News

Acting NSW Premier Andrew Stoner has announced the 23 successful local Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies that will participate in next month’s Tech23 innovation exhibition in Sydney.

The use of social media by Australian small businesses has risen by 50 percent this year, with many looking to boost the investment in their website, technology and marketing.

Rhondalynn Korolak blogs about how many businesses REALLY fail in their first year.

“I searched the internet and couldn’t find confirmation of any study that was done to back-up this statistic by a reputable or well-known bureau. What I did in fact find was some evidence to the contrary.”

Roger Woodend blogs about adapting QR codes for use in your business.

“QR Codes can be used to reveal more information about a product, service or event. Generally they are used to direct customers or users to a specific URL, video, coupon, event page or email address.”

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has placed its support behind Julia Gillard’s carbon tax, saying in a meeting yesterday no jobs need to be lost as a result of the scheme.

A world-class panel of media experts have been booked by Buerilla to review and critique small business media pitches, live at the Pitch to Media Panel event.

Rod Sherwin’s Energy Therapy tools are being utilised by an increasing number of business owners and their employees, which enable them to quickly and effectively adapt to today’s challenges.

Brett Morris delves into a question asked by many managers and employers – should trust be earned, or given?

“In establishing a relationship with a new employee or team, should managers/leaders place their trust in them? Or should they withhold that trust and expect that the employee/team earn it from them?”

Security experts are warning businesses against the current trend of employee BYOD or ‘Bring Your Own Device’ to work, as it leaves them exposed to malware attacks and other cyber crime.

Danielle MacInnis blogs about businesses that refuse to focus on what their customers need.

“If you don’t engage they will by-pass you. It’s so easy for them to ignore – they can turn off the tv, delete the email and fast forward the podcast.”

The Australian online group buying market is continuing on its rapid growth trajectory; growing from $71.8 million in Q1 to $123.9 million in Q2 ‐ a 72 percent quarter on quarter rise.

The Federal Government has granted additional funding to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), to assist it in cracking down on businesses that gouge customers by making misleading carbon claims.

With just a few days left to cast votes in the 2011 City of Sydney Business Awards, organisers have noted a rise in the number of nominated businesses running innovative social media campaigns.

BOQ Finance and Lenovo have joined forces to create Lenovo Financial Services; designed to offer a range of financial services and solutions to new and existing Lenovo customers.

Rick Mapperson delivers a timely reminder about securing important records and documents in your business.

“The solution is to switch to electronic record keeping. It is the safest, easiest and most efficient way of maintaining the necessary records for your business.”

Many Australians are being impacted by their unrealistic expectations of themselves; with a leading Australian psychologist suggesting “unhealthy perfectionism” is resulting in mental health issues.

Video is set to be technology’s next frontier, according to Cisco’s Chief Technology Officer Kevin Bloch, who believes it’s likely to revolutionise the business world.

Following on from the natural disasters that struck Queensland earlier this year, over 50 percent of businesses now plan to review their OHS and risk management policies.

Arndria Seymour blogs about how the carbon tax is raising questions about corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

“Integration of sustainability and ‘green’ strategies should now be viewed as a business critical mission if you work for a socially responsible organisation. Going green requires mind and behaviour shifts at all levels of the organisation.”

More clarity is needed around the Government’s carbon price policy, according to the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), especially around the impact it will have on the 2 million Australian SMEs.