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There is no hotter trend in the internet, marketing and media space than social networking. What started out as a way for ‘cool kids’ to talk to each other has now become essential part of every company’s marketing strategy.  ...
Many companies underestimate the power of online forums as a branding, marketing and communications tool. Here's how Australia's best forums do it – and five of the best examples. By BRAD HOWARTH By Brad Howarth  
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Senior account director at debt collection agency eCollect Lou McLeish has been on the phone chasing up a string of overdue bills for her clients, one for as little as $368, another for $7,000 that is 90 days overdue. "There really is a big debt problem," she says. "Collecting money is everybody's least fa...
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Did the great corporate blogging revolution ever happen? It seems only a handful of years ago that, inspired by US automaker General Motor’s FastLane blog, nascent social media pundits (and this writer) were predicting that corporations would open up and begin a two-way dialog with customers. But in the ye...
The 2008-09 tax season is almost upon us and entrepreneurs can expect to get some extra scrutiny this year. MIKE PRESTON and JAMES THOMSON ask a panel of tax experts for their best tips and the best action you can take now to minimise your tax billBy James Thomson and Mike Preston
"Public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility."
Blogging is a great way to engage with your customers, build your brand and stand out on Google. BRAD HOWARTH explains why entrepreneurs often write the best blogs – and lists Australia’s top 15 business blogs. By Brad Howarth  
According to Paul Graham, investor and founder of Y Combinator, the best way to get a winning business idea is to not think of any. Instead, you should be looking at which problems you can solve. “The very best start-up ideas tend to have three things in common: they’re something the founders themselves want, that they themselve...
The recession has thrown the sales and marketing strategies of entrepreneurs into disarray. Customers have become more hesitant to buy, sales teams are struggling to get deals over the line, and the marketing budget isn't looking as healthy as it used to.   
Meet Australia's top female entrepreneurs – they are smart, focused and generate more than $3.6 billion in sales. In a special feature to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, SmartCompany has compiled a comprehensive list of 48 of Australia's best business women (see ...
While Facebook and Twitter might hog the social media headlines, the humble blog remains a much-loved communication tool for many Australian business people. Around the country, and throughout many different industries, there are thousands of Australian consultants, contractors and entrepreneurs running lively, informative and at times, very persona...
The SmartCompany Dun & Bradstreet Telco Industry Growth List shows which companies are booming thanks to growing demand for online content, faster internet speeds, VOIP, and new consumer trends. By MIKE PRESTON By Mike Preston
Free money for growth There are many juicy free money opportunities out there, but before leaping in, business owners need to understand the cost and red tape that comes with the grants process. Here we look at state government grants and examine the costs involved and the obligations you’ll face. SmartCompany’s selection of grants from the state governments Click on the name to link t...
The economy might be slowing, but now is not the time to stop innovating and let your competitors gain the upper hand. KOSMAS SMYRNIOS and AMANDA GOME explain how you can foster a culture of innovation in your business.By Kosmas Smyrnios and Amanda Gome
They are young, smart and come from industries as diverse as IT, fashion and agriculture. BRAD HOWARTH profiles 30 hot young entrepreneurs aged 30 years and under. By Brad Howarth    
As the list of ways to promote your business grows, working out the most effective way to spruik your business can be half the battle. That's why it's vital that small- and medium-sized businesses put a solid marketing strategy in place and make sure they don't deviate from the plan. Here are 10 things your plan mus...
The mantra behind key performance indicators (KPIs) is imprinted on the brain of every executive in the world: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it". The trouble is many companies don't know what to measure. The result: bad management, mixed messages, confusion and employees focusing on the wrong thing. KPIs need to be handled ...
There are just two things standing in the way of a potential revolution in Australia's retail sector: Melbourne's notoriously fickle weather, and a roof.   For Costco Australia managing director Patrick Noone, whether the warehouse shopping giant opens its Melbou...
