Business Referrers

Why Hire a Personal Trainer for your Health and Wellness?
2022-11-29 07:00 - 08:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Teresa Brandau-Stranks will share her insights into why a Personal Trainer is important for both your health and wellness.

Teresa Brandau-Stranks – Why Hire a Personal Trainer for your Health and Wellbeing?

About the Presenter

Teresa Brandau-Stranks – Wellness Transitions

Teresa Brandau-Stranks, Wellness Transitions

Teresa Brandau-Stranks is a qualified and experienced Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor and Yoga Teacher. She has had her own transformation over the last 5 years, being able to shed weight and become fitter and healthier through strength training, cardio and also eating more plant baed and vegetarian foods.

Teresa is now working with her clients outdoors or in their homes and offers a mobile personal training and walking buddy service to women and men of all ages in many suburbs of Melbourne. Teresa’s training and mentoring includes a personalised program for your needs as everyone has different goals for their fitness depending on their lifestyle. Yoga is also incorporated into her training sessions for the stretching and mindfulness benefits, and she runs Yoga programs in community house and on Zoom.

If you are interested in attending this presentation, please email ekcoaching2@gmail.com your contact details.

Solar and Renewables in Australia
2022-11-15 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Duncan Powell will discuss the current market and conditions of renewables in Australia and how Rooftop Solar and associated technologies play a part in renewable targets in Australia.

Duncan Powell – Solar Run Bentleigh

About the Presenter

Duncan Powell – Solar Run Bentleigh

Duncan Powell, Solar Run Bentleigh

Duncan Powell is an executive business leader with extensive experience working with some of Australia’s most successful organisations and iconic brands. A sales and oeprations management professional who has lead large business transformation projects and has the ability to drive the business forward in difficult times involving change.

Visualise Your Dream
2022-11-08 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Tracy Xing will inspire us with her topic “Visualise Your Dream”.

Visualise your Dream – Tracy Xing

About the Presenter

Tracy Xing – Steps Group Pty LTd

Tracy Xing, Steps Group Pty Ltd

Tracy came to Australia in 2002 as international student.

Tracy is a CPA (Certified Practice Accountant) and has been working for mainly manufacturing companies including Ford and Toyota for most of her career within the finance/accountancy field.

Steps group was created in March 2018 while Tracy was still working in corporate and the company was created to serve people in Melbourne in property maintenance including cleaning, gardening and house repair.

Tracy is passionate about building businesses as business is not just about making money, it’s also about going beyond customers’ expectations in delivering great outcomes. Her moto is “Life is good, have a happy life journey with great people along the way and see what we can achieve together.”

Outside work, Tracy likes reading, cooking, singing and traveling.

Why Hire a Life Coach and How do they Help? 7 Reasons to Try Out Life Coaching & Experience it's Results!
2022-10-25 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Mary Unwin will share the 7 reasons people should consider trying out a life coach and how they can help you in your life’s journey. Mary will explain how life coaching works, how to unpack new strategies to old problems, discover how to Walk Tall Coaching differs from other therapies, how to rise above and beyond the habits and concerns of everyday life and to inspire yourself and others to see coaching as a way forward with renewed progress, purpose and a sense of walking tall.

Life Coach – Mary Unwin, Walk Tall

About the Presenter

7 Reasons to try out Life Coaching – Mary Unwin, Walk Tall

Mary Unwin, Walk Tall

Mary is an experienced educator, trainer, mentor and coach, specialising in transition and change, working with you through tough times of transition that may present you with tricky problems and troublesome challenges.

She has noticed there is always something to gain from life and the changes it inevitably brings, always something new to learn. She’s gained wisdom during her life experiences but is also young at heart to love ongoing learning and is passionate about helping others to take the learning from what comes up in life or work to make something positive out of even the most tragic or tricky of happenings.

Residential Security Solutions and Services Update by Smartechs
2022-10-18 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Jeffery Feng will provide an update on Smartechs Residential Security Solutions and Services.

