www.vana.com.au                                                                         November 24th, 2009       

THE DAY

NEWSAGENTS "NETWORKED"

NEWSAGENTS "GATHERED"

INDUSTRY "DISCUSSED"

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A large number of VANA  members and sponsors attended our second Conference at the Rydges On Swanston in Carlton on Tuesday 17 November.

To all attendees, we thank you for your support… For the non attendees, we are looking forward to seeing you next time.

The topics, workshops and sessions delivered provided practical tools and resources. The conference looked at the essential skills and knowledge that newsagents require.

All attendees gained a wealth of information on how to move their business forward, improve their business, to increase their income and take their business to a whole new level with some clever business practices.

We believe that our aim was achieved and that the three main industry areas that needed to be addressed were tackled:

• Furthering professional development

• Promoting best practices

• Sharing ideas and promoting partnerships across the industry.

SURVEY

If you ATTENDED  or NOT,

Closing date

December 4th, 2009.

We would love to hear from you and collect your input about the event so we can improve on our future conferences and run even more successful events. 

Please click here to take part in the survey.

SPEAKERS

A number of speakers were present.

The Hon. Joe Helper MP, Minister for Small Business provided an opportunity to hear and discuss small business issues that face newsagents.  An outline of how the state government supports small businesses and what small business initiatives are on offer to newsagents were explained.

 

This was an excellent opportunity for newsagent to discuss with the State Government what our industry feedback is on policies that affect newsagents.  A range of topics were discussed at the end of his speech which allowed newsagents to express their thoughts.  This was a lively session and the Minister left very much aware of what newsagents thought of the Government decision to grant Intralot a license and the resultant effect on small businesses.

Paul Ryan, National Workplace Relations Adviser (Victorian Transport Association) gave newsagents a sound understanding of their legal obligation and how they apply to the particular circumstance that affect newsagent operations.  Paul's presentation covered topics that related to to the Fair Work Act 2009, NES (National Employment Standards) and information on the New Modern Awards.

Information covered in these topics gave delegates an insight towards what they should be expecting and preparing when these changes take place.

Bernadette Schwerdt, Australian School of Copywriting covered the basic components of what every website needs to include and also explained how to write a good headline. 

 

Bernadette gave some really nifty headline formulas to help write headlines in minutes as well as tips on how to write sales letters, brochures or web pages.

 

Sally Sinclair, CEO of National Employment Services Association explained how NESA can help newsagents and how newsagents can help themselves to support provided by the Australian Government.

David Jenkin, Author of "What great retailers do" and "How to survive turbulent times", explained that retailing is a time-demanding and detail-oriented business, but it is far more than that!  Retailing is the home of the merchant who is constantly finding ways to engage and excite the customer.  That's how sales and profits are optimized.

 

David also explained that great retailers, whether managing an outstanding single-store or developing a stand-out chain of stores, know that they must engage with every customer in order to optimise sales and profits. Unfortunately, most retailers simply don't do it; their stores become boring; their merchandise non-emotive.

 

All attendees felt David's address was "fantastic" and reflected true retailing trends.

                Peter Cowley, The Hon Joe Helper       David Jenkin and Oliver Stankovski                        Sally Sinclair

                           and Gary Tribe

WORKSHOPS

A number of workshops were delivered covering:

Your Business Online - Optimising Your Potential.

Fergal Coleman provided techniques to improve the listing of newsagents website in search engines and offered valuable tips on choosing key words, amongst others.  The seminar was ideal for newsagents with an existing web site presence and a great eye opener for those who don't.

Increasing Operational Liquidity (Working Capital Management)

Julie Guest, a chartered accountant taught newsagents business skills both strategically and operationally. Tips were given to help attendees identify and solve important issues and increase their cash in their business.

How to handle your bank

Pamela Wakefield-Semmens offered advice on how to manage banking relationships, what information is needed when applying for a loan and how to go with transactional banking to suit businesses and what to consider when switching banks.

Carbon Credits for newsagents

Craig Jobson provided a comprehensive carbon strategy including an assessment on CO2 and other ghg emissions, giving tips on how to avoid emissions, acting to reduce emissions and purchasing carbon offsets to offset carbon emission. Craig also discussed future trends for electricity pricing.

