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Innovation sometimes requires us to risk being seen in our underwear

I have come to realise that innovation and creativity are rarely about killer ideas, but more often connected to a cycle of trying, learning and adapting. Big companies don’t always reward this process. It is often about getting it right, which doesn’t bode well for allowing space to try, fail and try once again. Take our recent "Undies Monday" promotion...

Could SME business owners soon become the new media barons?

After reading Matthew De Silva's post yesteday on last month’s Media 2010 conference, I spent the evening thinking about the challenges facing old media. As I pondered, I was struck by a radical (yet logical) series of thoughts, leading to the following question. Could small business owners soon become the new media barons? Let me explain.

A formal response to our rabble rousing from Senator Carr’s office

Following our recent series of articles on innovation in Australia (our Australia Day series), we received the following note from the Office of Senator Kim Carr, Australia’s Innovation Minister. We were expecting a dressing down. Here's what we got instead.

A formal response to our rabble rousing from Senator Carr's office

Following our recent series of articles on innovation in Australia (our Australia Day series), we received the following note from the Office of Senator Kim Carr, Australia’s Innovation Minister. We were expecting a dressing down. Here's what we got instead.

Are you a regurgitated version of your competitors? (Plus YouTube & 145,000 views)

Yes, yes I hear you… you’re adamant that your business model is different. But is it really? Take a moment now to jump online and Google the products and services you sell. Does your offering still feel so unique, or is it starting to look suspiciously similar to others in the marketplace?

Are you a regurgitated version of your competitors? (Plus YouTube & 145,000 views)

Yes, yes I hear you… you’re adamant that your business model is different. But is it really? Take a moment now to jump online and Google the products and services you sell. Does your offering still feel so unique, or is it starting to look suspiciously similar to others in the marketplace?

Why we’re STILL embarrassed about our new site (and STILL proud of it)

The site might not be the polished pearl just yet and some of the links might initially seem underpopulated. But don't bother asking, "When will the site be finished?" Because the simple answer is, "Never!" Instead, keep the suggestions coming in. If you find a dead link or something just plain weird, let us know.

Why we're STILL embarrassed about our new site (and STILL proud of it)

The site might not be the polished pearl just yet and some of the links might initially seem underpopulated. But don't bother asking, "When will the site be finished?" Because the simple answer is, "Never!" Instead, keep the suggestions coming in. If you find a dead link or something just plain weird, let us know.

Are business consultants a bunch of frauds?

Earlier this week one of my clients exposed to me that she felt like a fraud as a business consultant. She can’t be the only one. Right?! If you’ve never felt like a fraud then don’t even bother reading the rest of this article.

Letter from Japan: Why Japan is a paradise for entrepreneurs

Doing business in Japan has often presented cultural difficulties for westerners. However, as our expat entrepreneur living in Tokyo Jon Sparks reveals in this new series, Japan might be in the shadow of the emerging markets of China and India, but is still one of the best places in Asia for entrepreneurs to operate.

To give up or go on: Is it time to call it quits?

Eight years ago I found myself on the floor in tears. My father had just passed away, my business was failing and my love life sucked. I was at a cross roads in my life and didn’t know which way to turn. As it turned out, there was only one real option.

A goal-setting technique that works

How many of us have set goals or made New Year's resolutions only to find ourselves quickly going back to old habits, reneging on our promises to ourselves or just plain giving up? I know I have! Until I came up with this process that really worked for me.

Website of the Week: The Loop helps creative people sell themselves

Creative industries have changed dramatically over the past decade, but unfortunately the options for creative professionals to showcase their talent to peers and prospective employers hasn’t. Until now.

Diary of an entrepreneur raising capital: The ‘Claytons’ Stock Market

When I embarked on my current search for new funding, I thought I was familiar with most of the likely sources: friends (relatives and fools), angels, angels with teeth - Venture Capital (VC), strategic investors (the Holy Grail), an IPO or Lotto. But it turned out there was one I wasn’t aware of...

Diary of an entrepreneur raising capital: The 'Claytons' Stock Market

When I embarked on my current search for new funding, I thought I was familiar with most of the likely sources: friends (relatives and fools), angels, angels with teeth - Venture Capital (VC), strategic investors (the Holy Grail), an IPO or Lotto. But it turned out there was one I wasn’t aware of...

The 10 best strategic business slides of all time: #6 — Competition

In the sixth post in this series, Nigel Malone shares the contents of another of his favourite business keynote slides, drawn from a cross-section of sources that includes some of the great business, brand and military planners of all time.

The 10 best strategic business slides of all time: #5 — Message Development

In the fifth post in this series, Nigel Malone shares the contents of another of his favourite business keynote slides, drawn from a cross-section of sources that includes some of the great business, brand and military planners of all time.

How to build a business in 7 days for under $500 [Day#7: The Launch]

So you want to start a business but time and money are holding you back? Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin set himself the challenge of launching a startup in seven days for less than $500. He’s posted daily summaries for seven days. This is his seventh and final post in the series.

Five predictions: the state of publishing in five years

Books have always been a huge part of my life. But only an ostrich would deny that tectonic shifts are reforming the once-staid publishing industry. Here are my predictions for the biggest trends in publishing over the next five years.

The 10 best strategic business slides of all time: #4 — Values

In the fourth post in this series, Nigel Malone shares the contents of another of his favourite business keynote slides, drawn from a cross-section of sources that includes some of the great business, brand and military planners of all time.
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Generating Web Traffic with Mark Middo and James Tuckerman [FREE REPORT]

Not all websites are created equal. That’s the first – and perhaps harshest – lesson when venturing into the ever evolving world of online marketing. Websites don’t draw visitors just by existing; they require love, attention and an understanding of how search engines think. In this Cheat Sheet, Anthill Magazine’s James Tuckerman and guest Mark “Middo” Middleton share their combined wisdom on generating web traffic for new and old websites.

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New Zealand’s Xero eyes US IPO, further disruption as subscribers increase...

Xero recently held its annual meeting in Wellington, during which the company revealed some interesting details about its future. As has been widely suspected, the...

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