Residential Security Solutions and Services Update with Jeffery Feng, Smartechs

About the Presenter

Jeffery Feng, Smartechs

Jeffery is highly respected for his IT skills and service which focuses on applying technology to benefit people and improve their lives.

Jeffery is one of the founding members of Business Referrers and has been in the IT industry for over 15 years. He learns to adapt to rapidly changing and developing technology. He is a capricorn and a workaholic. He also has two children, two dogs, loves to travel and is a keen fisherman.

The Benefits of Using a Design and Construct Builder
2022-10-11 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Chris Arnold will share his expertise in the benefits of using a Design and Construct Builder for your house projects.

The Benefits of Using a Design and Construct Builder – Planned Homes

About the Presenter

Chris Arnold, Planned Homes

Chris has a background in drafting, architecture, project management and construction.

His training and expertise give him the ability to see any project through from start to finish whether it is a bathroom or a complete build. His honest and upfront nature means his clients are armed with the knowledge they need before diving into what is often a life-changing experience. Chris’ years of drafting and architectural experience, combined with his construction knowledge, means the projects he oversees run smoothly, to time and to a very high standard.

German Auto Werke: 'This is my definition of Success'
2022-10-04 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Rod Berkelmans will share his definition of success, turning his passion for cars, particularly older German vehicles, into a specialist automotive business.

About the Presenter

Rod Berkelmans, German Auto Werke

Rod has been a mechanic, technician, apprentice, foreman, workshop controller, contractor, consultant, store manager, boss and business owner over 15 years in the automotive industry.

Having always been passionate about cars, he fell into his career by accident when he purchased his first car, a 1960 Morris Mini and experienced many challenges being misguided by mechanics, poor workmanship and was even told “why bother even fixing it” by so called ‘Mini Specialists’, resulting in alot of stress and nasty surprises with cost blow outs. Knowing first hand the pain and fear customers experience when taking their car to a mechanic, Rod has embraced these experiences and lessons to now helping others cut through the mechanical jargon when fixing cars.

Rod has built up a successful business with the mindset to back himself and take risks, even when others may discourage this, and is proud to have owned some of his dream cars along the way including an Audi A4 Turbo and a classic 1962 Beetle.

The Difference between this Property Market Shift and Previous Ones
2022-09-27 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Jonathon O’Donoghue will go through the previous market cycles and what is different between them. This current market is different to anything we have seen before and with Jonathon being at the coal face of the local Real Estate market, he will talk through what is happening and what is likely to happen moving forward.

The Difference between this Property Market Shift and Previous Ones – Jonathon O’Donoghue

About the Presenter

Jonathon O’Donoghue, Jellis Craig

From a long line of real estate professionals, Jonathon – a former St Kevin’s College student who remains connected to the school via its Old Boys’ Football Club – has worked in property throughout his entire career. Wheterh his clients wish to sell via auction, private sale or even off-market, Jonathon’s urbane, confident approach and established local networks produce the required outcome.

Outside of work Jonathon loves to spend time with his family, wife Alicia and two boys Ben and Tom. A keen golfer and passionate Collingwood supporter. When he is not keeping an eye on the sport, he is in the garden which is how he turns off his mind off work in the non stop work mind that you need in real estate.

What does a Health and Wellness Coach do?
2022-09-20 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Susan Morgan will provide insights into the work that health and wellness coaches do and how they can assist particularly women who experience challenges by sudden life changes to gain clarity and direction towards living a fullfilling life.

What does a Health and Wellness Coach do? – Susan Morgan

About the Presenter

Susan Morgan, Newify

Susan has always worked from a heart-based desire to assist others through their perception to overcome their fear.

Most of her career has been spent working with clients where communication and acknowledging their needs is the first step. Building trust in the relationship and confidence in small steps at the client’s own pace. Aiming for them to happily move forward to make decisions with behaviour changes for a different lifestyle…this is the Health and Wellness Process.

