor and outdoor plants on a long term, short term or casual basis.

Contact: Gai Alder
Mobile: 0421 319370 or 1800 601 334

www.niph.com.au
www.chrissytrees.com.au
Servicing: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley

ABC Radio 1233 Engaging With Newcastle Community

2010-02-22T17:03:00.001+11:00

Great to see Newcastle's own radio station 1233 getting with the times and engaging with the community on Twitter and Facebook.

Find 1233Newcastle crew details here

So... what can you learn from listening to our local ABC station?

Just some of the things that you'll find:

Quiz Challenges
Local weather
Traffic updates
Petrol price updates
Local heroes
Events
Sports coverage
Treasure Hunter!- A mad real-life treasure hunt that listeners help to solve each Saturday morning.
Talk back, and more are just a part of the way that Novacastrians get to discuss local affairs and share stories.

And now you can follow the fun on Twitter

Here's a sample - "You Knew You Grew Up In Newcastle, When..." Listener's reminisce!

Calling All Coaches! Hunter Coaching Network

2010-02-22T16:33:00.001+11:00

Newcastle coaches are getting together to promote the services available now in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley in the way of personal and business coaching.

If you're a coach and you have not yet joined, email the Hunter Coaching Network and be added to the mailing list.

The website will be available soon!

Lindy Asimus Business Coach & Social Media Development Design Business Engineering
Enquiries
Online Coaching Available All Locations!
Follow Lindy At These Social Networks

Contact Me

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

Business Building 2010 Workshop

2010-02-22T16:25:00.003+11:00

I was fortunate to be invited to assist with a business workshop held at Charlestown last week by Richie Williams of Pride Coaching. What a great opportunity for the businesses attending to review their goals for their business and plan their approach to improving their business outcomes in the year ahead.

There will be more workshops planned for the months to come, so if you have not had a chance to attend yet, keep it in mind for the workshops in the coming months.

Here is a video of some testimonials from the December 09 workshop!

New dates for upcoming workshops will be posted but if you'd like more information, contact Pride Coaching on 02 4948 0093 rwilliams@pridecoaching.com.au
(Mention this blog!)

Newcastle + Coffee + Twitter

2010-02-14T00:22:00.001+11:00

#Newcastlecoffee Tweetup is a regular feature for the people on Twitter to get together early on Friday mornings in the CBD.

Here's a video of our own Gordon Whitehead aka @The_Git on a visit to a Sydney sister-group.

You can find out details on future meetings, by searching Twitter for #newcastlecoffee for updates and to meet the regulars.

2010-02-13T20:34:00.000+11:00

Here's A Nod To The Winter Olympics

Google's Snow Mobile.

Sometimes Life Is Short.

2010-02-13T14:35:00.001+11:00

Sometimes Life Is Short.

Building a business is one thing. Protecting what you build is
a part of good business - and good thinking.

From time to time people will say, "I don't need life
insurance". And sometimes its true. But not often.
The fact is, that only you can determine if you, your
family, or your business, needs you to have life cover.
Professional advisors can and will assess the risk to
which you and your loved ones are exposed.
Then ultimately it is something that you decide for your
reasons. Some of those will be practical; things like
economical protection and to make sure that even if
something unexpected happens…it won't be the worst
possible thing that might have happened. And some of
the reasons you might decide to take out life cover will
be just silly reasons, things you might not even be able
to put your finger on … but it will feel like the right thing to do.
For you see, things like peace of mind, and
being able to sleep at night because you know
that no matter what - everything will be taken
care of, makes a whole lot of sense to some people.

The whole point of risk management, is about
determining your current position and addressing
the "What If" issues that can happen to us all.
Each individual will have a totally different situation
from every other person, depending on their relative
financial positions and family make up. As well as
their different priorities of what is important in life.

This is true for individuals and families, but equally as
important when considering your business.
The needs of the family and the needs of the business
will be quite separate and distinct in many cases.

If you can answer Yes to these questions, you may not
need insurance right now…
Consider:
This is real.
This is now.
This is you.

~ "I Died Today." ~

Would These Answers Be Yours?
My family has a nice home that will always be theirs. They own it free and clear of debt. They are secure knowing they will never have to worry about keeping a roof over their head.
There is plenty of money in the bank right now to give my family income to live on from the interest, without needing to touch the capital

There is other money set aside to take care of schooling and wedding expenses for my children.

There are no debts owing either personally or in the business which my family has to worry about.
There is money available for my family and for my business to keep going while they are waiting for my insurance to pay out.
There is plenty of money available to cover my funeral expenses without financial stress.

