This was boasted as the biggest trade show on the Gold Coast in over six years with by far the best variety of product.

South Gold Coast Trading Manager Renee Drew said “Over 160 stands with everything from children’s toys, clothing and surfboards to high end jewellery and kitchenware.”

There was definitely something for everyone.

Trade show organizer and Gold Coast Trading Manager, Fiona Dixon, was very excited about the family friendly event.

“We had live music, Titans players and a photographer to take pictures, Santa even came down for a visit. It was extremely hot but I’m very happy with the result” she said.

The line up at the doors for the 10am opening was a sign that stall holders were in for a successful day.

Bartercard Founder and South Gold Coast Franchise Principal Andrew Federowsky said. “Our members turned out in masses to snatch up Christmas gifts for family, friends and clients, which allowed them to keep that precious cash flow in their business over the holiday season.”

South Gold Coast’s Events Coordinator Karren Griffiths said “The two Gold Coast franchises are the most powerful in Bartercard Australia and we were able to pull off this massive event but it wouldn’t have been possible without our members and their top quality products and services.”

In a time where many businesses have been struggling and closing their doors Bartercard South Gold Coast has once again beaten all the odds, setting new records for growth.

Andrew Federowsky Bartercard Founder and Franchise Principal said “We started Bartercard during a recession and have weathered 20 years of the fluctuating economy helping our members save their cash flow, and move excess stock.”

The dynamic team at Bartercard South Gold Coast consistently pulls out top awards in the Bartercard World, both nationally and internationally.

“Having a team who shares my vision for the future is vital to our success, we are all dedicated to providing our members with top notch customer service and strive for excellence.” Mr. Federowsky said.

After a brief stint at retirement Mr. Federowsky took over the South Gold Coast Franchise about three years ago and has built it to become the fastest growing franchise in the world for two consecutive years with 700 members in the South Gold Coast and Tweed regions.

“Our business is consistently evolving, three years ago I started with four staff and now we have 18, with an expected two more starting by the end of the year. “He said.

This success is no mistake; every move for Bartercard South Gold Coast is deliberate in accordance to their goals for the year.

“Direction is very important, so each year we all sit down and go over our business plan for the year so we are all have the same goals in mind; everyone has a copy on their desk to refer back to.” Mr. Federowsky said.

The team at Bartercard South Gold Coast has no plans of resting on their past successes, but look to the future for new and exciting opportunities and challenges.

In addition, Bartercard South Gold Coast dominated Bartercard’s international charts and were named the number one Franchise in the world.

Andrew Federowsky, Founder of Bartercard and Principal of the South Gold Coast Franchise, accredits the team’s success to their dedication to the shared vision for the future of the Franchise.

“We strive to not only be the best, but to provide our clients with the best opportunities, quite simply we do what we say” Mr. Federowsky said.

Bartercard South Gold Coast’s 650 member businesses traded over $3 million in goods and services over the month, while nationally Bartercard Australia traded more than $42 million.

Mr. Federowsky said, “We wanted to end the fiscal year on a high note, and continue the momentum into the new year.

Bartercard South Gold Coast has been Bartercard’s fastest growing Franchise in the world for two years running and have set themselves up for continued success.

“A shared vision for the future and solid teamwork has enabled us to achieve this constant level of success, we have set some extraordinary goals for the next year, and I’m excited to see where it takes us” Mr Federowsky said.

One thing is for sure; the dedicated team at Bartercard South Gold Coast will not be resting on past successes, but looking to continue their record-breaking achievements.

Whatever the reason, it seems for the many restaurants doing it tough and that there may be no end in sight.

However, Broadbeach Restaurateur Andrew McElhone who owns the multi award winning venues; Yellowfin Seafood Restaurant, 1 two 3 Mediterranean Dining & Lounge Bar, and Sage Restaurant has found that through Bartercard he has been able to offset some of his cash expenses and get more customers through the door.

He stated “It is always good to have a busy looking restaurant; customers and potential customers always deem this to indicate quality and value. So Bartercard is perfect for both slower and semi busy times; with bums on seats passerbys make a mental note that they must dine there then and there or at a later time.”

Mr. McElhone continued “To counter this [the quiet months this year]  I have picked up the volume of my Bartercard sales and spent a little more time on ensuring I get lots of good business expenses on Bartercard. This extra effort has seen my sales return to normal in a short time and I have spent my Barter dollars just as quickly as I have received them, so Bartercard has been a massive help during these quieter months. “

Mr. McElhone has been a Bartercard member for about 6 years and in his experience he has used his Bartercard to offset both business and personal expenses “probably 90% of my spend is on business expenses and 10% on personal.“

He boasts having great holidays, and many personal lifestyle improvements thanks to his extra barter business as well as business expenses like painting, pest control, upholstery cleaning, graphic design and printing, photography, equipment hire, staff entertainment, framing, he has even been able to buy over $1 million of wine to supply  his restaurants.

