Nukte O
Finding a last minute venue for meetings and events
Need a venue quick? You can now search, view and book Australian venues inside an eight-week lead time with QuickMeet, an online venue-finding service that was inspired by the many online discounts made available to last minute travellers. “After connecting to quickmeet.com.au, users simply search and select their preferred destination or venue, complete a venue […]
Create a stress-free workplace
While stress and work seem to come hand in hand, they don’t have to. Peter George shows us how to identify the signs of stress, and offers a mix of tried-and-true and quirky techniques to help create a stress-free workplace. At the end of the year, if you are smart, you will take a look […]
Debtor management advice for SMEs
Try the following debtor management tips, from Dun & Bradstreet, to ease your cash flow: *Set clear policies at the outset of a credit agreement. *Get a signed contract. *Always conduct a credit check prior to the extension of credit. *Issue invoices promptly. *Monitor your accounts receivable on an ongoing basis. *Gradually escalate pressure on […]
Save money on fuel
There is a collective shudder throughout the nation any time fuel prices are mentioned. But don’t be so glum, it’s good news this time. Fuel tax credits have been expanded, so it’s no longer just fuel used in heavy vehicles that can be claimed. Whether you’re using fuel in your whipper snipper or chainsaw, your […]
Retain staff by rewarding commitment
Australia’s workforce is ageing; no surprise there. But what are you doing to retain older employees? After all, these committed employees have the skills you need. National Seniors Australia has launched a Corporate Employees membership category, for employers looking to reward their 50-plus employees. “Recent research funded by National Seniors has revealed that as workers […]
Become a charismatic public speaker
How many times have you been to a meeting or presentation where you were bored out of your mind? Too many to count? To avoid becoming a yawn-worthy public speaker yourself, make use of the internet. One online option is Scene Change’s Presentation Channel. A monthly video program, which covers topics like being comfortable on […]
Use your PIN to verify credit transactions
Using your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to verify credit and debit card transactions is now an option, opening the way for faster payment. “There are more than 44 million debit and credit cards in Australia, which are used over 118 million times per month to pay for goods and services,” says Simon Greig, Pen or […]
Focus shifts from retaining staff to attracting staff
Employers are facing another tough year, with the majority identifying the battle to attract staff as the biggest human capital challenge. Two thirds of Australian businesses currently struggle to attract staff, according to the 2008 Vedior Asia Pacific Employment Trends Survey. “The shift from retention to attraction reflects the overall climate of the continued shortages […]
Doing business in Sydney is easy
When it comes to ease of doing business, Sydney scores some high points. Ranking fifth in the MasterCard World Centres of Commerce Index in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and African Region, Sydney has performed better than Melbourne, which came in at ninth. And when it comes to the world economy, Sydney is 12th, ahead of […]
Is there a skills shortage?
