“This is a business, not a charity” – a phrase most of us, for one reason or another, have heard numerous times. Like the difference between good and evil, the former is driven by internal interests to make money, while the latter is driven by the needs of others to raise money. Their paths can […]
Now the sharing economy is evolving into something new. Ubiquitous communications, freelance work forces and low transaction costs are giving rise to the on-demand company, which aims to apply the principles of Uber or Airbnb to a much broader range of markets. (Irving Wladawsky-Berger, The Wall Street Journal) From food delivery, ad hoc tasks to […]
There’s a school of thought in business that suggests you should stick to what you know. According to one article, paying heed to this tenet will increase your chances of success as you take benefit from the insight, networks, and ‘rules of thumb’ you’ve spent years developing. You’re more likely to navigate through all the […]
“You can never have too much of a good thing” is a phrase that most, if not all of us, will have heard before. Whether or not this is true is a matter of opinion, but if you’re in business and you’re onto that good thing, then you surely stick with it. After an extended […]
Yes – the Australian government has recently launched the National Innovation and Science Agenda which aims to cultivate Australia’s newest economic pillar: Technology and Innovation. “Welcome to the Ideas Boom” the homepage boldly and proudly states like a gatekeeper of previously untrodden territory. But are these policy changes (welcome as they are) driving this shift, […]
The transparency brought by the internet has changed the way we do business. Business owners no longer size themselves against the competitor on the adjacent street because, irrespective of locality, all stand side-by-side in a list of online search results; each just a click away from the other. But while this ultra-competitive, virtual environment has […]
You’ve got the idea, you’ve done the research and your plans are ready and waiting; but finding someone to invest in an untested business model seems nigh on impossible. It’s the usual conundrum. A recent report from the UK suggested that despite high levels of confidence amongst younger entrepreneurs, many are being held back by […]
Any traveller will appreciate what ‘culture shock’ feels like; that moment when we first set foot in an unfamiliar civilisation and realisation suddenly strikes: Our understanding of social cues, customs, behaviour, and communication have suddenly become defunct. These are our social navigation tools – tools we take for granted – until they’re no longer there […]
Small business failure rates are alarming – or so we are told. Along every avenue of research an enthusiastic entrepreneur will take, their spark, at some point, will be doused by bold assertions: “8 Out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months” (www.forbes.com). For anyone in the throes of a […]
Recognition, reward and opportunity; these are the three key staples in the diet of an engaged and motivated employee. Yet – delivering the right balance of these ‘dietary requirements’ can be one of the biggest challenges businesses face. When they don’t get it right, a disengaged workforce and low morale ensues. With 20 years’ experience […]