He believes in his time as a Bartercard Member he has saved approximately $900,000 in cash.

Using Bartercard to his advantage as well as utilizing the internet and social media to promote his businesses has seemingly helped Mr. McElhone cope in this trying time.

The Sage Restaurant has won the 2010 National I Love Food Award for Favourite Family Restaurant while 1two3 Mediterranean has won Australia’s Favourite ‘Flavours of the World’.

Sage and Yellowfin Seafood Restaurants are open at 12pm daily while 1two3 Mediterranean is open daily from 7am. For more information on each restaurant find them on the web or Facebook or download the 1two3 Mediterranean iPhone application.

Anusuya has been volunteering her time at Manisha Singh Punarjeevan Niwash (MSPN) Centre which is an educational centre focusing on the issues of children living with HIV and AIDS. According to Anusuya there is an increasing need to promote HIV awareness and prevention worldwide especially in rural Nepal.

“I was inspired to go and offer help in Nepal after reading about The Sold Project which is a global initiative to stop human trafficking. I learnt how young girls are sold by their fathers completely oblivious to the consequences and circumstances of HIV infection,” Anusuya said.

“Although two months can seem like two days, being at MSPN has made me feel like I’ve made a difference; perhaps only miniscule but all it takes is a tiny ripple of hope to eventually build a current that will help make these children’s dreams a reality,” she said.

Anusuya graduated from International School of Western Australia this year and was one of six Bartercard Scholarship winners. She is looking forward to joining Bond University in January next year ready to begin her Bachelor of Law and International studies. Her ambition is to pursue a career in the Human Rights sector.

According to Bond University Regional Manager Tom Betts, Anusuya’s achievements to date were exemplary. She was nominated Vice President of the National Honour Society in the International School of Western Australia in 2010 and was admitted for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars by the Chairman of the Nobel Prize family which is an outstanding accomplishment.

Worth a combined total of $300,000 in tuition fees, the Bartercard Scholarship rewards the children of Bartercard Members, employees, Franchisees and staff.

“We always get excited at this time of the year with the chance to recognise and reward young leaders and also make a difference to some of the families who’ve been great supporters of Bartercard over the years,” said Trevor Dietz, Director of Bartercard Australia.

“The quality of students was very high again this year and we are delighted to provide this Scholarship to Anusuya, which will no doubt positively influence her future endeavours,” Trevor said.

About the Bartercard Scholarship

Five criteria for the Bartercard Scholarship are 1) Students who are children of Bartercard members and/or their employees, Bartercard franchisees and/or employees, and/or Bartercard Australia employees; 2) Students currently completing Year 12 at an Australian secondary school; 3) Strong academic performance with As/Bs or VHAs/HAs on Year 11-12 school reports; 4) Strong leadership skills; and 5) Extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities.

About Bartercard

Bartercard was founded in 1991 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and has grown to become the world’s largest barter exchange, with over 40 offices around Australia. Bartercard assists approximately 20,000 businesses in Australia (55,000 around the world) to barter their goods and services – without the challenge of a direct swap.

Although the concept of barter is thousands of years old, bartering through Bartercard is an innovative way of combining modern technology, a network of businesses and direct and indirect marketing channels to increase a business’ customer base, sales and profit, and improve cashflow.

About Bond University

Bond University is Australia’s first private, not-for-profit University, offering a personalised academic environment to students from all over the world. Good Universities Guide has rated the University five stars for student satisfaction and graduate outcomes for five years running.

With access to unparalleled academic and technological resources on Bond’s world-class Gold Coast campus, students thrive in smaller study groups where eminent professors and industry-experienced lecturers know them by name.

By undertaking three semesters per year instead of the usual two, graduates finish their studies sooner. Combine this advantage with Bond’s commitment to opening doors to global employers and it becomes clear that students graduate with a clear competitive advantage over their public university peers.

Worth a combined total of $300,000 in tuition fees, the Bartercard Scholarship rewards the children of Bartercard Members, employees, Franchisees and staff. Sara Badalotti, Brandon Lee, Kate Schurmann, Jessica Klease, Sarah Garner, and Anusuya Krishnan will next year be launching into study life at the prestigious University.

“We always get excited at this time of the year with the chance to recognise and reward young leaders and also make a difference to some of the families who’ve been great supporters of Bartercard over the years,” said Trevor Dietz, Director of Bartercard Australia.