Susan has worked in diverse careers & environments within:

Primary schools as a dental clinician, health educator, and school fundraiser. Sales professional- building sales teams in start-up projects.Residential housing; AV Jennings (SA) ; The Henley Group:Real Estate – Myles Pearce (SA); BectonRetirement industry: -Lifestyle Communities, Ravida- ReMarket Research – Roy Morgan Research, mentoring field staff

She has worked with an extensive range of ages, from an upset 4yrs old reflecting the parent’s fear when visiting the school dentist. Working with mature clients who have lost their life partners and are confronted with needing to downsize…..again Health and Wellness!

Susan likes the occasion well-aged glass of red in winter and a few bubbles on hot summer days!

Top Reasons to Use an Interior Professional
2022-09-13 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Tessa Kitchingman will be talking about the services she provides as an Interior Designer, sharing her design process and insights into how interior design adds value.

Top Reasons to Use an Interior Design Professional – Tessa Designs

About the Presenter

Tessa Kitchingman, Tessa Designs

Tessa moved from NZ 21 years ago and calls Melbourne home.

Most of her career until then involved working in the Printing & Packaging Industries both in NZ and Australia.

With an extensive knowledge in Business Development as well as Managing a large portfolio of clients by building and developing client relationships has given her the experience along with a passion for creative design. It has provided her with a unique skillset to build eye catching interiors for her clients focusing not only on the end result but adding in a unique aesthetic in each project by using pieces that create spaces that are not only beautiful and well-designed but will stand the test of time. Her thorough process with all new clients to understand the client’s needs, style, fears, and dreams is collated and transferred into a comprehensive Design profile.

‘I am passionate about design it inspires and fulfils me assisting clients to make a difference in their homes.’

Financial Advice for Aged Care
2022-09-06 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Chris Galanis will be providing advice on how to understand the numerous different aged care fees available when looking into aged care.

Financial Advice for Aged Care – Galanis Financial Group

About the Presenter

Chris Galanis, Galanis Financial Group

Chris Galanis is a financial advisor with over 30 years’ experience in investments and superannuation. He started Galanis Financial Group over 5 years ago to offer a better and personalised service that many clients weren’t getting with the highly conflicted financial organisations. Chris also advises in the highly complex area of aged care helping clients financially prepare for their move into residential care.

Despite challenges arising from the banking royal commission, Chris has grown his business with the ultimate goal in the next three years to provide a certain amount of pro bono advice to those who need it but cannot afford it.

Outside work, Chris is married to Michelle and has two boys, Jack 10 and Will 8. He enjoys coaching Will’s basketball team, a sport he new nothing about but now thoroughly enjoys as he watches the team advance their skills and play great basketball.

Today, Chris will simplify the numerous different aged care fees, something that no brochure or website can do on one page.

Websites Made Simple
2022-08-30 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Jennifer Saunders will be providing insights into website design, the latest trends, debunking SEO and highlighting the services Website Warriors provide.

website design – Website Warriors

About the Presenter

Jennifer Saunders, Website Warriors

Jennifer moved to Melbourne 6 years ago and calls it home.

Most of her career until then involved working on various major oil and gas projects around Australia and overseas.

Having project management experience, with a career in both small businesses and large corporations, Jennifer gained extensive experience in business and commercial strategies, optimisation solutions and project delivery. This experience along with a passion for creative design, has provided her with a unique skillset to build eyecatching websites for her clients with focus on business growth. Jennifer’s due diligence process with all new clients to understand business needs, fears, dreams and pinch points is collated and transferred into their website design.

Website Warriors was created to support small startups and businesses at the beginning of covid, where businesses required an online presence, diversifying from their traditional business model.

Jennifer loves overseas travel, architecture, movies, the ballet, wine tasting and considers herself a ‘foodie’, happy to try anything once.

9 Power Tips for Business Owners to Reduce Anxiety
2022-08-23 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Ian Kaminskyj, will be presenting on 9 power tips for business owners to reduce anxiety.

