Network and industry

Cape Schanck retreat charts course to better business 

The network’s national schedule of Principals’ Retreats commenced at RACV Resort Cape Schanck last week. 

Situated on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula Melbourne, the wild ocean waters of Bass Straight and historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse provided a metaphor for the challenges faced by business owners and the safety afforded by good guidance, planning and collaboration. 

Day one incorporated a workshop where principals discussed economic conditions affecting their markets, their staffs, and their business strategies. Facilitated by James Bateman (Business Growth Manager, VIC), a wide range of administrative issues were canvassed, and solutions discussed.

Australia’s leading real estate business growth coach, Michael Sheargold, addressed members on day two. Having coached many of the industry’s most successful principals, property managers and salespeople, he shared his fascination for the ‘what’s possible’ in business as well as his ideas about how to keep your business in the transformation space.

CEO David Edwards also shared details of the network’s recently approved three-year strategy, now being implemented by management. This strategy is aimed at improving products, services and the value proposition of your First National membership.

Have you registered to see Michael Sheargold at your state or territory’s upcoming Principals’ Retreat? Don’t miss this important opportunity to improve the services offered by your business as well as your profitability.

SA/NT – 23 August, Stamford Glenelg – Register Now

WA – 27/28 August, Hilton Garden Inn Busselton – Register Now

QLD – 10/11 September, Twin Towns Conference and Function Centre – Register Now

NSW – 23/24 September, The Anchorage Port Stephens – Register Now

New ideas and fresh perspectives at Sales Power Up 2

Our recent Sales Power Up in Queensland delivered the goods, when it came to new ideas and fresh perspectives for sales agents operating in a challenging listing environment. Our agents accessed the industry’s leading trainers, including:

• Tom Panos
• Kara Johnson
• Jordan Bain
• Scott Harman
• Alex Jordon

‘Well done yet again on a great lineup. A wide variety of speaking topics, which is always great to see’.

Jake Holmes

FN Moreton (Burpengary, QLD)

‘I loved it—it was probably my favourite one yet. I really enjoyed the range of speakers and was thrilled that Tom Panos was there. Each speaker offered valuable insights into their respective areas. Scott’s presentation on negotiation and buyers was especially impressive.’

Talitha Jose

FN Property Solutions (Palm Beach, QLD)

‘Well worth the time invested! The training by Kara from MoFlow on pipeline management was outstanding.’

Sarah Reading

FN Murwillumbah (QLD)

Member satisfaction survey underway

Our 2024 member satisfaction survey is now underway, with office principals receiving phone calls for a 15 minute interview. When your call comes, please share with us your membership experience so we can better understand what you value, and what we can do better.

The survey is being conducted by an independent external organisation, Klein. The number the call will originate from is 0489 926 580 and the interviewer will say they’re calling from TKW on behalf of Klein, in relation to First National’s member survey. 

$5,000 grants for human resources available

The Queensland government is offering specific Human Resources Grants of $5,000 to businesses with less than 20 employees and less than $10 million in revenue. Funding may be used to seek new and innovative HR solutions to support your business, including: 

• Engaging with HR specialists to receive advice and coaching to improve workforce issues
• Specialised recruitment strategies or practices to attract and retain underutilised or specific cohorts
• New workforce systems or tools that promote HR support and resources 
• Other new and innovative approaches that support workforce attraction, retention or participation 

Members wishing to apply for the funding need to get two quotes. Our Alliance Partner, HR Advice Online can provide one quote. Questions or requests for assistance can be directed to QLD BGM, Michael Keith – michael.keith@firstnational.com.au or 0448 727 624.

Consumer Affairs Victoria rental inspections blitz

Consumer Affairs Victoria is currently targeting advertised rental properties that may not meet mandatory minimum standards. A taskforce of inspectors is actively attending open inspections.

Allowing a tenant to move into a non-compliant property is a crime, with fines of $11,000 applicable for individuals and $59,000 for companies.

Don’t miss Michael Furlong’s presentation at our upcoming Property Management Conference in Melbourne – How prepared is your office if it were randomly audited by the new Victorian Government Rental Taskforce? Michael will provide you with the steps necessary to assure each of your listings is fully compliant.

National training round up

There’s been a power of well-attended training throughout the network lately, underscoring our membership’s commitment to upholding the highest of standards.

NSW Business Growth Manager (BGM) Sarah Barton led a property management Think Tank in Ballina, where 14 property managers from the Far North Coast discussed their challenges, shared ideas, and, most importantly, expressed a strong interest in connecting and collaborating with each other going forward.

‘It was great! So good to connect with other PM’s. All our struggles are real. Really valuable. The unstructured / play it by ear approach was great.’

Jemma Adams

FN Byron Rentals (Byron Bay, NSW)

‘It was really nice and informal. We got to share our experiences.’

Simona Scimo

FN Byron Rentals (Byron Bay, NSW)

‘It was great interacting with the other ladies and exchanging each other’s experiences, processes and ideas with them.  Also, it was good to have a laugh, listening to some of these stories in an industry that can be quite challenging. Thanks again.’

Kathy Alexander

FN Murwillumbah (NSW)

Several insightful and engaging sessions were hosted by Telstra Businesswoman of the Year and former Di Jones Real Estate GM, Kylie Walsh. Members left with valuable tools and strategies to enhance the customer experience and gain a competitive advantage.  

‘Thank you again. This was one of the best training days I’ve had, and I was very impressed with how Kylie managed and worked the room’.

Continuing to impress our delegates, Stephen Toms delivered another outstanding digital training session in Brisbane.

Kasey McDonald’s ‘Leveraging Technology and Data-Driven Strategies in Property Management’ gave property managers the latest insights and practical tools to modernise their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in the industry.  Anthony Booth from our Alliance Partner, Sensor, also talked about Sensor’s smoke alarms and leak detectors that operate remotely, sending alerts to your office when something is wrong.

Learning and development

QLD

What: Property Management/BDM Training with Vasili Hadzellis

When: 21 August 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Where: Mercure Gold Coast

Register: Click here

What: Property Management/BDM Training with Vasili Hadzellis

When: 22 August 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Where: Sebel Marcooydore, Sunshine Coast

Register: Click here

Online 

What: Workplace Wellbeing Webinar - Financial Wellbeing with Nou Nou Kinnavong, REISuper

When: 21 August 2 pm to 3 pm AEST

Where: Zoom Webinar – Online 

Register: Click here

What: CoreLogic Webinar - National Spring Market Update with Tim Lawless

When: 26 August 11:30 am to 12:00 pm AEST

Where: Zoom Webinar – Online 

Register: Click here