Author: Sienna Anderson

By Karnig Momdjian CA May 2013 In my previous blog article, I wrote about your software options; custom software, customisable software, configurable software or off the shelf software. Now you need to decide where to deploy the software and the data files supporting the software. Depending on; your risk profile, confidentiality of data and the accessibility of the system; you have at least three options:

• In-house deployment- where all required hardware, software and systems are on your site
• Private cloud- all systems are off site in a remote facility , managed by a third party but you have a dedicated environment and you know where the facility is
• Public cloud- you are fully dependent on the internet and have no control over the environment; it’s shared by all users, and often you don’t even know where it is located

In-house deployment Currently this is the most common approach, where you install the hardware on your premises and install the software and systems in-house. You are then responsible for:

• Hardware upgrades
• Operating system
• Computer environment
• Back-ups
• Security
• Network administration
• Communication- remote access, internet
• Power supply- managing power fluctuations, blackouts

Whilst this may be the most costly option, it may also be the preferred one for many for the peace of mind it gives them by having control over the environment. Private cloud In a private cloud environment, you are almost replicating the in-house option but it is located at a third party facility. You would have delegated the management responsibility to the facility provider. This option is ideal for clients who want control but don’t want the operational responsibility. The facilities manager will often manage your in-house terminals and communication requirements to access the central facility. You will have to manage the relationship with your buytramadolbest.com/ambien.html specific business software provider for the applications provided for you at the third party facility. Typically you will manage the in-house printers but the facilities manager will take care of:

• Centralised hardware upgrades
• Operating system upgrades
• Back-ups
• Security
• Communication

You will typically pay a monthly fee to the facilities manager who would have factored in your portion of the equipment dedicated to you, the operating system and the general software but not your specific business application software. You will pay for your business application software. Public cloud In a public cloud deployment you are fully dependant on the internet to access the systems you need to use for your business. Given that the facility is shared by many, your monthly fee will most likely be much less than the private cloud option and considerably less than the in-house option. Many public cloud based application providers now offer the option to have your data stored locally whilst you access the software via the internet. These are described as hybrid systems. The advantage of public cloud deployment is scalability. You pay for what you use and you don’t need to worry about hardware and capacity planning. It’s just there for you to use. This option is ideal for users who are “relaxed” about the location of systems or believe that the provider has implemented adequate security system to protect their data and systems. Typical examples of public cloud applications include; eBay, Amazon, Google Apps, Microsoft Office 365 and more. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that your internet banking, share-trading and BPAY facilities are all cloud applications too… Till next time, happy computing! For more information of how the KONA Groups technology specialist can assist your business contact Karnig on 1300 611 288 or email info@kona.com.au

KONA Group has joined forces with Business Advisors and Chartered Accountants Grange Business Partners to put on a Client Seminar and Networking event and we would like to invite you to attend on June 25th in St Leonards. That date is just after the Federal Budget and Grange Directors Diane Terzian and Duncan Barber will present for 20 minutes on 5 critical areas that all businesses MUST address to a) protect their assets from the tax man and creditors b) succession planning for the future and c) consider what will happen to your business if you are no longer around. KONA Group Managing Director Glenn Dobson will then present on How to Match Your Prospecting and Lead Generation to Your Clients Buying Journey. Following the two 20 minute presentations you will have the chance to network and meet new business contacts. The event will start at 6pm sharp until 8, and light refreshments will be provided. Please contact KONA Group on 1300 611 288 or by email at info@kona.com.au if you would like to attend as numbers are limited to 60 attendees.

By Karnig Momdjian CA 30 April 2013 When it comes to business software selection, what are your options? Whether you are a start-up or you have outgrown your current systems, a time will come in your business cycle where you need to choose appropriate software to run your business. Your options will be influenced by the nature of your business and the flexibility of your business processes. Here are some examples: Custom developed software You have a clear vision as to what you expect from your software, you have defined your requirements, you have had a good look at what is available and nothing quite fits; you can consider custom developed software. This is usually the most expensive option in terms of cost and time to develop and deliver. However it is the best option in terms of developing a system that does what you want and fully reflects your business processes. This option requires commitment and dedication to the process of having the system developed. Major milestones in this process include:

• Requirements gathering
• Developing functional specifications
• Creating use case scenarios
• Defining user experience interfaces
• Developing test data
• Carrying out extensive system testing
• Developing user/operations guides
• Developing training material
• Deploying the system

It is unlikely that you will be able to cope with all of this by yourself or with your internal resources that are focused on the day to day operations of your business. You will need external expert assistance in many of the stages of this process but at all times you will be involved to ensure the development is on track and continues to meet your requirements. Customisable software This option is used when you are fortunate enough to find software that is commercially available and where the developer is able and willing to develop a customised version to address specific requirements that are unique to your business. Cost of customisation aside, issues to be considered with this option include:

• How will future developments of the base product be integrated into your version?
• Who owns your version of the software?
• Who will maintain the system?
• What is the life expectancy of this customisation?
• Is the system scalable to continue meeting your needs into the foreseeable future?

Similar to custom developed software, you may still require an external project manager to manage and progress the customisation and act as the go between your business and the software supplier. Configurable software This is a commonly used option with most software systems that are developed in a way that with the use of system options, terminology modification and user definable lists, the software can be configured to reflect your requirements without impacting the underlying system. This is the preferred option both in terms of cost and time to go live. This option, however, may require you to modify your processes to fit in with those dictated by the system. You may still require specialists who have a good understanding of the system who can assist with the configuration of the system to meet your needs Off the shelf software These are systems that you have no control over; including most open source applications. “What you see is what you get”. This is typical of most commonly used systems such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software etc. However these systems are typically so feature rich that the average user would often use a small % of the packaged feature. As you would expect, this is the least costly option and the quickest to implement. Having decided on the software for your business, the next question is how best to deploy it; cloud or in-house? This is the topic for the next post… To discuss how Karnig can help your business please call 1300 611 288 or email him at info@kona.com.au

The KONA Group is excited to invite you to attend a truly innovative one day outdoor training event where you can experience in more detail and depth how the principles of Horse Whispering can improve your leadership skills. Bookings close: Monday 13 May Don’t delay as places are limited. 1 Day Horse Whispering Leadership Training with Louise Kropach and Horse Sense for People Louise Kropach is a Horse Whisperer’, Natural Horsemanship Trainer Equine Behaviour Specialist & Personal Development Coach Develop natural leadership within your organisation or business using the principals of ‘Horse Whispering’ An exciting one day outdoor training workshop where you will delve into how to lead yourself and others more effectively in life and the workplace while being guided by a horse. By understanding and engaging the principles of ‘Horse Whispering’ you can build trust, improve professional and client relationships and create successful outcomes in your business, workplace, team or classroom. Using these principals the one day training will connect the practice with the horses into tangible outcomes for you:

• Increase your self confidence
• Improve the depth of engagement in life and work and how you ‘show up’
• Understand how to increase productivity and results through a better connection to others
• Discover new ideas and ways you can handle situations
• Alignment of goals through effective communication
• Inspire and motivate others using intuition and assertiveness.
• Understand the power of nonverbal communication.
• Focus through clarity of thought and intention to achieve what is important to you and your business.
• Be proactive in dealing with challenges and explore principles of authentic leadership

Come and join the horses and enjoy how the presence of a horse can help you on the fast track to success in business and in life. This is a FUN non-classroom event that gives you direct experience with learning! DATE: SUNDAY THE 26TH OF MAY TIMES: 9.30am until approximately 4.30pm COST: $210.00 Includes lunch and refreshments VENUE: Cloverfern Equestrian Centre 256 Gyro Close Riddells Creek, Victoria To book please call Louise Kropach Ph: 1300 611 266 Email: info@kona.com.au Developing Human Potential through the Way of the Horse The Art of Horse Human Communication

Develop Natural Leadership within your organisation by using the principals of ‘Horse Whispering’ By understanding and engaging the principles of ‘Horse Whispering’ you can build trust, improve relationships and create successful outcomes in your business, workplace and team. Using the key principals of Horse Whispering Louise will demonstrate how you can;

