http:// 2013-06-19T23:47:00Z 2013-06-19T23:47:00Z social-media-manager-now-a-job-description-for-1-in-5-smes

20 June 2013 Social media manager now a job description for 1 in 5 SMEsResearch reveals social-savvy businesses go against the grain with revenue results Small and medium business operators (SMEs) who embrace social media were much more likely to see a revenue rise than a fall in the year to February 2013, according to research by MYOB. This contrasts starkly with the overall trend, where SMEs were more than twice as likely to see revenue fall than rise. The latest MYOB Business Monitor revealed SMEs using social media were 56% more likely to see a revenue rise, with 28% reporting a rise in revenue and 18% reporting a fall. This compared to the national average of all businesses with 18% rise and 39% fall in revenue respectively. The research also found a rise in social media usage in the previous nine months. 20% of SMEs used it for business purposes, up on 16%. This was highest amongst Gen Y (30%), followed by Gen X (22%) and Baby Boomers (18%), then those aged 65+ years (9%). The latter was the only generation to decrease its usage. CEO Tim Reed says, “One in five business owners now wear an additional hat – social media manager. Those who embrace that role are reaping rewards beyond building closer relationships with customers, suppliers, partners and others. The financial benefits are clear. “Many of these social tools, like Facebook or a blog, don’t need an investment of money to raise a business’s profile, communicate with its target audiences and generate leads; although they do require time. Despite this, only one fifth use social channels. This compares to nearly half of all business owners using smartphones and over one quarter using tablet devices. “Our research suggests it’s due to a lack of confidence in knowing how to employ social and other online tools that is holding others back. More than half our respondents said they would vote for the political party that proposed providing free government-funded training to all small businesses on how to use the internet to enhance and grow their business. It was good to see some money put aside in last month’s budget for this purpose.” Social media activities on the riseThe March 2013 report found business usage of various social media channels to be either steady or on the rise:19% used Skype or VOIP to make free business phone calls (vs. 16% in the July 2012 report)18% networked with business colleagues and/or clients on LinkedIn (vs. 13%)16% connected with customers and fans via a business page on Facebook, YouTube or Google+ (vs. 15%)9% shared news and updates via a company blog (vs. 9%)6% communicated via micro-blogging sites such as Twitter (vs. 5%). Businesses most likely to be socially-savvyWithin the business categories, those most likely to use social media for commercial purposes included: Businesses with a website32%Gen Y business operators30%Retail and hospitality sector30%Medium sized businesses (20-199 employees)28%Businesses importing goods and services26%Businesses using cloud computing 26%Establishing businesses (2-5 years)23%Rural-based businesses22%Businesses with staff who telework21% Across the mainland states, South Australia had the highest proportion of social media users (26%, up from 17% in July 2012), followed by Queensland (23%, up from 17%), Western Australia (22%, up from 17%), Victoria (18%, down on 19%) and New South Wales (17%, up from 12%). Smartphones and tabletsNearly half the SMEs surveyed used one or more smartphones for business (46%), while 26% used one or more tablet devices such as an iPad. Start-ups led the more established businesses in both respects. 55% used a smartphone - eight percentage points ahead of the next group, maturing businesses of five to 10 years of age - and 32% used a tablet – six points ahead. For MYOB product information, research results, business tips, discussions, customer service and more visit the MYOB Business Monitor webpage, MYOB LinkedIn, MYOB Twitter, MYOB Facebook or MYOB YouTube. -ends- For further comment or other information please contact:Kristy Sheppard, MYOB Public Relations & Corporate Affairs ManagerP: 02 9089 9068 / M: 0407 450 860 / E: kristy.sheppard@myob.com Symon Madry, Haystac Public Affairs Senior Account ManagerP: 02 8094 7779 / M: 0409 919 508 / E: myob@haystac.com.au About the MYOB Business MonitorEstablished in 2004, the MYOB Business Monitor is a national survey of small and medium business owners and managers, commissioned to independent market research firm Colmar Brunton. The most recent study ran in January and February 2013, surveying 1,005 operators from sole traders to mid-sized companies, representing the major industry sectors. The Monitor researches business performance and attitudes regarding areas such as profitability, cash flow, pipeline work, technology usage and the government. Note: the weighting of MYOB client and non-client respondents is reflective of overall market proportions. About MYOBEstablished in 1991, MYOB is now Australia’s largest business management solutions provider. It simplifies accounting, payroll, tax, CRM, websites, job costing, inventory management and much more for businesses of all ages, types and sizes. Over one million businesses in Australia and New Zealand have used one or more of MYOB’s 50+ products and services. Today, its solutions extend online, delivering innovation through cloud computing. This enables its clients to be more productive and make smarter connections with their staff, business partners, business advisors and customers. With a network of 20,000+ accountants, book keepers, certified consultants and other professional partners, MYOB provides support and tools that help make business life easier. Visit: http://myob.com.au/smarterconnections.Page 1 of 2

