Do You Need to Be Famous to Be Entrepreneurial?
April 29, 2009 by ProGrad · 1 Comment
Larissa Ham recently wrote an article on www.smallbusiness.smh.com.au that questioned just how easy it is for celebrities to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners.
When referring to celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Greg Norman, Oprah Winfrey, Elle McPherson and George Foreman, Lam states that “Some have achieved wild success; others have stumbled, while one has punched and grilled his way to megabucks.”
These celebrities have already captured fame, now they are looking for new ways to capture success and fortune. Whether they are selling clothing, books, perfume or documentary videos, these big names are taking over a large portion of the entrepreneur sector without even trying.
Tom Hastwell, is an entrepreneur that travels around Sydney, inspiring school leavers on how they can form a successful business, without being branded a celebrity first. ‘‘You’ve got to have faith in what you’re doing and that has to be unwavering. The only person who’s going to believe in your business is you so it’s your job to sell that belief to anyone who becomes involved.’’ Tom Hastwell.
Some of Tom’s tips on how to launch a big idea include:
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Always be on the lookout for opportunities and new contacts.
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Everyone will tell you it can’t be done. Ignore them!
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Be passionate about your business — this will inspire others around you.
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Don’t be in it for the money. Do it because you enjoy it; the money will come.
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Networking is a fancy word for being brave and talking to people.
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Surround yourself with good people: business partners, employees, mentors, friends.
Sophie
ProGrad is an assessment, training and placement centre that specialises in providing university graduates with entry level business to business sales roles in fast growing international organisations. For more information please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au
Case Study - Ben
April 28, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Before I came to Prograd, I had worked in a few varied roles, administration, with a Chartered Accountant and with in a Kitchen Sales role. I then went to Wollongong University to complete my Commerce Degree.
The assessment day was a little stressful. Many things going on, having to perform in front of an audience, and knowing you are being evaluated. That said, the Prograd staff were most helpful, and enthusiastic, and did their utmost to ensure we all made it through without too much discomfort.
I was selected during the Assessment day to interview with a well known company, and was very excited, unfortunately I was unsuccessful with this interview, but it was only a couple of weeks until my Prograd Account Manager had me at an interview with an Optus Reseller, Communications Junction. The interview was successful, and the employment proposal I had been advised to write by Prograd proved very useful and in fact impressive to the interview panel. Although I was quite nervous before hand, I settled down once I was called in and had a very interesting successful interview. I selected this role as I wanted experience with a large company, and the chance to ‘earn my stripes’ or prove myself and hopefully be invited to join the Optus family directly.
I am currently a Business Development Executive for Optus directly. One of only 20 positions nationally. My role is currently split between growing a portfolio of accounts (account management) And generating new business opportunities (Business Development).
Optus is the second largest telecommunications provider in the Australian Market, Optus was purchased by Singtel in 2001. I work within the SMB market segment, where we target business within the 5 – 200 space.
My advice to other graduates who thinking of applying to ProGrad would be to Definitely go for it. It can be quite daunting to try and find a role when you first finish your degree, Prograd is perfect for reliving some of that stress as they will help you find potential roles that suit you. They helped me initially and the ongoing training has helped me formulate a strategy for my day to day activities.
Issues facing graduate recruitment
April 27, 2009 by ProGrad · 2 Comments
A survey of graduates by ‘Graduate Careers Australia’ has found that the relationship between the graduate and their direct line supervisor is the most important factor when deciding whether to change employers. This statistic reiterates the importance and influence of direct line managers on the success of graduates within companies. It was also found that the most common strategy in increasing retention was regular internal training and development programs coupled with structured appraisals on a quarterly basis. Through internal findings, it has also been discovered that the other factors in a graduate’s success include a clear progression path and mentorship from an experienced member of the organisation.
ProGrad is an assessment, training and placement centre that specialises in placing graduates with fast growing international companies within business to business sales roles. If you would like more information on our services, please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website www.prograd.com.au
ProGrad Case study - Robert
April 20, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
I completed a Bachelor of commerce (HRM) at the University of Wollongong part time while working in an OHS type role for a contractor at BlueScope steel.
I found the assessment day to be a great learning experience and a great setting to get me out of my comfort zone and build my confidence. It was definitely a challenging day, but certainly worth it.
