News

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.”

Lady Danielle Di-Masi refreshes your memory on the five top business etiquette tips to help you be successful for the year ahead. Will you need to practice your handshake over the holidays?

“Give me a limp handshake and I will slap your wrist and make you do it again.”

The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) has expressed concern about the health of small business owners Australia-wide following a recent survey by Telstra Business that found more than half will be spending the holidays doing work.

The four major banks are closing the gap in business satisfaction against smaller rivals. Satisfaction with the Big Four climbed to a new record high in November, continuing a trend seen throughout 2011, according to the DBM Consultants Business Financial Services Monitor.

How difficult is it to buy something from a business? Kristy Sheppard’s experience shows the power that even basic communication can have.

“I’ve just gone through a shameful experience with a group buying website and have been reminded of the simple power a business owner wields in replying to a customer…”

Almost three in five Australian small business owners (55 percent) will work during the Christmas/New Year holiday break and more than one in three (36 percent) will not take any time off.

One in three workers have to front up at work the day after the Christmas party, according to research from travel and lifestyle website Lastminute.com.au. What do you have to face up to the morning after the night before?

Increasing efficiency and familiarity with your personnel are the key resolutions Leadership Management Australasia advises workplace leaders and managers to adopt.

Catriona Pollard blogs about minding your manners online.

“Just like keeping your elbows off the dinner table and letting pregnant women sit down on the bus, the online world has its own etiquette…”

Australians are searching for the simplest of Christmas presents this year, according to a list of most searched items.

New businesses are using online methods to boost sales during difficult financial conditions according to online specialists Piper Digital Marketing.

Unemployment has continued to rise, but at a slow pace favoured over a sharp jump, according to economists. The slight rise in the month of November to 5.3 percent reflected a weakening global economy and softening hiring intentions.

A survey conducted by financial software Reckon has found that 66 percent of small businesses have reported either increased (41%) or stable (25%) revenue this year and more than 80 percent of business expect to have positive or stable revenue in 2012.