2013-06-18T03:09:14Z motorsport-24-hours-of-le-mans-live-on-eurosport

Sydney, 18 June – It’s that time of year again when some of the most exciting cars in automotive racing come out to play and the world’s best drivers strive to etch their name in the history books.   Yes it’s the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the 90th edition of the great race – and Eurosport is dedicated to bring you best broadcast of the most prestigious endurance race in the world. All 24 hours of the race LIVE.   Australian V8 Supercar driver Jason Bright will be one of three Aussies in action at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans when he makes his debut appearance at the world’s greatest and longest-running car race.   Bright, currently fifth in the V8 Supercar standings, will partner Rui Aguas and Vincente Potolicchio in the highly fancied Ferrari 458 GT, with countrymen Ryan Briscoe and John Martin also eying victory in their respective Honda HPD ARX-03b LMP2 and Oreca 03-Nissan LMP2 entries. Eurosport’s LIVE broadcast of the 24 Hours of Le Mans starts with free practice at 2am and the first of three qualifying sessions at 6am on Thursday 20/6. On Saturday 22/6, Eurosport will cover the warm up and the ‘Race of Legends’ sessions LIVE at 5pm and 6pm, before LIVE coverage of the main event from 10.45pm. Eurosport will also be producing LIVE daily magazine shows from our on-site studio at the Le Mans circuit. The show will host a different special guest each evening and will feature circuit presentation, interviews with team directors and VIP’s from the pits and paddock, analysis, all the latest news, behind-the-scenes reports and a daily focus on amateur driver, Hollywood actor and renowned rev-head Patrick Dempsey. The Grey’s Anatomy star, who first raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009, returns in his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and said he was excited to be back at the wheel at Le Mans. “It’s been a long story to get here….after 2009, which was an extraordinary experience and it’s a remarkable event steeped in history. So to come back we have worked very hard but we’ve managed to get here and it’s a great team,” Dempsey said. Eurosport’s LIVE coverage of 24 Hours of Le Mans includes: Event LIVE Broadcast Time Free Practice 02:00am (20/06) Magazine Show 05:30am (20/06) Qualifying 06:00am  (20/06) Qualifying 03:00am  (21/06) Magazine Show 05:00am  (21/06) Qualifying 06:00am  (21/06) Warm Up 17:00pm  (22/06) Race of Legends 18:00pm  (22/06) Magazine Show 10:15pm  (22/06) Le Mans 24h RACE 10:45pm (22/06) Magazine Show 06:00am  (23/06) Le Mans 24h RACE 06:30am  (23/06) Magazine Show 17:00pm  (23/06) Le Mans 24h RACE 17:30pm (23/06) For up to date information about Eurosport’s coverage of the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans go to our website at au.eurosport.com ENDS * Schedules are as of June 18 2013 and are subject to change. Times are AEST. ABOUT EUROSPORT GROUP The Eurosport Group is Europe's leading sports entertainment group. Eurosport, the n°1 pan-European TV channel, broadcasts in 20 languages and reaches 131 million homes across 54 countries. Eurosport HD is the high definition simulcast of Eurosport. Eurosport 2 broadcasts to 63 million households in 18 languages across 51 countries. Eurosport 2 HD was launched in August 2009. Eurosport Asia-Pacific reaches 17 countries in the region and launched an HD channel in September 2011. Eurosportnews is the sports news channel transmitted worldwide. Eurosport.com, Europe's n°1 online sports destination, has up to 23 million unique users per month (comScore) across an international network of sports websites in 11 languages, including Yahoo! co-branded sites in Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. The Eurosport.com free mobile applications are available in 10 languages. Eurosport Player, Eurosport's online TV service, provides LIVE and on-demand sports to fans' PCs in 53 countries and the Player application is available for mobile, tablet and connected TV in up to 40 countries. Eurosport Events is the group's expert division in the management and promotion of international sporting events.  About Eurosport in AustraliaEurosport launched in Australia in November 2009 broadcasting its flagship channel on the FOXTEL and TransACT platforms. Bringing over 3000 hours of first broadcast programming, of which 80% is shown LIVE, from around the world and showcasing more than 60 sports genres to sports fans in Australia, Eurosport provides variety and choice in sports viewing. Eurosport is available to Foxtel sports subscribers. For more information please contact: Roopa Fulivai, Eurosport Australia, 0411 708 740David Lyall, Sports Communication Australia, 0403 777 026

