blogs

NEW: Wiz Nordberg

26 June 2007

The response to the weekend movie launch shows how SLCN is becoming a force that is making the other media take notice. How will it make money? Stay tuned.

Greg Nathan

26 June 2007

Just observe how your behaviour naturally changes as you mix with different groups of people. This is the power of culture.

I’ve been attacked online. What do I do?

25 June 2007

Dear Aunty B,

Everyone waxes lyrical about the advantages of the internet. But just in the last week I found a site that has basically been set up to discredit us.
I think it is either a competitor or a disgruntled employee, but two people have a long conversation about how ‘crap’ one of our software products is. What do I do?

Under Attack,
Port Melbourne, Vic

Dear Under Attack,

First off, is it true? Because you can’t hide on the world wide web. If it is honest criticism and on a credible site that people in your industry read, you may need to undertake a bit of soul searching. Could you see the criticism as a bit of free market research? Can you fix the problem and quickly?

Then hop onto the site yourself, admit to the problem and tell the world how you are responding. Restate your goal, which is to be the best software provider of XXX in the world. Direct people to have a look at some other products and watch your traffic go up!

If it is just a gung-ho anything goes, vicious attack by a competitor, think before you react.

Do a risk analysis. What is the purpose of the attack? Is it likely to damage the business and what is the longer term impact? Does it really matter? I have seen the most ridiculous legal battles rage between businesses over matters that in the end didn’t matter a jot.

If the material is damaging and malicious, go hard my friend. A legal letter sent to the owner of the web site should do the trick. Explain why the ‘content’ is wrong/malicious, demand that the offending comments be removed immediately or state that further action will be taken.

But remember, Under Attack, don’t take it personally. Shrug it off and get on with making great software.

What are you waiting for? Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!

NEW: Michael Schaper

23 June 2007

At the end of the day, going forward, and to incentivise in a value-added granular way, jargon is not mission-critical to your tactical alignment paradigm.

Don't turn cultural perspectives into blinkers

Author: Colin Benjamin on 23 June 2007

Trade seminars can be a trap for the unwary exporter when prejudices can be presented in lieu of expertise.

Cool for cats

Author: Tim Harcourt on 23 June 2007

It's obvious to me that our exporters need to step up when a region such as Hokkaido in northern Japan has such a neat fit with what Australia has to offer.

Motivation or manipulation?

Author: Sue Barrett on 23 June 2007

The sales profession needs motivation, sure. But cross the line into manipulation territory and result can be catastrophic.

How can I tell if a foreign firm is legitimate?

22 June 2007

Dear Aunty B

I am wondering which government agencies I can contact about checking a Chinese manufacture to make sure they are legitimate.

L. Fox,
Excelarate Street Wear,
Tahmoor NSW

Are you in for a treat. If you want to do business in China, you can’t go past the blokes from Austrade.

Take your choice – either Peter Osborne in Beijing or Peter Ironmonger in Shanghai will help.

I’ve met both of them. They have been in China longer than the Great Wall, speak fluent Mandarin, know every nook, cranny and crook in China – and are charming to boot!

Don’t just use them for reputation checking. Ask about alliances, facilities, distribution networks, contacts and introductions.

I haven’t caught up with them for a few years and I am not sure what the Chinese cuisine has done to their waistlines but Foxy, if I was you, I would hop on that plane and check them both out personally.

Start by sending them an email: Firstname.lastname@austrade.gov.au

What are you waiting for? Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!

For more Aunty B...
"It's the shortest day and I'm tired of the grind"
"What should I outsource?"
"I am facing a gorilla of a competitor"
"How to I say no to pay rises but keep my staff?"
"Why can't my logo be purple? What are my IP rights?"
"How can I cope with Gen Y know-it-alls?"
"My revenue is flatlining. Should I export?"
"Is my general manager blokey or sexist?"
"I am 46, web-unsavvy but run a web business. Help!"
"My Gen Y staff want to do a 360 degree and review my performance"
“How can I create a lifestyle with company money without becoming Christopher Skase?”
"My branch offices have an inferiority complex. Help!"
"Do I have to move my difficult staff member on?"
"My legal costs are exorbitant. Do I really need a lawyer?"
"My fellow director is in love with another company"
"Costs are blowing out. How do I turn into a tight arse?"
"What can I do about an employee's bad breath?"
"What is the best way to 'move on' a nice person?"
“Will redesigning my website hurt my Google ranking?”
“My 2-I-C has become a problem? What can I do?”
"I'm feeling old... do I need a business coach?"
“What can I ask a potential recruit?”....
click here.

NEW: John Addis

22 June 2007

Is it going to be a corporate near-death experience or the real thing? Will the office romance end in tears? Will the child prodigy rewrite the publisher’s fortunes? Confused? You won’t be after this week’s episode.