The Small Business Tech Future
We're experiencing a digital revolution and it's happening fast. While it can seem overwhelming, advances can lead to efficiencies. So, what's in store for the coming years?
The Small Business Tech Future
We're experiencing a digital revolution and it's happening fast. While it can seem overwhelming, advances can lead to efficiencies. So, what's in store for the coming years?
Why online buyer's remorse is so high
There are two types of buying behaviours that reflect the modern online shopper: planned and impulsive.
Why online buyer's remorse is so high
There are two types of buying behaviours that reflect the modern online shopper: planned and impulsive.
Guard against cyber crime
It's a staggering statistic: one in seven cyber security attacks is made on small businesses. And according to the CEO of the Small Business Association of Australia, Anne Nalder, the situation is likely to worsen.
Serving 'humans' in the digital era
Businesses are scrambling to keep up with latest technological trends and take advantage of the efficiencies of digitisation. At the same time, mediocre customer service is rampant.
Serving 'humans' in the digital era
Businesses are scrambling to keep up with latest technological trends and take advantage of the efficiencies of digitisation. At the same time, mediocre customer service is rampant.
The new frontier for AI
ChatGPT is the best-known example of a large language model which is transforming the way in which we communicate.
The new frontier for AI
ChatGPT is the best-known example of a large language model which is transforming the way in which we communicate. 
Consumer habits are changing
COVID-19 has impacted the way we buy - we've embraced the convenience of online shopping and getting the best deals. Cost-of-living pressures, the impact of technology and the rise of subscriptions services are changing consumers' buyi
Consumer habits are changing
COVID-19 has impacted the way we buy - we've embraced the convenience of online shopping and getting the best deals. Cost-of-living pressures, the impact of technology and the rise of subscriptions services are changing consumers' buying habits.
Winning business with LinkedIn
More than 60% of Australians over 18 years old have a LinkedIn profile. This immensely popular social media popular platform is ideal for finding and developing business leads. The trouble is, most people don't use it effectively, according to Karen
The tricks & tools of ecommerce
The CEO of Hatch Brands, Todd Foot, is carving an impressive niche into the e-commerce landscape.
Convert website visitors into leads
An effective website is not a set-and-forget online brochure. Its purpose should be to convert visitors into leads, through good design, conversion mechanisms and clear content.
Why cybersecurity should be a priority
If a company's cybersecurity is compromised the consequences can be devastating. Regulators have stepped up their expectations and level of scrutiny, including the imposition of large penalties for data breaches.
Why cybersecurity should be a priority
If a company's cybersecurity is compromised the consequences can be devastating. Regulators have stepped up their expectations and level of scrutiny, including the imposition of large penalties for data breaches.
AI: The future for accounting starts now
Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, will have a transformative impact on the accounting profession. These tools are like employing a junior accountant, says David Smith of Smithink.
Turning strangers into visitors
With so many marketing channels to choose from, how do you know which is the right one for you and your practice? How do you turn strangers into paying customers?
Why online engagement is a game-changer
Virtual learning has become a game changer for businesses, according to sales and negotiation consultant Julia Ewert. With the rising cost of travel, companies are turning to what she calls ‘virtual engagement’ to increase productivity.
Practical use of ChatGPT
If you’re agonising writing that report or a delicate email to a client, ChatGPT might just be the tool to save you a lot of time and angst. It’s an artificial intelligence tool, which scrapes information from the internet to help compose answers.
Why online engagement is a game-changer
Virtual learning has become a game changer for businesses, according to sales and negotiation consultant Julia Ewert. With the rising cost of travel, companies are turning to what she calls ‘virtual engagement’ to increase productivity.
Practical use of ChatGPT
If you’re agonising writing that report or a delicate email to a client, ChatGPT might just be the tool to save you a lot of time and angst. It’s an artificial intelligence tool, which scrapes information from the internet to help compose answers.
Building rapport over Zoom
The days of sipping gin in business class on your way to a nice interstate hotel are coming to an end. That’s according to sales and negotiation consultant Julia Ewert.
Is your website up to date?
Online spending went through the roof during the pandemic, as consumers stuck at home relied on ordering goods that could be delivered to their door.
Is your website up to date?
Online spending went through the roof during the pandemic, as consumers stuck at home relied on ordering goods that could be delivered to their door.
ChatGPT – the future has arrived!