Is there actually a skills shortage, or has it just been exaggerated? According to Need, recruitment trading portal and marketplace, the skills shortage is really just a creation of inefficient HR and recruitment practices. “Almost every industry in Australia is claiming there is a skills shortage, there are genuine shortages in some professions, such as […]
Business process management improves efficiency
While businesses are now aware of Business Process Management (BPM), only half are actually committed to using automated systems to improve efficiency. According to a recent University of Western Sydney (UWS) study, businesses are still using programs such as PowerPoint because there are few employees with the necessary training. Business owners will no longer be […]
Pay rates increase despite falling turnover
Wage growth pressure is rising, and small businesses wage increases have climbed from five percent to 5.2 percent in the last year. And encouragingly, staff turnover has seen a small drop from 13.6 percent to 12.7 percent, found the Australian Institute of Management’s (AIM) National Salary Survey 2008. “Small companies are continuing to find it […]
Plan your career path
Happy with your career? Well, 2.2 million working Australians aren’t. In fact, more than half of Australian workers fell into their career path and 64 percent are keeping an eye out for new career opportunities, according to a survey commissioned by Chandler Macleod’s CMyPeople, an online competency assessment system. “Not only does Australia have an […]
Changes to small business tax concessions
Small businesses are set to benefit from wide-ranging changes to tax concessions. The changes are a boon for small business, says Mark Morris, CPA Australia’s senior tax counsel. “Small businesses can obtain significant benefits by being able to write off any depreciating assets costing less than $1,000, and by pooling assets over $1,000 and depreciating […]
Mobile connectivity a burden for employees
Are you one of those employers who annoy their employees outside of office hours on their mobile devices? If you are, you’re not the only one. More than a third of employees get hounded even after they clock off, according to a recent LinkMe survey. But if you are, you might want to stop, because […]
Business Clarity offers free business development workshops
The team of coaches at Business Clarity are offering Dynamic Business readers free business development workshops. So if you’re interested in attracting and keeping the right team, building your business and cash flow, or developing a plan to get your business back on track, visit www.businessclarity.com.au and sign up. Workshops are held weekly at the […]
Exporting to Vietnam, an awakening market
‘Good morning Vietnam’ is on the lips of Australian exporters as they wake up to Vietnam’s export opportunities. Find out about this fast-growing economy to make the most of exporting to Vietnam. Vietnam’s transition from a centrally-planned to market-based economy has been anything but smooth. Modern day Vietnam still has numerous challenges to face. However, […]
Carolyn Creswell, the cereal entrepreneur behind Carman’s Fine Foods
Carolyn Creswell is storming supermarket cereal aisles around the world with Carman’s Fine Foods and a never-give-up attitude. Nukte Ogun discovers the ingredients for Creswell’s export success include quality Aussie produce, mixed with a lot of passion. Carolyn Creswell first learnt how to make muesli at a small bakery in Hawksburn Victoria. She was 18 […]
Sarah Mandelson’s dream job: Serendipity Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream. Answering nationwide cries for ice-cream is the best job around, says Sarah Mandelson, CEO of Serendipity Ice Cream. Remember when you were a kid, and you’d do pretty much anything for a bite of ice-cream? There’s just something about ice-cream that keeps us craving into our […]
Innovatively exporting education
Australia’s education exports have created a first class name. With an innovative business approach and some creativity, you too can capitalise on this name and still stand out from the pack when exporting education. Education is a valuable commodity. Aristotle believed: “All men naturally desire knowledge.” Well, what better thing to sell than that which […]
Battlefield Sports Exporting Success
For Peter and Nicole Lander, founders of Battlefield sports, exporting success came from finding a niche market with global appeal. Battlefield sports gained a competitive edge in the marketplace with its realistic simulation of military tactics, mobile technology and authentic equipment and gaming scenarios. Fighting through rough terrain to defuse a bomb and rescue a […]
Tips on trading in Turkey
Turkey’s economic growth and geographic location should be inspiring Australian exporters to investigate exporting to Turkey. But before you set off, here’s some advice about trading in Turkey. Export eyes are now on Turkey. As the country enters a modernisation process to boost its economic prosperity and impress the European Union (EU) during accession talks, […]
Plan for business challenges
