What’s the real difference between having cashflow problems and going broke? Josh Mehlman finds out how to spot the signs of trouble and what you can do about it. The issue of insolvency was brought home to Nett and its readers in a dramatic way, when the company organising Donald Trump’s tour of Australia – heavily promoted in last month’s magazine – went belly up. Promoter Malcolm Quinn’s company The Concept Store had already paid Trump the majority of his $2.5 million speaking fee. However, by early October Quinn’s firm … more »

There’s no shortage of new business concepts, whether you think up your own or adapt one from overseas. Edible Blooms founder Kelly Baker says what makes an entrepreneur is not having the idea, but going out and making it work. Most Nett readers are probably old enough to remember the late-1980s Channel 7 sketch comedy series ‘Fast Forward’ (if not, you can always get the DVDs). One recurring skit featured Steve Vizard as slimy, ponytailed advertising executive Brent Smythe and Peter Moon as his offsider Barry. In one memorable moment, … more »

There’s no shortage of new business concepts, whether you think up your own or adapt one from overseas. Edible Blooms founder Kelly Baker says what makes an entrepreneur is not having the idea, but going out and making it work. Most Nett readers are probably old enough to remember the late-1980s Channel 7 sketch comedy series ‘Fast Forward’ (if not, you can always get the DVDs). One recurring skit featured Steve Vizard as slimy, ponytailed advertising executive Brent Smythe and Peter Moon as his offsider Barry. In one memorable moment, … more »

In the last issue of the magazine we complained that small business didn't have the ear of government. To prove us wrong . . . perhaps, several hundred small business owners have gathered at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for a summit with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Treasurer Wayne Swan, Small Business Minister Craig Emerson and industry representatives on the global financial crisis. 12:50pm: COSBOA deputy chair Richard Brooks kicks off with some stats on the size of the small business sector. He stresses that small business owners "have … more »

Your office has a considerable impact on the environment and your physical and mental health. Josh Mehlman looks at ways to keep the workplace, your life and the planet in better balance. We all spend so much time in the office. The full-time working week is roughly 40 hours, which means the only place you spend more time is the bedroom. If, like many small business owners, you work late nights or on weekends, or have trouble sleeping, the office can easily be number one. However, most people pay less … more »

Newcastle-based fitness coach Darren Forbes imports and sells sports equipment online at www.sportingedgeaustralia.com.au. He wants the site to do more of his marketing work for him. The panel Jonathan Crossfield, Netregistry. Expertise: web content Louise Kelly, Hearts and Minds. Expertise: branding and marketing Tony Wallis. Zinc. Expertise: sports marketing and merchandising Host: Josh Mehlman Plan to be successful Josh: What was the idea behind starting your business? Darren: I have done strength and conditioning training for about 25 years. I started off in about February 2008, importing speed, agility and … more »

Selling whitegoods on the web seems like good business sense, but it took entrepreneur John Winning Jr to work out what Australia’s major retailers still haven’t: you can make money with Appliances Online. Have you ever wondered why you can buy a computer online from a major Australian retailer, but not a cooktop? A computer is a complex, high-value purchase with a vast range of options that many people find bewildering. Most people seek the advice of a friend or salesperson to match the computer to their needs. With a … more »

Tony Clark was one of four founders of Adelaide-based Rising Sun Pictures, a digital special effects production company that is now among the world’s best. He tells Josh Mehlman about the decade’s worth of ups and downs it took to get there. t often seems the more glamorous something is on the outside, the uglier and duller it is when you find out how it really works. Think organised crime, restaurant kitchens or Paris Hilton. Rising Sun Pictures’ Sydney studio is ample evidence that the same rule applies for the … more »

Chris Cassar and Rick Glenn saw an opportunity to sell men’s grooming and skin care products online and wanted their website himage.com.au to give male consumers the ideal experience. Enter the Kick Start panel with some surprising insights on how men feel about shopping. The panel Jonathan Crossfield, NetRegistry, expertise: web presence, online marketing Louise Kelly, Hearts and Minds, expertise: marketing and branding Hollie Turner, Pearl PR, expertise: public relations Josh Mehlman, Nett magazine Men need skincare too! Josh: How did you come up with the idea for the business? … more »

Rising fuel prices are a major source of doom and gloom for small businesses. However, there are many options for reducing and controlling vehicle costs. Josh Mehlman investigates. If you’ve read a newspaper or turned on a  television in the last few months, chances are you’ve noticed that petrol prices are a topical issue. But for many small businesses, fuel prices are much more serious than the sinking feeling you get at the bowser as you watch the numbers crank upwards. The May 2008 Sensis Business Index survey of small and … more »

Arthur Thompson started TenderSearch to help companies keep track of the impenetrable government tender system. He spoke to Josh Mehlman about helping small businesses crack open government coffers. Hunt around on the web for Arthur Thompson and you’ll first come across Arthur Thompson the Scottish gangster, who used to nail people to the floor for defaulting on loan repayments. There’s Arthur A Thompson, author of a few dozen books on business strategy and Arthur Thompson who co-wrote The Brownie Guide Handbook. Another Arthur Thompson played 22 AFL games for Carlton between 1899 … more »