Reaching the über-rich ranks before you turn 40 has generated several urban myths about what it takes to get there. JAMES THOMSON reveals the truth about our young stinking rich entrepreneurs.By James Thomson
The search for Australia’s best and brightest web 2.0 entrepreneurs reveals a tangled web of companies, individuals and technologies reports BRAD HOWARTH, tied together through an equally complex web of professional relationships and friendships. By Brad Howarth
Businesses have been told to monitor comments left on their Facebook pages, following a decision by the Advertising Standards Board which found a brand's Facebook page was an advertisement. The decision was prompted by a complaint to the ASB – the advertising industry's self-regulatory body – about the official Smirnoff Vodka Facebook page....
While Australia is yet to produce anything of the scale of Google, eBay and Amazon, there is always an interesting crop of up-and-comers threatening to burst on to the scene. We've compiled a list of 12 companies that demonstrate the spirit of innovation that exists among Australia's internet entrepreneurs, and which may go on to become the "next bi...
Dealing with other businesses requires a different approach to the consumer market. It’s not an easy transition, but MIKE PRESTON has divined the secrets to success from Australia’s experts. By Mike Preston
IBISWorld estimates that the chocolate and confectionery manufacturing industry will grow by 1.1% in the five years to 2009-10. This industry has had to endure a recessive economy, falling disposable incomes, volatile commodity prices and increasing import competition. Despite these challenges, the industry has remained resilient, adapting to changing con...
NAB’s huge attempt to differentiate itself from Australia’s other big four banks has quickly become an early candidate for marketing campaign of the year – and with good reason.   In today’s media-saturated world grabbing consumers’ attention for more than 30 seconds is hard enough and extending a campaign over four or five days is no mean feat. The bank’s campaign started on Friday with what looked like an errant tweet from one of NAB’s corporate Twit...
They're smart, they're young, they're tech savvy - and they're not afraid of the downturn. Meet SmartCompany's Hot 30 under 30 - a group of 30 entrepreneurs aged 30 years and under who are on their way to becoming Australia's next generation of business leaders.  
I’ve already talked about some year end tax planning issues, but it might be worth reminding SMEs of some of the tax deductions they may be able to claim. By TERRY HAYES By Terry Hayes
How to minimise your business tax burden Every business is different, so an exhaustive list of what is tax deductible will vary. The following is a sample of the kinds of expenses that could be deductible – it might get you thinking about what you are claiming concerning your business.
They can be demanding and impatient – but some of the traits that so infuriate many bosses can also make Gen-Ys outstanding employees. It’s a matter of channelling the energy. By Mike Preston. By Mike PrestonThe jury is ...
Supermarket giant Woolworths is well known for its jingle “Woolworths the fresh food people”, but the line recently became the crux of a social media scandal. On Monday a social media storm erupted as consumers took to Facebook to express their outrage over a Woolworths’ billboard erected on the Warrego Highway near Ipswich which labelled donuts as ‘fresh food’. The complaints started when Facebook user and I...
The wonderful world of the web these days (WEB2.0) enables us to touch base with our customers/potential customers in a soft way, build up trust, get creative with content, have the freedom to add and change information on our websites and blogs plus drive traffic to places we want it most - all for the cost of our own time. Social media is one of the most powerful ways to do this right now. Okay, so I'm always looking for quirky and powerful ways to market the business online (an...
Harvey Norman is being walloped by the downturn. But billionaire founder Gerry Harvey still refuses to consider online retailing, dismissing it as a dead-end for businesses. He predicts it will not make any money for entrepreneurs and says he will not be Harvey Norman is being walloped by the downturn. But billionaire founder Gerry Harvey still refuses to consider online retailing, dismissing it as a dead-end for businesses. He predicts it will not make any money for entr...
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Advertise on SmartCompany SmartCompany.com.au is Australia's leading news, information and resource site for entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers. Find out more about how we can tailor an advertising solution to best fit your business. Advertise online using keyword targetingDownload the latest SmartCompany.com.au ra...
They are young, smart and hungry for success. Meet SmartCompany's Hot 30 Under 30 class of 2012 – a group of entrepreneurs aged 30 years and younger, drawn from 30 of Australia's fastest-growing SMEs. These 30 young people are well on their way to becoming Australia’s next generation of top entrepreneurs.