• Inspire and motivate others using intuition and assertiveness.
• Understand the power of nonverbal communication.
• Focus through clarity of thought and intention to achieve what is important to you and your business.
• Be proactive in dealing with challenges and explore principles of authentic leadership

ATTEND AN INTRODUCTION AND DEMONSTRATION SESSION IN VICTORIA ON THE 27TH OF APRIL For more information please visit: https://kona.com.au//training/specialist-training/horse-sense Or to book please telephone: 1300 611 288 or Email: info@kona.com.au WHEN: Saturday 27th April 6.30 – 8 pm WHERE: Cloverfern Equestrian Centre 256 Gyro Close Riddells Creek, Victoria COST: $35 / $25 Concession Recommended for business leaders, managers, directors, teachers, coaches, entrepreneurs and those working with teenagers and youth.

As you look around your office, or even look in the mirror, sometimes you will see yourself or colleagues, friends or family members who are in a rut. Many have fallen into a mental and emotional hole and feel lethargic, despondent, slow, frustrated, angry and sometimes extremely down and depressed For all of us, when this lack of motivation kicks in this is an extremely dangerous time as the downward slide can increase quite dramatically and damage our business, performance and/or health. No matter if we are business people, sales people, sportsmen and women, overweight or a multitude of other roles, if we are not doing the Activity that Generates Momentum(A.G.M.) we emotionally and physically stop doing the key activities that create a result. Then not long after the results also start to flat line or even come to a halt In sales, A.G.M. is the # 1 principle of successful sales people as they typically spend more time out of the office meeting customers and prospects, than their office bound colleagues In health and weight lose, people who are slimmer typically take more exercise and eat less rubbish than theirunhealthier counterparts In relationships, the more we ‘settle down’ and do the same things over and over again, the more chance the relationship has of becoming stagnant I have a friend whose business is going through a tough time at the moment and he has gone to the doctors who filled him full of antidepressants When we reviewed how he was spending his weeks, 3 things stood out: 1. He has stopped arranging meetings with clients/prospects and network contacts 2. He has stopped exercising 3. He has started to believe his own excuses (which is making it easier for him to accept points 1 and 2) Negative Activity Generated Momentum = Negative Energy = Negative Results So if you are below budget, or feeling depressed, or your belt is starting to get tight around your waist, stop making excuses to yourself and others, get off your backside and start to drive the KEY ACTIVITIES that will CREATE A RESULT: Business Owners and Managers: Stop wasting time on reports that are based on the past and start to drive activity that generates more sales and customers Sales People: Get out of the office and from behind your computer and go and speak to more existing and new customers If you are depressed and down: What are some of the small changes to your levels of activity you can put into place every day to start to turn things around and get you and/or your business moving in the right direction? Please note: This blog is based on proven practical experience and not by someone who has never run a business, managed a team or built a sales Pipeline. So if we can help you get out of your rut, or you are interested in KONA’s AGM Process please call us on 1300 611 288 or email Glenn@KONA.com.au

If you or your team fit into any of the following categories you are harming your yourself and your business… 1. Drink coffee to keep going. 2. Sedentary. 3. Overweight. 4. Have regular pain. These categories affect decision making, energy levels, concentration, performance and therefore productivity. Money isn’t making into your pocket. With obesity affecting 60-70% of the population and costing $37.7 billion and a further $6.4 billion from premature death, absenteeism and presenteeism; even when your team are there, they are not there and you are paying for it. It’s time to stop the money leak and put the Health back into OH&S… Your brain and body need regular doses of oxygen, proper nutrition, activity and rest to perform optimally. The benefits are… 1. Lower stress levels 2. Clear thinking and accurate decisions 3. A motivated team 4. Decreased sick leave and costly medical bills 5. Increased productivity and profits As an outcome of one of last years KONA Sales Training workshops many of the participants went on to change their lives by making the 3 following commitments (one middle aged sales manager has lost 39 kgs in 6 months!!!!): 1. They stopped eating most things that contained white sugar especially soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, fast food, etc 2. They stopped eating most things white especially white bread, white rice and white potatoes 3. They started to walk most days including getting off and on the bus/train one stop early; walking round the block before they went into the office; meeting a friend/partner in the evening and walking before bed PLEASE: Stop throwing good money at poor food choices, pain killers and costly treatments Reshape your life and business with a seminar from KONA’s Health & Fitness expert Timothy Kitching. His message is sharp and clear – respect your body and life is easier. Timothy has a life time of sport and fitness behind him, is a previous volunteer speaker for the Heart Foundation and a qualified fitness trainer with 20 fitness videos to his name. For more information about seminars tailored to your needs please call Timothy on 1300 611 288 or info@KONA.com.au

