News

That might be a good thing. Here’s why. (Hint: It has to do with your brain-and theirs.)

The dispute between Twitter and Google over changes to Google’s search algorithm intensified overnight, as they publicly scrapped about what the changes mean for search results. Here’s what SMBs need to know about how the search changes will impact their online presence.

Although Western Australia continues to record strong economic growth, economic uncertainty and small business pain has seen the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) revise down economic growth forecasts for the current financial year.

Tourism Australia’s Facebook page is now the most popular tourism destination page in the world, demonstrating interest in the local tourism industry remains strong despite the spate of natural disasters that hit the country over the past 12 months and the strength of the local dollar.

Does the thought of networking make you a little anxious? You’re not alone. Lady Danielle Di Masi blogs about walking into a business networking event with confidence.

“If you have to fake it till you make I say go for it and never let something like the unknown or nerves get in the way of getting what you deserve.”

While some consumers admit business profiles on social networks influence their spending behaviour, KPMG has found a greater number look to official websites for recommendations and information.

The New Year is a perfect time to begin setting business goals, and Brad Callaughan has some advice about how to actually achieve them this year.

“Remember, your goals don’t have to be a secret, tell someone close to you so they can keep you on track to achieve your goals.”

Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) is again in the sights of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), after complaints showed the company’s dealers have been ignoring the Do Not Call Register.

Many Australian online retailers celebrated their busiest online shopping period ever last month, with PayPal reporting some established local retailers are beginning to fight back against international competition.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has found over 750 retail workers across the country were unknowingly underpaid, and the watchdog is asking guilty businesses to reimburse affected staff – at a total cost of $585,000.

Electricity prices are only going to continue to climb this year, which is why Rhys Clay says it’s time businesses act against power expenses now.

“Some businesses may be able to significantly reduce their electricity bill by directly negotiating an open-contract for electricity supply.”

Thomas Mahon blogs about giving more back to both existing and prospective customers this year, and the difference this could make to your business.

“I’m going to make a concerted effort to give more back to the community we market to, because this forces you to think about what gift they truly want, I’ve already found myself engaging with customers on a much deeper, much more honest level.”

Despite a decision by the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates by 0.25 percent, retail turnover fell disappointingly flat in November, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Qantas has been listed three times in the annual PR Disasters Awards, after a spate of embarrassing PR glitches hit the airline in 2011. Are there any lessons SMBs can learn from Qantas’ mistakes?

Keen to set your business apart from its competitors? MYOB’s Kristy Sheppard suggests you begin entering business award programs.

“Community business awards will add weight to your cause with local customers while state and national awards will not only help with those closer to home but will strengthen your business appeal to customers further afield.”

How one retailer discovered the secret to expanding from three to 15 stores profitably.

What do you do when a reporter refuses to see your product the way you do?

What your employees won’t say could be what you most need to hear.

A leading retail body is calling on the federal and state governments to consider the impacts of new taxes on consumers and businesses, as many begin 2012 budget discussions.

Understanding customer and brand touchpoints is vital to small business success, but Rick Marton believes too many organisations overlook the importance of touchpoint analysis.

“Many businesses only think of the obvious touchpoints during the customer experience but many other moments enter the mind of the customer, influence their feelings and have an impact on their likelihood to be a fan of what you do.”