Latest News
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Selecting a software developer
Scott Middleton | March 12, 2013
When it comes to selecting a software developer or development company most of the important areas have nothing to do with the technical side of things and everything to do with people, communication and process. Scott Middleton explains.
As a medium sized business you don’t always have the technical experience you need in-house, especially in regard to IT and the development of new websites, apps or software for your business. -
Recognising the world changes but issues remain the same
Peter Fritz | March 5, 2013
“If we want things to stay as they are things will have to change.” – Prince Tancredi Falconeri in The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
“It is not the fittest but the most adaptive that survive.” – Darwin
Reviewing a collection of papers, minutes and deliberations of committees he has been part over the last 20 years, Peter Fritz, Managing Director of Global Access Partners puts forward a case for the establishment of the Institute for Active Policy. -
Have your say: Industry Innovation Precincts
Helen Hull | March 5, 2013First 5000 members are invited to have your say on the development of Industry Innovation Precincts.
Written submissions close: 22 March and stakeholder consultations are underway.
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The gender agenda – a glass half empty?
Diann Rodgers-Healy | March 4, 2013
In the lead up to International Women’s Day, Dr Diann Rodgers-Healey, Director of the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women, reflects on just how much the gender agenda has evolved and whether we’re taking the necessary steps towards gender equality.
It is apt that the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum. -
Common business mistakes
NAB - Business View | February 27, 2013
Bad business mistakes happen to good people. Author and entrepreneur, Mathew Dickerson explains where some businesses stumble.
Mistake 1: not delivering consistent customer service
Many businesses get so caught up in managing the bottom line that they neglect customer service and this can eat away at brand integrity, and affect profits. -
Telework – it’s time to let Dracula run the bloodbank
Tim Fawcett | February 19, 2013As our lives move online and become increasingly mobile, Tim Fawcett explains the benefits of telework and moving away from the traditional bricks-and-mortar approach.
The greatest success of Australian National Telework Week 2012 (12-16 November) was to put the idea of working from anywhere in the uppermost minds of employees who are increasingly looking to use their mobile devices in more and more aspects of their lives.
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First 5000 members enjoy big business benefits
Catherine Fritz-Kalish | February 19, 2013First 5000 general manager Catherine Fritz-Kalish shares the exciting new partnership between First 5000 and group buying website, B2BHive.
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Why women should love themselves
Shivani Gupta | February 14, 2013
Do you love yourself enough to ask for that pay rise? Shivani Gupta shares why it’s important to put yourself first in business.
In the 10 years I have been delivering workshops for women it is clear that the key thing most women are looking for in their busy life is balance. -
UTS launches Business Internship Program
Alice Watkins | February 12, 2013
Do you need a helping hand with elements of your business? Would you like to give back to your field and the support the country’s brightest students? Alice Watkins outlines the latest internship program from the University of Technology, Sydney.
This semester UTS is formally launching its new Business Internship Program. This extends the established range of internship programs at UTS. The new program presents an opportunity for medium enterprises to engage with keen aspiring business professionals and to tackle some useful projects in the workplace. -
Feeling stressed? Start delegating!
Jeremy Liddle | February 6, 2013
It’s impossible to oversee every part of your business. Jeremy Liddle explains how to make delegation work and release the stress of micro management.
Sitting in an office thinking about sales will not generate revenue. You have to get up and get moving! So get out on the road and kick up a storm. Without taking action you are doomed to a fate of inaction and flat or declining revenue. The good news is that YOU don’t have to be the one that increases sales all the time!
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Two vital business uses for social media
Nathan Kwok | February 6, 2013Are you utilising social media in the most effective way? Nathan Kwok says it’s time to put your unique stamp on twitter, facebook and LinkedIn and showcase your positive work culture.
It’s no secret that social media has really changed the game for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to connect with their customers, and even to inspire their employees. However for most SMEs, using social media effectively can be a challenge. And even for seasoned users, there are always new and interesting ways to use social media to promote and manage businesses.
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Taxi fares on the way down
Jost Stollmann | January 29, 2013
Catching a taxi is a regular part of day to day life for business people and a major expense for companies. Jost Stollmann from Tyro Payments explains how it could get a whole lot cheaper in the future.
Tyro Payments is the only independent EFTPOS provider in Australia competing “heads-on” with the big bank oligopoly. For us momentum is building to have a crack at one of Australia’s longest standing monopolies, Cabcharge, a company surcharging Australian cab users with 10 per cent since 36 years when paying their cab fare with a card. -
OMG! Back to work and the stuff that made me want a holiday!
Leanne Faraday-Brash | January 29, 2013
Despite the start of a new year it’s easy to get back into the old habits and circumstances which perplexed us in 2012. Leanne Faraday-Brash shares how to break the shackles and take a new approach.
Last year wasn’t an easy year for many people for a host of reasons. Fortunately, as human beings we have a well-developed ability to forget some of the yucky stuff. If we didn’t and every mother dwelt on her labour experience, every child would probably be an only child!
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The frustration with our politicians continues
Ray Levin | December 12, 2012First 5000 member Ray Levin looks at how there is a lack of understanding from our politicans in regard to what is best for the economy.
Today consulting engineers are putting off young engineers. Mining companies are putting off engineers from their design departments.
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New Act moves Gender Equality into 21st century
Helen Conway | December 5, 2012Workplace Gender Equality Agency director Helen Conway outlines the new Act and what it will do for gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Can women have it all? The new Workplace Gender Equality Act places a different question centre stage. Can women – and men – ‘’have it all”? Can the Australian economy ‘’have it all’’, where it fully reaps the benefits of its educated workforce? Can employers ‘’have it all’’, and meet the pent-up demand of the modern workforce for flexible work and meaningful careers which are compatible with caring responsibilities?
