GRS Communications
In 2002, following the sale of the public relations consultancy he was working for, Glenn Schaube found himself frustrated by a limited number of Melbourne based positions requiring his particular skill set.
Rather than hoping or waiting for a suitable position to come along and with the financial responsibilities of a family, he decided to seek casual and contract work by networking and cold calling. With a reasonable degree of success in generating work, fifteen years experience, and tertiary qualifications Glenn believed he had the necessary resources and skills to start a full-time consultancy servicing the resource and environment management sectors.
He approached NEIS and was accepted into the program delivered through Kangan Batman TAFE and BEC.
Glenn said that while public relations had given him experience in administration and budgeting, it provided little opportunity for private business planning and management. Importantly, NEIS gave him insight into these areas.
"By working through the business planning process, I gained a better understanding of how to define realistic business goals based on sound costs and financial expectations.
“It also gave me more insights in how to define the public relations services I had to offer so they more accurately and more specifically targeted market segments that suited my skill set.
“The financial support also alleviated some of the financial pressure that often comes with starting a small business," said Glenn.
And the proof is in the pudding.
GRS communications was a finalist in the NEIS/BEC award program as one of the most successful small businesses in its first year. For the each of the first two years of operation GRS achieved a turnover of over $100,000 - well and truly exceeding Glenn’s initial expectations.
The business now provides full time employment for two people and employs four casual contractors in PR, bookkeeping, proof reading and graphic design services. At the time of writing the business had the potential to double in its third year of operation.
GRS Communications also became a member of the Victorian Government's select marketing Service Panel administered by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
During 2008 GRS Communications won the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) 2008 Victorian Awards for Excellence - Public Affairs Category and was runner-up for the PRIA National Golden Target Awards – Public Affairs Category.
Clearly, the assistance of NEIS has helped Glenn to realise his potential.