Networking

Julie Guest, a chartered accountant, taught the art of effective networking in this dynamic session with tips on how to create instant rapport with anyone and how to use networking events strategically and much more.

Cash Flow Management

Bruce Hall provided easy to use strategies to the business owners to make every transaction profitable.  The seminar also covered the four key drivers of cash flow and how cash flow forecasting can expand businesses.

For those who did not attend, we have attached the full program for your information.  Click here to access.

News Limited Contract discussions

The last session held at the conference was an opportunity for members to hear what VANA and the ANF had done so far re the new HWT contracts and to discuss their concerns.

Peter Cowley opened with a summary of VANA and  ANF discussions and correspondence to date with News Limited.  Peter outlined two major concerns.

• New contracts for next two years rather than having five year  contract.

• What happens after two years? News Limited advised newsagents they require this period of years for them to review possible changes to take effect after this period has lapsed.

Peter explained that despite the ACCC approval which authorises VANA and the ANF to negotiate on behalf of members, News Limited is not required to agree to negotiate and decided to discuss directly with newsagents.

Peter and Alf further explained that newsagents have the right to seek contract discussions with News Limited if they wanted.

Newsagents requesting contract discussion with News Limited are entitled to be supported by a representative of their choice e.g. a lawyer, accountant, family member or Industry Association representative.

Both VANA and the ANF are available to attend meetings on request by members, who have or might have arranged a meeting with News Limited (you need to notify News Limited if you seek our attendance).

Peter, Alf and Gary Tribe reiterated that members must read their contracts carefully to determine how it will affect their business, their profitability and most importantly the  ongoing value of their business.

Peter explained to members that VANA had held discussion with the Minister for Small Business and the ACCC about News Limited contracts and VANA members' concerns.

Peter and Alf advised all members that they need to forward all comments and complaints to VANA as soon as possible due the the tight time frame.  This is so VANA can collate, and compile a list of concerns and then send it to the ACCC and the Minister for Small Business for further investigation/action.

VANA and the ANF are in consultation with a Public Relations Advisor on working on a next step/stage on letting the public become more aware on current situation. 

SPONSORS

VANA wishes to thank our generous sponsors.

;

EXHIBITORS

A number of our sponsors were also exhibitors. The services they can deliver to members are absolutely worth investigating.

We urge you to contact them and discuss your needs, seek advice, whatever these might be.

They were

• Franklyn Scholar

• Sarina Russo

• Theft Prevention

• Retail Decisions/MotorPass

• OAMPS

• Wollermann & Associates

FEEDBACK

Feedback from members has been exceptional with many attendees extremely impressed with the organisation and the venue as well as the quality of the catering. 

We also wish to thank Oliver for his outstanding effort.

Subject: thankyou from east geelong newsagency

Hi Oliver,

Geoff and I have just returned to our shop from the conference and we would like to thankyou for a most informative and professionally run event today.

Your attention to detail was fantastic, and while we gained more from some presenters than others, we thought the day has inspired us with some things we can implement in our business.  The networking was excellent too!

 [....]

We would be happy to fill out an evaluation sheet to provide feedback.

Thanks again for a job well done.

Please pass on our thanks to the rest of the VANA team too.

Kind regards,

Elaine and Geoff

Simon Richards, Clayton Newsagency

Congratulations on a terrific VANA Conference. It was interesting and informative and allowed plenty of time for valuable networking.

Elaine and Geoff

East Geelong Newsagency

PRIZE WINNERS

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the following prizes were drawn and the winners are:

• John Blane - Blane's Newsagency - $200 Myer Gift Voucher

• Tania Zanoni - QV Newsagency & Lotto - $1500 Keytek Inkjet Cartridges

• Vikas Karamchanda - Oakleigh Central News - $500 Theft Prevention Voucher

• Peter Colman - Torquay Newsagency - Hamper from Theft prevention

• Tracey Otter - Queenscliff Village News - DVD Player from Toshiba

Congratulations to all!

Event Evaluation

If you have any queries, please ring 03 9482 2911

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