Harvey Norman dodges PR trouble with social media, SMEs warned on consumer guarantee laws, Meet the web’s hot new billionaire

home | contact us | advertise Dear SmartCompany reader, Today we look at how Harvey Norman dodged a PR disaster thanks to its strong social media strategy, explain the new consumer guarantee regime that SMEs have just one month to get across, and look at why the European Union has launched an investigation into Google’s search business. Plus in Entrepreneur Watch, James Thomson introduces a soon-to-be-billionaire who will be the next global web star. For all this and more, head to our home page. News Harvey Norman avoids PR disaster, pulls offensive radio ad four hours after Twitter backlash ACCC urges SMEs to get compliant with new consumer guarantee rules before January 1 deadline Training college operator threatens legal action against Immigration Minister over visa changes Richard Branson beats Rupert Murdoch to the punch with launch of iPad only magazine European Commission to investigate whether Google is boosting search rankings of its own services ACT declares Christmas Day a public holiday, employers forced to pay twice in more Christmas public holiday chaos ATO warns part-time entrepreneurs not to confuse a business with a hobby after the case of the 1,200 turtles Economic growth weaker than expected as GDP rises just 0.2% in September quarter: Economy Roundup Software maker iSoft up for sale after shares drop 90% in a year How rising rents could put downward pressure on interest rates: Karen Maley Lunch with an Entrepreneur Some "jucy" competition Jucy co-founder Tim Alpe talks about the competitors in the tourism market and how to stay ahead of the pack with smart marketing. BY JAMES THOMSON. Top Story Insuring the future Price increases and investment returns will strengthen revenue for the insurance industry. BY ROBERT BRYANT. Aunty B Aunty, are you telling us tall stories about entrepreneurship? It's true - the happiest people I know run their own business. Take moi. I earn far more than when I was a wage slave. Trends Taskforce to examine WikiLeaks cables Gartner forecasts increase in PC shipments Apple wins in smartphone loyalty Profitable growth Julia Bickerstaff Should we outsource some of our activities to keep costs down? The best businesses know that the real benefit of outsourcing is that it enables you to focus your efforts on doing what you are best at. The Digital Bottom Line Brendan Lewis The enemies of innovation Accept the fact that innovation is a nasty business and will generate you enemies. Internet secrets Craig Reardon Regular 'snippets' of info the new key to promotional success Small businesses should learn how to become regular 'broadcasters'. Entrepreneur Watch James Thomson Meet the world’s next web billionaires Google's rumoured deal for Groupon is set to make a 29-year-old tech whiz into the next hot billionaire. Property Investor Michael Yardney Five property lessons for 2011 Probably the most important lesson we can all learn is to never get too carried away when the market is booming or too disenchanted during property slumps. Coming Up The 12 big sales trends for 2011. Best wishes, Amanda Gome Founder / Publisher SmartCompany.com.au I think a lot of people see social media as just something that you have to do. You’ve got to have a Facebook account, you’ve got to have a Twitter account. We actually see it as a way of generating business and also increasing our brand awareness. And for us we can actually see it produces significant returns which is the exciting part about it really. Tim Alpe, Jucy Click here for more. FOLLOW US OUR PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS

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