With increasing interest rates, fluctuating petrol prices, drought, lagging trade payments, and the credit crunch, planning for business challenges is a must for SME survival. Here’s your guide to expected business hardships, together with some expert advice to ease business conditions. Blow after blow has been dealt to SMEs, everything from a strengthening Aussie dollar, […]
Penny Spencer sets high sights for Spencer Travel
When it comes to Penny Spencer’s plans for Spencer Travel, the sky is literally the limit. Spencer explains how with a bit of hard work, and a clear business plan, Spencer Travel became one of Australia’s few Virgin Galactic space agents. Penny Spencer’s enthusiasm for travel is clear within moments of stepping into Spencer Travel. […]
Ned Montarello, the smartie behind ThinkSmart
All it really takes is an idea, and from there the rest will come. At least that’s what happened when Ned Montarello came up with the idea to start and export ThinkSmart, a business-to-business financer for small and medium businesses. “The idea was really about seeing the appetite of the small business community in particular,” […]
Keith Morgan, the high flyer behind Flight Training Adelaide
Flight Training Adelaide may be sending student pilots into the clouds, but that’s definitely not where its own head is. Read of to see how Keith Morgan turned Flight Training Adelaide into an export award winning business. “One cannot fly into flying,” Friedrich Nietzsche once philosophised. How true. It has taken Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) […]
Asus Eee PC
Lightweight and compact, the Asus Eee PC claims to be the world’s easiest PC. Based on the three E’s—easy to learn, easy to work, easy to play—it makes using mobile internet both simple and affordable. The Eee PC hard drive has been substituted for flash storage, and while the system is based on Linux, it […]
Optus Roamer USB
Feel free to wander with your laptop, and still have access to decent internet access speeds. The Optus Roamer USB receives coverage at 96 percent of Australian locations, and with broadband speeds, you won’t find yourself waiting. Simply plug into any computer to watch it go. And if you’re on the move, it’ll seamlessly choose […]
Sony ICDB500 Notetaker
With four times the recording capability of its predecessor, the Sony ICDB500 Notetaker allows you over 80 hours of recorded talk. But the 256MB recorder also comes with a few more surprises, including the ability to record reminder alarms. With digital clarity, a large LCD screen and voice-operated recording, this easy-to-use number packs a decent […]
Motorola Moto Q9
Motorola’s Moto Q is back, this time with much more to offer, including Windows Live Messenger and Good Mobile Messaging. Available on the Telstra Next G Network, the Moto Q9 offers broadband-like speeds that allow song downloads in approximately six seconds. And with eight inboxes for corporate and personal use, together with the capability to […]
Energizer Energi To Go
Feel naked without your phone? Does panic flood your heart whenever the battery hits the last bar? For those of us surgically attached to our phone, the best option in the past was to buy an expensive spare battery; but now Energizer is offering something else. Energi To Go is an instant portable mobile phone […]
Targus Fusion range
Bring a little personality to your messenger case with the eye-catching Targus Fusion range. The colours in the matt spun-twill material range are wheat, charcoal and chocolate, and each case comes with three different coloured shoulder straps. So mix and match according to your mood. And soon you’ll have even more options, with Targus separately […]
Tradegate becomes an associate of the Pan Asian e-commerce Alliance
By value, the Pan Asian e-commerce Alliance (PAA) member economies account for more than 50 percent of Australia’s exports and imports. Now Tradegate, a supplier of online services to exporters and importers, has become an associate member of the PAA, in an attempt to ease exporting. “Tradegate will be able to provide its members and […]
Facts about Japan’s Economy
As one of the world’s largest economies, Japan’s economy holds great potential and opportunity for Aussie exporters. Fast facts: * Market size of 127 million people * Japan is Asia’s largest economy, and is the second largest economy in the world. * In 2005, Japan’s GDP made up 10 percent of the world’s economy, second […]
Watching out for export tax traps
Exporting is a complicated business, especially with different tax traps waiting in every country. The most common mistakes include failing to protect Australian assets, lack of compliance with local country tax rules, and entering into an arrangement with an unreliable local agent, says Merv Burton, William Buck tax services director. “Many businesses are not aware […]
Tools for efficient fleet management
Managing a fleet of cars goes beyond just the car itself. We sift through some of the fleet management tools needed to efficiently manage your fleet, and help you save on running costs. Fleet management is not easy for small and medium businesses, especially when competing with the big end of town. But tools such […]
Leading and managing a productive team