About the Presenter

Ian Kaminskyj, Melbourne NLP Hypnosis Centre

Ian Kaminskyj runs Melbourne NLP Hypnosis centre where they help clients overcome challenges and excel! They work with clients individually, helping them either overcome many forms of negative behaviour (Quit smoking, weight loss, drinking less, depression, sugar addiction, etc.) or help them improve their performance in areas like sports, sales and exams. They also work with groups of business owners to help improve their business mindset and thereby their productivity, performance & ultimately, their business profits.

Services people use, need, want and can’t do without
2022-08-16 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter Domenico Scuteri will be presenting about the essential services and products he provides and will share information about various industries and why they should choose his services and products.

About the Presenter

Domenico Scuteri, Essential Services Plus

Dom is married to his wife Claudia and have 3 children Giulio, Melissa and Katie all married, one living in London, one living in Adelaide and one living here in Melbourne with 6 grandchildren.

Dom worked for Coles Supermarkets for 40 years across 6 states including spending 5 years in the Northern Territory in the 80’s with his last 10 years in Coles Head Office Tooronga in a Senior Executive role.

He left Coles during the Wesfarmers acquisition of Coles Supermarket at which time he joined ACN ( Australian Communication Network ) and started his franchise business “Essential Services Plus” and has been in the industry for the past 14 years.

Dom enjoys helping and assisting people to get a better value service with the products and services I provide.

He loves to travel overseas, especially Europe and hoping to do more of it in the future now that we can travel again.

He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren.

His favourite hobby is working in the garden planting vegetables and attending to my fruit trees and plants.

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What makes a great brand? “Brands that are memorable and subconsciously make you buy from them”
2022-08-09 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Emily Leung, will be presenting on what makes a great brand.

About the Presenter

Emily Leung, The Flair Share and Co

Emily is a graphic designer and brand specialist.She’s married to her husband Sean and their home country is Mauritius. Mauritius is a small island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean with a population of 1.3 million people and it is considered as part of the African continent.

Emily is an accomplished graphic designer in branding and marketing, having worked in this industry for the last 7 years.

Her design portfolio includes many renowned Australian brands such as (Deloitte digital, ANZ, TAL, Thankyou, Melbourne Fashion Festival, The Council of Stonington, High Street Armadale, Hemp Foods Australia and other eCommerce brands)

Throughout her professional career she’s been across 30 plus marketing campaigns and has successfully supported above 30 small, medium to large organizations with her creative and strategic skill sets.

Her design work has been published across 12 media outlets, she’s completed 16 marketing brand partnerships and has won 4 design awards. She completed her studies in communication design at RMIT (in 2015) and has completed further studies in digital marketing at RMIT (in 2021)

After realizing that her true passion lies in building brands and supporting marketing teams, she left her role at Tracktion to start The Flair Share and Co.

During her downtime, Emily enjoys traveling, finding new cafes and restaurants, and is involved in her church community. She loves a challenge and is currently training to complete a marathon next year!

We are On-Song – How Software systems can simplify complex projects
2022-08-02 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Jim Song, will be talking about his company’s milestones, product and services, and how it can stand out from the competition with the substantial value they can create for customers, end users and business partners. As well as the successful cases we generated in the past, Jim will share a case study to illustrate how he probes into the value of a software system along with the customer.

About the Presenter

Jim Song, On Song

Jim Song’s life is in many ways defined by his self-awareness as to which area he could do better than others, and where he may not. As a result, he chose to major in engineering, not liberal arts in university, which requires more narrative skills – apparently not his strength.

During his years as a business leader in multi-national enterprises, his primary focus was on business strategy, and was devoted to creating system solutions with key clients, and not so much the admin duties, regular meetings and daily operations. (One of is senior managers told him last week, that the finance system he designed almost 20 years ago for a company is still on-line today, and nobody can create a better solution. That news made his day! ) Free from the micro-management, his staff – from the director level to the junior engineers – were therefore capable to implement projects with a strong sense of ownership and great level of efficiency. When he made the hard decision to move on and create eTravel Software Technology after 15 years serving as a General Manager, some employees even voluntarily joined him in the new journey. Here in Australia he has renamed the company to On Song System Software.

