Billabong shares slump on shock profit warning, Time running out for investment allowance, Highs and lows of SME boards, Resume buzzwords explained

home | contact us | advertise Dear SmartCompany reader, Today on SmartCompany we look at Billabong’s shock profit warning, explain why SMEs looking to claim the investment allowance tax break need to move quickly, and extract five lessons from the success of The Athlete’s Foot, one retailer actually growing sales right now. Plus in Entrepreneur Watch, James Thomson provides a slightly cheeky translation of some resume buzzwords. For all this and more, head to our home page. News Billabong shocks market with profit downgrade as Rip Curl swoops on Perth-based retail chain SMEs warned to install equipment before December 31 to claim investment-allowance tax break Five ways The Athlete’s Foot’s is bucking the ugly retail trend Retailers warned to cut shipping costs as big brands push Free Shipping Day worldwide Aussie Home Loans John Symond slams bank reforms as pathetic, but CBA boss Ralph Norris says market is highly competitive Education group Navitas buys SAE Group from former rich list member Tom Misner for $289 million The entrepreneur evangelist – iiNet founder Michael Malone’s start-up lessons Consumer sentiment up 0.2% in December: Economy Roundup Court dismisses Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s patent infringement claims as Yahoo lays off hundreds of workers Welcome to America and China’s stimulus arms race: Kohler Lunch with an Entrepreneur Bring on the board Kate Costello from Governance Matters has been advising boards for 25 years. She shares her thoughts on the potential conflicts between management and the board. BY JAMES THOMSON. Top Story Alcohol industry in better spirits As the economy returns to strong growth, demand from liquor retailers, restaurants, pubs and bars will see the alcohol industry enjoy steady profits. BY ROBERT BRYANT. Aunty B My key employee has left with a quarter of my business. How do I shore up the business? Don't worry. The renewed focus is going to help your business get to the next level and next Christmas, as you lift your champagne glass, you will be toasting her departure! Trends Google acquires payments company ZetaWire Toyota pays customers to tweet iPad to take 12% of PC market Profitable growth Julia Bickerstaff What is your decision default setting? Decision default settings are nature's way of helping us save time - if we laboured over everything we'd never get anything done. Internet secrets Craig Reardon Selling online: 10 tips for success How to leverage your physical retail outlet to succeed online. Property Investor Michael Yardney The year the property markets stalled Rising interest rates, decreasing affordability and economic uncertainty were a volatile mix that stalled the property boom we experienced in the first half of the year. Entrepreneur Watch James Thomson Translating CV buzzwords A new list of the most over-used phrases in resumes on LinkedIn is a must-read for entrepreneurs. Coming Up How five big structural shifts have changed the retail sector forever. Best wishes, Amanda Gome Founder / Publisher SmartCompany.com.au You can often find companies where a sole individual, a sole director, has appreciated that they might not have certain skills required to take the company through a good growth phase. What I found is that individuals who are prepared to really acknowledge where their skill gaps lie and fill those skill gaps by finding absolutely tremendous people, will be successful. Kate Costello, Governance Matters Click here for more. FOLLOW US OUR PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS

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SmartCompany Webinar: How to use online networks to boost your business

HOME | CONTACT US | FAQ's Complimentary Webinar: Tuesday December 21 at 2pm                       How to use online networks to boost your business               Social media practitioner Iggy Pintado, author of Connection Generation, is back on SmartCompany to help you unlock the secrets of using online networking to boost your business. Iggy and SmartCompany’s Campbell Corser will bring you up-to-date on the latest social media strategies businesses are using to stay close to their customers, clients and staff, and how smart businesses are turning these connections into commercial success. Delivered in a practical and interactive style, this presentation is guaranteed to provide you with the latest tips on to how stay relevant and remain a connected business. You will learn about: The latest examples of online network success The four P’s of online networking Measuring the value of your connections                                                                       Sponsored by:                             Tuesday December 21st at 2:00pm AEDST                       Simply click on the REGISTER NOW link. You'll receive a confirmation email after registering with a link to join the SmartCompany Webinar. If you don't receive the email, check your junk and spam folders.                     Speakers Iggy Pintado is an accomplished and experienced business leader, speaker and author. Over the last 22 years, he held professional, management and executive positions in marketing, sales and online management at IBM Australia and Telstra Business. He is currently the CEO and CNO (Chief Networking Officer) of his own online presence management business called ConnectGen. As a "super-connected" networker on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, he has earned his place in the Top 25 list of the most connected business networkers in Australia. Copyright © 2009 SmartCompany.com.au P/L All rights reserved

