News

My company recently moved to a new space, and even the slightest changes made a big difference in employee morale.

BlackBerry’s new smartphone, the Curve 9360, is now available locally. The device is powered by the faster performing BlackBerry 7 OS and features a suite of updated email, messaging a web-browsing capabilities, making it ideal for business users.

The first in a new fleet of Qantas planes, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flew into Sydney yesterday, promising to deliver greater comfort for both domestic and international travellers.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is working on a guide to assist businesses in understanding their rights and obligations when making claims about the impact of the carbon price.

BigCommerce is celebrating a milestone this week, announcing that it now powers over 20,000 online stores which have generated more than $350 million worth of sales.

Businesses are almost two months late in paying their bills, with the national tardiness rate blowing out to an average 53 days.

Alycia Edgar blogs about boosting your productivity by being strategic with your time.

“When you get to the end of the day can you honestly list out exactly what you’ve achieved that day? Have you made inroads into projects? Have you made progress on your goals?”

The Motorola Xoom tablet has had its price slashed in the lead up to Christmas, making now the ideal time for businesses to invest in the technology.

Matthew Johnson looks at using SMS marketing to support your email marketing activities.

“Most of us keep our mobile phones within arm’s reach and check new messages within minutes. So it’s no wonder SMS marketing is now a popular way for marketers to connect with customers.”

Telstra has joined forces with mobile security experts Lookout, to develop an app to help customers better protect their mobile devices from online threats.

Players in the group buying industry have voiced their optimism that a new code of conduct released to improve daily deals experience for all parties involved.

Good news for businesses has been spelled out by news that Telstra will offer all models of the iPad 2 on a range of two-year plans or pre-paid data plans, from tomorrow.

Lady Danielle Di-Masi blogs about how those emails you send late at night might be perceived by the receiver.

“Getting emails in the middle of the night also might make people question what you have been doing online till 2am. Sure the reality may be that you have to do these sorts of hours, but that is what the draft folder is for and send the email first thing in the morning.”

Charles Pludthura blogs about the many benefits of working remotely.

“More and more workers are managing to carve out successful careers, operating remotely from wherever they feel like settling down and getting connected. Whether it’s a beach in south-east Asia or a back bedroom in Coffs Harbour, the world really is our oyster!”

There’s been a strong rise in the number of businesses entering external administration (EXAD) for the three months to September, as poor sales and increased creditor activity takes its toll.

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for you to catch up on anything you might have missed this week. So, here’s your weekly wrap-up of the week in small business news.

Optus has joined the National Broadband Network fray, releasing the details of seven consumer and home office packages to be available from November 21.

The jobless rate fell 0.9 percent last month, as the number of people unemployed decreased by 5,700.

Google data released today shows 2011 will be the biggest year yet for online retail, with a 29 percent increase in shopping related searches year-on-year – and retailers need to think mobile to meet consumer demands.

Arndria Seymour looks at what makes a good business leader and manager.

“Be clear on what you want to achieve in life – personally and professionally. Don’t be afraid to engage the services of a coach to use as a sounding board and help you achieve your stretch goals.”