10 web trends to watch in 2011, Mining towns top list of property hotspots, GraysOnline sells stake for $35m, More overseas franchises heading to Oz

home | contact us | advertise Dear SmartCompany reader, Today on SmartCompany we look at the latest round of tech deals by big companies, including a private equity firm’s investment in GraysOnline and Salmat’s investment in a social networking start-up. We also look at predictions for property hotspots in 2011, examine two more international franchisors headed to Australia and in Entrepreneur Watch, James Thomson explains why Woolworths is fast becoming an online threat. For all this and more, head to our home page. News GraysOnline sells 25% stake to Caledonia Investments for $35m, will consider floating in near future Mining towns, inner Melbourne dominates list of property hotspot predictions – but national prices tipped to fall Salmat invests in location-based start-up Roamz Inflation rise lower than expected, rates to stay on hold: Economy Roundup Two more international franchises hunting for Australian opportunities Outsourcing of household tasks over next decade to drive start-ups: IBISWorld Richard Branson loses $17 million as Virgin Blue takes $40 million sales hit Woolworths makes complaint against Bunnings as hardware war heats up Twitter ad sales tipped to climb as FourSquare hits six million users Why a new technological revolution is great for business but bad for politicians: Kohler Top Story 10 web trends to watch in 2011 When it comes to web strategy, SMEs can't afford to fall behind. Here are 2011's top trends in web sales, social media, design, SEO and web content. BY PATRICK STAFFORD. Top Story The RBA's rates riddle Veteran entrepreneur Lou Coutts questions whether the RBA can really control the economy and inflation with interest rate rises. Aunty B Do we need a CEO? Of course you should have a CEO. You are a medium-sized business. You need a proper board with an independent director, a chairman and someone to run the place, ie. the CEO. Trends IBM employees rewarded with stock Website of retail chain Lush attacked by hackers Apple's hot new iPhone 4 update - screws People problems Eve Ash It’s so hard to get good help these days! Instead of throwing your hands up in the air and complaining about how hard it is to get good help these days, perhaps it's time to consider helping those that are there to help you. Business Tech Talk Paul Wallbank Tell them they're dreaming The renovation rescue model of starting a business can be lucrative for founders, but it isn't always great news for the economy. Brand Matters Michel Hogan New words, old actions Unless new words are accompanied by new actions they are nothing more than a sugar fix. Entrepreneur Watch James Thomson The big retailer making progress online A 75% increase in Woolworths' online sales shows not all big retailers are struggling to adapt. Coming Up A special Q&A on Australia’s housing. Best wishes, Amanda Gome Founder / Publisher SmartCompany.com.au People aren’t just shopping through search now. What we’re seeing is a combination of interaction with friends, along with looking on a website. So if you’re operating a website you really need to start thinking about your whole social experience. Martin Hosking, RedBubble Click here for more. FOLLOW US OUR PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS

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