2013-06-13T04:19:00Z convenience-stores-left-to-go-stale-in-bread-barney

Media release 13 June 2013 Convenience stores left to go stale in bread barneySupermarket conduct, with discount bread and alleged misleading of consumers, is damaging smaller convenience operators. With changes by bread manufacturers to trading terms and supply arrangements, it is estimated one in five independent convenience stores has stopped selling bread.According to the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA), which represents petrol convenience operators, deliveries to convenience operators have become uneconomical as a result of the trading terms and conditions major supermarkets’ have placed on the bread supply companies.“As a consequence of the price and supply chain pressure major retailers have placed on bread manufacturers, it was only a matter of time before smaller independent stores became collateral damage in this bun fight,” said ACAPMA CEO, Mr Nic Moulis.“Convenience store owners, especially in regional Australia, no longer get fresh daily deliveries, are no longer able to return unsold products and in many cases no longer sell bread at all.“We are continually being told that supermarkets selling bread at a lower price is not for an anti-competitive purpose. The terms and supply conditions placed on manufacturers by major retailers have had an adverse reaction that has rolled through to others.“I can assure you this has had an anti-competitive effect.”If the Coalition wins the September Federal Election ACAPMA is hopeful that the promised ‘Root and Branch’ review of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the Act) occurs within the first 100 days. The Association believes that the review’s Terms of Reference will need to include an investigation of all provisions under section 46, Misuse of Market Power, within the Act, to address this kind of flow on affect giant clients, like supermarkets, can create in an industry.“The Coalition’s root and branch review of competition policy cannot come soon enough,” said Mr Moulis.“The terms of reference need to include a long hard look at section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act.“Current interpretation of the below cost selling and anti-competitive purpose provisions in this section of the Act deny small business the opportunity to have the ACCC effectively take action.“The result is that situations such as this reward major businesses in the short term only to the determent of competition and the consumer in the long term. It is my belief that this same apprehension is not only held by independent retailers.“Independent convenience store operators used to live off bread and milk. Now they are starving to sell either product.”ENDSFor all media enquiries, please contact Nic Moulis, ACAPMA CEO, on 0419 747 071 or nicm@acapma.com.auACAPMA logos can be made available for use with this media release only.Additional informationBackground:The Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) is a not-for-profit employer organisation that has represented the interests of businesses in the petroleum distribution and petrol convenience industries for over 38 years. As the leading association and national peak body responsible for the development and growth of the petroleum distribution and petrol convenience retail industries, ACAPMA members include over 90 percent of the 120 businesses that operate in petroleum distribution and storage, while representing - through direct ownership, operation or supply – over 3,500 service stations. ACAPMA’s membership profile in the main is independent small-to-medium businesses operating in metropolitan as well as regional and rural Australia.

2013-06-12T03:37:47Z driveaway-holidays-cool-deals-for-nz-skiing-this-winter

DRIVEAWAY Holidays has a snowfield of cool deals for New Zealand winter ski holidays on our ski fields this year, beginning with free ski racks and snow chains – plus also 2nd driver free – when you book an Ezi-Rent vehicle through them before October 31… with the tip that while Ezi-Rent has brand-new vehicles, ask DriveAway Holidays about lower-cost older-age models and you’ll save even further for extra après ski fun. Or if you’re after an economy, compact, intermediate or full-size sedan from AVIS or Budget for your skiing in New Zealand this winter, DriveAway have 10% off select models through these companies if booked by July 31. And DriveAway also have extra savings if you collect your vehicle from a wide range of Thrifty depots from midday on Thursdays for return by midday on Mondays for a minimum 2-days/maximum 4-days hire (one-way hires not permissible. Prices include unlimited kilometres, 24 hours assistance, collision damage cover (excess applies,) third party insurance and local taxes. Call 0800 885 590 or book online at www.driveaway.co.nz.  Also download DriveAway’s specialist driving guides that are packed with driving itineraries, tips and advice at http://www.driveaway.co.nz/brochures. (DriveAway Holidays as well have some great rates for those heading this month to warmer climes rather than colder ones: as an example, collect your vehicle  on July 1 and rates begin from as low as $42 per day in Paris, $36 per day in Britain, $45 per day in the USA – all with 2nd Driver Free – and from $21 a day in Dublin and $64 a day in Italy, based on 7 days car rental.)