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Top tech gadgets for 2011, Food company collapses, Gym sector fights off increase in music copyright payments, IPO activity hits three-year high

home | contact us | advertise Dear SmartCompany reader, Today on SmartCompany our gun tech reporter Patrick Stafford looks at the top tech gadgets of 2010 and the toys and tools to watch in 2011, while Michael Laurence examines top investment strategies for the next 12 months. Plus, we look at the collapse of a 91-year-old confectionery firm, how the gym sector fought off a 1,500% increase in music copyright charges and in Entrepreneur Watch, James Thomson examines Clive Palmer’s latest business venture – zeppelins. For all this and more, head to our home page. News Sydney food icon Snow’s Confectionery in administration and up for sale Fitness industry welcomes Federal Court ruling to reject Copyright Tribunal broadcast fee hike Twitter releases lists of top trending topics for 2010 IPO activity hits three-year high Business conditions and confidence still soft, companies battle “multi-speed” economy Insolvencies flat in October, but experts warn it’s just the calm before the post-Christmas storm Commonwealth Bank customers hit with computer glitch, Housing starts fall 13.2%: Economy Roundup Optus accuses Vodafone of misleading advertising in Federal Court Why global markets think tomorrow doesn’t matter: Kohler Top Story The top gadgets for 2010-11 For entrepreneurs obsessed with technology, this is the perfect opportunity to reward yourself with that hot gadget you've been pining over for the last year. BY PATRICK STAFFORD. Wealth Update Money-making share strategies for 2011 Investors face excellent opportunities to make money in 2011, with continuing market volatility presenting openings for cashed-up investors to buy in the dips. BY MICHAEL LAURENCE. Aunty B Is there a nice way to say it isn't Christmas yet? There is a nice way to say everything. Here is how I would say it... Trends Will the iPad really save newspapers? Salesforce to lobby Federal Government Bruce Lakin steps down from ACS Franchise tips and trends Jason Gehrke January 2011 deadlines for two extra franchise inquiries While many businesses owners will be taking time off over the holiday season, franchise sector participants may find themselves preparing submissions to legislate franchising in WA and SA. Entrepreneurship Marcia Griffin The Oprah and Wikileaks phenomenons Oprah and Wikileaks have dominated the media for the last week. So I think it is worth thinking about the power of the internet. Business Tech Talk Paul Wallbank Wikileaks' business lessons The Wikileaks affair illustrates some important truths about business in the digital age. Brand Matters Michel Hogan Your customers are not the enemy Your customers are not trying to screw you, so stop making policies for the minority at the expense of the majority. Entrepreneur Watch James Thomson Palmer's project takes flight Clive Palmer's crazy plan to revive the zeppelin as a mode of transport has overshadowed his biggest deal yet. Coming Up Corporate governance expert Kate Costello on the dos and don’ts of company boards. Best wishes, Amanda Gome Founder / Publisher SmartCompany.com.au Markets pass through risk-on and risk-off phases [as investors' levels of worry change], providing some very good opportunities. It is just a case of being disciplined to buy quality stocks on your radar. I see that scenario continuing into 2011. Prasad Patkar, portfolio manager for Platypus Asset Management Click here for more. FOLLOW US OUR PARTNERS UPCOMING EVENTS

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