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1. The next 15 trends in social networking

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.  ...

2. RSS Feeds

  What is RSS? RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and is an easy and free way to track updates to the SmartCompany website. You can subscribe free to one or more "feeds" which send you the headline and a short summary of articles that have been recently added or updated on the website. To subscribe to an RSS feed, you will need a News Reader or...

3. Australia’s best online forums

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  

4. Don’t investigate employees on Facebook, expert warns

Businesses should avoid using social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to investigate the personal details and histories of prospective employees, a legal expert has warned. Bronwyn Maynard, senior associate at Harmers Workplace Lawyers, has said that employers must be aware of legal obligations under the Privacy Act, and employee rights under the new Fair Work legislation, in regards to social media. "Whenever an employer or recruiter collects persona...

5. Where is Australia's housing market REALLY heading?

Overheated or undervalued? A powerful part of the Australian economy or a bubble that could burst and damage Australia's miracle economy? Australia's housing market has always been one of the most talked-about sectors of the economy, but the recent surge in property prices – against the backdrop of the subprime cris...

6. About Us

SmartCompany is a completely free news, information and resource site for Australia's entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers to help keep them ahead of their competition. Our writers have many years of experience reporting for the best websites, newspapers and magazines. Contributors include Australia's top entrepreneurs, experts and advisers. Every Monday to Friday, SmartCompany posts a daily news briefing, a round-up of business trend...

7. Thank you for subscribing!

You'll receive an email shortly with the link to your free eBook. Get more FREE eBooks Become a SmartCompany member (register below) and get immediate access to the entire SmartCompany eBook Library and upcoming titles. Simply register, log in to the site with your new username and password and go to the eBook Library:

8. Terms and Conditions

Terms of Use Access to and use of the online magazine www.smartcompany.com.au and its associated email alert, is provided by Private Media Pty Ltd (ABN 11 102 933 362) through its vehicle SmartCompany.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 23 121 200 002) called in this document "the publishers", on the following terms. Please read the whole of this page carefully. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not obtain information, services or products fr...

9. Wall Street rallies on Obama stimulus plans, Newspaper group

Wall Street has enjoyed a 4% rise after reports president-elect Barack Obama plans to inject billions into new infrastructure spending to help spark economic growth and new jobs.Wall Street has enjoyed a 4% rise after reports president-elect Barack Obama plans to inject billions into new infrastructure spending to help spark economic growth and new jobs.Companies associated with construction projects helped lead the rally, sending the market upwards for the second day in a row.

10. Taxman opens door on debt relief

Help can come from the most unlikely quarters, and business owners may find that it is the ATO itself that will ease tax debt pain. By TERRY HAYES of Thomson Legal & Regulatory.By Terry Hayes

11. 25 corporate collapses – and the lessons learnt

There have been some high-profile corporate failures over the past year, and the evidence suggests that the bloodbath isn’t over. We take a look at 25 more prominent cases to draw salient lessons for every business. It’s getting ugly out there. Credit agency Dun & Bradstreet believes one in nine compa...

12. 7 ways to get rich before age 40

The trend, when making multiple millions before you hit 40, seems to be to find your niche and stick to it. JAMES THOMSON reports on how this year’s Gen-Next have changed the way they found their fortunes.By James ThomsonThis story first appeared 29 September 2008

13. SmartCompany Crown Lager Business Start Up Awards 2009

SmartCompany is proud to present the winners of the SmartCompany Crown Lager Business Start Up Awards for 2009. These awards recognise Australia's fastest growing start up ...

14. Internet pioneer on new web trends

Lloyd Ernst had an early start on the web, and has learnt how to achieve growth the hard way. He talks to AMANDA GOME about future web directions and what’s in the pipeline. By Amanda Gome

15. The ATO’s new Super Guarantee rules explained

The ATO recently released a very important ruling - Superannuation Guarantee Ruling SGR 2009/2 - that explains the tax commissioner's view on the meaning of Ordinary Time Earnings and ‘salary or wages' as defined in the superannuation law. It is a lengthy ruling and quite technical, but important for employers to be aware of in meeting ...

16. Top 10 online retailers

In November 2008, Gerry Harvey issued SmartCompany with a challenge - find 10 Australian online retailers who are making "real money". Harvey was convinced the world has been conned by online retailing, claiming the co...

17. Australia’s best super funds

Is your super fund underperforming? It could be time to change. Here are 18 tips to help you chose the best superannuation fund in uncertain times. By MICHAEL LAURENCEBy Michael Laurence

18. Australia’s 25 best business blogs

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...

19. Contact us

Want to be part of SmartCompany? There's lots of ways to join in. You can register for the site so you can comment on all our stories and participate in the forums here. Send news releases and story pitches to: news@smartcompany.com.au. If you'd like to make a comment or correction, or offer feedback please email us at: feedback@smartcompany.com.au. Feeling inspired? If you would like to write a stor...

20. Apple cleared in Buzzle collapse, launches iPad-ready versio

Tech giant Apple has finally been cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the collapse of the Apple reseller group Buzzle, following nearly a decade in legal battles and hearings to determine whether the group acted as a shadow director. The New South Wales Supreme Court ruled yesterday that Apple, and its finance director James Likidis, were not shadow directors of Buzzle, and that there was no basis in the $57 million claim brought against both parties by Buzzle's liquidator. ...

21. Australia’s top 20 online retailers

What a year it’s been in online retail. This time last year the retail industry was up in arms over the “unlevel playing field” supposedly caused by the GST-free import threshold. Now, that argument has been diluted by concerns over wages, penalty rates, and workplace relations. And online sales have continued to climb. According t...