2013-06-12T03:29:07Z driveaway-holidays-cool-deals-for-nz-winter-skiing

DRIVEAWAY Holidays has a snowfield of cool deals for New Zealand winter ski holiday this year, beginning with free ski racks and snow chains – plus also 2nd driver free – when you book an Ezi-Rent vehicle through them before October 31… with the tip that while Ezi-Rent has brand-new vehicles, ask DriveAway Holidays about lower-cost older-age models and you’ll save even further for extra après ski fun. Or if you’re after an economy, compact, intermediate or full-size sedan from AVIS or Budget for your New Zealand skiing this winter, DriveAway have 10% off select models through these companies if booked by July 31. And DriveAway also have extra savings if you collect your vehicle from a wide range of New Zealand depots with Thrifty from midday on Thursdays for return by midday on Mondays for a minimum 2-days/maximum 4-days hire (one-way hires not permissible.) Prices include unlimited kilometres, 24 hours assistance, collision damage cover (excess applies,) third party insurance and local taxes. Call 1300 363 500 or book online at www.driveaway.com.au. Also, download DriveAway’s specialist driving guides that are packed with driving itineraries, tips and advice at www.driveaway.com.au/brochures (DriveAway Holidays as well have some great rates for those heading this month to warmer climes rather than colder ones: as an example collect your vehicle on July 1 for 7 days, and rates begin from as low as $38 per day in Paris, $30 per day in Britain, $39 per day in the USA – all with 2nd Driver Free – and from $33 a day in Dublin and $54 a day in Italy.)

2013-06-12T01:51:03Z ripple-suspended-massage

Ripple Massage has launched suspended massages to aid women who are victims of domestic violence. More information is at www.ripplemassage.com.au Ripple’s suspended massages borrow from the tradition of suspended coffee, which began in Naples about ten years ago. In essence, a “suspended coffee” – or caffe sospeso in Italian – is a cup of coffee that a customer buys anonymously for someone who can't afford to buy one themselves. The customer pays for the coffee in advance and the cafe “suspends” it, later making the coffee for someone who could needs it. Ripple is the first massage business in Australia to have extended this concept to the massage industry. The concept is simple. Any customer can simply add $5 to their massage booking (or simply donate $5) which will pay for a fifteen minute massage for a woman who has been subjected to domestic violence. Ripple Managing Director, Alison Shaw, believes that a big part of being a massage therapist is the concept of giving back to the community. The suspended massage is an extension of the “Ripple Effect” programme already run by Ripple. “At Ripple, we have a deep sense of gratitude for our good fortune to be able to do such beautiful work. The suspended massage is a way that the kindness, that has been shown to us, can be forwarded to women who are in desperate need for some positive touch,” said Ms Shaw. “The issue of domestic violence is one that is close to our hearts here at Ripple. In the past month, the opportunity to help three women who have been subjected to violence in the home has crossed our paths, and it has prompted us to expand out programme of giving massages to those in need on a wider scale,” she continued.  “Anyone can give a suspended massage. Simply call Ripple on 0438 567 906 to donate one, $5 will pay for a fifteen minute massage for a woman who has been subjected to domestic violence, or you can donate one online at www.ripplemassage.com.au . It’s that inexpensive and it’s that easy. It is a very simple concept that pays forward some of the kindness and good karma with which Ripple has been blessed.” Ripple provides a unique mobile day spa service to women, men and couples throughout the Gold Coast, Mt Tamborine, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Hervey Bay, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong regions. Also all Sydney, and Tasmania. For more information on Ripple or to make a booking please phone 0438 567 906 or visit the website www.ripplemassage.com.au -Ends- We welcome journalists trying out any of our massage styles, please contact us for details. High res pictures available. Alison Shaw - 0434 991 879     alison@ripplemassage.com.au         www.ripplemassage.com.au    Twitter : www.twitter.com/rippleali   Facebook : www.facebook.com/ripplemassage

2013-06-05T20:38:16Z sea-planes-landing-at-the-regatta-centre-penrith

The Regatta Centre at Penrith is a beautiful place normally and this weekend will host model aircraft displays that might surprise you.  Large size models will be taking off the water and providing one part of the long line of entertainment that is part of the Penrith Lakes Model Show.  If you have never been out there take a look at this clip and see what you are missing.  This footage is taken over the Lakes and is all done by sea plane. http://youtu.be/Ovn0rWwZUNc.  And it is free with a gold coin for parking.  The event will feature model displays, active demonstrations, high speed racing and 'come and try' opportunities from an array of model types including seaplanes, yachts, powerboats, nitro cars and scale ships.  Also Lara Parker-Kent and Jack Sierra YouTube /LaraJackMusic will be performing as well as a host of live entertainment.Media enquiries Tim Nolan Einstein Marketing Group Mob. 0412 173 440 timn@einsteinmarketing.com.au

2013-06-04T23:52:19Z 2degrees-and-business-mentors-nz-partner-to-help-smes-find-someone-to-talk-to

