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Network & Industry News

Everything you need to know

CONVENTION: 

SOLD OUT, again!

 

For the third year in a row, National Convention has SOLD OUT!

 

This year, more than 600 delegates will be joining us in Hobart for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Princes Wharf 1 (PW1) will be at the centre of the majority of functions and is located in the heart of Hobart’s historic Salamanca District on the waterfront.

 

Don’t forget to plan everything you need by referring to our Ready, Set, Hobart Convention eBook. 

 

See you soon!

AWARDS: 

VIC, TAS and QLD GEM Award Winners Announced 

 

Over the past two weekends, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland’s GEM Award winners were revealed. Now, everybody recognised in our state and territory awards is in the running for National GEM Awards at our Hobart Convention.

 

VICTORIA/TASMANIA GEM AWARDS

 

At our VICTORIAN & TASMANIAN GEM Awards, major award winners were:

  • FN Charles L. King & Co (Echuca), Magnificent 7 – No.1 Sales Office of the Year 
  • FN Hall & Partners (Dandenong), Magnificent 7 - No.1 Investor Relations Management Office of the Year (3rd year)
  • Jackie Lyons, FN Hall & Partners (Dandenong), Magnificent 7 - No.1 Investor Relations Manager of the Year
  • Lily Thompson, FN Neilson Partners (Narre Warren) Magnificent 7 - No.1 Business Development Manager of the Year
  • Troy O'Brien, FN Charles L. King & Co (Echuca), Magnificent 7 - No.1 Salesperson of the Year
  • Pillar Award - Kay Alexander, FN Alexander’s (Bright)
  • Opus Award - Kim de Kort, FN King & Heath (Bairnsdale)
  • New Investor Relations Manager of the Year - Brittany Cox, FN Neilson Partners (Pakenham)
  • New Salesperson of the Year - Mason Torney, FN Rayner (Bacchus Marsh)
  • Your Town & You Award - William Bonnici, FN Bonnici & Associates (Wodonga)
  • Digital Award - Lily Thompson, FN Neilson Partners (Narre Warren)
  • Best Marketing Campaign - Owen Sharkey, FN Golden Plains (Bannockburn)

QUEENSLAND GEM AWARDS

 

At our QUEENSLAND GEM Awards, major award winners were:

  • FN Cleveland, Magnificent 7 – No.1 Sales Office of the Year (3rd year) 
  • FN Townsville (Aitkenvale), Magnificent 7 - No.1 Investor Relations Management Office of the Year
  • Alina Williamson, FN Townsville, Magnificent 7 - No.1 Investor Relations Manager of the Year
  • Melissa Starkey, FN Surfers Paradise, Magnificent 7 - No.1 Business Development Manager of the Year
  • Mark Cheney, FN Moreton (Burpengary), Magnificent 7 - No.1 Salesperson of the Year
  • Pillar Award - Janelle McGregor, FN Wynnum Manly (Manly)
  • Opus Award - Kate Craig, FN Sarina, Mackay, Nebo
  • New Investor Relations Manager of the Year - Isabella Mullins, FN Complete (Rockhampton)
  • New Salesperson of the Year -Dylan Weiske, FN Townsville (Aitkenvale)
  • Digital Award - Andrew Dunn, FN Bundaberg
  • Best Marketing Campaign - Andrew Dunn, FN Bundaberg

MARKETING: 

First National leaps ahead with CANVA 

 

 

First National has introduced another ground-breaking advance with the announcement that Canva will now power the FN Design Hub. This makes it even easier to create beautiful, brand-compliant artwork that strengthens our identity, making it more recognisable and attractive from coast-to-coast.

 

As the undisputed world-leader in desktop graphic design, Canva will change your day-to-day marketing tasks, making them not only easy but fun.

 

If you missed our launch webinar or would like to access your complimentary Canva account, see more details in the Media and Marketing section.

 

‘I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve been more excited about a partnership! I use Canva daily now and this is going to be amazing.’

Kate Craig

FN Mackay (Qld)

 

WELLBEING: 

Keep your team healthy and productive 

 

Get your team together for our next wellbeing session which focuses on how nutrition and movement keep you happy, healthy and productive. Click the image to register now.

UP-SKILLING: 

What Differentiates the Most Successful Agents?

 

Training around the network continues with industry expert Tom Panos, with agents from the South Coast and Southern Highlands in NSW meeting in Wollongong to enjoy a great session last week. Tom works with the industry’s leading agents and pinpoints critical behaviours that differentiate the most successful in the industry. 

