AND HOW! The ladybirds business network took off in a big way on May 24 at the smart new Melbourne wine bar JWOW.
 
The beginning of many great things to come. A fabulous turnout was greeted by founding ladybirds Lyndley Sandford Reeks and Selena Moorfield. There was a wonderful buzz in the room and Penny Agar, Brand Manager, Yering Station hit the mark when she talked of her achievements in the wine industry, and particularly on the topic of “This used to be a man’s domain” . 
 
A few poignant quotes from Penny’s speech:-  .
“As a 28 year old I am part of generation Y (born 1977 – 1994) according to media and research we are 1⁄4 of the population (4.5 million) and are confident, impatient and hard to manage. Generation Y live for today but have one eye on the future.  We spend big, save and place greater emphasis on relations, careers and health rather than religion, marriage and having children. We also enjoy dinner parties, shun ‘cool’ and focus on ourselves."

Penny Agar  with Paul Mobbs and Steve Brown

Penny has been with Yering Station for many years in various roles from Cellar Door Manager, Global Development Manager and currently as Brand Manager. Penny spoke of the challenges, as the role is incredibly social and takes much of her ‘play’ time into work – another characteristic of the Y generation. Quote “I guess this latest progression in my career has been into a female domain in once sense and a male in other ways!” 
 
With 30,000 people in the wine industry, approx 32% of the work force is female (in comparison to 45% in all other industries). Penny said “I feel the wine industry is still a male domain I hope to see changes and see the opinion of women heightened in the industry. I realize, however, that my success in business does not come down to my gender or whether I am treated equally, but from passion and love for what I am doing. I enjoy who I work for, where I work, who I work with and the product I am marketing and selling. It is this passion that motivates and inspires me, creates loyalty and dedication to my current position and drives my future career.”
 
Wow what a woman! Penny hit the target well and she is energetic proof of a woman working successfully in what used to be a man’s domain and I am pleased to add is now an honorary ladybirds member.
 
It was a great takeoff and there is so much we want to achieve from the ladybirds Business Network.  Selena and I have been friends for many years, we have socialized and run events together, played tennis and have formed a bond.  Opposites attract and you could say that may be with us.  Selena and I talked about starting a network for women to meet one another, connect, inspire and learn, have some fun and do business. As taken from the ladybirds anecdotes book  “we thought of many names and eventually decided on ladybirds.  Like our namesake they contribute and are considered friends to keep”  
So we have ladybirds Business Network.  It’s about people, commitment, attitude and life.  We would like to adopt a different charity each year and work toward reaching specific projects, suggestions are welcome.  There are many topics we would like to introduce and we are very pleased to acknowledge the wonderful hospitality of JWOW Wine Bar in hosting these for us.  
 
Our next guests have a formula for transforming your life, Jules and Zsuzsa will be showing us how easy it is to get your own body into Peakshape on June 8th at JWOW.

There are plans for breakfasts, expeditions such as race meetings, Hong Kong or The Gardens at Valloires, France where they breed ladybirds and sell them to the vineyards. Imagine… the ladybirds Business Network visiting ladybirds in France, which supports one of my favorite quotations from Albert Einstein “Imagination is more important than knowledge”. 
 
ladybirds.  Become one, grasp a friend too.  Get on board and network!
 
Best

	Clockwise from left ladybirds at the takeoff, ladybirds member Jason OÇonnor and Mieke from JWOW. Justin Bruce in the middle of more ladybirds.

Lyndley Sandford Reeks
Known to many for her tenacity and passion for fundraising with Kids Help Line, Lyndley is also a marketer having been in the advertising, marketing and hospitality industries for over twenty years.  She has recently set up her own marketing consultancy to assist clients with their marketing needs.  Lyndley knows the power of what a great network can be and is highly passionate about building the ladybirds Business Network into a prosperous and valuable force for all ladybirds.
 

 
And for those not so sure, of course ladybirds love networking with men as well. Membership welcome to our male friends who think they have something to give and learn…and we already have many registered. Register directly at www.ladybirds.net.au

June 8th – JWOW Wine Bar, 6.30pm
Your body, Your life, Your choice...
 
We’are all a little bit tired of being marketed to with the latest diet or exercise product promising answers of how to lose those unwanted kilos. Now Peakshape presents the easy solution to living a lifetime of optimal wellness, vitality and the body you have always desired, without dieting!
 
Jules and Zsuzsa from Peakshape will do a unique presentation using three creative tools that you can apply to ‘Peakshape’ your body and transform your life'. Learn about your natural 24 hour metabolic clock and how you can apply daily strategies to shed unwanted kilos quickly and easily. Not a diet. Not to be missed. This unique presentation will transform your body and your life.  It’s about you.  It’s your body, your life, your choice.
 
This event is complimentary
Superb refreshments served, thanks to JWOW. The smartest little wine bar in Melbourne, 243 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Bookings required. Book directly with Lyndley at: lyndley@ladybirds.net.au or on 0412356700. 
 

 
Heading Out Lucky ladybirds Voucher
Heading Out is one of Australia’s leading hair and beauty salons and has kindly given a voucher for one of their award winning treatments at any of their four salons around Melbourne: GPO, Fitzroy, Camberwell, Balwyn. One lucky attendee will win this fantastic voucher at JWOW on June 8th.

JWOW simply means wine in Chinese. It is a New York styled bar with an Asian influence, with stylish setup and the presentation of wine as its core. Natural light bathes the day and opens an opportunity for ladybirds to hold private tastings, breakfasts,lunches and perhaps the most enjoyable and successful business presentation you could stage.
 
JWOW is fully equipped with projector, DVD, Power Point and WiFi. (Wonderful wireless technology), bring your laptop for wireless work with a real coffee or wine. Imagine using JWOW as your own venue for private meetings. Speak directly with Clinton and Glen for your special needs on 03 96635986.
 
Ultra Special offers for ladybirds at JWOW
No room hire fee. Exclusive use of the venue during business hours. Evening functions can be held with no room hire (subject to conditions).
 

 

243 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne
(opposite state Library)

Join ladybirds Business Network
Register now to the ladybirds business network until June 30th at no charge, register direct www.ladybirds.net.au.

From July 1, 2005 Membership will be $35.00 plus GST. A one off fee to cover setup of administration, ladybirds e news distribution (at least ten times per year), ladybirds badge, early advice on events, invitation and discounts to functions. Free weekly wine tastings at JWOW and their special offers. 
 
 

From the ladybirds book of anecdotes....
 
There’s a story of the ‘well wishes’ a ladybird can bring…“If you allow a ladybird to crawl to the edges of your fingertips and make a wish as she flies off …that wish will ultimately come true!”

All tales of ladybirds are welcome from here and afar, email Lyndley or Selena directly at ladybirds.net.au or write it in yourself in the ladybirds Anecdote book at the next ladybirds function.

 

At JWOW
Superb refreshments served.

June 8th – Wednesday, 6.30pm
 
Your body, Your life, Your choice
Jules Terrill and Zsuzsa
(see article and book now! complimentary event)
 
July 19 – Tuesday, 6.30pm
 
ladybirds Tarot reading
Raj Segal.
 
Enjoy the comforts of JWOW with a glass of wine and listen to Raj enlighten you on your future.  Are you game?

Book directly with Lyndley at: lyndley@ladybirds.net.au or on 0412356700.  ladybirds members $15.00 + gst. Guests $22 + gst 

Did you know?

The name ladybird comes from the Middle Ages when the colorful insects were known as the

“Beetle of Our Lady”.

They were named after the Virgin Mary because in early religious paintings she was often shown wearing a red cloak. The seven spots symbolize seven joys and seven sorrows.