Connect and Grow Magazine - Connect Key to Success - edition 1

Connect and Grow Magazine

Produced by Break Free Consultancy

ABN:

© 2023 – Break Free Consultancy

ISBN: 978-1-4467-2424-8

Edition 1 September 2023 – Monthly Magazine Series

Contact us: E: info@breakfreeconsultancy.coim

T: 1300 494 294 www.breakfreeconsultancy.com

Level 1 530 Little Collins Street

Melbourne Victoria Australia

Magazine Details

Editor: Jacqui Grant

Article Author varies from edition to edition/month to month- other authors will be credited at the end of the article.

Advertising is available and to be featured in the Magazine is also available – to enquiry about advertising or being featured in our magazine please contact us via email: info@breakfreeconsultancy.com or you can complete our online application form: Advertising application form

Disclaimer: All information contained in this magazine is correct at the time of publication and is general information. Always seek professional advice required for your specific situation.

Welcome to our very first edition of Connect and Grow magazine.

This edition is the beginning of things to come. We have some other people who will continue to our editions moving forward and on occasions, you will see two authors sharing their books in the Book Corner.

This month our Feature article is about Networking and how it helps with business success.

Connect and Grow Magazine is about building community. It is an opportunity for both businesses and individuals to share with our readers what they are doing in their community.

As you can see we have a range of different sections, the goal is to provide something for everyone as each of us are unique and have a different range of interests.

Given this is our first edition, we are excited to share with you a couple of businesses and would love to hear from other businesses that would like to have their business listed at the end of the magazine.

We love to hear from people and hear about their passion and bring incredible value to others, this magazine is an opportunity and place where we empower others.

This gives you a place to be seen by more people, especially as distribution grows.

Life is a journey of growth and opportunities. 12 months ago I had a vision for where I wanted my life to be and what it is that I wanted to be doing, which was more time in my business, connecting with other people in the health and disability sector. To hear about people’s dreams and where they were feeling stuck and to find ways in which I could support them to achieve their goals and dreams.

Here I am today, doing just that, working with both sole traders and companies on their business goals.

Empowering individuals with their personal goals and dreams.

I love hearing about the difference that others are making as they follow their dreams, seeing them smile as the talk about their passion.

Each month we will share how the Uniquely Me Project is going and the difference it is making in the community as we give back and empower others in a way that helps them to be the best they can be.

Our events page is where you can find events, and we would love to hear from you about your events.

We do have a global distribution of this magazine for both digital and paperback versions, along with being shared on social media by us and you.

We thank you for your support and look forward to being part of your journey as you are part of ours.

Together we can build an empowered community.

Networking is Key to Success in business!

When it comes to running a successful business, any business networking is a huge part of your success. Networking builds community. If you have ever been to a networking event you will know that they all run differently and some of them are of incredible value and some are not a match for you and your business, it is about connection with others and your business being seen and known about by others.

The benefits of networking are:

 Getting to know other businesses in the same or similar industry to you.

 Building community

 Potential for other businesses to refer to you and you do the same, this builds trust.

 Being part of something more than your business.

 Access to new ideas and even a fresh approach to how you are running your business, sometimes it takes one person to share an idea for you to start thinking in a different way.

Networking events that have speakers that share their experience, and their information are also a great way to learn what is going on in the industry that you are providing services and also stay up to date.

Each person is different, every business is different and there is never one way that fits everyone, which is where networking can open amazing doors.

On 20th September 2023, we ran a 2-hour Connect and Grow networking event and had 23 people attend. Julie Fisher (who is also mentioned in our Book Corner section) spoke about her experience having a child who has Down syndrome and how her son Darcy experiences life and his goals. Julie also shared about how having the right support team for Darcy has made all the difference.

I presented on the topic what life is like as a person who is neurodiverse and late diagnosis along with talking about business compliance in the disability sector. There was plenty of time for everyone to get to know others in the room to share about their business and exchange business details. Seeing each person smile and laugh during the time together.

Since that day businesses are now keen to attend another event and to keep building and growing connections. Many photos have been shared on social media and because of sharing the positive experience other people are reaching out and the positive energy is spreading further and further.

