James Greig - Founder Bloomtools

A web empire, a network of franchises, and all by the age of 24.

At 20 years of age James Greig left university with plans to start his own web empire. Four years later James is a Founder and Director of Bloomtools, which is now franchising across Australia and has developed hundreds of websites for Australian businesses.

James started out working from a client’s office in exchange for building their website and business management system. His knowledge and natural business acumen were obvious from the start when he developed a software system for the client that reduced a six hour task to six minutes.

From there, the young entrepreneur built a team of some of the best programmers, graphic designers and marketers in Australia and began developing websites and online tools for local Gold Coast businesses.

“I realised that customised websites were just too expensive and too complicated for the average business to use, so I began to build products that could be used across many businesses, and would make websites more effective for business yet still extremely affordable,” James said.

In 2005, at the age of 22, James met his future business partner, former business coach and entrepreneur Tracey Voyce who was looking for someone to help her create a database marketing system for businesses.

Together they honed the business and created a range of web and email marketing products, designed specifically with business in mind.

These products proved extremely popular with local businesses and soon the business expanded with a number of resellers across Australia.

“I think what sets us apart is the fact that we understand what works for businesses online and our whole team is really passionate about helping businesses get results from the Internet,” said James.

Bloomtools has grown over 180% in the past year and now employs 19 staff, with clients such as OK! Magazine and Wide Span Sheds, and celebrity endorsements from Tim Campbell, Grant Denyer and Ian Maurice.

Earlier this year, Bloomtools launched a franchise business, which has already been taken up in a number of locations across Australia.

Well known businessman, and Action Coach master licensee, Bruce Doyle, was one of the first franchisees, launching Bloomtools Melbourne Central.

“When I came across Bloomtools, I knew they were the type of company I wanted to be associated with, because they are so passionate about business and the Internet and they have the world class tools to back it up,” Bruce said.

James said his aim was to franchise Bloomtools across Australia and New Zealand and soon the world.

“We have already had a number of inquiries from people wanting to take up the Franchises overseas,” James said.

James’ advice to other young entrepreneurs

• Believe wholeheartedly in your vision – six months into my business I saw the void in the market and knew that my business would be big, unique and successful. You need to have a clear dream and vision for your business and know exactly how it will be and what it will look like.

• Know your market – Find out who they are, what they want, what they need and other brands they use and respect. The more you know about your audience, the easier it is to engage them and tailor your services to them.

• Be unique – no matter what industry you’re in, there are a lot of people doing the same thing. Create your point of difference and live by it.

• Have the right people around you – associate with people that have the same energy, positiveness, commitment and belief in your vision. Hire the best people you can afford and treat everyone around you with respect.

• Be a sponge – always ask lots of questions of people and listen to what they have to say. Knowledge is power.

For more information about Bloomtools go to www.bloomtools.com.au.

For an interview with James Greig or a high resolution image call Carly Youd on 1300 399 399 or email carly.youd@bloomtools.com.au.

Young Entreprenuers - Ignite Your Business Idea

Wanna start up your own business over summer? Wanna Be The Boss?

Don’t let all of the recession talk being pumped out by the media get you down. Sure times are a little tighter, but the whole world hasn’t stopped revolving or spending money altogether. And if you are anything like us and the other young entrepreneurs and business peeps we work with, these “new economic conditions” just mean you have to be that little bit smarter and entrepreneurial , easy right! We also believe that these “new economic conditions” bring with them a heap of opportunity as consumers look for better deals and alternatives to the big corporate guys, and you may have just the business that can do that.

So over summer, in between the parties, hanging at the beach and doing the road trip (cos yep you can still do all of that and start your biz!), get started on planning and starting your own business. Be your own boss and create your own job.

To help you out we have put together a Ten Step Summer Start Up Plan for you. Take that idea that has been floating around in your head, and combine it with that rumble and fire in your belly you have been feeling for a while, whack it together with our TEN STEPS and in no time you will be looking after customers like the other 50,000 15 – 24 year old young Aussies out there currently running their own business.

Plus we are very excited to announce that our Business Break it Down cards that many of you have used in our workshops are now available for you to purchase and use yourself. They outline the steps to starting up a business in a really fun and interactive format, a set of cards. Get your copy here http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/start-up-business-cards.html These cards are REALLY popular with young entrepreneurs.

1. 1. Grab a piece of paper or open up a word doc and describe your idea (so far!). Describe what makes it unique, who will most benefit from your idea, how your idea will help people & what you will do for them, and where your idea came from. For some summer biz ideas see our list below.

2. 2. Create a list of 10 questions to ask your potential customers so you can learn more about their needs, wants, budgets & interest in a business like yours. Then get out there and find at least 20 people who fit your target market and ask them your 10 questions.

If you are super worried about people “ripping” of your idea then check out www.ipaustralia.gov.au to see how you can protect your idea. But in the initial research phases you can usually still ask people questions that will help you learn more without telling em exactly what your business idea is.

3. 3. Now you know more about your idea and target customers, re-define your business idea to match up with customer wants & budget. You should now be able to capture your business idea on one page.

