Growth & Export
News, opinions and advice for fast growth businesses with an eye on the horizon.
The next government and the challenges of a softer economy
RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about the economic issues in the election campaign. He says the latest ACCI investor survey shows that business performance has deteriorated sharply after a rebound and suggests that the next government will have to deal with a softer economy.
Australian Angel investors have a growing taste for Cleantech, at the expense of internet...
A national survey, released this week by capital raising magazine Wholesale Investor, suggests that Australian private investors have a growing preference for Cleantech, at the expense of Internet and IT plays.
How to create compelling offers for the web: Make them retweetable!
For the first article in this series, I asked 'Why are you bothering with online marketing?' My purpose, of course, was to emphasise the importance of creating measurable goals. But, be warned, even the most splashy, expensive, creative, courageous marketing initiative will fail if it is not built on a suitable foundation. To generate any interest in the online space, you must first develop a compelling reason for your target market to actually want to engage with you.
Consumers are demanding their brands have a social purpose
Over the past six months, we have watched the public meltdown of three major, formerly stellar brands – Tiger Woods, Toyota and BP. Fortunately, in the world of marketing, as in science, for every action there is almost always an equal and opposite reaction.
Australian innovation lets the people of PNG pay for electricity using mobile phone credits...
The rapid adoption of this service highlights the suitability of mobile payment technology in developing countries, which often do not have access to the same payment methods and services available in developed markets. It also highlights a trend that Australian software and application developers best not ignore.
Treasury chief Ken Henry should be replaced, while Gillard seeks new economic advisers
In this week's overview of the economy, RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson voices the belief that Treasury chief Ken Henry is likely to be replaced, while Julia Gillard seeks new economic advisers. He says the Gillard Government will need to slash spending to bring about the budget surplus she says the government is committed to achieving.
Fanshake's Dana Al Salem talks about commercial ways to harness 'fan love'
In this podcast, Fanshake's Dana Al Salem tells Brad Howarth about the opportunities for brands of all kinds to engage with the people that love them and gives some tips on how to work with that most fickle of audiences, like Generation Y.
Fanshake’s Dana Al Salem talks about commercial ways to harness ‘fan love’
In this podcast, Fanshake's Dana Al Salem tells Brad Howarth about the opportunities for brands of all kinds to engage with the people that love them and gives some tips on how to work with that most fickle of audiences, like Generation Y.
Allegro launches new $250 million private equity fund for Australia
Australian private equity firm Allegro Private Equity, last week, announced it had launched a new fund, Allegro Fund II, to raise more than $200 million to invest in the growing number of smaller mid-market private equity opportunities emerging in the post-GFC environment.
Five industries tipped to succeed in 2011 (and those likely to fall). Is your...
With the new financial year upon us, business information research and analysis group IBISWorld has compiled its annual list of Australian industries set to fly and fall in the next 12 months.
Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin’s $500 startup in 7 days… 133 days later [VIDEO]
Frequent Anthill readers may recall Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin's blog series, How to build a startup in seven days and under $500. I caught up with Sebastien in Sydney last month and had a great time sampling fine coffee and sharing war-stories. Of course, I also had to ask that important question: What has happened to his 7-day startup in the past 133 days?
Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin's $500 startup in 7 days… 133 days later [VIDEO]
Frequent Anthill readers may recall Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin's blog series, How to build a startup in seven days and under $500. I caught up with Sebastien in Sydney last month and had a great time sampling fine coffee and sharing war-stories. Of course, I also had to ask that important question: What has happened to his 7-day startup in the past 133 days?
Flipping websites a con?
A post last week from Flippa.com marketing manager Luke Moulton prompted a fierce response from some of our readers. To look at the post, titled 7 things you must do before attempting to sell your website, with its six comments, you wouldn't initially think this to be the case. This is largely because the most passionate responses bypassed our formal comments section.
Australian business investment returning back to 2008 levels [PODCAST]
RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about business investment, which is headed back to 2008 levels. He also looks at construction activity which appears to be flat with reduced investment in residential housing. This will exacerbate the housing shortage. He predicts high debt levels will drive inflation around the world as governments are forced to print more money to stay afloat.
Australian wages are expected to grow, yet more Australians are filing for bankruptcy [PODCAST]
Frank Lowy is now the richest man in Australia according to the BRW rich list. The property and mining sectors are the country's most profitable sectors. Meanwhile, more Australians are filing for bankruptcy because of unsustainable home loans. Garry Barker and Leon Gettler talk about 'The Week in Review'.
Do you have content you could monetise on the iPad?
Agius had an endearing story to tell, which involved him travelling to New York and adopting a series of fake identities to snap up 20 iPads on the weekend of the US launch, several months before the much coveted device became available to Australian early-adopters. Together, we spent the afternoon discussing the new device and its possible commercial applications.
A meeting of minds: partnership a positive move for growth
If you’ve ever wondered how the big corporations got big, it’s usually because somewhere along the way they entered into a partnership. Successful partnerships can help transform small businesses into multi-million dollar companies.
X|Media|Lab Global Media Ideas Pro Day Conference
Sponsored Promotion: If you are developing digital media ideas across platforms, attend the Pro Conference Day and explore: innovation in media and technology; international business opportunities; and new platforms, applications and content.
X|Media|Lab Global Media Ideas Pro Day Conference
Sponsored Promotion: If you are developing digital media ideas across platforms, attend the Pro Conference Day and explore: innovation in media and technology; international business opportunities; and new platforms, applications and content.
Australian crowdsourcing outfit 99Designs picks up Webby and celebrates with song
99Designs' achievements have scored it the Best Web Service & Application gong in the Webby People’s Voice Awards, beating international crowdsourcing heavy-weights Dropbox and Tumblr. When entering, 99Design founder Mark Harbottle promised his Twitter followers that should his company win an award he would thank fans of the company in song. The following clip is the fulfilment of that promise.