28 years ago, he married Susan, and to keep our life less complicated and to maintain our connection to each other over time and space, they decided not to have children. Susan is a strong support for the HR and Finance functions in his company.

Other than his work, which will continuously be his priority in next 2-3 decades, he enjoys a good balance of the life with trips to resorts around the world and his passion of classical music. Going to a symphony concert once a week, can really cheer his life up. He started to play piano two years ago, though the progress after many practice sessions seems not significant, he is so proud of the “classical” atmosphere he has brought into my living space – just like he designed a whole software system on my own many years ago.

The Power of Questions Around Retirement
2022-07-26 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Estelle Kelly, will be presenting on the power of questions around retirement.

About the Presenter

Estelle Kelly, Desire to Retire

EDUCATION

Grew up in country Western AustraliaMoved to Perth for Secondary and Tertiary educationFirst teaching appointment at Manjimup High School. WA.Taught in Secondary, Adult and Primary education settingsRetrained in Counselling and Life Coaching

PERSONAL

Enjoys walkingTravels to spend time with family in Montreal and have adventures on the way to and from CanadaVolunteer work has been a significant part of my life

PROFESSIONAL

It makes my heart sing when I see clients making positive change in their lives.

Business Coaching – Some Case Studies
2022-07-19 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter is Rob Chiarolli. During this presentation, Rob will outline how business coaching can beneficial to both new and established businesses and will go through some case studies showing the variety of needs being addressed via business coaching.

About the Presenter

Rob Chiarolli, Grapes to Grange

Rob has been coaching and consulting since 2008, following building his business acumen via a 25-year sales, marketing and management career.

Rob is a certified coach, extended DISC consultant and NLP master practitioner, and uses his experience and training to provide a transformative coaching and consulting service to owners of small businesses with the focus on getting business strategy right, optimising business processes and systems, and getting the best out of the people working in the business.

Rob is married to Maria, who he met at Adelaide Uni, and they have a daughter Steph, 34, who resides in Adelaide.

Rob is an avid photographer and also runs a photo studio, Photos That Tell, focussing on professional headshots and portraits. Rob does most of the cooking at home and loves his traditional Italian recipes handed down by his mum.

Money Mindsets: why you do what you do with money and how you can change your money mindset
2022-07-12 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

Ever wondered why you do what you do with your money? Are you a natural saver or a natural spender? Everyone has attended money school growing up whether they are aware of it or not. In this session, Ernie Thai will unpack how you learnt about money growing up and what you can do to change your money mindset to get on top of your finances.

About the Presenter

Ernie Thai, Trident Financial Group

Ernie Thai is a Chartered Accountant with over 19 years experience in accounting and taxation advisory. Ernie specialises in providing accounting and taxation services to small, medium enterprises and private clients. He also has a unique specialisation in advising on international tax matters for expatriates. Ernie coaches clients on financial literacy and helps people discover the joys of creating wealth with a purpose. Ernie is actively involved with his church community, enjoys reading, running, catching up for brunch with friends and going to the gym.

Christy Roberts - Coach, Healer & Educator
2022-07-05 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

Living with Grief

Grief is defined as the loss of something. Most people relate grief to someone dying, but there are many situations that cause grief in our life.

Like: relationship breakdowns, career changes, illness & health, natural disasters, financial challenges, infertility & miscarriage, pet loss and so much more.

Grief often makes people uncomfortable because we don’t understand it. This means that many grievers do not receive the help or support they need in their deepest darkest times. In this presentation, Christy will provide grief education and practical strategies for coping with loss. In addition she will share many tips on how to support someone who is grieving.

I’d encourage you to invite along anyone who may benefit from this presentation, both personally or professionally.