4. 4. It’s time now to think about how you will tell your target customers about your business, so working out your start up marketing. This is where you get to be creative and think of easy and cheap but fun ways of getting the attention of your target market so they wanna use you! Outline in a word doc what strategies you will use in the first 2 weeks of start up, then what you will do every 2 weeks after then to tell people about your business.

5. 5. You now need to think about your start up & ongoing costs. What equipment will you need & what costs are involved in running those (eg: petrol for the car, tools), will you need to pay anyone else for their time, what will your start up and ongoing marketing cost you (paper, printing, letter box dropping etc), and of course the cost of registering your business name. Open up an excel spreadsheet and create a budget. Note down what expenses there are (OUTs), how much and when you will need to pay them, and then when you would expect to start earning income (INs). You now have a budget and cashflow tracking all in one. Keep it updated! Work out where you will get the dollars to start up; savings, parents, other jobs or even credit card (if you are sure you can pay it back).

6. 6. Now you know how much it will cost you to start up and run & you know roughly your target customers budget, you need to now set your price for your product or service.

7. 7. For some fun stuff now, come up with a business name. Make sure your business name is easy to remember. Have a few options. Then go to your state governments Fair Trading Department and check to see if anyone else is using that name – cos then you can’t! When you find one that is unique to you, register it (this may cost you anything from $0 to $150 depending on which state you are in). You are now very very close to really starting your business – get excited?!

8. 8. Next is to choose the best business structure for you; sole trader, partnership, company, or not for profit. We have a really easy to read and use guide for you on this one, so go to http://www.frankteam.com.au/bizarticles/choose-a-business-structure.aspx to learn more.

9. 9. Head over to the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) website and register for an ABN if you don’t already have one. This costs nothing, and you can register it under your own name if you are a sole trader. It can take a few weeks to get your ABN so make sure you leave enough time for it. For any other tax questions you may have, we have done the research for you so go to http://www.frankteam.com.au/bizarticles/getting-started-tax-basics.aspx

10. 10. Guess what, now it is time to LAUNCH! Get that marketing happening and go out and get your first customers.

From here just learn, learn & learn more about your business idea from your customers to improve it even further. And enjoy the ride. Believe me when I say it is ok to be unsure & a little scared, but just go for it.

These TEN STEPS are the really basics of start up. If you want help that is a little more in depth but still totally practical and fun, then please check out our Frank Team Business Break It Down Cards. They make start-up easy & fun and summer is the perfect time for business planning. Plus these cards are super affordable at only $25 (plus postage & handling). Get them in time for Xmas for yourself or someone you know!!! More info in IGNITE and here http://www.frankteam.com.au/entrepreneur/start-up-business-cards.html

Some great summer businesses to start

- Collecting mail while people are on holidays

- Dog walking

- Party planner

- House sitting

- Painted t-shirts

- Sport lessons

- Mowing & gardening while people are on holidays

- PC repair

Young Entertainer & Dancers

The world of entertainment can be tough to crack into and stay in. You and your skills are your business assets, and you then need to be your own marketing department to get out there and find opportunities and make the most of them.
We have just heard of a great workshop coming up helping young entertainers, performers and dancers to learn more about marketing themselves - and it is free, yey!
Sydney-based professional dancer Clarinda Tivoli and internet marketer Philadelphia Tivoli are set to reveal their secrets to gaining regular paid work at an exclusive one-day free workshop, The Performer Secrets Workshop for Dancers to be held on Sunday November 30, in Sydney.
Get your seat:

Email contact@performersecrets.com

http://www.PerformerSecrets.com

Mention you heard about it through The Frank Team!!!

You're Invited - Learn more about the Young Entrepreneurs Stepping Up Program

You’re Invited

Wanna come and hang out with other young entrepreneurs just like you?

Wanna hear from some awesome speakers who will inspire you AND give you tips that will impact your business positively straight away?

Wanna learn more about the next Young Entrepreneurs Stepping UP Program (YESUP) and how you can get involved?

You can do all of that at The Frank Team’s Young Entrepreneurs Evening. Here is the vital info....

When: Thursday 13^th November – yep that is really soon!

Where: Function Room, Baulkham Hills Shire Council - 129 Showground Road Castle Hill

What time? Arrive in time for a 6.30pm start.

Who will you hear from?

Stew Nicholls – Founder of EcoCar Wash will tell us all about setting up systems for their very first franchise & how those systems have then allowed him to create a global organisation.

Fred Schebesta, FreestyleMedia & Andrew Tucker, Customware – will let us in on their secrets to getting through tough financial times. You know those times when the cashflow is super tight and you are just not sure how you are going to manage it all?! Yep, these guys have been through exactly that and come out the other side. Learn from their experiences.

YESUP Graduates – will share with everyone their experiences of The Frank Team’s YESUP and how it has benefited their businesses.

Plus we will be revealing a new Frank Team “young entrepreneurs only” service.

All of the YESUP graduates will be there receiving their certificates and celebrating their achievements over the program. There will be networking games to ensure you are getting around and meeting all of the amazing people in the room.

Parking: There is plenty of free parking at this venue. Food: Snacks & drinks provided. Cost: FREE – Thanks to our generous sponsors The Department of State & Regional Development & Baulkham Hills Shire Council

RSVP: anna@frankteam.com.au Ph: (02) 99664333 by Monday 10^th November