House prices stagnate as buyers take the upper hand, DFO owner hit with legal claim, Public speaking myths exploded, Has Google bought Groupon?

home | contact us | advertise Dear SmartCompany reader, Today we look at the latest hurdle for struggling DFO owner Austexx, which has been hit with a $14 million legal claim, examine the latest house price data (it's officially a buyers' market) and talk to Bluestone Group about how they bought Macquarie in as an investor. Plus in Entrepreneur Watch, James Thomson thinks he may have spotted the cause of Australia's productivity problem - those overly long meetings. For all this and more, head to our home page. News DFO owner hit with $14 million legal claim House prices up 0.3% in October as buyers’ market tipped for 2011 Franchise duo launch start-up incubator Inkuberra Bluestone Group gets investment from Macquarie Group, eyes return to selling new mortgages Google rumoured to have bought Groupon for $US2.5 billion Baillieu to move quickly on stamp duty, public transport reforms Wikileaks hit with denial of service attack after releasing government cables ACCC to reject NBN points of interconnect proposal, report claims Building approvals up 9.3% in October, Shares lower on European worries: Economy Roundup How Ireland is exporting financial fear around the world: Maley Top Story Public speaking myths exploded A good speaker can have the world at their feet. We debunk some common myths about the art of public speaking. BY EMILY ROSS. Wealth Update Australian housing – is it a bubble? Australia has come through the GFC in good shape. However, there is one nagging concern – the excessive level of house prices and associated household debt. BY SHANE OLIVER. Aunty B An aggressive overseas buyer wants to buy me out. Help! If you decide you do want to sell then you are in a perfect position. You have something they want. Trends Pirate Bay founders sentenced to jail Public servants caught for improper internet use Skype to integrate with Facebook Franchise tips and trends Jason Gehrke QLD next for franchise legislation Another proposal for state-based legislation for franchising is likely to be tabled next year. Here's what you need to know. Entrepreneurship Marcia Griffin Don't let the postman stop you Running your own business does of course have its own rewards when it finally takes off. It's those first few years that are scary! Business Tech Talk Paul Wallbank When all publicity isn't good publicity Your business's reputation is more than a high search engine ranking. Brand Matters Michel Hogan Is there anything left to “brand”? Brand country, brand company, brand product, brand service, brand person – is there anything left to brand and what does it all mean anyway? Entrepreneur Watch James Thomson Meeting malaise Almost 30% of employees say they could be more productive at work, while 22% say they spend more than a day a week in meetings. Spot the connection. Coming Up Meet the Kiwi entrepreneur making waves in the Australian tourism market. Best wishes, Amanda Gome Founder / Publisher SmartCompany.com.au When it comes to public speaking, it's not about the content. It is all about the method and technique. Content is of course important, but the impact for the audience is making the content come alive, bringing vitality and memorability to it. You can know the entire Hamlet script off by heart, but that doesn't mean you know how to present it. Colin James, corporate trainer Click here for more. FOLLOW US OUR PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS

change subscription preferences | view this email in a browser | visit our website | forward to a friend

Sent to auquenet.team@blogger.com. Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Forward to a Friend