News

The Gillard Government’s research and development tax incentive could allow thousands of small businesses to innovate and boost business operations.

Muffin Break has teamed up with Channel Nine’s Today Show to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to produce their own Muffin Break TV advertisement and win over $35,000 in cash and prizes.

Adrian Briscoe looks at the many reasons to update your information management strategy.

“A reliable information management strategy can both maximise accessibility and minimise risk, reducing potential headaches as businesses of all sizes face compliance, security and legal business requirements.”

New Australian start-up Sweet Business Deals has developed a B2B daily deals aggregator, designed to deliver the best group buying deals to SMEs in just one place.

LinkedIn has detailed its Talent Pipeline, a new feature designed for recruiters looking to better manage their talent leads.

Despite the likely sale of the country’s largest gym operator, a new report has found the local gym sector hasn’t lost any of its strength as expanding waistlines ensure demand for fitness services grow.

MasterCard registered over one million ‘Tap & Go’ contactless transactions in August, a sign that local consumers are responding to the new payment technology.

Apple sold 11.12 million iPads and a record-breaking number of Mac computers in the last quarter, though its revenue and net profit failed to reach Wall Street analyst estimates, sending shares tumbling overnight.

Julian Smith blogs about getting your business online to get the most out of the Christmas sales season.

“With only 66 sleeps to go, I’m urging all SME retailers to get on board, and get online. If you’re not trading online, you’re missing a huge chunk of the market…”

Consumers are saving at levels not seen since the 1980’s, leading the retail sector to brace for a dismal Christmas. In the current climate of lingering economic uncertainty, businesses are feeling increasingly cautious about the traditionally anticipated holiday boon.

A greater ability to sell things online and the ongoing shaky economic climate has led to a global surge in shoplifting and employee theft.

Alycia Edgar blogs about seizing the day, and taking your business to the next level.

“Those that grab the reins and run with them now will have huge success; those that rest on their laurels in fancy offices will be left in an empty office.”

Aldi and Coles have come out on top amongst the big supermarket chains in customer service, with Aldi leading the field with a 92 percent approval rating from shoppers.

Changing market conditions mean small business owners need to be more adaptable, and a survey has found those that manage this are enjoying greater financial rewards.

Alicia Beachley blogs about protecting the value of your business.

“Thinking business is business, especially in this competitive market, doesn’t mean it should be business at any cost. Not only does it undermine your rate card, it undermines it for other businesses.”

PayPal says new estimates show e-commerce will account for $37.7 billion worth of spending by 2013, as retailers begin to wake up to opportunities presented by the internet and invest more in online strategies.

Brad Callaughan delivers 20 easy ways you can improve your business’ profits.

“Raise your prices. You’ll be surprised how few complaints you’ll get about a 5-10 percent price increase. A slight increase each year is less noticeable then one large increase.”

Michelle Gamble blogs about creating a strong brand to better engage with customers.

“You don’t need a huge budget or long established brand to create raving fans.”

The readers have spoken and the crowdsourced cover of November’s magazine has been chosen. You can read all about it, and its designer, in the November issue, but here’s a sneak peek!

Local food and grocery manufacturers will see their operating profits slide by an average 4.4 percent in 2012-13 as a result of the carbon tax, according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).