The benefit of this for everyone is the connection and this forms the basis for long-term positive business relationships which in turn helps those who require the services.

There are many ways that networking can occur:

 A coffee catch-up one-on-one with another service provider

 Group coffee catchups with a small group of other providers

 A big expo, where you are meeting other providers and potential clients/people for your services.

 Online events

 Networking like Connect and Grow

 Doing a course – you get to meet like-minded people.

 A get-together over a game of mini golf or bowling.

Networking and other events will take you away from your business day-to-day running and many do charge a small fee to cover costs however that is a business deduction. It is important to decide which ones are right for your business so that you can attend and still meet your business requirements.

When was the last time you attended a networking event and what do you enjoy about it? What would you like to see at a networking event?

Events

Listing events that you may be interested in attending.

The list of events that we will place here will grow over time, given this is our first edition we have listed the ones Break Free Consultancy has coming up. If you would like to have your business listed here, please reach out to us at Break Free Consultancy

Connect and Grow – coffee catch up’s Victoria 10am – 11am

1st Wednesday each month – Mornington

2nd Wednesday each Month – Rowville

4th Wednesday each Month – Williamstown

Connect and Grow ½ day Networking event – Ascot Vale

21st November 2023 10 -2pm

Speakers: Nathaniel for Activate Exercise Physiology

Fiona – Leap In plan managers

Jacqui – Break Free Consultancy

Morning and Lunch provided – refreshments – Plenty of time to interact with others and fun activities.

Tickets are available here: Connect and Grow Networking Ascot Vale

Connect and Grow – full day Networking event Brisbane

23rd March 2024 10am – 4pm

We have:

Clare – speaking about the role of the Occupational Therapist

Kirstie – HR requirements

Matilda – Branding

Jacqui – NDIS business process and Life as a neurodivergent person

Plenty of time for networking

Morning and afternoon tea, lunch and refreshments are provided for the day.

Tickets are available now: Connect & Grow Networking Brisbane Markets

Markets are often a great way to get out and about, which is fun and inexpensive, depending on the type of market and how much you love a bargain.

Melbourne has this website that shares about the different markets that are on: Melbourne Markets

Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Strategies and Tips

for health, fitness, and wellbeing

When it comes to your health, fitness, and wellbeing it is important to have balance in every aspect of it for your personal and professional life.

When it comes to taking care of your body, whatever your goal maybe choosing nutritional foods to important. It can be a challenge at times when on a tight financial budget and it can feel like everything is so expensive, it can be challenging to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables for your meals along with the right amount of protein and variety, however, it can be done and there are also fun ways of bringing nutrition into your life, such as growing your own vegetables and possibly some fruits.

Creating a small vegetable and easy-to-grow fruits can be a great experience for everyone no matter who you are. This is great for your family, the quality of homegrown fruit and vegetables is often high in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

When it comes to serving sizes, it is important to stick with the portion sizes that are right for you and your body's needs. In some cases, input from a dietician may be required. Always follow the directions from the right people for your dietary requirements.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is something that everyone can implement in their life in some way. It can be as simple as being completely present in the moment even for 1 minute and for those who are able to implement the practice of meditation, this can go on for an hour or more.

For those who have regular experience with meditation, you understand how it can help with every aspect of your life, including positive sleep habits, reduced blood pressure and increased energy.

There are different ways a person can meditate, and the goal of meditation is to a specific amount of time, be completely present in the moment and allow all the stress, tension and worry to leave your body and mind.

You may like to consider some of the following ideas for meditation:

 Going for a walk: – especially in nature, it could be by the beach, for a bush walk or a garden area. Walking in nature helps you to see what you are around and helps with keeping your mind in the moment, especially when you enjoy the scenery.

 Standing outside on the grass with bare feet: Close your eyes and allow your body to release the tension by focusing on your breathing, feeling the air around you and giving yourself permission to relax. Notice the sun on your face, the feeling of the soft grass under your feet. Slow deep breaths.

 Guided Meditation: There are many different types of guided meditation that are available for free on places such as YouTube. There may be a place near you that offers meditation classes.

