Should your business aim for profits or growth?
In the early stages of your business, you need to invest in growth. But long-term, you need to be profitable. So, what should be your priority? Here are three top tips. BY MARC PESKETT.
If I were to start over
Every entrepreneur makes mistakes, but the best ones learn from them. Four start-ups that launched in 2011 tell us what hindsight has taught them. BY NINA HENDY.
The global start-up treasure hunt
With Australian venture capital drying up, start-ups are increasingly looking overseas to secure funding. But how can you do the same? We speak to some leading entrepreneurs to find out. BY LEON GETTLER.
Redefining the concept of loyalty
Dave Aicken, founder of marketing firm Centryc Solutions, thought he was onto a winner with his mobile-based loyalty scheme. But he realised, post-launch, that the product was badly flawed. BY MICHELLE HAMMOND.
Five reasons to start-up in 2012 – and five reasons to think twice
New figures show that start-up numbers have hit a record low in Australia. So, is now a good time to launch a business, or should you wait until conditions improve? BY OLIVER MILMAN.
The Start-up Mindset
If you are going to launch a start-up, you need to be prepared to stand up and fight for it. Here's how it's done. BY JASON ROSE.
Start-up Profiles
Sydney-based start-up Soundbooka, led by Bondi businessman Christopher Blann, is aiming for 1,000 bookings per week, as it seeks to make its voice heard in the music scene.
Start-up Idea
Nissan scratches the surface with iPhone innovationNissan is the unlikely creator of world’s first “self-healing” iPhone case, which can quickly repair itself when scratched. |
News
The NSW Government has thrown its support behind tech entrepreneurs wishing to crack the US market, helping start-ups cover the cost of living and working at Startup House in San Francisco.
Apple has issued a warning to developers who artificially inflate the ranking of their apps, after a whistle-blower exposed the practice.
Start-ups are being encouraged to adopt some simple tactics when entering new markets, following the arrival in NSW of two overseas technology companies.
A tourism lobby group has renewed calls for the government to create more incentive for entrepreneurs to invest in tourist facilities, amidst the high local dollar and a $7.2 billion deficit.
Australia’s interactive games industry remains buoyant as local developers lead the way, industry groups say, despite a dip in “traditional retail” computer and video games sales during 2011.
Taskmaster
In a small business, you can’t afford to carry dead weight. Hire slow, fire fast when it comes to staff and launch slow, fire fast when it comes to products.
Tech Tricks
Sometimes, you need to create filters to make sure unwanted messages don’t clog your inbox.
Mentors
Craig Yeung
How should I structure my business to make it attractive for a buyer?
The simpler the structure and the more organised your documentation is, the easier and more attractive it will be for the buyer, all other things being equal.
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Paul Clements
My 2012 is off to a very quiet start, sales-wise. What can I do to get through it?
There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the impact quieter sales periods will have on your business.
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Jane Shelton
How can I work out how much home office space I’ll need?
Remember to give yourself both room for working on the business without losing your kitchen table (and your mind).
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Adam Ferrier
Should I be a bit more short-term this year with my marketing activity?
Personally I think the annual marketing plan should be thrown out. It's not long enough to be strategic, and too long to stick to.
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Startup TV
watch and learn
Sh-t that tech entrepreneurs say
Hang around tech start-ups for long enough and you will be able to speak their language. For beginners, however, this guide is quite handy. Just remember to “pivot” at some point.
Previously
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Bill Gates reflects on the death of Steve Jobs
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What sort of banks should we have?
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The Page Turner
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Beware of the ‘consultantz’
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Events
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2012 Young Entrepreneurs Mentoring Program
This mentoring program is ONLY for entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 years with a passion and ambition for entrepreneurship who have been working in their...
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Tony Hsieh workshop in Sydney - Business Chicks
Tony Hsieh, serial entrepreneur whose revolutionary approach to building businesses has led him to be hailed a global guru, is our first workshop guest of...
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Sydney Startup Ideation Bootcamp - from the Founder Institute - February 2012
So you have an idea for a startup, do you? But what is the next step? This is it. In just two hours, the Startup Ideation Bootcamp will help you improve ...
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It's Rising Time - Reach Your Financial Dreams
Some people will say you can do it it quickly, with little pain and effort. But few will tell you the real story of how their built their own wealth over...
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Business Diary Note: National Angel Conference 2012
The National Angel Conference 2012 provides an opportunity to meet experienced national and international Angel Investors and entrepreneurs and hear about...
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