About the Presenter

Christy Roberts, Coach, Healer & Educator

Christy is the Worldwide Self Directed Healing Practitioner Trainer, an experienced Life Coach and a Certified Grief Educator. As Founder of Creating Change, she is passionate about unlocking our human potential, transforming mindsets, releasing deep emotional pain, while supporting people to achieve the success and results they desire and live their best lives.

What Is Required to Get a Home or Investment Loan
2022-06-28 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Patrick Docherty, will be presenting on what is required to get a home or investment loan.

About the Presenter

Patrick Docherty, Melbourne Mortgage Centre

Worked as an Accountant with ICI/ Orica before starting my self-employment Journey on Monday 8th September 1998. My first business was the franchise – Cheesecake shop in Hampton and then Chelsea Commenced Mortgage broking in November 2002

Family

Married to Joanne and have 2 Children- Grace 19 & Bradman 16

Interests

Enjoys most sports including AFL, cricket and plays social tennis and golfEnjoys gardening, food and Travel. Rotary history Patrick has been a member of Camberwell Rotary for 12 years.President in 2017/18 and current President 21/22 and have served on the board for several years. I was a team member on a recent water & Sanitation project in Timor Leste. 2018 & 2019 Patrick is a Paul Harris Fellow- Sapphire

Buying Property in Melbourne in the New Financial Year
2022-06-21 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Mike McNamara, will be presenting on buying property in Melbourne in the new financial year.

About the Presenter

Mike McNamara, Strategic Buyers Agents

Mike McNamara is an experienced Buyers Agent/Buyers Advocate, a member of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and has been working in buyer’s agency for 8 years, while also an investor in residential and commercial property for many years. While most buyers are involved in 3-4 transactions in their lifetime, Mike is heading towards 200, whether houses, townhouses, villa units, apartments or commercial property.

With several university qualifications in finance and business, Mike is a graduate of Victoria University’s Property Investment Course, has an MBA, and had a previous career as a Chartered Accountant.

Mike brings to clients personal and professional property buying experience, negotiation skills, industry contacts and property success.

Mike’s buyer’s agency, Strategic Buyers Agents, focuses on the client, with personalised service, buying the best available property, within the client’s Brief, at the best possible price in Melbourne’s suburbs, or in Victoria’s regions. Homebuyers can be first-timers, upgraders, or downsizers. Investors need to know where to buy to achieve their objectives. For clients wanting to buy interstate, Mike is a member of the Interstate Buyers Agents Network, facilitating purchasing in Sydney, Brisbane, and Gold Coast.

Business Is Not Just About Business
2022-06-14 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week’s presenter, Tracy Xing, will present on business is not just about business.

About the Presenter

Tracy Xing, Steps Group Pty Ltd

Tracy came to Australia in 2002 as an international student Tracy is a CPA (Certified Practice Accountant), she has been working for mainly manufacturing companies including Ford and Toyota in most of her careers in the finance/account field. Steps group was created in Mar 2018 while Tracy was still working in corporate and the company was created to serve people in Melbourne in property maintenance including cleaning, gardening and house repair.Tracy is passionate about building business as business is not just about making money, it’s also about going beyond customers’ expectations in delivering great outcomes. Life is good, have a happy life journey with great people along the way and see what we can achieve together.Outside work, Tracy likes reading, cooking, singing and travelling.

Bookkeeping mistakes SMB should avoid
2022-06-07 07:00 - 08:30 | Our HQ, 268 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week Junha Jang (JJ) will be presenting. SMB show a lot of effort for expanding the business, but more often they fail to understand the underlying requirements as bookkeeping, which, if not dealt with, will put your business at risk.