Two of the country’s fastest growing business networks are joining forces to provide more help for New Zealand small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in response to growing demand for business mentor support. 2degrees, the leading supplier of mobile communications solutions to SMEs has become a Partner Patron of Business Mentors New Zealand, the only national network of volunteer, independent business mentors, supported by private enterprise, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and local economic development agencies and chambers of commerce. Ray Schofield, CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand believes that 2degrees’ support will enhance the business mentoring service. ‘We’re delighted that 2degrees has come on board,’ explains Ray. ‘Our mentors and mentoring clients tell us that mobile communications is the future of their business growth. 2degrees understands their challenges and with our combined experience, we will be able us to improve our offering. It is set to be an important and very exciting partnership.’ 2degrees Senior Campaign Manager Rhona Hamilton says  Business Mentors is an ideal fit for the company: ‘2degrees launched in 2009 and we have enjoyed phenomenal growth since then. However, like all businesses, we have experienced our fair share of challenges and growing pains along the way and are looking forward to sharing those learnings and success stories through our relationship with the Business Mentoring team and their clients.’ Mrs Hamilton says 2degrees can not only offer New Zealand businesses sage advice, but also fairer, better deals on their mobile plans. ‘2degrees has been operating in the NZ business sector just under two years now and our mission is to make life easier for kiwi businesses. We offer great value, flexible plans that will enable NZ businesses to stay connected in today’s mobile workplace,’ says Mrs Hamilton. ‘As a start, we are planning to announce some special deals for NZ Business Mentor clients shortly. By supporting the services of over 1900 business mentors and their thousands of clients we believe we can make a real difference to the range of support available to local businesses wherever they are in the country,’ she adds. Ray Schofield says 2degrees’ commitment will make a real difference to the service Business Mentors New Zealand can offer: ‘Business Mentors New Zealand is a non-profit organisation, which is largely funded by patrons from the private sector. Without the support of our sponsors, such as 2degrees, we would not be able to keep providing our free mentoring service to companies across New Zealand.’ About Business Mentors New Zealand Business Mentors New Zealand was established in 1991. It is funded largely by patrons from the private sector, with additional support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. It provides a mentoring service to trading businesses that employ less than 25 FTE’s and is the owner's main source of income. A registration fee of $150 + GST applies, which entitles businesses to use the mentoring service for two years. This is the only cost - the mentoring received is free.   About 2degrees Launched in August 2009, 2degrees Mobile has significantly lowered the cost of making mobile phone calls and texts for Kiwis. 2degrees now has over 40 retail outlets, 97% network coverage across the country and the team has grown to over 770, with a mix of over 40 different nationalities.   The company has committed over $550 million to building New Zealand’s third mobile phone network. Company shareholders include US-based mobile communications specialists, Trilogy International Partners, the Hautaki Trust, Communication Venture Partners and KLR Hong Kong Ltd. The combined shareholders bring a wealth of international experience and knowledge which is of huge benefit to New Zealand mobile users. More information at: www.2degreesmobile.co.nz    

2013-05-31T01:42:36Z gimrs-major-brand-promotion-goes-global

MAY 31, 2013 GIMRS has upped the stakes with an exclusive corporate brand promotion to win three month's premium advertising worth $12,000 (AUD). Due to overwhelming global feedback GIMRS has extended this promotion and increased the prize pool. This promotion presents an excellent opportunity to expand market visibility by show casing international or local corporate brands and services to over 350 publicly listed companies and their key decision makers. Submissions close the 24 June 2013. In order to enter the promotion please email GIMRS your contact details and outline the reason why our executive members would benefit from your brand or service and what places your brand or service in front of market competitors. Prize details can be located here. The winning entry will be drawn Tuesday 25 June 2013 and the winner will be notified by email. Entries can be submitted via this link. 