Naturally you will have other questions that you think of in addition to these.
So...How did you go?
Does your family and your business have the resources they need now, to bring to life the goals you planned?
Look closely at your own personal risk exposure and discuss it with an advisor who will help you assess your situation more carefully, or if you would like to review your present cover. And make sure your family's wills, powers of attorney are up to date to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Lindy Asimus
Business Coach
Mobile: 0403 365855
lindyasimus@gmail.com
www.lindyasimus.com
www.designbusinessengineering.com
If you'd like to know more about me, visit
Australia's Marketing Mentor

Contact Me

Actionbites Blog Creating A Customer Service Culture

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

2009-12-28T18:45:00.000+11:00

Just added this to my website. New businesses will be added over time.

If you're looking for services in the Newcastle or Hunter Valley
these businesses come with my recommendation. They are great
at what they do, and will treat you with the respect that you deserve.

Newcastle & Hunter Business Associates Directory

2009-12-11T00:15:00.000+11:00

#NewcastleCoffee Tweetup on Radio!

ABC Radio catches up with the gang.
Listen to the podcast here.

Join us every Friday 8am - 9am
Check Twitter for venue.

See you there!
@lindyasimus

RIP Jim Rohn.

2009-12-07T15:14:00.001+11:00

Another life lived well.

Thanks for everything.

"Let others lead small lives, but not you.
Let others argue over small things, but not you.
Let others cry over small hurts, but not you.
Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you."

~Jim Rohn

---------------------------------------------------------------
Lindy Asimus
Design Business Engineering
Mobile: 0403 365855
Thinking About Getting A Coach?
http://www.designbusinessengineering.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindyasimus
http://twitter.com/lindyasimus

Posted via email from lindyasimus's posterous

On Attachment To "Stuff"...

2009-10-09T22:20:00.001+11:00

"It's difficult for people
to get rid of junk.
They get attached to things
and let them define who they are.
If there's one thing I've learned
in this business, it's that
you are what you can't get rid of."

~ Brian Scudamore,

Founder/CEO 1800-Got-Junk

Posted via email from lindyasimus's posterous

On The Matter Of Reorganizing

2009-10-08T16:52:00.001+11:00

"We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were
beginning to form up in teams we would be reorganized.

I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation
by reorganizing. And a wonderful method it can be for creating
the illusion of progress whilst producing confusion, inefficiency
and demoralization."

–Gaius Petronius, AD 66

Posted via email from lindyasimus's posterous

Values & Alignment

2009-09-23T16:56:00.001+10:00

"As long as we operate within this old paradigm, we are separated from our heart and values and feel powerless.

We cannot suspend our values during the workday and think we will have them back when we get home.
We're all connected.

There is a spiritual dimension to business just as there is to individuals."

~Ben & Jerry [The Ice Cream Guys]
---------------------------------------------------------------
Lindy Asimus
Design Business Engineering
Mobile: 0403 365855
Thinking About Getting A Coach?
http://www.designbusinessengineering.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindyasimus
http://twitter.com/lindyasimus

Posted via email from lindyasimus's posterous

Wash Your Rice Bowl... On.Being Here, Now.

2009-09-16T22:10:00.001+10:00

Planning is to be commended.

When you plan... plan.

When you do... Do.

Wash Your Rice Bowl...

A monk told Joshu, "I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me."

Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?

The monk replied, "I have eaten."

Joshu said, "Then you had better wash your bowl."

At that moment the monk was enlightened.

Click on the link below for the analysis of what it means.

Wash Your Bowl. A Koan.

Posted via email from lindyasimus's posterous

2009-09-15T13:07:00.001+10:00

Time is that inexplicable raw material of everything. With it all is possible. Without it, nothing. The supply of time is truly a daily miracle - an affair genuinely astonishing when one examines it.

You wake up in the morning, and lo! Your purse is magically filled with twenty-four hours of the un-manufactured tissue of the universe of your life. It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions no-one can take it from you. It is unstealable. And no-one receives either more or less than you receive.
In the realm of time, there is no aristocracy of intellect. Genius is never rewarded by even an extra hour a day. And there is no punishment. Waste your infinitely precious commodity as much as you will and the supply will never be withheld from you.
Moreover, you cannot draw on the future. Impossible to get into debt! You can only waste the passing moment. You cannot waste tomorrow; it is kept for you.
I have said the affair is a miracle, is it not? You have this twenty-four hours of daily time to live. Out of it you want to spin health, pleasure, money, contentment, respect and the evolution of your immortal soul.
Its right use, its most effective use is a matter of the highest urgency and of the most thrilling actuality. All depends on that. Your happiness the elusive prize that you are all clutching for, my friend depends on that.
If one cannot arrange that an income of twenty-four hours shall exactly cover all proper items of expenditure, one does muddle one's whole life indefinitely.
We shall never have any more time. We have, and have always had, all the time there is.
~ Arnold Bennet

---------------------------------------------------------------
Lindy Asimus
Design Business Engineering
Mobile: 0403 365855
Thinking About Getting A Coach?
http://www.designbusinessengineering.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindyasimus
http://twitter.com/lindyasimus

Posted via email from lindyasimus's posterous

2009-09-02T19:55:00.000+10:00

Small Business Finds Social Media In Newcastle

Change comes hard to some people and businesses are very often a reflection of their owners. So it is small surprise that changes in the way people approach business can also change slowly. But even the hardest things can erode over time, and like the great blocks that keep the sea from eroding the breakwater at Nobbys, so too business owners can and do begin to adapt and come to notice the opportunities to engage customers in new and more meaningful ways, using social media as a part of their customer-service and promotional strategies.

