The impact of an appropriate GIFT and the importance of acknowledgement
November 1, 2008
My message this November Newsletter is simple as we head into the Silly Season of consumerism-plastic-charged-Christmas-excess-spending-choices.
DO YOU HAVE TO GIVE A GIFT?
Of course - you are not obliged or have to do ANYTHING. That’s when it comes down to the power of intent - and as a marketing and communications “exercise” - what you do or don’t do can speak VOLUMES.
My opinion is that this end of the year – is a great time to reward and acknowledge your clients, suppliers, supporters, staff and loved ones (friends and family) for the value of what they have contributed to YOUR business and your life over the year. Some people succumb to laziness or “too-busy-to-think-about-it-ness” at this time of the year – and I suggest taking some time OUT to consider the value of giving and appreciation to those important people who support you in your life.
Here are some thoughts for GIVERS:
Thinking about the “why” of giving is just as important as the “what” to give. How do we make our giving choices have impact and meaning - for not only ourselves but to those who receive from us? Do you consider the thoughttand effort ( or not) that has gone into the choice of gift that you’ve received ?
Of course – in these times of economic stress and consumer excess – consideration also HAS to be give to “how much” – to give and to spend. The less we can afford to give – the MORE we have to consider the relevancy of what, who and how we give it.
Here are some thoughts for RECEIVERS:
- Acknowledgement of receipt of a gift – is so VERY important – to the GIVER
- Taking the time to communicate a simple THANK YOU – is ESSENTIAL – don’t forget or get to busy to do this.
So, whatever you decide and choose to do (or not) - if I’ve helped you stop and think about it and consider your options - that’s my gift to you.
OK – I’ll get OFF my soap box now……….
Free Basketballs for Kids in need
October 31, 2008
One of Zulu’s Community long time supporters, who wishes to remain nameless - (but let’s just call him Michael) has generously donated 50 Basketballs to Zulu’s Community left over from a promotion.
Basketballs for kids in need
“Michael” and Zulu’s Community would like to donate these basketballs to projects or organisations that support children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds - either in Australia or overseas. So, If know of or a re connected to a project or cause who would LOVE to have some of these basketballs, please send me an email and tell me about your organisation and your kids. First in - best dressed!
- Limit of 10 balls per organisation - they are flat and need to be inflated.
- Collect from Balmain by Friday 14 November
Sue’s AMAZING Winged creature photos
September 30, 2008
Check out these photos that I took in PNG and Lao!
Orange Dragonfly - Lao -July 2008
Moth and fly - can you see the fly? Hidden Valley, PNG - September 2008
Red Dragonfly - Lao - July 2008
ORDER your 100% Soy Candles with spice and soul NOW in time for Christmas!
September 29, 2008
Zulu Candles for Community is a brand new initiative by Zulu’s Community - offering you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and spicy fragrance of burning candles made out of 100% natural soy wax, and contributing to some very special community innitiatives in the Congo.
Choose from our specially selected range of 100% natural Soy candles scented with Spiced Orange or Cinnamon Spice and give your friends, family and clients a gift that will be appreciated and loved for its beauty, simplicity and supports the principles of good health, sustainable living and giving back to our communities.
WHY SOY CANDLES? -The benefits are CLEAR
Improve your own environment by Saying NO to toxic, chemical and environmentally UNFRIENDLY paraffin wax candles and choosing 100% natural soy -click here to read more about the pros of soy and the cons of paraffin
Proudly supporting Communities in the Congo
Zulu’s Community aims to raise $2000 from the sale of this special range of 100% natural soy candles with $1.50 from every item purchased from the spice and soul range donated to Lucy’s Congo Canoe Challenge 2008, helping communities in the Congo in Africa - find out more
The spice and soul range of 100% natural Soy Candles
Candles will be made to order and are 100% natural and made exclusively for Zulu. Choose from Spiced Orange or Cinnamon spice fragranced candles in three beautiful styles.
Mosaic Candles $28.50 + GST includes $1.50 donation
Comes in Heart Throb Red, Pearl or Clear.
Burns for 38 hours and come in a refillable glass mosaic holder or reuse with a tealight
Can come individually packaged and ready to give
Melt your heart & tea light candle gift pack
$18.50 + GST includes $1.50 donation
6 Tea lights and 5melts in a lovely pack.
Tea lights burn for 6 hours and melts last for ages in your oil burner
Melt your heart and Tea Light takeaway packs
6 melts come in a pretty take away pack $10.00 + GST
9 unscented Tea lights in a pretty take away pack $13.50 + GST
YOUR ORDER - Click here for the order form
EARLY BIRD ORDERS - ORDER BEFORE 15 OCTOBER RECEIVE A ZULU GIFT.
- The earlier you order - the sooner we will make your candles - the faster you can receive them!
- Last orders are to be received by 15TH November 2008
- Your orders will be confirmed back to you and invoiced before we make them.
- The unit price includes a $1.50 donation to charity and will be paid by Zulu Communication to our chosen charity in one lump sum
PICK UP ARRANGEMENTS OR DELIVERY CHARGES
- We will confirm your delivery charges or pick up arrangements according to your order.
