News

Spammers have created a publicly available URL shortening service designed to block traditional anti-spam counter-measures, with Symantec warning social media users to be especially vigilant.

Julian Smith blogs about the many opportunities available to Australian start-ups.

“Did you know that Australia is quickly becoming an entrepreneurial paradise? After steady declines in 2008 and 2010, Australian entrepreneurial activities have returned to the pre-economic crisis levels of 2007.”

iiNet has announced its first range of mobile handsets and plans for small to medium businesses, including three Android mobile phones.

Rises in credit and debit card interchange fees will create income of $1.23 billion for banks this financial year and doesn’t reflect the level of service the providers deliver, leading independent EFTPOS provider Tyro to urge businesses to consider alternative options.

Kaeho.com.au is taking on its international competitors by allowing customers to order a range of clothes in different sizes to try on at home, before returning any items they don’t like for free.

Business defaults hit their second highest rate in September for eight years, leading experts to warn SMEs to be on top of their accounts receivable as Christmas approaches and cashflow worsens.

Vodafone says a new system designed to deliver faster responses to customers regardless of how they contact the company will allow it to better meet changing customer service expectations.

Phoebe Netto blogs about the rising level of unprofessional communication and bad manners in business.

“It also seems that unprofessional communication is on the rise, and this means that those who are professional have an advantage over their competitors…”

Local business owners are feeling pessimistic about seeing revenue rises during the upcoming Christmas season, as many express doubt the economy will improve any time soon.

Neil Tilly blogs about looking at innovation from a different perspective.

“The problem a lot of business owners face is that too many are looking for the game-changing, billion dollar idea that will propel their business to the same heights as Apple or Google. In 99 per cent of cases this simply isn’t possible.”

The operators of CatchOfTheDay, Scoopon and Groceryrun.com.au say they’re on track to double revenue this financial year, with strong sales growth recorded across all three businesses.

Anna Cairo looks at the five business benefits of blogging.

“Blogging is a long term strategy where getting traction takes time. However, the potential opportunities are worthwhile so it is essential that business consider it.”

Optus has stepped into the internet TV fray, matching Telstra and Foxtel with the unveiling of its competitively priced IPTV service, Optus MeTV.

The major banks are becoming increasingly different in their approaches to the business banking market, according to recent customer satisfaction results.

Brad Callaughan looks at the methods a business owner has at their disposal for purchasing a car.

“Buying a new car under your business can be confusing. With so many options available, which one do you go with and what will be best for you?”

The Commonwealth Bank is capitalising on Australians’ predilection for smartphones and social media, unveiling a new service that allows customers to make mobile payments through Facebook and their mobile phone address books.

It’s vital small business owners find ways to get a helpful second opinion, Rick Mapperson blogs.

“One of the greatest lessons I have learned in the 20 years of running my own business is to never hesitate to get a second opinion. Just because we may be experts in our chosen field of business, it does not mean that we are competent or have expertise across all aspects of our business.”

The inaugural Indigenous Innovation Unconference, an event designed to give the Indigenous community an opportunity to explore capacity building and sustainable development through enterprise, will take place in Sydney this weekend.

LivingSocial has outgrown its rivals to become the clear leader in the local group buying market, according to Telsyte’s latest report.

Optus will launch an online tool next week to assist small businesses to assess their level of digital readiness, and offer tips for bettering their use of technology to grow and prosper.