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1. Top drop, top return? New wine group gives customers the cha

A new business model for wine is turning customers into angel investors, encouraging them to invest in a $1.5 million trust fund designed to help independent winemakers crack the market. Naked Wines, which launches in Australia on July 1, was founded in the United Kingdom in 2008 by Rowan Gormley, former chief executive of Virgin Wines and Virgin Money. Over the next year, Naked Wines will invest $1.5 million in Australian vineyards. The company aims to help fund up to 20 in...

2. 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

3. Choose the best superannuation fund

Here are nine strategies to help you choose the best super fund for you and to protect your interests if rolling your super into a new fund: 1. Look at the funds that the experts use Bresnahan says among the funds selected by his employees – “that I have seen” – industry funds are most favoured. And several other superannuation consultancies confidentially reveal that some of their employees hold their super in industry funds.

4. The Tax Forum: 10 ways to build a better tax system

The supposedly dry world of tax has been at the centre of two of the biggest political bunfights in as many years: the carbon tax and the mining tax. Throw in the controversy over the Government largely ignoring a lengthy review of the system led by former Treasury head Ken Henry and it’s clear bean-counting can be a taxing topic for our political leaders. When the Govern...

5. 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 ...

6. 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...

7. 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

8. 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. ...

9. 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

10. 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.    

11. 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.  

12. 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.   

13. How to build a loyalty program

It’s estimated that there are around 200,000 loyalty programs operating in Australia, which makes it extremely difficult for a business to stand out from the crowd. But there are ways to ensure your program stacks up against the rest – as long as you’re prepared to put in some hard yards during the set-up phase. There’...

14. Our top female entrepreneurs

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 ...

15. Cashing in on the 50% rebate - here's how to do it

Businesses with annual revenue of less than $2 million are being urged to take advantage of the Government's increased investment allowance announced in the federal budget.   Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan said that the allowance will be extended from 30% to 50% for assets purchased by eligible businesses - but second hand items are out of the question. ...

16. 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

17. 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    

18. The 10 richest Australian celebrities

It's the great challenge of every celebrity supermodel, sportsperson, actor or performer - how do you get fame to translate into fortune? It's not easy, but there is a rare breed that has been able to combine their natural ability and star power with a happy knack for business. In Australia, golfer Greg Norman, model Elle Macpherson and s...

19. 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

20. 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...

21. 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...

22. How Costco Australia will change Australian retail

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...

23. How to give a staff member a formal warning

Time and again managers advise me that they have warned employees repeatedly for misconduct or poor performance before the final stroke of the pen at termination.  If it were only true!   There is a clear distinction between an employer counselling and warning.

24. The Young Rich: Top 10 myths exposed

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

25. Australia’s best super funds for 2011

An almost certain way to become highly depressed is to look at the returns of the big super funds' balanced portfolios over the five years to September. Almost all of the annual returns – even of the top 10 performers – failed to match inflation. The median annual return of the hundreds of funds surveyed by s...

26. Anzac Day 2009 public holiday - a definitive guide to tradin

Retailers across the country are becoming more confused over this year's Anzac Day trading laws, as the holiday is falling on a Saturday for the first time in 11 years. SmartCompany has been inundated with emails and comments from frustrated business owners, asking what day their state observes the Anzac Day holiday and whether they need to pay workers penalty rates. Most states are observing the public holiday on the Saturday and not the following Monday, and Anzac Day tra...

27. Employee super – don’t pay late, not even one day!

There is no wriggle room in legislation for late payments of employee super contributions – not even one day’s grace. By TERRY HAYES of Thomson Legal & RegulatoryBy Terry Hayes, of Thomson Legal and Regulatory

28. Federal Government Grants

Free money for growth Government assistance is designed to help companies grow – it will not provide start-up capital, get you through a cashflow crisis or help you pay creditors. In fact in many cases grants are made in the form of a refund or credit for money already spent. There has never been a better time to get your hands on some government assistance. For starters, the slowing economy means business...

29. 22 online marketing tips that won't cost you a cent

It's a classic Catch 22 situation - you're desperate to improve your online marketing efforts, but there is precious little money left in this year's marketing budget. Don't despair. Here are 22 things you can do to improve your online marketing right now - and all they will cost you is time.

30. National retailers headache over Easter hours

The Australian Retailers Association has urged the Federal Government to take the lead in deregulating Easter trading hours across the nation. The retail body claims that ambiguous and inconsistent state laws are hurting national chains, franchises and consumers. ARA executive director Richard Evans has praised the deregulated trading laws in the ACT and Tasmania as giving choice to traders and shoppers alike.He argues the chaos of the current laws is adding to the cost o...

31. Tax Deduction Tips

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.

32. History’s top 10 computer viruses

Time for a walk down memory lane, with the top 10 computer viruses ever The top 10 computer viruses, as compiled by news.com.au. 1. Jerusalem (1987) This was one of the earliest and most successful viruses, which activated each Friday the 13th. The virus installed itself in the target comp...