2013-05-27T22:48:02Z the-art-amp-technology-of-it-all

SYDNEY, NSW, May 27, 2013 (eReleases) –Art & Technology announce the publishing of a car cartoon eBook combining the middle aged car humor of Topgear, Classic Restos, Gasolene, Dream Car Garage and car cartoons inspired by the 60s Ed Roth and Dave Deal, in the high technology eBook format.“Publishing an eBook to the world is now simple, free and anyone with the will, and an Internet connection, can do it. It is writing the book and editing that is still hard.” From very high technology music production system design to funny cartoons, from Australia to Japan and back, Sydney owner of Art & Technology, Adrian Bruce and has covered some ground.  After years of consulting in electronics, software and design, 15 years in Japan at the Roland Corporation, and originally involved with the world changing Sydney based sound sampling musical instrument, the Fairlight Instruments CMI at the start of the 80s, he has now written, illustrated and published an eBook of Car Cartoons and How-To: “Hot CAR-toons, Dudes, Dudettes & Stuff At the Heavy Metal Garage”.  “I have always drawn, been involved with making things and recording music”.  Even during  when the machines he designed were being used on Johnny Farnham’s “Whispering Jack”, Iva Davies “Great Southern Land”, ZZ-Top albums, and much of the movie soundtrack work of Hans Zimmer, to name but a few. “I have now been doing commissioned illustrations for over 20 years.” A request from a Canadian Motorsport magazine started the commercial work, and has continued; now mostly doing vector based illustrations.  But we still do technical projects as they come along.  Producing an eBook is very similar to producing a website. The free Sigil EPUB Editor was used in developing the book. “We would very much like to do an eBook combing music with the text and illustrations. Maybe next time.“    The eBook costs as much as a cup of coffee and is readable on any Smartphone or computer with the free Kindle App and is available at  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CN305BQAbout Art & TechnologyArt and Technology is a multi-disciplinary consultancy providing design solutions in art, technology and the combination of the two. 

2013-05-27T05:50:09Z oracle-digital-welcomes-next-penguin-update

Perth, WA, May 27, 2013 - Recently, Google's head of search spam, Matt Cutts, released a video announcement that came as no surprise to many SEO firms and webmasters. The video, released on his company blog, announced a fourth Penguin update, which is known at Google as “Penguin 2.0.”Google has been changing its algorithm on a regular basis, trying to ensure quality search results for their customers. Ever since their first Panda update in February of 2011, Google has been on a mission, with mixed success, to keep low-quality, “thin” sites and pages off of the front page.The first Penguin update was put into effect on April 24th 2012, and announced as “Penguin 1.0” on April 26th. Penguin 1.1 was released on May 25th, and 1.2 would be released on October 5th of the same year. Though Penguin supposedly affected only 3.5% of search engine results, anecdotal “evidence” suggests that a lot of websites were affected, including some legitimate ones that were seen as collateral damage.All of the updates have been designed to penalise any website that appeared to be manipulating Google's search engine to produce artificially high results. According to Matt Cutts, Penguin 2.0 is designed with roughly the same goal, but with better technology.On his video, Cutts said that webmasters whose goal was to make high quality websites with a lot of information that encourages visitors to bookmark the sites and share them on social media would be “in alignment” with Google and the new Penguin update goals.Cutts would mention “advertorials” and link spammers as two main categories of websites that would be penalised. Indeed, Cutts mentioned “black hat spammers” more than once in his video; this would indicate that Google has found a more accurate way to target webmasters who are using black hat techniques.As positives that would be rewarded by the updates, he mentioned that those who were unfairly damaged by the Panda updates may find some relief. Cutts also mentioned that Google has developed a method for finding true authority sites within certain market segments, and that newly-found authority sites would receive a “boost” in the search engine rankings.James Corby, Business Development Director for Perth SEO firm Oracle Digital, is optimistic about the latest Penguin update: “We see this as great news for honest businesses who don't take shortcuts. We have provided solid, honest SEO with no shortcuts, no black hat techniques, and no manipulation of Google since before the Panda updates; these changes have actually benefited our customers. Panda and Penguin have made a lot of spammy sites disappear from the first few pages of Google.”Corby continued, “Google is forcing people to be honest. They have stopped rewarding people for gaming their system. Now, the only way for a website to appear on page one of Google is to provide their customers with what they are searching for in the first place: solid information. This has upset a lot of people who were thriving by taking shortcuts, but it is going to make people who want to do things right very, very happy.”Corby concluded, “Ultimately, the good guys win and the bad guys lose. We can live with that, and so can our clients.”Oracle Digital is an SEO firm in Perth. They provide digital marketing and SEO services in Perth and across Australia. To learn more about how to thrive in a world of Panda and Penguin updates, call 1300 899 851 or check out their website:http://www.oracledigital.com.au/

