Networking

The Age

Saturday April 5, 2008

The unique challenges that managers face in meeting the expectations of multigenerational workforces is a hot topic in business today. The Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry has scheduled a workshop on Thursday morning to help managers better understand the spread of ideals, values and expectations among staff of varying ages.

For example, the chamber says, young workers want to make a quick impact, the middle generation needs to believe in the mission and older employees don't like ambivalence.

The two-hour course is designed for business owners, managers and supervisors, HR staff, learning and development staff and diversity managers. The cost is $82.50 for members and $99 for others. Email briefings@vecci. org.au or see vecci.org.au.

Just because people are not being paid, there is no reason to ignore their need for training. Volunteer managers can now enhance their leadership skills through Volunteering Victoria's online volunteer management training program, "Everyone Ready", an innovative, year-long course.

Volunteering Victoria's chief executive, Dianne Embry, says: "We recognise that volunteer managers are busy but they still need continuous training, education and networking with their peers, so we are facilitating a flexible program delivered online to meet their needs.

"Volunteer managers will be able to access the materials at their own pace and they will be able to take part in teleconferencing forums without having to leave their homes or offices."

Everyone Ready, with input from international experts, aims to provide practical tools for effectively leading volunteers and organising volunteer programs.

Contact Gail Cumming at Volunteering Victoria on 9642 5266 or see the website volunteeringvictoria.org.au.

The Prospect 360 series of media seminars that offer young people a look into media jobs in various streams from an insider's perspective has picked the fashion industry for its next turn.

While the odds of becoming a fashion reporter are slim, you have to start somewhere - and journalism school would appear not always to be that place.

The Prospect 360 fashion media seminar will be held in a professional fashion photographer's studio in Port Melbourne on Sunday, April 13.

Panel members will include former Cleo, Cosmo and Dolly magazine editor-in-chief Mia Freedman, Fashion Journal editor Melly Dee, Sunday Age fashion reporter Rachel Wells and Leader Newspaper Group fashion reporter Julie McCartin. Anthea O'Connor, the Melbourne editor of Vogue, will MC the seminar.

"Each panel member will share how they got their start in rag-trade reporting and will walk participants through a typically hectic working week," proclaims the blurb promoting the event, which costs $99. It will run from 10am until 1pm at Arctic Studio, H 75/21 Hall Street, Port Melbourne. Bookings can be made online at prospect360.com.au.

It seems as if everyone from stay-at-home mums to established retailers is selling products online. And no doubt many of them could do with some advice on how best to go about it. "Etailing - Selling Your Products Online" is the title of a couple of upcoming seminars in Melbourne's north. The first is at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, at 6pm on April 9 and the second is on April 23 at Diamond Valley Learning Centre, Diamond Creek Road, Greensborough, at 6pm. Cost is $35. Contact Craig Reardon on 9849 1282 for bookings.