News

Over 25 percent of small businesses around the world have chosen AVG as their internet security provider, according to newly released GfK figures.

Neil Tilley looks at what a work/life balance means in today’s terms.

“In the majority of cases today, work/life balance is less about a division between what is and what is not work and more about a flexible approach to working.”

The unemployment rate climbed from 4.9 percent in June to 5.1 percent last month; rising a seasonally adjusted 0.1 percent according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Alycia Edgar delivers 9 tips for completing those projects you haven’t managed to get off the ground.

“Would you love to feel more in control of your workload and finally get to those projects that you’ve been attempting to work on for quite some time; those projects that will provide revenue-generating opportunities; and implement them, finally?”

Hamish Anderson blogs about the hidden costs of using social media in your small business.

“Social Media represents a fantastic opportunity and simultaneously a threat to business. The key is how you manage it.”

The Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar franchise has expanded to South Australia, with three stores now open in the Adelaide region.

Catriona Pollard blogs about using YouTube to bring exposure to your business.

“Video carries a lot more impact than text – yes video is linear and your audience has to sit through it – but video gives you the chance to create an impact, guide your audience through things and give your audience the chance to really get to know you.”

2ergo has unveiled its VoucherNet mobile ticketing and coupon platform, a new solution designed to enhance brand value and customer retention.

The number of businesses entering external administration jumped almost 6 percent in the last financial year, with insolvency practitioners reporting more activity in the SME sector as a result of tighter Australian Taxation Office debt recovery.

Poor performance has led Harvey Norman to decide to axe the Clive Peeters and Rick Hart brands, with seven stores to be closed and a further 16 to be converted into Harvey Norman or Joyce Mayne formats.

More bad news for businesses has been spelt out today, with the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment for August falling to levels not seen since May 2009.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has found AquaDepot Imports engaged in resale price maintenance by refusing to supply an online retailer which discounted products below a specified price.

Brad Callaughan delivers 5 tips to ensure your cashflow is well-managed in difficult economic times.

“You need to understand the significance of cashflow and how it keeps your operation afloat – it’s a potentially fatal mistake to focus on your profit & loss because healthy profits can mask an impending cashflow crisis.”

Julian Smith looks at how Channel 10 should have used Twitter following its controversial decision to split Sunday night’s MasterChef final in half.

“While you can’t completely reputation-proof yourself, you should include disaster planning as part of your initial social media strategy to save time and reputation…”

Australians who choose to invest in domestic renewable energy are being warned of its stagnant returns, and instead are advised to look to Europe for profitable investments.

Be inspired by our favourite entrepreneurs of the past 12 months and learn from their real life challenges and triumphs. In part two, meet Unimail’s Andrea Culligan.

Check out what’s in the August issue of the magazine – due in newsagents this week!

Local online children’s clothing businesses could potentially be holding up Australia’s economy, according to myAppalogues, which found over 60 percent of these businesses sell local products instead of importing from overseas.

Elizabeth Marchant looks at the importance of a functioning internal communications strategy.

“There are lots of ways to achieve this but often companies don’t consider the needs of the modern workforce or fully assessing the range of communications tools available.”

Shoes of Prey Co-Founder Jodie Fox and Il Tutto Founder Lucie Trinco will share the secrets to their international success at a Small Business September seminar, hosted by Dynamic Business Editor Jen Bishop.