As every smart business owner will tell you, your business is only as good as your team. So how do you lead and manage a productive team? We sit down with John Buchanan, former coach of Australia’s most successful cricket team, for his team management tips. Hailed as a coaching legend, John Buchanan led the […]
Anaconda H20 Audio Waterproof Armour Series
If adventure sports are your idea of a break from work, this nifty little case may be just what you’re after. The Anaconda H20 Audio Waterproof Armour Series is a waterproof case for your Apple iPod that can withstand some serious pummelling. The case is waterproof up to three metres and allows full access to […]
Sony PCS-TL33
Sony has released the newest member of its IP video conferencing family, the PCS-TL33. The slim and lightweight body with a screen that doubles as a PC monitor can be used on both desktops and small meeting areas. And its electronic pan, tilt and zoom camera, with a wide-angle lens and 3x digital zoom, works […]
Logitech diNovo Mini
We’re all used to channel surfing on our television sets, and for those who connect their PC to the TV, it’s now possible to do a little computer surfing. The Logitech diNovo Mini is a cordless palm-sized keyboard and media remote, with Bluetooth long-range wireless technology (up to 30 feet). So if your PC has […]
Logofarm Custom Logo Pack
Need a logo? The Custom Logo Pack is your connection to the Logofarm team of graphic designers. Submit briefs and review suggestions without leaving your office, or talk face to face with the included webcam. Logofarm will then email you three different logos, and you can choose the one most suitable to your business. Based […]
Kingston DataTraveler Mini
Measuring just over 3.5cm, the Kingston DataTraveler Mini with Migo software has the ability to transform any computer into a personalised workspace. The miniature flash drive automatically synchronises data when re-connected to any previously synchronised computer, but leaves none of your files on other systems. Easily attachable to a keychain, or cord, the customised multifunction […]
Apple MacBook Air
The world’s thinnest notebook is here, or so says Apple, and with a maximum thickness of 1.9cm that thins to 0.4cms, we’re not surprised. While on the skinny side, MacBook Air is no lightweight when it comes to capabilities. Still with a full-size keyboard and a 13-inch display screen, it also has built-in iSight and […]
Targus Anti-Glare Privacy Screens
Keeping digital documents safe from prying eyes can be difficult, but Targus has released a range of Anti-Glare Privacy Screens to stop wandering eyes from landing on sensitive information. The easily portable micro-slim film can be attached to your notebook or LCD monitor with either specifically designed adhesive strips or tab guides, and narrows the […]
Networking to increase business profits
Raising your business profile and increasing profits is a breeze, with the right networks, but networking the right way is often overlooked. Learn how to cost-effectively network. The brief for this article was to find free ways to market your business. Networking seemed the obvious place to start. And while it’s not entirely free, it […]
Solution to the skills shortage: apprentices and trainees
While lacking experience, apprentices and trainees can bring practical and financial business benefits. Dive into the recruitment pool of apprentices and trainees to quench your skills shortage drought. The skills shortage is crimping business throughout Australia, but apprentices and trainees can fill the void. Inexperience is not necessarily a negative. Filling these blank slates with […]
Swann Communications RedAlert Security Kit
Aiming to make motion detection security simple, Swann Communications has released a RedAlert Security Kit. The light and portable do-it-yourself video surveillance solution, with wireless CCTV camera, is as easy as plug-and-play and view-and-record. The security system comes with and records directly to a 128MB SD memory card, though its storage capability can be increased […]
LaCie LaCinema Premier
Forget about burning CDs and DVDs, and instead turn your TV into an entertainment centre with the LaCie LaCinema Premier. With 500GB, 750GB and 1000GB storage options, you can transfer hundreds of movies and thousands of photos and songs from your PC or Mac with a simple USB. Plug the body into your TV for […]
HP Officejet H470b Mobile Printer
A new addition to the mobile workers’ toolbox, HP has launched the Officejet H470b Mobile Printer for anyone needing to print on the go with a rugged high-performance printer. Printing laser-quality text documents and high-quality photos, the mobile printer can print from a variety of sources including notebook PCs, PDAs, cameras and memory cards. At […]
HTC Touch Dual 850
Sleek and Stylish, the HTC Touch Dual 850 has been customised for the Telstra Next G Network’s high speed downloads. Use the phone’s touch screen technology, or bring out the easy-to-type sliding keypad, to access email, messaging and music functions, among others. It is also connected to Telstra’s My Place portal, Sensis Search, Whereis Maps […]