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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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

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