2013-05-26T00:29:59Z companies-dying-of-embarrassment-business-mentors-nz-warns

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are literally dying of embarrassment in New Zealand because they are ashamed of seeking help just when they need it most, warns Ray Schofield, CEO of Business Mentors New Zealand, the only national, volunteer business mentoring organisation. Mr Schofield says that many SMEs run into trouble early in their development but won’t ask for the help that could see them through a rough patch. He explains: `There are lots of challenges in those first few months and early years of setting up a business but the New Zealand stoical attitude means that many struggling enterprises fail to seek help in time. The double whammy at 18 months when provisional tax really kicks in is often the final straw. But if only owner operators got themselves a business mentor earlier, more of them would survive. Our volunteer mentors, who provide a free service for up to two years, often arrive just in the nick of time.’ Business Mentors Patron Partner, Statistics New Zealand: NZ Business Demography Statistics for 2012 reports that there were only 40,690 new enterprises set up in New Zealand, a fall of 11.2 per cent on the previous year. This was the lowest birth rate since comparable data was first collected in 2000 and the third year in a row that more businesses have closed than opened. There were 469,120 enterprises in total, down by 0.8 per cent on the previous year.  Lisa Ford, Business Mentors National Agency Manager told a meeting of volunteer mentors hosted by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development at North Harbour Stadium this week: `Time after time our coordinators tell us they call up a new company owner to arrange mentoring only to find that they know nothing about it. That’s because their partner has called us in because they can see the business is struggling. They are simply too ashamed to ask for help themselves, yet some of the most successful companies in the country have got where they are today with the help of a business mentor. It’s something they really should be proud of doing. None of us knows everything and it’s the smart guys who know when to pull in an expert advisor.’ Business ‘deaths’ have outnumbered ‘births’ for the past three years meaning the total number of enterprises has been falling since 2009 with 30,000 fewer businesses set up last year than in 2004. Mentors report that finding the right support, financial as well as expertise, advice and tools to put a new venture on a sustainable footing are vital components to success.  Business Mentors New Zealand helps around 250 businesses find a mentor every month and has assisted more than 65,000 small to medium-size enterprise owners in New Zealand in the last 22 years.Business Mentors provides access to over 1,900 volunteer mentors (who give their experience, skill and knowledge free of charge). The $150 registration fee allows mentoring for up to two years. For more information please visit www.businessmentors.org.nz

2013-05-24T00:57:16Z audi-launches-a3-sportback-with-major-new-campaign

Audi Australia Pty Ltd will launch a major new campaign in support of its all-new A3 Sportback – the most strategically important model launch this year, covering traditional media, an innovative association with VIVID Sydney and an experiential execution. The ad campaign includes national TV, cinema, lift ‘wraps’, radio, OOH, print and digital executions, while artistic interpretations of  the A3 will be projected onto the back of the historic George Street warehouses (opposite the Overseas Passenger Terminal) during VIVID and will be visible to people walking between Camp Cove to the Museum of Contemporary Arts at The Rocks. For the TVC, the company partnered with well-known French electronic band, Daft Punk to use the track Harder, better, faster, stronger (Discovery: 2001), an upbeat track that perfectly highlights the benefits of Audi’s third generation A3 Sportback. The campaign pays particular attention to the quality of the interior and exterior of the new model, and to surround target audiences with the contemporary features of the A3, a 3D version of the TVC was created for cinema placements. Also on the topic of ‘surrounding‘ potential customers comes the innovative elevator wraps which feature imagery of the vehicle on the exterior doors and then envelops ‘passengers‘ into the car’s interior when they step inside the lift. Highlighting Audi’s major involvement in the arts, the A3 will be featured as part of Audi’s sponsorship of the Sydney Film Festival. An A3 Sportback will be on display in Martin Place for the festival duration, with the idea that the A3 will have the ‘Best Seats in the House’ in front of the large screen set up. The screen will play SFF film trailers with popcorn to giveaway and a competition will be held to win tickets for two to attend the London Film Festival. “The locally developed headline ‘Ahead of its class’ is a confident statement on the positioning of both the Audi A3, paying homage to our launch and continued development of the premium compact segment, and also to the Audi brand ethos – Vorsprung durch Technik,” said Audi General Manager Marketing, Kevin Goult. “This campaign also sees us making the most of the largest out-of-home buy the company has ever purchased, with eye-catching billboards and clever media placements like our elevator wraps and consecutive street panels that allow us to promote the high level of quality on both the car’s exterior and interior, and standard features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control and multi media interface with touchpad, a full colour slimline pop-up screen and integrated radio,“ Mr Goult said. One of the strengths of the Audi A3 Sportback is its broad appeal. Young, ambitious singles as well as young couples are all attracted the design, functionality and versatility of the A3 Sportback, with most in the 30-49 age group. Nevertheless, the A3 Sportback is also highly desirable among young adults who have not yet left the family home, aged under 29, along with ‘empty nesters’ aged over 60. One theme is clear throughout all these target groups: discerning buyers want to differentiate themselves by their choice of vehicle. Since the A3 was first launched in 1997, more than 2.7 million customers worldwide have taken delivery of an Audi A3 making it one of the most significant models in the company’s extensive premium range. Almost 18,000 Australian customers have owned the A3 since it was first launched. Agency credits Creative agency: RAPP Sydney Digital creative agency: Holler Sydney Media agency: Mediacom Sydney –  Ends –The Audi Group delivered more than 1,455,100 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2012. In 2012, the Company posted revenue of €48.8 billion and an operating profit of €5.4 billion. Audi produces vehicles in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Gy?r (Hungary), Changchun (China) and Brussels (Belgium). The Audi Q7 is built in Bratislava (Slovakia). In November 2012, CKD production of the Audi Q7 was added to the existing Audi A4, A6 and Q5 manufacturing operations in Aurangabad (India). At the Brussels plant, production of the Audi A1 has been running since 2010, while production of the new A1 Sportback began in 2012. The Audi Q3 has been built in Martorell (Spain) since June 2011. The Company is active in more than 100 markets worldwide. AUDI AG’s wholly owned subsidiaries include AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. (Gy?r, Hungary), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy), AUDI BRUSSELS S.A./N.V. (Brussels, Belgium), quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm and the sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy). Audi currently employs more than 68,000 people worldwide, including around 50,000 in Germany. The brand with the four rings plans to invest a total of €11 billion by 2015 – mainly in new products and the expansion of production capacities – in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead embodied in its “Vorsprung durch Technik” claim. Audi is currently expanding its site in Gy?r (Hungary) and will start production in Foshan (China) in late 2013 and in San José Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016. Audi has long been fulfilling its social responsibility on many levels – with the aim of making the future worth living for generations to come. The basis for Audi’s lasting success is therefore formed by environmental protection, the conservation of resources, international competitiveness and a forward-looking human resources policy. One example of AUDI AG’s commitment to environmental issues is the Audi Environmental Foundation. Within the context of “Vorsprung durch Technik”, which extends far beyond its products, the Company is directing its activities toward a major goal – comprehensive CO2-neutral mobility.