 Hands in water: For some people placing your hands in warm water and letting them sit there for a few minutes can be very calming and a form of meditation. If you use soapy water it can be fun to watch the bubbles and the colors in the bubbles. It is simple and can be very effective.

 Swimming/Running: some people find that going for a swim or a run is very calming and like meditation. The release of endorphins and dopamine gives the person energy and can be relaxing, keeping their focus on their pace, breathing and more.

 Music: listening to music can be very relaxing and calming for many people. The type of music varies from person to person, and this is the beauty of each of us being the unique person that we are.

Whatever choose as a form of meditation, including it in your life on a regular basis can be extremely beneficial.

Creativity and Stress Management

Have you ever noticed how much fun children have when they relax and are present in the moment? Happily playing, exploring through play and being curious, in a safe manner, and then when the time comes to stop, whilst they may not always be happy about that, they are able to leave that activity behind them and move on to something else.

This is a great way to be. To be able to stop one activity and then be completely focused on the next one.

Work/life balance can be a struggle to have at times, however, it is so important for the enjoyment of life. It helps to reduce the amount of stress and one way of doing that other than meditation is to be involved in activities that bring you joy and allow you to be creative.

Art therapy has been found to be a great way for people to express themselves and release any stress. Gardening is another way of being both creative and expressing yourself through choosing what you plant and caring for your plants.

When you can express yourself in ways that are creative you have something that helps to manage stress which then helps you to enjoy a work/life balance.

NDIS – Providers and Participants

For both providers and participants, we provide updates, tips and strategies.

When it comes to running a NDIS business or being a person who has a NDIS plan understand that the NDIS can be a complex system to navigate, and it can be tough for both providers and participants.

When it comes to providing services to those with an NDIS plan it’s important to set your business up properly and have compliance, have a solid business plan and the right insurance for the business.

It’s also important to stay within your scope of practice as part of being an Australian business and your insurance coverage.

As part of best practice, you can offer FREE meet and greet to meet people as a way of finding out if you are the right fit for each other. It is a great opportunity for both to ask questions and learn more about each other.

Listen to the person who is requesting your services and ensure that you can display honesty and trust. Many people with an NDIS plan have struggled and fought hard to get the funding in their plan, to have the services and it is important that all judgements are removed.

The person with the plan is a person first, they are not a diagnosis, a disability, they are a PERSON and when you come from a person-centred approach you will find it is much easier to build trust and a positive reputation.

Uniquely Me book covers some of the experiences of those who have a disability, who have faced challenges in their life and how they have faced those challenges and judgements along with day-to-day struggles.

Tips and Strategies for those with a NDIS plan

 Discuss your plan with your support coordinator or a family member to understand it correctly and how much of each service you can have, this is your business and you do not have to disclose any financial information to anyone other than the support coordinator and plan manager.

 It’s okay to say “no thank you” if a provider has met with you and you are not comfortable working with them for whatever reason. This is your life, and it is important that you feel comfortable.

 Support worker service providers only need to know your goals and the support you require, so how many hours a week and which days and times best suit you If the funding in your plan matches that it should all work out properly.

 If you notice that you are not happy with a provider you are allowed to cease services and you can do this by sending an email or a text message if that suits you, it is best to read the service agreement that you have signed for the notice period. The notice period is in most service agreements because for the service provider, this is their income.

 NDIS has a code of conduct that all providers are to follow, and you can access that information on the website.

 If you are finding things have changed for you, then you can request a review of your plan, you may have to an supporting documentation for the NDIS and I understand this can be hard work and exhausting, especially when life is already a challenge at times, however with the right support people such as a support coordinator or LAC, it could help you to get additional funding for additional support.

When both the service provider and the person requiring the services come together with positive communication and the goal to work together, amazing things can happen. It's about building a team that works for the long term.

Inclusiveness & Community

We cover strategies and tools along with the benefits of creating inclusiveness and community for everyone.

When it comes to creating inclusiveness in both society and the workplace the first place to start is to get to know the person and who they are as a person, what they require and how they work to be the best they can be.

For many people who have a diagnosis that is considered a disability or to be different, there is often a sense of isolation, and it can take time to find the right community where they feel accepted and can be true to themselves.