Imagine being able to free up valuable time from responding to customers and staff. Well now you can, by using a new and powerful language generation tool, called ChatGPT.
ChatGPT – the future has arrived!
Imagine being able to free up valuable time from responding to clients and staff. Well now you can, by using a new and powerful language generation tool, called ChatGPT.
Social media strategy for 2023
Do you love social media, or do you find it a chore to constantly and consistently post content for better business engagement? If you can’t or won’t do it in-house, it’s worth considering to outsource your social media posts.
Social media strategy for 2023
Do you love social media, or do you find it a chore to constantly and consistently post content for better business engagement? If you can’t or won’t do it in-house, it’s worth considering to outsource your social media posts.
Be careful with affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is promoting someone else’s product or service in return for a reward. It’s more common these days as consumers’ eyes are glued on social media.
Protect your business from cyber attacks
The disastrous Optus data breach has shown that no company, no matter how large, is immune from cyber-attacks. Businesses of all sizes are being attacked, with one falling victim every eight minutes in Australia.
Protect your business from cyber attacks
The disastrous Optus data breach has shown that no company, no matter how large, is immune from cyber attacks. Businesses of all sizes are being attacked, with one falling victim every eight minutes in Australia.
Building your brand value on social media
Building brand value, rather than brand awareness, and understanding algorithm requirements, is the secret to success on social media. So says George Hawwa, Growth Director of social media marketing agency, Attention Experts.
The power of user-generated content
Studies indicate that consumers trust word of mouth 2.4 times more than branded content.
The power of user-generated content
Studies indicate that consumers trust word of mouth 2.4 times more than branded content.
Communicate on your customers’ terms
It’s a new world of communication for businesses, with customers demanding time and attention on their own platforms and on their own terms. And according to Elise Balsillie, any business which doesn’t quickly talk to their customers is being left beh
Communicate on your clients’ terms
It’s a new world of communication for businesses, with clients demanding time and attention on their own platforms and on their own terms. And according to Elise Balsillie, any business which doesn’t quickly talk to their clients is being left behind.
Don’t dodge digitisation!
Business owners who haven’t yet gone digital are wasting more than a day in every week. That’s according to Elise Balsillie of business software company Thryv Australia.
Don’t dodge digitisation!
Business owners who haven’t yet gone digital are wasting more than a day in every week. That’s according to Elise Balsillie of business software company Thryv Australia.
The power of video testimonials
The vast majority of people consume reviews before they purchase, particularly big-ticket items or costly services. What we now know is that a video testimonial or review will give an even more powerful incentive for people to buy.
Make your way to the top of a Google search
Google processes billions of searches every day. So, how does your website stand out and ultimately reach the top of the search results page?
Post-COVID: a need for sharper focus
Differentiation is fundamental in an increasingly commoditised marketplace, insists consumer behaviour analyst Barry Urquhart. COVID has led consumers to be more socially isolated, which has resulted in more scrutiny of the choices available.
Biggest accounting trends
One of the biggest challenges for practices around the country right now is the shortage of accountants. A shrinking talent pool is indeed a headache, but it’s also an opportunity to reassess which of your clients provide the best value.
Make your way to the top of a Google search
Google processes billions of searches every day. So, how does your website stand out and ultimately reach the top of the search results page?
Post-COVID: a need for sharper focus
Differentiation is fundamental in an increasingly commoditised marketplace, insists consumer behaviour analyst Barry Urquhart. COVID has led consumers to be more socially isolated, which has resulted in more scrutiny of the choices available.
How to handle a bad Google review
Google has become almost synonymous with the internet. For many people, it’s the first place they go to find out about a business’s product or service, especially Google reviews.
Time’s ticking for the new ‘.au’ domain
Australian domain names are getting a major face lift. Since March this year, you can purchase the shorter and simpler “.au” equivalent of your current “.com.au” domain. You have until 20 September to do so before someone else does.
How to handle a bad Google review
Google has become almost synonymous with the internet. For many people, it’s the first place they go to find out about a business’s product or service, especially Google reviews. But, what can you do if you receive a bad Google review?
Time’s ticking for the new ‘.au’ domain
Australian domain names are getting a major face lift. Since March this year, you can purchase the shorter and simpler “.au” equivalent of your current “.com.au” domain. You have until 20 September to do so before someone else does.