 

Adelaide, it’s your turn next. Don’t miss Tom on the 27th of this month. Feedback is consistently excellent.

 

‘A fantastic day. Even being in property management, I still learnt a lot.’

Katie Schoonbeek

FN Bowral 

 

‘I implemented one of Tom’s ideas yesterday and talked to a potential listing. Using his methods, I got an appointment to list the property. It was so unexpected but using words the correct way works. Today I’m calling all the appraisals we have done in the past.’

Darren Mansell

FN Albion Park

 

‘Our team found Tom to be great. Not only the scripts, dialogues and prospecting tips but the personal insight in Tom’s life and the importance of resilience and mental health strategies. Our agents are already implementing some of the ideas and we would definitely see Tom again.’

Matt Hutchinson

FN Coastside (Shellharbour)

 

‘A great session. I found the content valuable. My team enjoyed it and found the content was a true reflection on how to work in the market. Tom was very personable and I would definitely attend his sessions again.’

Leanne Brailey

FN Wollongong

 

UP-SKILLING: 

Preparation is everything when presenting to NCAT

 

Property managers need to be well prepared when heading to a hearing, particularly those held at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).  It’s essential to understand the processes and documentation needed to meet the needs of the Tribunal member. 

 

This is well understood by First National’s property managers because Trish Rogers presented to ‘at capacity’ sessions in Parramatta and Ballina. To assure our staff represent their landlords to the best of their ability, Trish detailed:

  • How to prepare a strong Tribunal case – including a Summary of Claim and Timelines
  • Step-by-step checklists, sample documents and tips on preparation
  • How to ensure your tradespeople’s invoices are prepared correctly
  • How to review your own case in a mock Tribunal hearing

‘A very informative and interactive session delivered at a great pace with concise information.’

Wendy Duncan

FN lake Macquarie (Edgeworth, NSW)

 

‘Very informative with good tips for preparation and websites to visit with more information.’

Anne-Marie Fishburn

FN Coast & Country (Kiama, Gerringong, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW)

 

‘Loved the last part; working though everyone’s questions and real-life experiences. Very energetic speaker and great content for new PMs.’

Margo Taggart

FN Tamworth (NSW)

COMMERCIAL: 

How the FN Commercial brand is growing

 

 

FN Commercial hosted a ZOOM meeting that demonstrated how successfully the FN Commercial brand and its initiatives are driving growth in our commercial offices. 

 

Resources such as the Commercial Property Management pitch document were presented, the Commercial Property Investment Guide and the Commercial Mentoring Program, and the National Retail Tenancy Legislation Guide. 

 

There couldn’t be a better way to grow your business than to add commercial services to your offering, with FN Commercial behind you. Our Commercial Concierge service and Commercial Development Desk give you an incredible advantage, because you can just pick up the phone to receive expert coaching and advice. 

 

Talk to your Business Growth Manager (BGM) to find out more today.

 

UP-SKILLING: 

Getting notices to vacate right when going to VCAT

 

Back by popular demand, former REIV President, Leah Calnan, presented a heavily-attended training session in Melbourne on how to get the best outcomes for clients when going before VCAT. She focused on:

  • Preparing Notice to Vacate and making Applications
  • Timeframes and challenging applications
  • Understanding s.330A - Reasonable and Proportionate
  • Applying to Magistrates Court
  • Preparing your case for Magistrates Court

A Q&A session followed her presentation, with plenty of time allocated to strengthen our property managers’ understanding on this critical topic. 

 

‘As a new Property Manager (15 months) this was invaluable training. Even the senior staff that attended with me from our office got so much out of it!’

Sarah White

FN Bonnici & Associates (Wodonga, Vic)

 

‘We gained a lot from yesterday’s training.’

Baiba Rudd

FN Barlow McEwan Tribe (Altona, Vic)

 

‘I found the session very beneficial. It was a lot to take in but I did learn a lot and being able to look back through the PowerPoint will be useful. It was probably one of the best training sessions that I have been to so far.’ 

Ebony Benger

FN Rayner (Bacchus Marsh, Vic)

UP-SKILLING: 

Benchmarking 2023 underway

 

 

Business Growth Managers (BGM) have emailed all principals with a link to complete the annual Benchmarking survey, managed by BDO – the same organisation that facilitated last year’s initiative. It takes just 15 minutes.

 

This is your chance to clearly see how your profitability, fees and expenses stack up against offices similar to yours.

 

First National will not see your results but you will be able to take the report you receive from BDO Accounting to one of First National's upcoming Benchmarking Workshops.

 

If you missed the email, please contact your BGM.