Get into the mind of an athlete and increase the performance of your team. Open paths to fresh ideas, decrease stress and sick leave, increase coping mechanisms and develop an invigorating energy.

An athlete has a long-term plan for success to ensure their body and mind stay strong and flexible to cope with the demanding workload. Their success is forged on passion, proper nutrition, and intense bouts of activity, variety and rest. The result is exceptional performance.

Contrast this with the business world that are overloaded with information, stress, boredom, deadlines, minimal activity, ‘it’s a job mentality’ and a box they sit in front of daily. The result is decreased performance and profit.

Combat the constant pressure of business with these power boosters…

1. Overcome boredom & monotony by starting a lunch away from the desk initiative and this will freshen stale minds.
2. Start a weight loss contest with a prize for the top 5 losers and this will create a flow of enthusiasm and increase morale. Promote it with posters, food and activity tips and education. Show them how and it will take care of itself.
3. Remove unhealthy snacks like biscuits, chips etc from the office; when these things are out of view they are less tempting. Replace them with nuts, fruit and cracker biscuits.
4. Stop causing physical stress, wrecking spines and causing pain in the office; it’s costly and decreasing productivity. Continual sitting crushes spines and increases pain and discomfort that lead to decreased performance. Postural alignment at the desk is as important as a weightlifters posture during a heavy lift; it’s vital for safety, performance and results. Have a workstation assessment and save your spine from permanent damage.

Tighten the control of your results and instigate a health program so you and your team perform like business athletes.

Contact KONA’s Health & Fitness expert Timothy Kitching for health or workstation set up presentations and workstation assessments. Book a presentation or 10 + assessments during January or February and receive three complimentary assessments valued at $300.

KONA Group is excited to be able to bring you a ground-breaking new program using HORSES to help us to understand how our emotional energy is translating into our work effectiveness. Our new, practical, hands on, and fun program will give you and/or your people IMMEDIATE and PRACTICAL RESULTS  and leave your team smiling for days after the experience. Is  Your team primed for an outstanding 2013 with total purpose and commitment, or will it just be a repeat of last year? Book a 2 day Team Effectiveness Workshop with KONA and start your 2013 with:

• Clarity of goals and purpose
• Clear and authentic communication
• Clear out old patterns that hold the team back from effective functioning

In this radically different program and using unique accelerated learning methodologies  your participate in a dynamic process of building authentic self- leadership, self-awareness and behaviour skills through Horse-Human interactions. With one-on-one interaction with Individual Horses, attendees learn new relationship building skills, receive a tremendous confidence boost and start the new year with a totally different focus that  comes from learning how to connect with and direct a 500kg animal without a word spoken. At the end of the program, people walk away with learning that they can immediately apply into the business environment. Limited programs in January and February: Call or email Andrea or Louise at KONA on 1300 611 288 or email info@KONA.com.au  to book your Team Effectiveness Workshop. This workshop is for any team that needs to work effectively together to achieve outcomes, or a totally different approach to your Management Development and Training. For more information check out: https://kona.com.au//training/specialist-training/emotional-intelligence/ Sessions with horses are highly interactive and provide an ‘in the moment’ learning experience, giving participants skills which can be difficult to acquire in more traditional settings. While interacting with horses, individuals are able to identify and shift their limiting behaviour patterns, which stop them from developing trusting relationships in business settings. Horses provide the ultimate short cut for those who are serious about finding solutions to the challenges they face in their day to day business and relationships SPECIAL OFFER – Book a 2 day Team Effectiveness Workshop for January or February and receive the second day half price. Call or email Andrea or Louise at KONA on 1300 611 288 or email info@KONA.com.au  to book your Team Effectiveness Workshop.