Protecting your business from Russian cyber attacks
As a matter of urgency, Australian businesses are encouraged to adopt an enhanced cybersecurity posture. In other words, be prepared for an attack from Russian cybercriminals, warns the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Do Google ads work? Yes! …if done properly
SEM or Search Engine Marketing is paid or pay-per-click ads, the ones that appear at the top of search engine results pages and drive visitor action and engagement.
Protecting your business from Russian cyber attacks
As a matter of urgency, Australian businesses are encouraged to adopt an enhanced cybersecurity posture. In other words, be prepared for an attack from Russian cybercriminals, warns the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Do Google ads work? Yes! …if done properly
SEM or Search Engine Marketing is paid or pay-per-click ads, the ones that appear at the top of search engine results pages and drive visitor action and engagement.
Google Analytics – 5 things you should know
Google Analytics can seem intimidating, but without question it should be the foundation for all of your digital marketing – monitoring and guiding you towards successful outcomes.
Google Analytics – 5 things you should know
Google Analytics can seem intimidating, but without question it should be the foundation for all of your digital marketing – monitoring and guiding you towards successful outcomes.
The art of the interview
Heather Dawson has spent a career in broadcast journalism – producing award-winning radio shows for the ABC, BBC, and Radio Television Hong Kong; and almost 30 years producing Business Essentials. Who better, then, to ask about the art of the interview?
Online opportunities – the sky's the limit
Even if you're in business already, launching an online course could complement your existing model with very attractive returns.
Online opportunities – the sky's the limit
Have you ever considered launching an online course? Accountants have a wealth of knowledge they can pass on to an eager online audience, with the potential of significantly boosting their bottom line.
Gen Alpha – the new kids on the block
Move over Gen X, Y and Z. There are new kids on the block – they’re called Generation Alpha. They’re the largest generational group that the world has ever seen and we should take note of them if we want our businesses to thrive into the future.
Gen Alpha – the new kids on the block
Move over Gen X, Y and Z. There are new kids on the block – they’re called Generation Alpha. They’re the largest generational group that the world has ever seen and we should take note of them if we want our businesses to thrive into the future.
Myths and truths about good management
Ian Whitworth sees so many people attempt to build their own businesses but are stymied by big business myths. It shouldn’t be so complicated, he says.
Finding your Hollywood brand archetype
Is your business an all-round nice-guy Tom Hanks type, a fun Adam Sandler, or maybe an elegant Cate Blanchett? digital marketing guru, Joel Gerschman, reckons that adopting a Hollywood archetype can help you differentiate yourself online.
7 social media trends for 2021
When it comes to social media, it can be hard to keep up. Should you be on TikTok? What is Clubhouse? Kate Fennessy, social media marketer and Director of Paperboat Digital, discusses seven trends to consider in your social media mix.
Digital versus the human touch
As a result of COVID-19, there’s an even greater push these days is to go digital in our marketing and communication with customers. But are there inherent dangers in this? Are we forgetting to how to interact with our customers on a personal level?
7 social media trends for 2021
When it comes to social media, it can be hard to keep up. Should you be on TikTok? What is Clubhouse? Kate Fennessy, social media marketer and Director of Paperboat Digital, discusses seven trends to consider in your social media mix.
Digital versus the human touch
As a result of COVID-19, there’s an even greater push these days is to go digital in our marketing and communication with customers. But are there inherent dangers in this? Are we forgetting to how to interact with our customers on a personal level?
Writing great blogs for SEO
If your website can’t be found at the top page of a Google search, you basically don’t exist. Sounds harsh, but that’s the reality, according to digital marketing guru, MC Carter, Director of Practice Paradox.
Writing great blogs for SEO
If your website can’t be found at the top page of a Google search, you basically don’t exist. Sounds harsh, but that’s the reality, according to digital marketing guru, MC Carter, Director of Practice Paradox.
Designing a lead-generating website
The amount of time and resources you spend building a new website is almost wasted if it doesn’t generate business leads.
Simple principles for social media success
Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok – where are your potential customers and how do you reach them, standing out in the big wide world of social media?
Making technology your greatest business ally
As technology continues to change the way we do business, it's important to learn to adapt in order to survive.
Being strategic about social media
As people spend increasing amounts of time online, it's worth being strategic about how your business uses social media and other online tools to target potential customers. But, how much time really do you need to invest in making it work?
Being strategic about social media
As people spend increasing amounts of time online, it's worth being strategic about how your practice uses social media and other online tools to target potential customers. But, how much time really do you need to invest in making it work?