Following the assessment day I was placed out to an interview with a FMCG company. My first interview was actually with the CEO of the organisation. I think he was looking to see if I would fit into the culture of the organisation. Following this interview I met with the operations manager of the company for a more comprehensive interview to determine whether I was right for the specific role. Thankfully I was successful through the process and accepted the role straight away as it was the exactly what I was looking for.
My company is primarily involved in the supply chain solutions with partnerships with Woolworths and Coles. I am working in a HR and OH&S role which involves monitoring and updating procedures and ensuring safe working conditions.
The ProGrad training is based on reality, which is something that is very beneficial in a learning environment despite me not being in a sales environment. Kingsley is a very effective trainer. He understands the candidate and understands what they are looking for.
For the ProGrad assessment day I would advise to prepare, be confident and stay open…
- Robert (ProGrad graduate)
What Interpersonal Style Do You Have?
April 17, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
When working in the business world, it is important to know your personality type, and that of the client or customer you are dealing with. Knowing how to interact with different personality types can often be the differentiating factor between an unsuccessful and successful business meeting.
Introverted Extroverted
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Conscientious Needs: · High Standards · Appreciation · Quality Work
Fears: · Criticism · Not Having Things Explained · Imperfection
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Direct Needs: · Recognition · Results · Challenges
Fears: · Lack of Results from Others · People Challenging Their Authority |
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Stabilising Needs: · Acceptance · Security
Fears: · Isolation · Standing out · Challenges |
Influencing Needs: · Acknowledgement · Change · New Ideas
Fears: · Disapproval · Stagnation · Detailed Work
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Reserved Outgoing
ProGrad specialises in assessing, training and placing graduates with fast growing international companies. For more information on how we can help you, please contact ProGrad on 02 8235 8300 or see our website www.prograd.com.au
ProGrad Case Study – Ben
April 17, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
I’ve grown up on the lower North Shore and went to high school at St Ignatius, Riverview for my schooling. I attended to Macquarie university and completer a bachelor of Commerce. Whilst at uni I worked for 5 years in a sales and Marketing position for a product wholesaler which gave me a fantastic grounding for my current role.
If I had to describe the assessment day in 3 words it would be – Grueling, confrontational and Eye-opening. Following the assessment day I was scheduled for 3 interviews and decided to go with the last one as the company had a fantastic reputation and I had a keen interest in what they did through the financial industry.
My position is a Business Development Executive and the purpose of my role is to prospect and gain commitment from key decision makers across a variety of vertical markets that have an interest in foreign exchange.
People think of applying to ProGrad should give it a go. There is nothing to lose besides half a day!
-Ben.
ProGrad case study – Richard
April 17, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
I was born in South Africa and have lived in Australia for 7 years. I have a degree in accounting and international business. I previously worked in an accounting firm for more than 2 years, along with over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry.
The ProGrad assessment day was definitely a challenge, but it has allowed me to gain valuable information about an area of business that was completely new to me. After the assessment day I was proposed for an interview at a conferencing company. The interview went really well, I got along great with both people throughout the process and the technology side of the business’s offerings was definitely something that attracted me to the company.
My role is that of a ‘role out and implementation specialist’. This incorporates everything from training new users through to assisting 12 sales reps with daily tasks. My role is varied and has allowed me to gain a great understanding about a majority of the functional areas within the business. The ProGrad training was very relevant to my role and has helped my progress to the position I am in now.
Finally, just advice from my experience. The ProGrad assessment day is about being confident, not arrogant. Make sure you get involved but don’t try to overpower everyone. You need to talk about things that make sense and that are relevant. Don’t just talk for the sake of talking!
- Richard.
Be Proactive in Your Job Hunt
April 14, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
As fewer people are leaving companies, and fewer opportunities are being created, the job market has become a rather difficult place for candidates.
Those candidates who are taking a proactive approach to their job hunt are definitely maximizing their chances.
In the past, it was common place for candidates to send through a resume and wait for a phone call. These days, there are so many applications being received for roles, that candidates now need to be more proactive.
Here are our recommendations for getting noticed in a crowded market:
* Prior to sending an application, make a phone call. Speak to someone directly, introduce yourself and ask for direct contact details. At least you know someone feels directly responsible for your application
2) * Follow up on any application sent. Don’t simply assume that you will be contacted from a potential employer. The job market has changed! We strongly recommend picking up the phone and calling to chase up your application. Call after 24 hours of sending your details.