“The quality of students was very high again this year and we are delighted to provide this Scholarship, which will no doubt positively influence their future endeavours,” Trevor said.

Gold Coast’s Somerset College graduate Sara Badalotti was a member of the 2010 winning team in the Griffith University High School Moot Competition; she represented Somerset College in the Bond University Interschool Mock Trial Competition, and was a member of the Year 12 Finalist Debating Team. According to Bond University Regional Manager Tom Betts, Sara was one of the clear stars among this year’s group of applicants.

Sara will be studying Bachelor of Laws and is looking forward to the new adventure. “I am excited to be a part of the Bond University community and I hope to continue competing in mooting competitions as well as joining sporting teams like basketball and netball.”

Another winner Brandon Lee will be studying Bachelor of Film and Television and feels Bond University is the perfect place for him to grow as a professional Filmmaker.

“The Bartercard Scholarship has allowed me to study at one of Australia’s leading film schools. Without this Scholarship, this amazing opportunity would not have been so readily available to me,” Brandon said.

Brandon is originally from the Gold Coast but graduated from the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries. His greatest achievements to date have been winning the Queensland New Filmmakers Award (QNFA), the Australia’s Teacher of Media Award (ATOM) and having his own film ‘Buster’ shown at the International Film Festival in Denmark.

Bond University is also a Bartercard member.

About the Bartercard Scholarship
Five criteria for the Bartercard Scholarship are 1) Students who are children of Bartercard Members and/or their employees, Bartercard Franchisees and/or employees, and/or Bartercard Australia employees; 2) Students currently completing Year 12 at an Australian secondary school; 3) Strong academic performance with As/Bs or VHAs/HAs on Year 11-12 school reports; 4) Strong leadership skills; and 5) Extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities.

About Bartercard
Bartercard was founded in 1991 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and has grown to become the world’s largest barter exchange, with over 40 offices around Australia. Bartercard assists approximately 20,000 businesses in Australia (55,000 around the world) to barter their goods and services – without the challenge of a direct swap.

Although the concept of barter is thousands of years old, bartering through Bartercard is an innovative way of combining modern technology, a network of businesses and direct and indirect marketing channels to increase a business’ customer base, sales and profit, and improve cashflow.

About Bond University
Bond University is Australia’s first private, not-for-profit University, offering a personalised academic environment to students from all over the world. Good Universities Guide has rated the University five stars for student satisfaction and graduate outcomes for five years running.

With access to unparalleled academic and technological resources on Bond’s world-class Gold Coast campus, students thrive in smaller study groups where eminent professors and industry-experienced lecturers know them by name.

By undertaking three semesters per year instead of the usual two, graduates finish their studies sooner. Combine this advantage with Bond’s commitment to opening doors to global employers and it becomes clear that students graduate with a clear competitive advantage over their public university peers.

Bartercard Australia Director Trevor Dietz and Bartercard Scholarship winners Sara Badalotti and Brandon Lee are available for interview.

The study was conducted by a team of psychologists at the Franchise Relationships Institute (FRI) and gathers data from more than 60 different franchise systems. According to FRI Managing Director Greg Nathan an average of 19% of franchisees in a franchise system at any one time will feel like challenging their franchisor about aspects of the franchise relationship they are unhappy about.

“This statistic is surprisingly consistent over time between franchise systems, ranging across all industries and even across different countries,” Mr Nathan said.

“Despite the best efforts of business advisors and politicians to encourage franchisees to take an arm’s length, dispassionate approach to their investigations into buying a franchise, the fact is the majority of franchisees investing in a franchise business are largely driven by emotional factors.
“While most franchisees start off very satisfied with their franchisor, as they gain more confidence in running their business they begin to question the value of the fees they pay to their franchisor, the support they receive and the extent to which the franchise system contributes to their success,” he said.
Bartercard Australia is recognised within the industry as being a good example for franchise businesses with its heavy focus around open communication with their franchisees.

Bartercard Sydney North Franchise Principal Linda Squires was a Bartercard member before she joined Bartercard as a franchisee in 2001.
“The decision to become a franchisee was easy as my previous health food shop was already a Bartercard member. With prior knowledge of how the system worked, I could already identify with the opportunities Bartercard could present to franchise business owners,” Ms Squires said.

“I have had a positive experience in the nine years I have been working with Bartercard. If you follow all Bartercard’s processes and procedures, implement the training and tools provided, then you will succeed.”

