General
Every business is different, but those that survive have a beginning, middle, and end. Dennis Mattiske takes us through the lifecycle of a business and examines the crucial planning stages for successful outcomes. The Beginning Following an idea to set up a new business, it is wise to challenge the idea and ask some simple […]
Are you already running a successful franchise, but want to grow the business further? Rebecca Spicer explores the benefits and issues of exporting your franchise, and gets the inside scoop on a franchise that has taken this leap successfully. Australia is fairly small in terms of world markets, and so growing your franchise may mean […]
Making the switch from scientist to business owner was daunting for Karen Woolley, and her husband Mark. But after rewriting a medical report Karen’s company had paid someone to write, they realised there was a gap in the market for a medical communications business, and it suddenly became a natural step. Working for different pharmaceutical […]
New Products for September 2005 Nurturing Customers No customers means no business, so it’s important to have a handle on customer relationship management (CRM). Innovation award-winning Maximizer 8 keeps you on top of sales leads, produces marketing material and makes sure customer enquiries are taken care of. Staff in the field, such as sales and […]
Prime Minister John Howard has announced plans for a new workplace relations system and it’s important that all employers are alert to the implications. Richard Bunting outlines what the proposed changes could mean for business owners. The changes will create, for the first time, a national or unified workplace relations system. They will further downplay […]
This partnership started with a couple of credit cards and a passion to succeed. Franchising led to rapid expansion and winning an award, now even snow-clad mountains don’t daunt their plans to climb higher. By Cameron Bayley. Melanie Bourne is talking into her mobile, having one of those isn’t-it-funny-where-you-suddenly-find-yourself moments. "I’m in the storeroom, it’s […]
Having a great product is good, but without promotion it won’t go very far. Camille Howard talks to a business owner who is using the media to get her business message across Australia and around the globe. Running a publishing company in Sydney for 15 years taught Andrea Horwood how the media works. Selling the […]
With dysfunctional and out-dated phone systems plaguing their business, Ideal Electrical Suppliers describe how they chose a new telephone solution with a keen eye on how it would grow with the business. Ideal Electrical is an electrical wholesale distribution company specialising in electrical products for tradespeople. Since it began 15 years ago, the Brisbane-based business […]
Government departments spend billions each year purchasing goods and services from private organisations, ranging from toilet paper and office equipment to IT systems and artillery. Rebecca Spicer finds out how to access these huge and lucrative markets. When you add up the many and varied roles and functions of all local, state, and federal governments […]
Occupational health and safety legislation varies from state to state, but Steven Brown gives us the low-down on the national requirements for OH&S, and tips for designing the workplace so that general and specific hazards can be eliminated or managed. Don’t wait until the worst happens, a serious or fatal accident. Employers must ensure the […]
Russia’s on the rise and the rouble is getting its second wind – As Matthew Brooks discovers, this renewed economic vigour is reshaping Russia’s place in the world and driving an insatiable appetite for all things Australian. Great news for our exporters! The New World Order, in terms of emerging trading nations, has been labelled the […]
Accessing a global resource with all the leads and information needed to produce a successful conference is now a reality thanks to web-based business, Conference Online – After only two years in business, it’s already in hot, international demand. Conference Online began when Val Sanders saw a gap in the conference management market. Not just a […]
There was already plenty of pasta available in the world when Doug Cush was urged to enter the market – But there’s always room for a quality product, especially when it has a point of difference and is carefully promoted. When an Italian tells you you’ve got what it takes to produce pasta, you listen. That’s […]
Sea changing is not a new concept, but a switch from hotel executive to racehorse syndicate owner is a little out of the ordinary – Camille Howard tracks down a businesswoman who, after almost 20 years in the hotel business, found a new passion. Denise Martin grew up in Tasmania with sport in her veins. Her […]
We all need to ensure our workplaces are free from discrimination and provide equal opportunities for our employees. Do you know your obligations? Jan Dransfield and Will Snow explain what businesses should be doing. If a happy workforce is good for business it follows that employers will want to provide a workplace that is free […]
According to several studies, men and women tend to manage business differently – But the smart managers of either gender adopt the best from each style and apply it appropriately in particular circumstances. By Shane Cassidy Is one gender better than the other at business management? Or is gender a red herring, veiling different managerial qualities […]
Poor security in computer systems can be catastrophic for any business, no matter how small – Helen Bradley explains how to assess vulnerability and what you can do to protect your precious data. Don’t take the ostrich approach. The issue of securing your computer networks will not go away by ignoring it. If anything, security issues […]
When Mark Kiehne discovered a link between his expertise in fuel injection and his baby son’s feeding problems, he was on the way to developing a product that would have a massive worldwide market. By Cameron Bayley Picture a mother or father of a young baby with colic and reflux problems. They’re soaked in formula, […]
The sheer pulling power of large retailers and nearby mega malls can leave small independent retailers gasping for customers – In today’s store wars, knowing how to deal with competition can make or break your business. Specialty retail expert, Stephen Spring, investigates solutions. Many ‘mum and dad’ operators and small retailers seem to be facing […]
Pet tags might occupy a specialised market, but business is booming in Australia and around the world for Bow Wow Meow. On a fateful day, 10 years ago, Amy Lyden wasn’t looking for a worldwide business opportunity when she went to the local pet shop to stock up on everything she needed for her two […]