About the Presenter

Junha Jang (JJ), ShoeBox Book

JJ was created in a village in South Korea during the last baby boomer era. He did national service for 4.5 years as an air force policeman before working for the state government for 10 years before moving to Australia in 2000.His biggest challenge was the language difference during his early time in Australia. After completing his advanced diploma, his accounting career started from Jul-2005 and enrolled in a master’s degree in Feb-2006 on a part time basis and completed it in Oct 2010. Eventually he become CPA in Jul 2014 but lost his job in Sep-2020 due to the pandemic after working for a few different organisations for 15 years. He decided to work for himself and joined the franchise (Shoebox Books) after going through an eight-stage process. His bookkeeping business kicked off from 1-Apr-2021.Classical music and traveling are his passions.

A fresh start to measuring success
2022-05-31 07:00 - 08:30 | 345 Art Creative, 345 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert 3127, 345 Mont Albert Road,, Mont Albert, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week Mary Unwin will be presenting on what does success mean to you? Business Referrers invites you to make a fresh start on the way you define your success

– fully enjoy the fruits of all your endeavours

– create a portfolio of success

– get clear on how to measure success

Join us for a lively presentation and networking opportunity

About the Presenter

Mary Unwin, Walk Tall

Mary is an experienced educator, trainer, mentor and coach, specialising in transition and change, working with you through times of transition that may present you with tricky problems and troublesome challenges.

She has noticed there is always something to gain from life and the changes it inevitably brings, always something new to learn. She’s old enough for mistakes, change and upsets to have been part of my life and the getting of wisdom. She’s also young enough at heart to love ongoing learning and passionate about helping others to take the learning from what comes up in life or work, to make something positive out of even the most tragic or tricky of happenings.

She loves the forward looking attitude of her walk tall coaching-mentoring, taking the learning from past events and stepping on into a brighter future of success. We all have choices, to live life to the full and she chooses to walk tall

Smart home foundations- smart devices
2022-05-24 07:00 - 08:30 | 345 Art Creative, 345 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert 3127, 345 Mont Albert Road,, Mont Albert, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise.

This week Jeffery Feng from Smartech will be presenting a brief talk about smart home foundations and smart device examples.

About the Presenter

Jeffery Feng, Smartech

Jeff has been in the IT industry for about 15 years and is always learning to adapt to rapidly changing and developing technology. His company Smartechs provides IT support for business, computers, cabling, and security. It also provides automation including CCTV, alarms, intercom, antenna, home threatre – not only in the traditional way but also for smart homes, office, family home or construction sites.

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Optimism: The Business Superpower of the 2020s
2022-05-17 07:00 - 08:30 | 345 Art Creative, 345 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert 3127, 345 Mont Albert Road,, Mont Albert, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise. This week we have Victor Perton.

You’d think it was self-evident that optimistic business owners and entrepreneurs do better than pessimists.

However, many Australians including businesses now operate in an atmosphere of “What’s Wrong?” rather than “What’s Right?”

It’s a worldwide phenomenon. A “lack of optimism could create a vicious cycle of disillusionment and social unrest.” A quote from Victor Perton, radical optimist? No, it’s from one of the most influential global business organisations, The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2022, prepared by world leaders in risk.

In this very-interactive workshop, Victor Perton will ask you “what makes you optimistic?” We’ll ask you to share a story of optimism and hope from your business – from a customer, a staffer or someone in your business community.

Victor will share the science of optimism to empower you to make the case and be more persuasively and infectiously optimistic yourself.

Victor will share the business basis for optimism in leadership, strategy, innovation and resilience. Victor will share 4-5 very practical habits of an optimist, one of which you and your team could apply today to improve culture and increase sales

About the Presenter

Victor Perton The Centre for Optimism

Victor Perton is the Chief Optimism Officer of The Centre for Optimism. The Centre for Optimism you ask? Chief Optimism Officer? A title you’d like to introduce in 2022 in your business or the Business Referrers’?

The offspring of stateless refugees from the Baltics, Victor’s early working years were spent in the law, politics and public policy culminating in 18 years in Parliament.

After politics, Victor worked as Commissioner to the Americas working across North and South America on Foreign Direct Investment and Export Promotion. This was followed by service as Senior Advisor to the Australian G20 Presidency.

