Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Features

  • Friend... or foe?

    Social networking sites can work marketing miracles. Or they can backfire very, very badly.

  • After the rush

    Queensland's Gold Coast has seen the spectacular collapse of numerous property developers. However, it was not only the economy that was to blame, says industry veteran Harry Triguboff.

  • Desk dies hard

    Mobility is more important than ever but the desktop PC still has a future.

  • Big Australia

    A bigger nation means better business - more scope, more scale, more competition, and more opportunities in fitting 35 million people into our cities and towns.

  • Less is more

    The franchise market is healthy but fragmented, and analysts say it will benefit from a bout of consolidation similar to what happened in the US.

  • Animal cracker

    Tapping into Australians' growing love affair with their pets has proved lucrative for one supplies specialist.

  • Code read

    Changes to the code of conduct for the franchising industry should enhance a thriving sector.

  • No secrets

    A cautious approach and family support formed the basis of a successful formula for homeware supplier Matchbox.

  • A good fit

    A young Victorian couple has seen its workwear clothing franchise flourish by not being slaves to fashion.

  • A new script

    Priceline's whole-hearted embrace of franchising is changing the face of pharmaceutical retailing throughout Australia.

  • Franchising 101

    Aspiring franchisees must examine their goals and do their homework before signing on.

  • Taking care of business

    Australia's $130 billion franchise sector performed well during the global financial crisis - simply by 'ignoring it'. However, this year it needs to focus on target markets and dealing with increased competition.

  • Generation y-not

    Members of gen Y could find franchising an attractive career move, provided there are policies, systems and attitudes in place that play to their strengths.

  • Not for hire

    Companies that cut staff in the downturn are facing hiring headaches.

  • Guilt free

    Fair-trade products are in growing demand and have created lucrative new markets, from food to fabrics.

  • A pox on this tax

    The nation's employers are united in their loathing of payroll tax, which they regard as a slug on growth and success.

  • Join the home office revolution

    More than 1 million Australians work from home - and most would not do it any other way. The revolution in the way we work has profound implications for business and the economy.

  • Top jobs: Where to find one

    The employment market is forever changing. Some sectors hibernate when times are tough. Others keep hiring. And new fields are always presenting unexpected opportunities.

  • Mr Daring

    Richard Goyder has built one of Australia's biggest conglomerates and manages more than 200,000 staff. He leads with a mixture of calculated risk and audacity.

  • Watts in the wind

    Infigen has emerged from the wreckage of Babcock & Brown with new momentum from new government alternative energy targets.

  • Great leap forward

    Rampant Chinese demand for metals is likely to propel Australia's commodities boom this year, even in the event of a feeble global economic recovery.

  • Raise the bar

    It's been a slow start to Sydney's quest for a Melbourne-style culture of cosy drinking establishments.

  • 21st century gold rush

    The greatest opportunity in a generation is available for Australian businesses that can take advantage of the boom across Asia.

  • Pay now, buy later

    The appeal of prepaid business is spreading, reaching new customer groups through new distribution channels.

  • It's a good thing

    Australia is riding on the geeks' back as local software developers export like never before.

  • Asian gold rush: the overview

    The influence of the resources boom into Asia goes far beyond the mine gate - here are eight other economic side-effects that businesses must be aware of.

  • Rain or shine

    Demand is strong, but as stimulus money dries up and interest rates rise, home builders are facing a volatile outlook.

  • Making money in the region

    Powered by Asian demand the resources boom is creating a raft of business opportunities. Here's how three Australian companies managed to turn local knowledge into global growth.

  • Personal and positive

    Small business owners may get a better deal at the bank as a result of new credit history laws.

  • Killer marketing ideas

    Campaigns that convey authenticity grab the consumer. Here's how to steal the best concepts ... and avoid the worst.

  • Take a stand

    Should companies try to pre-empt green regulation? There are risks in both acting and waiting.

  • 2010 client choice awards

    Professional services firms have emerged from the downturn in good shape.

  • Keeping things liquid

    The BRW Investec Fast Club's first roundtable for 2010 discussed smart ways to find finance. Chaired by Sean Aylmer

  • Sale away

    A successful export strategy can turn a good business into a powerhouse.

  • GFC to NYC

    Daniel Grollo is rethinking finance and taking the family business to new frontiers across the Pacific.

  • Ask the Crowd

    Asking the general public for ideas through new media can create a runaway success.

  • Try an apology

    Saying sorry for a poor marketing decision can win back disgruntled customers, but it only works once.

  • Find a cause

    A controversial stance can differentiate a brand - but care must be taken to avoid a backlash.

  • Use the facts

    Presenting the truth, or purported truth, in the right light can reinforce a product's acceptance.

  • Tell a good tale

    Narrative campaigns put the product in a story that will stand the test of time.

  • Dump the script

    Using actors and television presenters to create 'real life' product endorsements can sell - but it can also backfire.

  • Hello, goodbye

    A retailer is this year's standout debutant, while mergers and corporate mishaps account for many departures.

  • Power house

    Sound policies and structural reforms have transformed the once-lethargic Australian economy into a modern-day success story.

  • Beach dreams

    Rising prices and faster sales suggest that now may be the time to jump back into beachfront property.

  • Race to the top

    The stars of Australian sport are travelling far from home in search of the big pay day.

  • Silk's purse

    With close to $30 billion at his disposal, Ian Silk is a serious investor who wants to refocus the super industry on the needs of its members.

  • Retreat to profit

    With preparation, buyers can reap a handsome return on overseas property.

  • Pain & gain

    The high dollar has hurt export earnings - but many businesses have found a silver lining.

  • Bank bait

    Bank funding costs are rising - but small business is bearing a disproportionate share of the load.

  • Pitch perfect

    How the public feels about advertising depends on which media it appears in - and old-fashioned TV and print does it best.

Already a subscriber? Get access to the Rich lists Register   Follow BRW on Twitter

SUBSCRIBE & get a FREE BRW Diary!

BRW Diary

Subscribe to BRW, get full access to BRW.com.au and receive a FREE BRW Diary for 2010!

Get BRW Today

newsletter

Subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter

sign up
Enter your Membership details

Enter your Membership details

Fairfax Digital logo

Become a member

ON SALE NOW!

Big Australia | What you need to look for in lawyers, accountants and bankers

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

The Letter of the Week wins six bottles of Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Merlot.
Write to us