- Last delivery date is 5 December 2008
BUSINESS, BULK & CORPORATE ORDERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL PRICING OPTIONS. CONTACT Sue on 02 98108187 TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS.
Crossing the swollen Mumeng River on the way to Hidden Valley
September 27, 2008
Here’s the story about crossing the Mumeng River in Papua New Guinea.
- Watching the morning river crossing is a major spectator sport for the villagers
During my September trip to PNG and on one of our travel days - we were on the road at 7:30am to travel the 3-4 hours of mountain roads up to one of our mine sites - Hidden Valley.
The journey promised to be exciting and the day long - as we planned to visit two sites this day - which required us to cross the swollen Mumeng River about an hour out of town.
It had been raining hard all night and steadily spitting with rain in the morning as we left Lae.
As we crossed over the bridges on the way - we felt that it was a fair expectation that the river would be up and this major crossing where there was no bridge.
Arriving at Mumeng
When we arrived at 9:00am- we joined a queue of 4WDs and trucks on our side of the river - and got out to survey the scene. We watched the trucks and vehicles crossing and decided to give it a go and fang it across the river.
Hairy scarey or WHAT! We crossed - went up to Hidden Valley mine site - and were back on the nose of 2pm - racing the rain clouds in the mountain - to cross back over before the afternoon rains from the mountains made it to this part of the river, making the crossing impossible.
- The big diggers are trying to build up the bed of the river so that the vehicles can cross
Surveying the scene and deciding whether to cross
- I stepped the wrong way - ended up ankle deep in mud - and entertained the locals….
Winter white as a ghost – I make small children cry!
September 27, 2008
I need to work on taking the glare off my very Sydney winter white skin, because on my recent trip to Lihir, I was making small children cry - mistaken as a GHOST.
I have only ever been mistaken for a “white” person once before - in Zimbabwe in Africa… and now here in PNG - it seems there is only black and white with no other shades or colours in between.
On my drive around the island of Lihir - we stopped half way around to visit a village on the beach who had just finished their church service.
I stepped out of our vehicle - and immediately spotted some children playing on the black sand beach.
I followed the kids down the beach - with my camera and was followed by more kids and we had ourselves a little photo session - most of them were fascinated!
One of the little boys in the group started to cry- and I was then told that he was scared because I am WHITE and he thinks I am a ghost. They don’t see any other people in this part of the island - so I am considered white and frightening.
Can you spot the ghost?
Here are some of the photos from my very short time with this village.
YOUR BOOBS - an issue close to my heart in OCTOBER
September 18, 2008
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - if anyone has a right to get on the Breast Cancer band waggon, it’s me.
Every October - I am faced with the issue of Breast Cancer as I remember my dear mother, Lynette - who passed away on 12 October 1993 at the age of 52 after a five-year battle with the disease.
I am considered “High Risk” for breast cancer because of my “significant family history ” with this disease . Two of my mother’s sisters have also had breast cancer, my auntie Marilyn losing her 17-year battle in 2005. Because of this history and having gone through my own breast-related issues/treatment over a period of years, I am monitored annually by the Hereditary Cancer Clinic and am part of the high-risk group the at Prince of Wales Hospital.
KEEP ABREAST OF BREAST CANCER
In particular - Women aged 50-69 should have a mammogram every two years. Just because you are not of this age group does NOT mean that you should not know what to be looking out for! To ALL women (and men too) - particularly young women who may think that Breast Cancer is not a topic they need to think about right now - please take the time to find out a bit more about this disease - that affects 1:8 women in Australia.
FREE INFORMATION POSTERS
Here are some FREE information posters that I produced for Breast Cancer Awareness month in 2007 for my client St George Private Hospital - who I thank for allowing me to use them here at Zulu.
Please do forward this post to your friends.
ALL THE VERY “BREAST” to you this month
Zulu’s championing the cause for natural Soy Candles - the answer is clear
September 14, 2008
This is my story about discovering the benefits of candles made from natural soy.
I was given a beautiful candle at the beginning of the year which I loved! The fragrance was divine - and I loved burning it in my office. Toward the end of the candle - I noticed that the container was getting sooty.
Well take a look at this……..this is how the candle glass ended up! What is the deal with this soot?? PARAFFIN is what! Should we be concerned about burning paraffin candles?
My friend Jill has been making candles made of Soy and she gave me one as a gift recently. I decided to find out more about the differences between paraffin and soy - and here’s what I’m sharing with you today.
Once you read what’s below - you’ll see the benefits of using Soy wax candles are obvious and I for one am a convert!
Why are candles made of Paraffin BAD?
- Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product that is classified as a petrochemical.
- Paraffin contains 11 different toxins, two of which are KNOWN carcinogens.
- Breathing in the soot released by paraffin is as dangerous as inhaling second-hand smoke.
- Burning paraffin wax emits harmful vabours, and black soot.
- To release fragrances, paraffin must be blended with chemicals.
- If you spill paraffin wax it is extremely difficult to remove from fabric.
