Business E-News Design.pub - Narrabri Shire Council

SAFETY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Narrabri Shire Council has recently been
working on a Crime Prevention Plan for our
Shire. Although we are lucky enough to live in
an area with a relatively low crime rate, it is
important to be aware there are some steps
you can take to look after your business. The
following tips have been taken from the NSW
Police website.
• Display your street number and business
name in a visible position to assist
emergency services;
• Post warning signs around the business
to warn intruders about the security
features of your business;
• If possible, install security lighting
around the perimeter of your business;
• The doors, walls, floor and ceilings of
your building should be of solid
construction. Limit the number of exit
and entry points to restrict outsiders
access;
• Doors should be fitted with quality single
cylinder dead locks to comply with
Australian Building Code fire regulations;
• Glass within doors and windows can be
reinforced with either shatter resistant
film or laminated glass;
• Record descriptions, models/serial
numbers of property owned by your
business;
• If your business deals with cash,
consider installing a safe for added
security. The safe should be
manufactured and installed to Australian
and New Zealand standards and should
be anchored to restrict removal;
• Limit the amount of money held in the
cash drawer and advise staff not to
count the money in public view;
• If possible, have a monitored intruder
alarm system installed to enhance the
physical security of your business;
• All ATM’s should be placed away from
entry points of your shop. ATM’s should
be anchored to the ground and covered
with CCTV if possible.
ACC - Small Business Field Officers
This program is an Australian Government initiative and is run through
the New England / North West Area Consultative Committee. It
provides the following resources to the business community;
• Access to specialised Australian Government technical
information and services for small business as well as funding
information.
• Provides feedback to the Australian Government on small
business issues in our area.
• Facilitates appropriate training for small businesses in the
region.
• Provides small business mentoring and networks to assist in
developing and diversifying regional business and industry.
• Facilitates opportunities for clustering and cooperative
arrangements, and
• Facilitates in investment in regional business.
The Small Business Field Officer for Narrabri Shire is located in Moree
and makes regular trips to our area. For further information regarding
this program you can visit their website http://www.nenwacc.com.au or
contact the Moree Office on (02) 6752 6378.
The Importance of your Business Card
The humble business card can be one of the most
underestimated promotional tools for small
businesses. The small size of a business card
may fool people into dismissing its effectiveness.
Business cards can be the most cost-effective and
efficient method of marketing. The smaller size
actually benefits you, allowing mini-billboards to
be carried around in your pocket! If maintained and handed out
regularly they can be an extremely effective marketing tool. Business
Cards can be easily produced at home or in your office using regular
Microsoft Word and Apple programs.
To ensure your business cards are effective, keep all the information
relevant and up to date. Having incorrect information on your card
may mean you miss out on important business as contacts won’t be
able to reach you.
As well as having up to date information on your business card, you
should ensure that you purchase a small holder to hold your cards.
Handing out a crumpled card to potential business contacts is not a
good first impression. You should also store other peoples cards in a
similar way showing your respect and interest in their business.
It is extremely important to keep your business cards with you at all
times. You never know when the situation may arise to meet potential
future clients. Your business may be quickly forgotten if this client
does not have a reminder of your and your business through the form
of a business card. Cards do not work for you if they are in the drawer
of you desk.
I may also be a good idea to give several of your cards to friends and
good clients to pass on to potential clients they deal with.
The importance of a business card cannot be underestimated. They
are easy and inexpensive to produce and if used correctly, may result
in positive developments for your business in the future.