One example of social media making it's presence felt is the regular Friday morning #newcastlecoffeemorning UPDATED Feb 2010: Venue for Tweetup at Sprocket Roasters Cafe in the Newcastle CBD that runs from 7.45am - 9am. If you are on Twitter and would like to join us, just come along. If you have a business and would like to know more about Twitter and how social media can be of benefit to your business let me know, and I'll be happy to have a chat about that with you. And do come along. The more the merrier!

Lindy Asimus

2008-11-07T22:12:00.000+11:00

Newcastle CBD Redevelopment

End of the train line in Newcastle? Take a look at what the proposed development should look like.

2008-07-25T17:57:00.000+10:00

Linked In Australia - And Newcastle In Particular

Recently I did some searching on LinkedIn to see who was on LinkedIn from the Hunter Valley, and was surprised to find quite a lot of members from here listed. At the same time, it looks like very many of the LinkedIn members locally, don't really know much about LinkedIn and have only one or two or at best, a handful of connections.

It would be great to build the relationships locally and I'd love to hear from anyone in the local area who is on LinkedIn, or would like to know more about why they should be on LinkedIn and see what we can do about increasing the connections between members here.

If you don't know much about Linkedin, and why you should consider adding it to your networking efforts, here is an article that I posted on my Actionbites blog that speaks to that very thing. Why You Should Be On LinkedIn

Want to Jump Start Your Marketing?
Download This Free 24 Page Workbook from Action Plan Marketing!

2008-06-16T17:50:00.001+10:00

Recently on one of the social business network sites that I run in the US, I posted a link to a Newcastle video shown as a Short Break on one of the TV media networks. Teddy Towncrier from Toronto Canada ( Yah, they have one too!) commented to me that he thought his city was pretty good, but our town is something again!

"Hey Lindy.

I thought I lived in the Garden of Eden but you guys are really snipping at our heels

I visited your town & it's gorgeous.

Visit Lindy's town Y'all and massage your soul."

Right he is.

Here's a link to the vid

And in the spirit of Reciprocity, here is Teddy Towncrier's response, a view of Toronto Canada. I think I'll have to put this on my Travel Agenda!

2007-11-01T02:27:00.000+11:00

Time to reactivate this blog and what better way that with a new look and new direction. Stay tuned!

2006-11-19T20:18:00.000+11:00

Property listings now available. Check out the details here

Properties are suitable for investors or home buyers looking for affordable quality properties in the Newcastle/Hunter Valley areas. And remember to check out the great waterfront apartment at Port Stephens. It's great!

Email your enquiry to me via lindyasimus AT gmail.com We have new properties coming on line all the time, and of course we can arrange a review of your finance needs with a little help from Ian Huxley at The Mortgage Supermarket.
Seriously. Buying homes - or just paying for the one you have - should be viewed as a science. Checking your options to see if you are buying your money (and your property) at the best price you can is at once prudent, and a great way to keep as much of your money in your pocket as possible. You want that, right?

Rather than just waiting to see what properties 'turn up' if you're interested in buying, email and let me know what you're looking for and you may just be in luck with just the property to meet your needs, at the price you can afford. One things for sure...it costs you nothing to ask!

Lindy

Sulking House!

2006-06-27T01:02:00.001+10:00

View to Sulking House on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

If you've not discovered Flickr for photo sharing on the internet, do yourself a favour and go visit. Man... this is what I need! A lovely garden complete with its own Sulking House!

2006-06-26T21:54:00.000+10:00

When You Want To Build, Buy or Borrow For A Home -- Newcastle NSW Australia on Squidoo

Hey I've started a Squidoo "Lens" for people wanting to build, or buy, or borrow for a home in the Newcastle NSW region. Drop by and take a poke around. Lots of links to local departments that relate to homes, and naturally, more to follow!

2006-06-26T00:25:00.000+10:00

Housing Affordability Survey Results June 2006

Interesting article on home affordability appeared in the WA Business News this week.
Here it is in full. It highlights once again, the importance of making sure you do your homework when you are building or renovating so you know UPFRONT what your costs are going to be...and that they cover EVERYTHING you are expecting!

Affordability remains barrier for Aust house hunters - report
23-June-06 by AAP

Thinking of renovating your home or even starting from scratch?