Returning to Melbourne, Victor was surprised by the negativity around Australian leadership and increasing levels of anxiety and depression in our community. This led to the founding of The Australian Leadership Project and, after a Eureka moment, the founding of its offspring The Centre for Optimism which now has over 5000 members and subscribers in 90 countries. Today Victor’s work centres on asking people the question “What makes you Optimistic?

Renovating and Extending your Heritage Home
2022-05-10 07:00 - 08:30 | 345 Art Creative, 345 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert 3127, 345 Mont Albert Road,, Mont Albert, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise. This week Peter Gionfriddo from Peter Gionfriddo Architects will be presenting.

Architect Peter Gionfriddo believes that heritage ‘belongs’ to all of us and that today’s home owner is also a custodian for the future. He therefore has a responsibility to protect and enhance the heritage value of a property whilst also providing for the owners contemporary lifestyle of today. “It’s a great balancing act” he says requiring creativity, knowledge and practicality.

From successfully dealing with council town planning requirements, matching decorative period features and designing seamless contemporary extensions – Peter has delivered great results for his clients since establishing his current business in 2012.

Through use of illustrated case studies Peter will describe some of the highlights and challenges of renovating and extending a heritage home.

About the Presenter

Peter Gionfriddo

Peter Gionfriddo Architect

Peter Gionfriddo is a highly experienced registered architect with over 25 years of successful projects to his name.

Peter has acted as both an architect and as a project manager on large and small-scale projects. His broad industry experience gives him a valuable insight into the development process and allows him to provide the inspired design with great outcomes.

Since 2012 he has lead a small team of creative designers at Peter Gionfriddo Architect providing exceptional residential and commercial projects.

The Planned Homes Design Process
2022-04-26 07:00 - 08:30 | 345 Art Creative, 345 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert 3127, 345 Mont Albert Road,, Mont Albert, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise. This week Chris Arnold from Planned Homes will be presenting on the Planned Homes Design Process.

About the Presenter

Chris Arnold

Chris Arnold Planned Homes

Drafting, architecture, project management, construction. Chris has the training and expertise to see any project – whether it’s a bathroom or a complete build – through from beginning to end. His honest and upfront nature means his clients are armed with the knowledge they need before diving into what is often a life-changing experience. Chris’ years of drafting and architectural experience, combined with his construction background, means the projects he oversees run smoothly, to time, and to a very high standard.

Landscape Design Definition, Process, Benefits
2022-04-19 07:00 - 08:30 | 345 Art Creative, 345 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert 3127, 345 Mont Albert Road,, Mont Albert, Victoria, 3127, Australia
Each week there is a Business Referrers meeting which provides a friendly and productive meeting opportunity for local small business owners to share referrals and grow their businesses using the membership as a platform for new ideas, products and services. We have a guest presenter each week who provides information from their areas of expertise. This week Diane Beddison will describe what Landscape Design encompasses, the design process from consultation to installation of the garden, and the benefits of using a Landscape Designer.

About the Presenter

Diane Beddison

Diane Beddison Beddison Garden Designs

Diane Beddison is the owner and Landscape Designer for Beddison Garden Designs based in Canterbury. She has been in business for 10 years and loves to see the pleasure a well-designed garden gives.

Diane studied Landscape Design at the University of Melbourne after many years as a passionate home gardener. She also has qualifications in Science, Education, and Information Technology.

She started her career as a Mathematics and Science teacher and later moved to Information technology. For 20 years she worked for government and large corporations, including technology outsourcers, mainly in the areas of database and operating system support, initially on mainframes and later major Unix systems.

Diane enjoys visiting open gardens and specialist nurseries, especially those in country Victoria. She can’t wait to get back to enjoying those beautiful and well-constructed spaces. Also hoping to be in Italy during their summer to enjoy the wonderful landscape, visit some special gardens, and come back with new ideas for her client’s gardens. She is married with two daughters and has five wonderful grandchildren.