2013-05-23T00:44:49Z gimrs-launches-exclusive-premium-corporate-advertising-promotion

MAY 22, 2013 GIMRS launches exclusive corporate promotion to win one month's premium advertising worth $4,000 (AUD). This promotion presents an excellent opportunity to expand market visibility by show casing corporate brands and services to over 350 publicly listed companies and their key decision makers. Entries commence from the 16 May 2013 and close the 2 June 2013. In order to enter please email GIMRS your contact details and outline the reason why our executive members would benefit from your brand or service and what places your brand or service in front of market competitors. Prize details can be located here. The winning entry will be drawn Monday 3 June 2013 and the winner will be notified by email. Entries can be submitted via this link.      

2013-05-12T23:09:23Z australian-growth-company-awards-2013-announced

Sparke Helmore Lawyers, in partnership with Macquarie Capital, Deloitte, Westpac Institutional Bank, Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association Limited, MYOB and the Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Journal, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the second annual Australian Growth Company Awards. We are delighted to welcome MYOB, Australia’s largest provider of business management solutions, as a new award partner this year.The Australian Growth Company Awards are focused on celebrating excellence in the mid-market ($25 million to $350 million). They recognise companies that demonstrate high rates of growth, as well as innovation, integrity, contribution to community and sustainability.Launched in 2012 with great success, the inaugural awards attracted over a hundred nominees from a range of business sectors, with a combined turnover of more than $12 billion. This year, there are four award categories: 1.             Growth Company of the Year 2.             Growth Company CEO of the Year 3.             Exit of the Year 4.             Growth Company to Watch. “Companies in the mid-market make an extraordinary contribution to the Australian business community and economy, which should be acknowledged and celebrated”, said Nick Humphrey, Head of Corporate at Sparke Helmore. “The Australian Growth Company Awards give those involved in successful and growing Australian businesses operating in the mid-market space the recognition they deserve.” Nominations will be assessed by an independent panel of judges comprised of Award co-sponsor representatives. The judges will be rewarding nominees who meet the eligibility criteria, and display outstanding innovation, sustainability and integrity. Winners will be announced at an Awards event on 24 October 2013. Tim Reed, MYOB’s Chief Executive Officer, will be the keynote speaker at the awards. Award nominations open on 13 May and close on 30 August 2013. Nomination forms and further information are available at www.sparke.com.au/sparke/growthawards. About Sparke HelmoreSparke Helmore Lawyers is a firm of 600 people working from eight offices across Australia, serving the needs of the insurance, government, financial services, mining, construction and property sectors. Our expertise spans commercial to construction, workplace to insurance, structuring to superannuation, mining to manufacturing, and property to procurement. Our Corporate Group is dedicated to providing a boutique offering servicing mid-market M&A, banking and private equity, delivering world class service and expertise. Our team combines senior partners and associates with experience gained on some of the most iconic and cutting-edge deals while working in top tier Australian and global law firms. In the last 18 months, the team has worked on more than 44 transactions with an aggregate value of $2.4 billion. Media contact: Joanne Been Communications Executive - Corporate p: +61 2 9260 2579 e: joanne.been@sparke.com.au