David presents to the Sales and Marketing Executives International

If you are interested in doing business overseas you should come along to this presentation on February 25th. I will be talking about "The Differences That Make A Difference" when it comes to doing business in another culture. I'll cover one attitude, one rule and three tools that will make your overseas experience a lot easier, and you will get to network with a great group of experienced sales and marketing professionals.

Registration details are below:

(Note: This event has now passed. If you attended and you would like a copy of the slides you can access them by clicking here.)

SMEI Minnesota Presents

The Differences that Make A Difference: Cultural Issues In International Sales & Marketing Fort Snelling Officer’s Club, Highway 5 and Post Rd, St. Paul Thursday, February 25, 2010 (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM) Dr. David Farrar will explore the issues and pitfalls that confront American sales and marketing executives when going international. His experience in global business, with a special emphasis on Asian business, will provide cultural awareness and powerful insights. Attend this presentation for a pragmatic and humorous session on how to go international and survive in radically different cultures. Dr. David Farrar, Former Head of Human Resources in SE Asia and Global Organization Effectiveness Manager, Cargill David studied at the Royal Military College of Australia, (MUR), University of Melbourne, and Northwestern University, (Kellogg Business School). He has degrees in economics and psychology, completed his graduate work with honors, and was accredited as a psychologist in the Commonwealth of Australia. His speaking and consulting roles have taken him around the world including Australia, Belgium, Germany, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has also been an adjunct and visiting professor at various universities, where he taught classes in Ethics, Leadership and Conflict Management for MBA and other graduate programs. David is the President and CEO of FGRassociates, LLC. Click Here To Register You are receiving this communication as a valued member or subscriber. If you no longer wish to receive email notices about upcoming events, please reply with "unsubscribe SMEI Minnesota" in the subject line. SMEI Minnesota is a chapter of Sales & Marketing Executives International, Inc., the worldwide professional association for sales & marketing. More information at http://www.smeiminnesota.org

A Conversation With John Howard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
David Farrar

President and CEO, FGRAssociates LLC

1622 W 25^th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55405

Tel 612 423 2723

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 23^rd October, 2008 – FGRAssociates will be working with the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce to support the 2009 Hendrickson Forum and the visit of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

The Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership affirms creative leadership and educates ethical, globally oriented leaders for a diverse, multicultural society. The Institute assists emerging leaders by offering programs and scholarships that integrate leadership models and ethical principles, while instilling an understanding of morals and spirituality.

Mr. Howard will discuss the role of world leaders in a new century, addressing the growing concerns of globalization and global economics, the environment, and threats to international security. He will explain in what ways, and to what degrees, China, India and the Pacific Rim may participate. Finally, he will respond to questions submitted by Forum participants.

Forum Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota. To purchase blocks of tickets or become an event sponsor, please contact Sabrina Kelly at 612- 238-4507.

FGRAssociates will provide expertise in promoting the forum in the business community, and the cultural aspects of doing business with Australians and others in the Pacific Rim.

ABOUT FGRAssociates – Trained psychologists and practical business consultants, FGRAssociates helps business owners and senior executives create powerful business connections through the practice of principled behavior, alignment of business activities and engagement of key stakeholders.

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Life Is A Marathon

Last week, after a three year break, I completed my sixth marathon in the seven years I have been in the US. It was a cold, rainy day and many of the crowds and cheerleaders stayed away. I timed the run well and with an hour to go I could have walked and still beaten the sweep car. I came in with time to spare, and I think I feel better than any of my other marathons.

Before I say anything else I want to thank a few people who made it possible.




First there is my charming and beautiful wife! Genevieve is a source of perpetual inspiration. If I were half as good as half the things Gen says I would be Superman! Gen cycled and drove around the course cheering, delivering snacks and supplying motivation.


Then she brought me home, poured me a beer and made lunch. What more could you ask for?



This is my mother-in-law. Camille doesn't like having photos taken! However, she likes taking photos, and has snapped many of the photos that end up here. Camille came out in the pouring rain and brought me hot coffee and warm gloves. Good-on-ya Camille.







This is the rest of my US family. Elvis is my little brother from the BigBrotherBigSister program. We have known each other for just about all of the seven years I have been in America. Here is a photo of him now with his new wife, Andrea, and new little Elvis, Jnr. Little Brother Elvis is not so little now. BBBS is about providing support and mentoring, and maybe a positive role model. However, Elvis has been a really positive influence in my life, probably more than I have been in his. He is a great young man and it makes me feel good to think I have been lucky enough to have been "adopted" by him.


Vincent Francoul, the best French Chef in the Twin Cities, and probably the whole of the US, also ran the marathon, and then did a special paella dinner for a bunch of us who were recovering. Way to go! For him and all my other American, Australian and global friends and clients who sent their good wishes: THANK YOU.

26.2 miles is a long way and you have a lot of time to think as you slog around the course. It's nice to achieve something, and nicer still to have friends and family and a strong network to support you and help you along the way. I am pleased with what I did and grateful for all the help.

And before you ask my time, (which was pretty slow), here's a quick joke.


Q: What do you call the last person to cross the line?
A: A marathon runner.

Change Management for Office of Enterprise Technology

NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT:

CONTACT:
David Farrar

President and CEO, FGRAssociates LLC

1622 W 25^th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55405

Tel 612 423 2723

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 31^st July, 2008 – FGRAssociates will be working with the the Office of Enterprise Technology of the Minnesota State Government to provide change management expertise for their current organizational redesign and change processes.

OET is both a service and a planning organization, providing leadership and direction in the management of the State of Minnesota’s information technology.

FGRAssociates will provide expertise in the management of change and organizational redesign. Among other responsibilities FGRAssociates will review change plans, advise on the handling of internal conflict and provide training to supervisors, managers, and line staff on normal reactions to change and how to support others undergoing change.

ABOUT FGRAssociates, LLC – Trained psychologists and practical business consultants, FGRAssociates helps business owners and senior executives create powerful business connections through the practice of principled behavior, alignment of business activities and engagement of key stakeholders.

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Trade Mission To Australia

NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
David Farrar

President and CEO, FGRAssociates LLC

1622 W 25^th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55405

Tel 612 423 2723

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 31^st January, 2008 – FGRAssociates will be working with the Australian American Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Trade Office and the Council of Great Lakes Governors to promote a trade mission to Australia from 2^nd to 6^th March, 2009.

The mission is being organized by the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG). Member States include: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

As part of the lead up to the mission there are two “Doing Business With Australians” seminars planned for April and September, 2008. This is a tremendous opportunity for small to medium sized companies to explore exporting their products and services to the developed and growing economy of Australia. Larger organizations can attend the seminars as training for their staff in doing business with “the land down under”.

FGRAssociates will provide expertise in the cultural aspects of doing business with Australians and the development of successful business partnerships.

ABOUT FGRAssociates, LLC – Trained psychologists and practical business consultants, FGRAssociates helps business owners and senior executives create powerful business connections through the practice of principled behavior, alignment of business activities and engagement of key stakeholders.

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