News
Cenk Baban looks at the benefits to business of using Foursquare and Facebook Check-in deals.
“Nearly half of us have a smartphone or are about to buy one. Smarthphones have features such as built-in GPS, which offer new marketing opportunities based on the location of their owners. These new opportunities are especially tangible to businesses in the retail and hospitality industries.”
Business confidence dropped in August, thanks largely to increased global uncertainty, major falls in equity markets and a widespread fear of European debt.
The Greater Building Society has moved into the digital age, updating its iPhone app to facilitate improved mobile banking for its customers.
Mothercare has broken the record for sales on LivingSocial, with over 21,643 vouchers sold in seven days at a total pre-discount retail value of $2.9 million.
Julian Smith blogs about how vital it is for a business to have money in the bank.
“While Aussie businesses are definitely starting to get the right attitude, we’ve got a lot of ground to make up. Post GFC, the average small business owner is saving $1.27 for every dollar spent – but there are still many who don’t have any savings to fall back on at all.”
Business failures around the world are at an all time low, but it seems local businesses aren’t enjoying this global trend.
With the Federal Government’s October Tax Forum kicking off soon, a new study by MYOB found 71 percent of local business owners want the Business Activity Statement (BAS) simplified and 76 percent want GST rules reviewed. In light of this, MYOB has released an online petition for business owners to send a clear message to the government to introduce legislation that makes life easier for SMEs.
Online entrepreneur Ruslan Kogan has announced he’s expanded the range of electronics on his online store and is now selling Apple, Canon, Nikon and Samsung products at significantly discounted prices, by sourcing the products higher up in the supply chain.
The September issue of the magazine is out now, and it’s packed full of news, information and tips for small business. Check out what’s inside…
Anna Cairo blogs about the importance of getting to know social media, before engaging with customers in the space.
“A different way to look at social media, is not by defining ‘what it is’ but by understanding ‘what it provides’. This subtle distinction offers better awareness of social media and the certain characteristics that shape it, which separate it from traditional media.”
Dick Smith has made it clear he’ll no longer abide rich Australians who don’t share some of their wealth with charities, calling them “selfish” and suggesting they “rack off” if they continue to refuse to donate.
Hamish Anderson blogs about whether banks have a social responsibility when it comes to letting their customers know about phishing scams.
“Surely, with fraud and phishing so rife, there should be more responsiveness from big business, especially if specific companies know they are the targets of phishing scams. Surely they have a responsibility to inform the public.”
The Rugby World Cup could inject as much as $US1.67 billion into the global sports economy and $US654 million to the New Zealand economy, thanks to the influx of international visitors to the host country.
Metcash isn’t backing down from its acquisition of Franklins despite a decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to appeal the Federal Court’s decision to allow the purchase of the business from South African retailer Pick n Pay.
Small to medium ICT businesses are being invited to apply for up to $50,000 in funding from the ACS Foundation (ACSF), which has just been recognised as an Eligible Research Organisation under the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research’s Enterprise Connect, Researchers in Business program.
Submissions for the Australian Institute of Management’s (AIM) fourth annual Young Manager of the Year Award have opened, with managers aged between 18-30 from NSW and the ACT eligible to win.
One fifth of local consumers say they now prefer to view content on the internet rather than on the television, a shift experts say businesses must take note of if they spend money advertising either online, or on TV.
Sara Redman blogs about the impact forgiveness can have on your personal and professional life.
“How much does forgiveness weigh? This may sound like a bizarre question, but the more I ponder it the more I realise it is an extremely useful question to for me to answer.”
Jan Vydra of Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs was named Australia’s Young Farmer of the Year last week, for his commitment to innovation in the local agricultural industry.
Charles Pludthura blogs about a couple of growth strategies businesses should consider in the next 12 months.
“First, it’s time to streamline. If you haven’t already done so, look to your processes and see whether there are any opportunities to reduce time, error and effort through automation.”