3) * Demonstrate your enthusiasm!! This is again best done on the telephone, so if you are calling up to chase an interview, sound enthusiastic!! If you are very keen on the role, then say so.
4) * Ask questions, and ask about whether you can get an interview. This is again a great demonstration of your enthusiasm for the role, and demonstrates a proactive nature. Regardless of who or what you are applying for, all employers are interested in proactive people
5) * Be prepared. If you are offered an interview then be proactive in your preparation, and be more prepared than any other candidates they might be seeing
Things are becoming more and more competitive by the day. Ensure that you are going the extra mile for any applications or interviews in order to be considered in the best light.
By Davinia
ProGrad are a graduate assessment, placement and training company. If you would like to be considered for our roles, or receive more information about the graduate market place, please contact us on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can email us on info@prograd.com.au
Interact On & Offline
April 8, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
I am a huge advocate for online networking tools. I use the tools and am happy to speak of my experiences with them to engage others and learn by sharing ideas. At a recent conference I attended an impressive paper presented by Faith Legendre- Global Consultant for Cisco WebEx, during which she pointed out “In the past we shared our stories via the light of the camp fire, today we share our stories via the light of the computer monitor”.
With so much communication online, could it be too much of a good thing? I wanted to present the case for the reverse. In my role I often see many graduates that are so accustomed to social networking sites, blogs, emails, chats, sms’s and wikis that they miss out on developing skills and have to learn how to interact on the telephone and conduct effective face to face meetings.
Like many things, I suspect imbalance has its consequences. In a world where online skills are becoming the norm building effective business to business relationships via the phone and face to face become highly valued.
Kingsley -Training Manager Prograd
ProGrad have been working successfully with organizations in both Sydney and Melbourne over the last 4 years. We have worked with over 500 organizations placing and training over 1000 graduates across a variety of industries.
If you are interested in finding out more about the training and opportunities we have available, please contact the Operations Team on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can email us at info@prograd.com.au for more information.
How to be successful on an Assessment Day
April 7, 2009 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Having been through the assessment day process myself, I understand that it can be a slightly daunting and intense experience. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are of being successful.
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The first thing to expect during the day is sign-in, during this section of the day you will meet numerous people from ProGrad, this section is vital as first impressions count for a lot on the day. Ensure that you are well presented, have a firm handshake and a confident greeting.
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The next part of the day is the psychometric test. This is nothing to worry about it is just a quick ten minute test to allow us to ascertain your personality type for future reference. The instructions will be provided so no preparation is needed for this section of the day
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Self introduction – In the self introduction section of the day, you will be required to stand up and introduce yourself to the group, be sure to step forward and talk confidentially to the group and clients. Try to say something that sets you apart from the other graduates and ensure that your personality shines through!
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Group game – The group games section of the day is a chance for us to assess how you function in a group. What we are looking for during this part of the day are graduates who get involved in the games and show that they are confident and comfortable in a group situation. Interact as much as possible, speak up and make sure the group hears you, try to pick up any props –ie pen, read the instructions etc.
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Feedback – A feedback session is then carried out regarding these group games, we are really looking for people who are able to communicate the outcome of the group games so don’t be afraid to discuss your group’s findings.
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Business Case Study – In the business case study you are expected to create a business strategy based on a given situation. We are once again looking for individuals who are able to function well in teams, so make sure you get your ideas and points across. You can not prepare for this section of the day either, so just ensure that you interact and communicate well with your group.
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3 Minute Presentations “Why should ProGrad select you for a career in Business to Business Sales?” – This is definitely a vital section of the day and also the part of the day you have the most control over. Preparation is essential for the presentation, I guarantee a candidate who has spend a day preparing and practicing their speech will have a much greater chance of being successful than a candidate who prepared their speech on the train!
What we are looking for in the 3 minute presentation are individuals who:
· Have good communication skills
· Show Confidence
· Uses relevant examples
· Make eye Contact
And most of all
· Answer the question!!!
I hope this gives you a further insight into the day, if you need help in preparing for your assessment day, please don’t hesitate to contact me in the office.
Good Luck!
Virginia, Operations Team - Prograd