22. What is the best iPad data plan?

With just one night to go until the Apple iPad launch, users are still debating what data plan to choose with four of the country's major telcos offering subscriptions for the gadget. But users may have to think fast. While Apple has confirmed it will sell both the WiFi and 3G iPads at official retail stores tomorrow, and through certain resellers, it is suspected only a limited amount of tablets will be on offer. Demand is also likely to be high, with new data from Experian Hit...

23. Australia’s top 10 online retailers 2011

The past 12 months have seen a revolution in the online retailing sector.  Emerging players such as DealsDirect, Catch of the Day and OzSale dominate Australia’s top 10 online retailers and the past year has seen Australia’s big retailers finally start to take online selling seriously. Major department stores Myer and David Jones have ...

24. 30 government grants to grow your business

It's tough to get money at the moment. The venture capital funds have shut up shop, the sharemarket is shying away from IPOs, the banks have backed away and the angel investors have had their wings clipped.  

25. 20 tax tips from the experts

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

26. eBook Library

Welcome to the SmartCompany eBook Library. You can access all the eBooks here and keep an eye out for new titles. Now that you are a SmartCompany member you can join in on the conversation by participating in forums, commenting on articles and networking with other like-minded Australians who want to build bigger better businesses.    

27. Australia’s best business blogs

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  

28. SmartCompany Awards 2009

29. Australia’s best super funds

Choose the best super fund for you, and protect your interests if rolling your super into a new fund, by following SmartCompany’s guide to finding Australia’s top super fund. By MICHAEL LAURENCE.By Michael Laurence Choose the best super fund for you, and protect your interests if rolling your super into a new fund, by following SmartCompany’s guide to finding Australia’s top super fund.  

30. SmartCompany Code of Conduct

"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."

31. 20 sales and marketing problems solved

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.   

32. Australia’s 25 top business blogs

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...

33. Australia's 45 fastest growing telcos

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

34. The 10 next social media trends

Social media still dominates headlines as the new direction for business marketing, but it seems many businesses are resisting the call. A recent survey by Optus found that only 28% of small businesses used social media to promote their business, while 56% had no near-term plans to start. It's an understandable response. Jus...

35. State Government Grants

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...

36. SmartCompany Web Awards 2011

37. 10 ways to foster innovation in your company

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

38. Top 10 must-have gadgets for 2009

There is only one thing an entrepreneur loves more than closing a big deal or finding about a new tax break – discovering a hot new gadget. With this in mind – and with Christmas just around the corner – SmartCompany has compiled a list of 10 must-have ga By Patrick Stafford

39. 30 hot entrepreneurs aged 30 and under

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    

40. Make-up keeps looking good

Cosmetics and toiletries are based on a solid foundation, and the segment's trend looks set to stay in fashion. By JASON BAKER of IBISWorld. Cosmetics and toiletries are based on a solid foundation, and the segment's trend looks ...

41. Our top 10 online retailers

The battle for the title of Australia's top online retailer has come down to a fight between the two heavyweights of the local e-tail sector. Both sell discount goods, both are growing rapidly – and both claim they hold the top position. In SmartCompany's second annual list of the country's biggest online retailers, department store...

42. 10 must-haves for your marketing plan

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...

43. Five lessons from the collapse of Storm Financial

Storm Financial’s stumble into administrator’s hands wasn't just a result of the financial crisis – its strategy left it badly exposed and distracted. JAMES THOMSON picks over the remains and looks at the salient lessons for every entrepreneur. By James Thomson

44. 10 secrets of the stinking rich

Short of the dream lottery win, breaking into the ranks of the mega-rich seems unattainable. But the stinking rich have betrayed clues to their success – consistent traits that we can learn from. Here are the top 10. By JAMES BENNETTBy James Bennett

45. Brand trashing: The new IR revolution

It is close to Christmas and time to reflect upon the year in industrial relations. In this year we have seen: The expansion of social media disparagement. The use of adverse action claims to protect union delegates who disparage businesses. The advent of protected industrial action that i...

46. Australia’s best super funds for 2010

The task of trying to select the best super funds is filled with traps for uninformed consumers. Take the potential minefield for anyone who focuses solely on trying to hunt down the best performance or extremely low fees but fails to compare premiums for fund-provided insurance. "The differential between the highest price insura...

47. ATO warning on exceeding super contributions limits

Making contributions to superannuation is a good thing to do. So far, so good. But under the current superannuation regime, people who contribute more than the limits allowed under the law (known as the annual superannuation concessional contributions cap) will face penalties – in the form of what is known as the all-too-technically-sounding superannuation excess concessiona...

48. Reception skills

You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression, and as your reception area is the first impression many clients get of your business, it makes good sense to make an effort here. We seem to be doing more and more online now, but when we do walk into a business – whether it be a small medical practice, a major accounting firm or a government department – we expect to be received well.   The receptionist is often the window to the organisation. Many people will ju...

49. Web Awards 2010

The SmartCompany Web Awards 2010 discovered and recognised Australia's top business websites that are changing the online landscape. The winners were announced during a live SmartCompany Webinar on August 12, 2010. You can watch the webinar to see who won the: Best Small Company Website (Under 20 employees) Best Large Company Website (More than 20 employees)

50. Construction firms build on diverse foundations

The SmartCompany Dun & Bradstreet Industry Growth List for the construction sector reveals a fragmented broader industry that has shown strong growth in favoured parts but revenue that is sensitive to wide ranging influences. By MIKE PRESTON By Mike Preston