News

Australians are some of the most optimistic people in the world when it comes to finding a new job, with only Chinese and Indian workers registering higher confidence.

Telstra has released new prices for its Wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Control Centre, making it more affordable for SMBs looking to cut costs by using more automation.

Roger Woodend blogs about the unique opportunities the mobile channel delivers businesses, and how best to utilise them.

“By delivering relevant, timely offers to target customers through the mobile device, the CRM database will be greatly enhanced.”

A new online planning and management tool for small to medium businesses, BPlan Live, has been launched in time for the new financial year, in conjunction with a special offer.

We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but you really can’t be everything to everyone. This is particularly true for small businesses.

Lady Danielle Di-Masi blogs about her recent encounter with the Dalai Lama.

“He explained that to connect successfully with each other we need to understand that need and nurture your fellow man. Nurture him with kindness, respect and compassion and they will do the same back to you.”

Employer confidence remains strong despite a predicted drop in sentiment over the July-September 2011 quarter, with just under a third of employers set to grow staff numbers over the next three months.

Horticultural agency Plants Management Australia (PMA) was named Tasmanian Business of the Year earlier this week at the 2011 Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards, also taking home the Business Owner Micro-Business Award and the AMP Innovation Award.

Microsoft has announced the good news that Office 365, its newest cloud productivity and collaboration service for businesses of all sizes, is now available worldwide.

Julian Smith blogs about how vital it is for business owners to rediscover their passion.

“I shared some observations I have gleaned from the most successful business folks I have met on my travels – the one thing they all have in common is passion. The business dream and vision they started with, still resonates with them and motivates them.”

With 30 June upon us, taxpayers are looking for opportunities to reduce their tax liabilities for the fiscal year, and according to Institute of Public Accountants senior tax advisor Tony Greco, small businesses should also not overlook the cash flow benefits of tax deferral opportunities.

Andrew and Mandy Lynch, owner/operators of a Cafe2U franchise in the Perth region of Kenwick and Maddington, have been rewarded for their efforts by taking home a Merit Award at the Franchising Council of Australia (FCA) Awards.

Wrapping up the EOFY properly ensures businesses roll into the new financial year smoothly, and helps business owners put their best foot forward from the get go. With this in mind, RSM Bird Cameron has put together 12 tips for starting the 2011/12 financial year.

In tandem with the launch of its E6 and E7 smartphones, Nokia has launched an online book following the stories of seven successful Australian entrepreneurs as well as a must-win mentoring competition.

The length of the recruitment process and the personality of the person conducting the interview have been found to be the biggest influences over job-seekers opinions of a potential employer.

Yiying Lu designed ‘Lifting a Dreamer’ as a happy e-card to send to friends. But when Twitter bought the image from iStockphoto, it became a global phenomenon. The 20-something graphic designer tells Dynamic Business how talent, timing and a tweet or two came together to change her life.

Who better to tell businesses how to get the most out of their bank than someone with 25 years’ experience behind the scenes?

With the digital realm now dominating consumer and corporate affairs, more SMEs are ditching traditional business plans in favour of tech savvy flexible strategies that account for rapid technological change.

Suncorp Super & Investments has improved the experience of business customers in managing their super guarantee responsibilities, by introducing a new system called EASE.

Michelle Gamble blogs about the importance of marketing for SMEs that are looking to grow.

“A recent survey we ran of small-medium sized businesses and found that 45.5% are expecting sales to increase. What’s interesting is that 56% don’t have a marketing plan, 51% don’t measure the ROI from their marketing and 70% of business either aren’t sure or don’t feel that their marketing is managed by someone with experience.”