Planning

Advice What business structure should I use?

Choosing a business structure can be challenging at the best of times but this quick guide will help you in your decision.

Advice How do I assess the strengths and weaknesses of my business?

One of the most common methods of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your business is to conduct a SWOT analysis.

Advice What goes in my business plan?

Your business plan will define exactly what your business will do, how it will do it, how much it will cost and when you expect it to become profitable.

Advice Who should help my with my business plan?

There are a range of people you should consider asking for assistance as you develop your business plan.

Advice How do I know when is the right time to start up a business?

Many budding entrepreneurs begin their small businesses while working full or part-time in other roles.

Features 10 tips for managing people

Thursday, 05 April 2012 | By Tom McKaskill and Michelle Hammond

Managing staff can sometimes seem a little like herding cats. However, there are basic principles you can apply to make the process smoother. BY TOM McKASKILL AND MICHELLE HAMMOND.

Start-up ideas Amazon plant takes the pain away

Thursday, 05 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

An anaesthetic gel from the Amazon could replace injections in the dentist’s surgery. Made from a plant that indigenous tribes discovered centuries ago, the gel is about to enter late-stage trials.

News Expert offers planning tips after Pinterest co-founder departs

Wednesday, 04 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

Start-up founders need to be realistic about how long they intend to stay with their business, an expert says, after Pinterest co-founder Paul Sciarra announced his departure from the company.

News Seafood and fair trade chocolate on Easter menu: IBISWorld

Wednesday, 04 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

Spending on seafood will be the highest growth area this Easter, according to IBISWorld, while domestic tourism operators and specialty chocolate retailers will also do well.

Start-up ideas All systems go for Notify4Myki

Wednesday, 04 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

A software developer has taken it upon himself to enhance Melbourne’s Myki ticket system by creating an app to warn users when they need to top up their card.

Features To build or buy, that’s the question

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 | By Greg Hayes

So you want your own business? The first thing you have to do is decide if you want to build it or buy it. BY GREG HAYES.

News Pollenizer headhunting US co-founder for new start-up

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

Sydney-based tech incubator Pollenizer is looking for a US start-up expert to move to Australia for six months to co-found a new web business, before returning to the US to oversee its expansion.

News Interest rates unchanged despite calls for cut

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the official interest rate unchanged at 4.25%, despite calls for it to be cut, saying the decision was appropriate in light of growth, inflation and lending rates.

News Start-up failures stem from people problems, academic says

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

Nearly two thirds of start-up business failures stem from “people problems”, according to an academic at Harvard University, who has written a tell-all book about start-up failures.

Start-up ideas Nokia rings in a new era with mobile technology

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 | By Michelle Hammond

A new ringtone could make mobiles much more discreet, with the only sign someone is using their phone is that they’re scratching their arm.