Nicole Perrin, the wife of bankrupt entrepreneur Matthew Perrin, has emerged as the largest creditor of a company controlled by the former Billabong International chief executive.   Perrin's company Christie Pty Ltd was placed in receivership last week after Perrin filed for bankruptcy.   The company is being wound up a...
It’s never been harder to keep up with the latest web trends - with the expansion onto mobile platforms, the growth of social media and the need for start ups to be aware of new SEO techniques. As a result, we’ve assembled a team of web experts to help you and your business keep on top of the most important trends on the web. Constructing a mobile website, creating social media campaigns and selling online are just some of the challenges businesses will face during 2010.
Woolworths today revealed it is selling Dick Smith Electronics to an Australian private equity firm for $20 million. The sale of Dick Smith to Anchorage Capital Partners ends an eight month search for a buyer for the beleaguered electronics chain which recorded a pre-tax profit of $26.8 million i...
Next hot franchise trend?A tart-yet-sweet swirled yoghurt called Pinkberry is being touted as the next new hot franchise trend. Launched in Los Angeles two years ago, the 20th store just opened in Beverley Hills. And there are plans for 50 in Los Angeles and New York by the end of the year.The brand has been linked with celebrity names Salma Hayek, Jerry Seinfield and Paris Hilton. The foun...
The recently released Sunday Times Rich List of Britain's wealthiest 1000 people contained the usual group of Australian money-management stars, led by Michael Hintze (valued at $837 million on the list), Greg Coffey ($383 million) and Hilton Nathanson ($280 million). But there were also some surprises. Co...
Starting a business is always difficult, and trying to start one in the middle of an economic crisis be even harder. To add to the problem, many small businesses are unaware of the internet's power when it comes to free business advice. So we've compiled a list of simple small business software applications and tools to help small business managers setup and grow their businesses for little or no...
James Omond replies: Unfortunately, your experience is all too common in business, and illustrates a number of traps for the unwary. First, there is the confusion between business name registrations, company names, and registered trade marks.  You thought you had registered the name of the business as a trade mark, when it was only registered as a business name.  Business name registration does not give you any rights to use that name at all, and no protection from other people who say ...
Jim’s Group founder Jim Penman says the secret to successful franchising is good recruiting, tough leadership, developing a strong brand and keeping franchisees happy. He tells JACQUI WALKER how he does it.By Jacqui Walker
While other retailers are discounting to get cash in the door, Pizza Capers founders Scott Geiszler and Anthony Russo are standing firm with their premium product. They tell PATRICK STAFFORD about the challenges of managing their fast-growing empire. By Patrick Stafford  
Outgoing JB Hi-Fi chief executive Richard Uechtritz has rightly won plaudits as one of Australia's great retailers, after steering his company through a management buyout and a float to become one of the best-performed retail stocks on the sharemarket. While the retail environment has changed repeatedly during Uechtritz's decade in charge, on the numerous occasions SmartCompany has spoken with him the message is always the same – good retailers focus on low costs, the right products and...
Social media is a great business tool, but how many companies are actually using it well? With so many SMEs and huge brands now using sites like Twitter and Facebook to promote themselves, simply creating a basic fan page isn't enough.Businesses need to be creating and designing social media marketing campaigns to connect...
The founder and managing director of burger chain Grill'd, Simon Crowe, has been forced to apologise for a bungled two-for-one offer aimed at university students, after an official print-only coupon went viral on the internet. But the apology might have come too late, with rival chain Nando's taking advantage of the chaos by offering to redeem any Grill'd voucher at its restaurants and launching a similar campaign of its own. The issue began when Grill'd offered university s...
The Advertising Standards Board has found an advertisement on Shear Ewe Livestock Services' Facebook page which depicts a man shearing a woman is exploitative and degrading to women. The decision reinforces the ASB's finding last month that a Facebook page also serves as an advertisement for a business. ...
You can call it the great Groupon gold rush. In just 12 short months, more than a dozen new group buying sites have been launched in Australia, all modelled on US group buying pioneer Groupon, which has annual revenue of about $US350 million and a valuation approaching $1 billion. In some cases, even the names s...