Workplace inclusiveness can also be a challenge for many people, especially when the workplace has set guidelines and expectations of staff that do not consider how the environment, the expectations impact those who are neurodiverse or have other diagnoses and traits that do require some flexibility, it is often easier to cater for people who have a physical disability than it is for those who’s disability are not easy to see and in some cases are not understood by others.

Neurodiversity is one of the diagnoses that is often misunderstood especially for those who are choosing to work, keen to work and do require there be some adaptations in the workplace so that they can bring the best to the job.

There are many strengths that a person can bring to a job, however at times some workplaces are not open to being flexible.

Understanding what a person requires to be included and welcomed in the community and the workplace is important and it is much easier than many people believe. It takes having open conversations and an open mind. Sure, some people may feel uncomfortable with certain traits, however, that is part of life.

Demonstrating respect is also important. Each person is unique, each person has traits that are not for everyone and that is more than okay.

Inclusiveness and Community can be established with patience, understanding and a willingness to work together.

As Connect and Grow Magazine grows, we will share the stories of others who have found ways to be included in the community and the workplace.

Book Corner

We will share about different books that are available that may be of interest to others on a variety of topics.

Book corner is where we share about one or two books and their authors. Books are a great way to learn, to grow and to discover new and exciting ways to experience life.

This month in our book corner we welcome Julie Fisher

Julie is an Amazon bestselling author of 3 incredible books. Each book shares about her son Darcy and her life, the different aspects of what it has been like so far to live with a child who has the diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

Julie is co-host on RPPFM Voice of the Peninsula each week and has guests on the show sharing their experiences also in the disability sector.

Julie has an incredible approach in both her writing and speaking that helps people to understand the ups and downs of life with someone who is not always accepted by society.

Next month we will feature another author and share about their book/s and where you can find them.

Reading is a great way to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

Break Free Consultancy’s project raises funds for a variety of charities supporting others to have access to what they need, such as food and toy drives, autism, down syndrome, Butterfly Foundation, and more.

We are all unique, amazing, and incredible no matter what we look like or what we can or cannot do. The Uniquely Me Project is about giving back to the community and because there are so many people in need and so many different charities and organizations, we will be choosing different ones throughout the year. From now until 2024 our focus is raising funds for food and gifts for those in need for Christmas. We have found a couple of charities that we will be looking further into and how we can get behind them.

The way you can contribute is to purchase the book Uniquely Me, Gratitude Journal the Uniquely Me coffee mug, we also have the Empowered Wellness Card deck. The profits from each of these items goes directly into the Uniquely Me Project for us to then donate in the best possible way to the chosen charity organization.

We will share as we connect with the different organizations and make a difference in the lives with others.

To learn more, visit our website: www.breakfreeconsultancy.com

Connect and Grow Membership

Connect and Grow Membership is a great way to stay up to date and attend events, save on course, and receive a digital copy of Connect and Grow Magazine each month. It also includes savings on advertising here in the magazine.

To become a member visit here: https://www.breakfreeconsultancy.com.au/course/connectand-grow-membership

Business Listings

This section is for businesses to have their business listed in our magazine and access for others to contact them.

Caring Hands Connect

NDIS Registered service providers in Victoria and now expanding into Canberra and Adelaide. Includes support work and nursing services. Visit their website to learn more: Caring Hands Connect

Break Free Consultancy

Disability Business Consultant, Empowerment Coach. Networking events for businesses in disability and health. Supporting NDIS businesses from Startup to Expansion. Speaker –Neurodiversity, Health, and Wellbeing in the Workplace. Break Free Consultancy

Would you like to advertise your business here with us, we welcome you to complete the application form here: Advertising Application Form

Acknowledgements

Thank you to those who have contributed to this edition of Connect and Grow Magazine.

We would love to hear from you, if you would like to be featured, contribute to the content, or advertise through our magazine.

We have multiple different ways for others to be involved and we appreciate the support of sharing about this magazine to others either digital or paperback.

Next Month

Next month we will be introducing Kathy Ashton a clinical nutritionist who is making a difference in the lives of many people to help them ensure their diet and food intake is the best it can be.

Kathy will be writing an article each month and providing strategies and tools that you may find useful in conjunction with support from your medical and health professionals.