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In 2006, one of Bartercard’s top salesmen and recipient of Bartercard’s ‘Godfather’ of Sales’ Award Stephen Mills joined Ms Squires in purchasing the Northern Beaches territory. Together they now own franchises in two territories; Chatswood and Northern Beaches.
“When I first took over the Chatswood business I only had 38 members and with the ongoing support from Bartercard National Office, we’ve been able to increase this number to 650 members over both territories,” she said.

“Of course, like any interdependent relationship there are ups and downs but the systems we have in place including the regular two-way communication with National Office has assured the longevity and success of our business.”
FRI’s Greg Nathan says, “Good business systems are essential to success in franchising. But they need to be driven by people who have the passion and ability to bring the systems to life. This is why good franchisee selection practices are so important.”
The success of a franchise system largely depends on the quality of its franchisees. So what makes a quality franchisee? FRI’s team of psychologists has found 10 predictors for success:
10 predictors of a successful franchisee
1. Do they have access to adequate working capital? Check they have enough to see them through the ramp up period and will be able to service their borrowing costs.
2. Do they have a positive attitude to life? Franchises who like to achieve and who have an optimistic approach to life are significantly more successful.
3. Do they relate well to other people? Success in business is largely about being able to build and maintain good interpersonal and community relationships.
4. Is their family supportive of the venture? Encouragement helps to cope with the inevitable stress and long hours. Negativity by partners can lead to under performance and failure.
5. Are their expectations realistic? This includes the money they believe they will make, the amount of work they will need to put in and the support they will receive.
6. Do they have adequate business acumen? They will need to review financial information and data trends on the performance of their business.
7. Are they comfortable selling? Franchisees need to appreciate all businesses rely on selling and they will need to get behind sales initiatives if they are to succeed.
8. Do they have high levels of stamina? Running a successful business involves continual investment of energy to ensure everything is getting done.
9. Are they well organised? Our studies have consistently shown that franchisees who value order and systems are more likely to run good businesses.
10. Have they been in your type of business before? Our research shows this can be a negative. If you accept people with prior experience check their assumptions.
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About the Franchise Relationships Institute
The Franchise Relationships Institute is an independent research and education organisation based in Brisbane that has been studying the dynamics of the international franchising sector for 21 years.
Greg Nathan is a registered organisational psychologist, expert on the franchise relationship and author of four books on franchise management, including Profitable Partnerships, which has sold over 35,000 copies.
About Bartercard
Bartercard was founded in 1991 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and has grown to become the world’s largest barter exchange, with over 40 offices around Australia.

Bartercard assists approximately 20,000 businesses in Australia (55,000 around the world) to barter their goods and services – without the challenge of a direct swap.

Although the concept of barter is thousands of years old, bartering through Bartercard is an innovative way of combining modern technology, a network of businesses and direct and indirect marketing channels to increase a business’ customer base, sales and profit, and improve cash flow.

In January Laura Bingham started her three-year double degree in Journalism and International Studies at Bond University and says her experience so far at the University has exceeded her expectations.

“It’s been challenging, but rewarding juggling all the extra-curricular activities I’ve been involved with. I’ve joined the Journalism Students’ Association, the Drama Students’ Association and hope to be part of a musical next year. I was also doing a bit of part-time fundraising work on the side for the Universities’ Student Alumni Association,” Laura said.

“Bond provides students with ways to enjoy a good balance between their study, work and social lives, which is extremely important for me,” she said.

“I’ve been able to build a strong network of support with my faculty and friends and am thankful to my mother who put me forward for the scholarship in the first place.”

Bartercard member Julie-Anne Bingham put her daughter Laura forward for the Bartercard Scholarship because of her impressive academic track record at Marryatville High School.

“It’s been a real bonus for us. I know Laura wouldn’t have been in the position to go to a private university like Bond if it wasn’t for the scholarship backed by Bartercard,” Mrs Bingham said.

“It’s given Laura a great jump start for life. She is making some good contacts and the fabulous experience that goes along with such a prestigious name,” she said.

Bartercard Australia Managing Director Brian Hall says that the Bartercard Scholarships are a way to give back to the families of their loyal members and provides a valuable way for students to get ahead by leveraging their family’s business networks.

Bond University is also a Bartercard member and will be announcing this year’s Bartercard Scholarship winners in mid-November 2010.

Five criteria for the Bartercard Scholarship are 1) Students who are children of Bartercard members and/or their employees, Bartercard franchisees and/or employees, and/orBartercard Australia employees, 2) Students currently completing Year 12 at an Australian secondary school, 3) Strong academic performance with As/Bs or VHAs/HAs on Year 11-12 school reports, 4) Strong leadership skills, and 5) Extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities.