Managing
As Christmas shoppers head online this festive season looking for good deals, so to will spammers waiting to unsuspecting consumers. During the festive season, consumers need to be wary of such attacks online and ensure they stay safe online, says internet security software distributor, AVG (AU/NZ).
These days it is all about social media. And I am not just talking about Facebook and Twitter, I am talking YouTube, blogs, customer reviews, search engines; any tool that helps businesses engage with their customers. While many tout the power that social media has to grow a brand, it’s not something that is right for everyone.
For many companies travel expenditure will be a top five business overhead but a surprising number of businesses still allow staff to book their own travel on company credit cards or be reimbursed for their own travel expenses. This is the most expensive and difficult-to-control way of going about managing your travel budget.
Smart companies fiercely protect their best ideas and inventions. But if you’re only doing that in Australia, you’re only doing half the job. Here’s how to protect yourself globally.
Small business owners are some of the most time-poor people on the planet and the thought of taking on yet another responsibility might not be on the top of your list. But we found a wealth of providers with some very flexible options to further your business education.
Australia is on the verge of a wireless data revolution with mobile broadband already representing more than 90 percent of total broadband internet services in Australia. What does this mean for your business?
The key to productivity isn’t about cutting costs, it’s about seeking out every possible opportunity for improvement. So how can you get the best out of your business?
The internet and email have become indispensable tools for business, but many companies are finding employees are using these tools as much or more for personal activities than job-related tasks. If you don’t know what your staff are doing online, you’re putting yourself at risk.
In 2008, an estimated 2.4 million Australians worked from home. With growing numbers of traveling executives, small and micro business start-ups, the Australian workforce has a swelling tribe of workers looking for the support and networking of traditional workplaces.
Establishing a web design business can be done for next to nothing in less than a few days. Gaining the knowledge and experience required to deliver professional services your business takes many years. It is this knowledge and experience that can mean your website will do what it is supposed to do, whatever that may be. So how do you know which quote to accept?
Systems are the lifeblood of your business. Developing efficient internal systems and processes will enable your business to run more smoothly. Whether it comes to managing your customers or your staff, systems such as CRM and payroll can make your life a lot easier and reduce business headaches. So what are they and how can they help your business?
Audio and web conferencing etiquette The use of audio and web conferencing as an alternative to face-to-face meetings is a growing trend amongst small businesses. Conferencing has become cheaper than ever – and the flexibility of using these services makes them a great business tool and an attractive way to get the most out of […]
A day doesn’t go by with a new report that suggests the internet is rife with hackers and cyber criminals out to steal your identity, money or disable your computer.
In tough economic times, many small businesses struggle to manage their cash flow adequately. Where they once thought they were cruising along nicely, a bump appears in the road and they are thrown off course. All business owners should undertake what the experts call a ‘stress test’ of the business and have risk management strategies in place to ensure the business survives bumps along the way.
We work so hard to get clients, yet often we forget how important it is to maintain a relationship with them once we have them onboard. It is essential to value your clients and make them feel special, it will make life easier for everyone involved – and they will love you for it.
The number of IT based security threats is growing as cybercriminals attack businesses to access confidential information and intellectual property. Symantec estimates that last year 285 million records were stolen with IT theft costing companies about USD$600 million globally. Locally, Symantec estimates IT theft costs Australian companies AU$1 billion.
Publicity is the art of getting journalists to write or talk about your products, services and company without paying them to do it. The best way to achieve that – as I outlined in Do-it-yourself PR – is to ask them. How you ask can be an art in itself. Here’s a crash course in dealing with the media.
Despite signs that the economy is improving and businesses are ready to start hiring again, redundancies and forced resignations are still very common in the workplace; and with new workplace laws to abide by, employers must ensure they know their legal obligations and rights.
Hiring quality staff is a top priority for SMEs right now according to research released last week by DBM Consultants’ Business Financial Services Monitor.
These days, most business owners have a smartphone but are they making life easier or making us a slave to work? We teamed up with BlackBerry to ask small business owners what they think.