For many Australians, affordability remains the biggest hurdle for achieving either of these dreams.

A recent survey by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) showed sentiment in the residential sector remained solid in the March quarter with 69 per cent of Australian households planning to buy a home or renovate.

A large proportion of home buyers were first-timers - 38 per cent - while 28 per cent were buying their second home.

HIA executive director of housing and economics Simon Tennent said the numbers showed sentiment in the slowing market was improving.

However, housing affordability still loomed large with the report clearly showing it to be the biggest barrier to home ownership.

Incredibly high property prices - a legacy of the strong housing boom of the past decade - was the main reason Australian were not buying new homes.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents who had neither bought new property in the past year nor were looking to in the next year said they couldn't afford it.

"The report card for Australia's builders is a good one with high levels of satisfaction among households who have had a home built or renovated, while for local councils, red tape and regulation were almost universally the biggest headache," Mr Tennent said.

Council delays posed the biggest problem faced by those who had bought a new home in the past year, with 39 per cent of home purchasers citing council regulations and deliberations as a hindrance to construction.

Building a home also required a great investment of time to research needed to make complex planning and construction decisions.

However, one in four respondents who had bought a new home reported they had no problems.

"Once building starts, hidden costs and delays in completing the home are the biggest issues," the report said.

The largest problem in this regard was hidden and unexpected costs, affecting 27 per cent of people building new homes.

The Pulse - Newcastle NSW

We Do Things A Little Different Here

Dobell, Whitely, Nolan and Boyd Masterpieces On Show Newcastle

Salary Packaging : Mark Amos

Newcastle Boys and Girls High Historic Records Donated

Day Trips: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

Nobbys Lighthouse Newy's Latest Attraction

Urban Insider - Cooks Hill NSW

Raymond Terrace On The Williams River

Day Trips: Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens

Smart City - Innovative Newcastle NSW Video

Smart City - Innovative Newcastle NSW

Social Media In Newcastle & Hunter Valley

Newcastle Beach Webcams

Newcastle On Facebook

See Change - Newcastle NSW Branding

Art Exhibition Cooks Hill Galleries - Bella Italia!

World Naked Bike Ride in Newcastle broken up by police

Nobbys Head Open First Time In 100 Years

Newcastle NSW Australia

Newcastle Morning Photo

Urban Insider Newcastle

What is Urban Insider?

Roberts Legal Launches New Offices in Adamstown

Santa Spotting

Social Media Training Newcastle NSW

Society 2.0 - New Lunaticks Event

Small Business Month | Coaching Q&A

Newcastle - Incubator For Innovation?

Feel 'em Up Friday - Cancer Awareness

Social Media Training For Local Business

Scenic Newcastle NSW

The Lunaticks Guide to Social Media for Business - Newcastle NSW

LOCATION & DATE

SOCIAL MEDIA SECRETS TO BE DISCUSSED

SCHEDULE:

EVENT TWITTER

EVENT TICKETS

CONTENT PRODUCTION

Revitalisation Masterplan Hunter Street Newcastle

Newcastle - Yesteryear

Surf House Bye-Bye

Ian's 365 Days Of Surfing Quest

Approach A Coach!

Merchant Circle In Australia Great News For Newcastle Business

Local Business Needs To Be Visible

Gen Y Weddings. Gen Y Celebrant.

Local Talent: Doug Hall - Glossy FX

Photographic Exhibition A Touching Tribute

Autumn In Newcastle NSW

Where Not To Eat

Westpac Serious About Helping Hunter Business

Social Media For Business In Newcastle

Where's The Best Coffee In Newcastle?

Hunter Coaching Network Website

What Do You Do?

Lindy Asimus Coaching on Facebook

Design Business Engineering on Facebook - Business and Technical coaching tips

http://twitter.com/lindyasimusMy TeamCirce Business Communityhttp://teamcircle.ning.com

Hunter Coaching Network profile

CheersLindy

Hunter Coaching Network

#NewcastleCoffee Tweetup Friday 7.45am - 9am

Newcastle Business Directory

ABC Radio 1233 Engaging With Newcastle Community

Calling All Coaches! Hunter Coaching Network

Business Building 2010 Workshop

There will be more workshops planned for the months to come, so if you have not had a chance to attend yet, keep it in mind for the workshops in the coming months.

Here is a video of some testimonials from the December 09 workshop!

Newcastle + Coffee + Twitter

Sometimes Life Is Short.

RIP Jim Rohn.

On Attachment To "Stuff"...

On The Matter Of Reorganizing

Values & Alignment

Wash Your Rice Bowl... On.Being Here, Now.

Newcastle CBD Redevelopment

Sulking House!

http://twitter.com/lindyasimus

My TeamCirce Business Community
http://teamcircle.ning.com

Cheers

Lindy