Why are candles made from Soy better for your health and environment?
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil- a vegetable. Here are some facts about the candles that Jill makes.
- Candles made from Soy are 100% all natural, biodegradable and completely non-toxic.
- Soy wax burns cleaner and cooler and completely away.
- Soy wax is toxin and carcinogen free.
- Candles made from soy burn up to 50% longer than paraffin-based candles and produce 90% less soot.
- Soy wax burns cooler, which disperses the aroma more quickly. Even when unlit, a soy candle’s fragrance is evident.
- Soy wax is also water soluble and biodegradable, so with some warm soapy water it’s very easy to clean up if there are spillages.
- Using candles made from soy wax supports our farmers.
Which would you rather experience, burning paraffin or lighting Soy candles?
I know it’s fairly cheap to buy pretty candles or bags of tealights for cheap from discount stores - but when I think about what exactly I’m burning into the environment when I burn paraffin wax - it’s usually in an enclosed space and I shudder at the thought of toxifying my environment - regardless of the prettiness or the nice smells!
Stay tuned for Zulu’s next step in the war against paraffin and campaign for candles made from 100% natural soy wax.
Mentoring success - It doesn’t always mean you stick with the business.
August 29, 2008
This is me with my mentoree, Kerrie Rahme.
I was Kerrie’s mentor on the the NSW Women in Business Mentoring Program. Kerrie graduated from the program last Wednesday 27 August- with her fellow mentorees at a special gathering at the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.
Mentoring Kerrie and in her business - Baby Hire Stuff
Kerrie and I commenced the six month mentoring program with the understanding that I would help guide and support her through the journey of being a woman running a new business and coming to terms with the multiple and complex challenges that go with that.
At the end of the program - Kerrie made the decision to stop running her business. Is this a sign of failure or success as a mentor?
Is the objective of successful mentoring to keep a person in business - or to help them realise when its time to step OUT of it or make significant changes?
Here’s what Kerrie has to say about the mentoring process - with me.
I had the great fortune of being matched with Sue Liu of Zulu Communications when I joined the 2008 Women in Business Mentoreeship Program.
I joined the program to help with my short-term baby equipment hire service, Baby Hire Stuff. I was happily going along using what I like to call “the hummingbird approach”. That is, fluttering between enjoyable tasks, following all my bright ideas and ignoring less pleasant tasks for another day. What I desperately needed was a strong rudder to guide my wandering business. Someone to get me to face some facts about my business and confront the hard stuff head-on.
Sue instantly recognised that the little that I had in the way of marketing materials were mismatched and did not communicate the essence of my business to my customers. She mentored me through commissioning a gorgeous logo, getting business cards printed, aligning my website and making sure I came up with a flyer that I could be proud of.
Sue knew when to speed me up and when to slow me down. She got me to focus on how my business was perceived in the market place, and how to manipulate that perception.
After doing the hard work with Sue it came to light that my business was not as viable as I thought it was, nor was it really what I wanted in the longer term. I am now working on another business, Burwood Olympic Park Stays. I can apply what I have learnt with Sue on my new venture. The lessons have been learned and the skills are transferable. The experience has all been so valuable and is getting me to closer each day to business success.
Ever stoic and proactive, it is obvious that she just “gets” marketing. If you don’t get it, or even if you think you do and are wondering why you are not getting results, I recommend you get Sue onboard to get serious about your business and really take it to the next level. Kerrie Rahme
Mentoring is a way to help you make those hard decisions in business.
Knowing what next steps to take in businesses is never easy. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in business 12 months, 2 years or 12 years - the nature of your challenges change - but the challenges themselves will always be there.
Some times - you just need someone who will listen, take stock of your situation and have the experience and confidence to “tell it to you straight” or give you the support or inspiration to take some action.
Zulu Can help YOU
Business Confidante - gets your business heading in the right direction. It’s NOT coaching - Business Confidante is a unique blend of business facilitation, mentoring and consultancy designed to help the decision makers in a business gain clarity, direction and control. Click here for more information
Next Get Real event - Friday 31 October - Come and have lunch with other business owners - GET REAL, be open and honest and discuss your challenges without fear of judgement or criticism. Click here to find out more
Collection of clothes and goods for Wagga refugees
August 28, 2008
Zulu’s client Aspire Australia is collecting general goods and clothing to take down to refugee communities in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
CEO Sarah Gillis has been supporting these settlers who have arrived from war ravaged and politically unstable countries across Africa and Asia after suffering various forms of political, physical, religious or cultural persecution.
Sarah and her daughter Emily transported the first trailer load of goods to Wagga in May this year.
COLLECTING FOR SEPTEMBER TRIP NOW:
So have a look in your cupboards and see if you have any items in good condition which could be donated to help the refugee families in Wagga - either for the children, parents or household.
Contact Aspire Australia to arrange delivery (you can drop off to our North Sydney office) or collection: 02 9956 6011 or visas@aspireaustralia.com.au
Sarah is also raffling a Zulu donated quilt to help raise money to continue her support of refugees in Wagga. Find out how you can buy a raffle ticket to win the quilt.