33. Tax deduction guide for small and medium business

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

34. Australia's eCommerce superstars

Australia's bricks and mortar retailers have been doing it tough of late. But then, it is getting hard to remember a time when they weren't. But while news reports are filled with stories of companies such as Borders, Blockbuster and Premier Retail closing stores, many of Australia's online retailers are going from strength to st...

35. Who’d hire a Gen-Y?

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 ...

36. Woolworths’ social media success: Five lessons from the bi

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...

37. How to manage and motivate a sales team

How do you motivate your sales team? There are seven key skills. I was asked recently how to motivate sales people so they reach and exceed targets, initiate new business, and persist when it’s tough.   I believe there are seven key skills:   Select the right people. Clarify expectations. Provide resources. Monitor performance. Develop skills. Reward and motivate. Provide support....

38. Woolworths to launch hardware giant Masters tomorrow – 10

Australia is on the brink of a war – for the hearts and minds of tradies, DIY-ers and sausage-sizzle-loving hardware consumers around the country. Tomorrow in the Melbourne suburb of Braybrook, supermarket giant Woolworths and its joint venture partner, US hardware giant Lowe's, will open the first in what it promises will be a 150-strong chain of Masters stores. The move is designed to break the dominance of market leader Bunnnings, which is owned by conglomerate Wesfamers, th...

39. Vodafone secures Google Nexus One – but still no release d

While internet giant Google may have disappointed users by only releasing the Nexus One "superphone" within the US for now, new comments suggest the gadget could be reaching Australian shores earlier than expected. The anticipation of an Australian release may prompt users to wait who were planning to buy the phone overseas and use it on Australian networks, which may or may not have operated correctly with the device. The Nexus One handset will be launched on US network's T-Mob...

40. 10 things that should be on your marketing plan for 2011-12

If you're like most business owners you are facing a new financial year with big intentions of getting around to a more solid approach to marketing. But plans can fall by the wayside quickly as the stresses of running a business take hold, so make a resolution to stick to your guns this year and watch your business grow.

41. Preparing for your performance appraisal

Too many people are not getting the best our of their performance review. Here’s how to make the process work better. Many people are going to performance appraisals and not getting the best they can out of them. There are a number of different reasons for this:   People go into “panic mode”, and feel anxious and uncomfortable at the idea of going and being appraised.   People feel uncomfortable about get...

42. Victorian Government fast-tracks Woolworths/Lowe’s hardwar

Supermarket giant Woolworths plans to challenge the Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings chain for control of Australia's lucrative DIY market are off to a flying start, with the Victorian Government fast-tracking approval for 12 sites in and around Melbourne. Woolworths, which has formed a joint venture with US retail giant Lowe's, is planning to develop a network of 150 stores across Australia over the next five years as it seeks to unseat Bunnings as the undisputed king of the hardware sector.

43. Woolworths names new hardware chain, market competition tipp

After months of speculation, supermarket giant Woolworths has now confirmed its new multi-billion hardware chain will indeed be called Masters, with 14 big-box stores now under construction and 150 sites targeted within the next three years. But one analyst warns while the move will increase competition in the sector as Woolworths goes head to head with Bunnings, there is some risk more independent hardware stores will begin to be blocked out of the industry. "We can expect a lot...

44. Commonwealth Bank attacked after posting $6.1 billion profit

The Commonwealth Bank recorded a 42% increase in full-year cash profit to $6.1 billion this morning, and said it remains cautious about prospects for the next year as economic conditions remain uncertain. But the bank, and the financial industry altogether, has been accused of being run by a group of "greedy thieves" by Family First senator Steve Fielding, who says the Government and Opposition should be questioning the size of the banking sector's profit. Commonwealth Bank said i...

45. The eight new rules of customer service

The Australian economy might have sailed through the recession relatively unscathed, but don't think that customers haven't been changed by the GFC. That's the message from international marketing guru Paul Bennett, the managing partner of global design consultancy IDEO, which organisations including Nokia, Intel, Bank...

46. 2012's Hot 30 Under 30

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.

47. Redundancy: your tax obligations

The Tax Office recently released an important tax ruling - TR 2009/2 - that outlines the conditions for a payment to qualify for concessional tax treatment as a "genuine redundancy payment" under the tax law.  They are important because part of a genuine redundancy payment is tax-free - for 2008-...

48. The definitive guide to Anzac Day 2010 trading hours

With the Anzac Day public holiday less than one week away, businesses and their customers across the country still remain confused about when they can begin trading and what hours are restricted. The confusion is due to the date of this year's public holiday. Anzac Day falls on Sunday, April 25, but the actual public holiday will fall on Monday, April 26. Many businesses are confused about whether they must observe Anzac Day restrictions on Sunday or Monday. This confusion increa...

49. The secrets to Specsavers' super growth

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...

50. Small Business Software and Tools

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...