Enterprise: Underground Spirits What is their raison d’etre? To balance the creation of a distinguished international brand with an unwavering commitment to staying true to its authentic Australian heritage. The inspiration behind Claudia Roughley and her co-founder launching the distillery Underground Spirits came from their love for Canberra. “The clean environment, natural beauty and supportive community, along with its status as one of the world’s most sustainable cities, and access to exceptional water from the Brindabellas,” Claudia avers. “The idea for our venture was born out of a desi ..read more

The title of this article may be somewhat misleading because there is no requirement that you have to, must or even should use public speaking to promote yourself or your small business. Contrary to this article’s title you don’t have to. However, changing your language about what you must do, should do, and have to do to market your business can go a long way in calming the anxiety people experience around public speaking. Reframing the language by saying, “I get to”, “I choose to” or “I want to” the activity takes on a new perspective. These small changes can make a world of difference ..read more

Small businesses are the heart of Australia’s economy, making up 97.3 per cent of all Australian businesses. In today’s digital age, an effective online presence and engagement are crucial for the success of a small business. eCommerce has seen unprecedented growth in recent years around the world, and Australia is no exception. Despite this, only 11 per cent of businesses fully embrace digital strategies, meaning that small businesses have both opportunities and challenges to enhance their online presence. Starting an eCommerce business in Australia can ‘level the playing field’ for small bus ..read more

Enterprise: The Quick Flick What is their raison d’etre? To create beauty products that solve problems and are time-saving and multi-use, and to reflect ‘real’ beauty by eschewing airbrushing in marketing imagery. Prior to starting The Quick Flick, Iris Smit was in her final year as an architecture student at Perth’s Curtin University and worked in a men’s clothing store whilst studying. She also ran her ex-boyfriend’s eCommerce store, which gave her valuable insight into running a business. “I have always had an entrepreneurial side – at 14 years old, I coded websites for people for $100 [eac ..read more

In today’s increasingly competitive landscape, it’s more important than ever for small businesses to find a niche that sets their brand apart. While marketing is fundamental to the success of a business, creativity, storytelling and aesthetics play a significant role in engaging and sustaining customer interest. Similarly, not every business owner has the time or budget for a well-executed marketing plan, so brands need to think about unique ways in which to attract new customers and retain existing ones in 2024. One notable trend gaining traction this year is ‘collectable aesthetics’, which i ..read more

Few sectors have borne the brunt of economic pressures more than small businesses, and particularly small retailers, as Aussies become more considered in their spending. With peak season still a long way on the horizon, small retailers could be forgiven for expecting a lean time in the months ahead. While we’re not anticipating an unprecedented spending splurge between now and then, there are many ways that small retailers can drive the incremental revenue increases that make all the difference, not just in peak season, but the proverbial slow season too. Omnichannel commerce The rise of eComm ..read more

In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any SME. However, with the vast array of digital marketing options and service providers available, it can be overwhelming to find the right partner to navigate this complex landscape. Surprisingly, statistics from the ASBFEO and University of the Sunshine Coast show that 70 per cent of SMEs end their relationship with their digital marketing provider within the first 12 months, highlighting the importance of making an informed and strategic decision from the get-go. Three tips to ensure you’re c ..read more

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour concert helped drive retail sales to a modest increase in February, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. February retail spending totalled $35.8 billion, up 1.6 per cent from the same month last year. “Seven sold-out Taylor Swift concerts in Sydney and Melbourne boosted retail spending this month, with more than 600,000 Swifties flocking to these events. This led to increased spending on clothing, merchandise, accessories and dining out,” ABS head of retail statistics, Ben Dorber, said. “Looking past the temporary and one-off impact of the Taylor Swift ..read more

Small-business owners often wince at the thought of their online presence, a condition I call “undiagnosed brand shame”. Symptoms include the relentless fear of potential clients seeing their profiles, unclear messaging, and the nagging sense that their social media is actively repelling clients. The good news is you’re not alone, and there’s a remedy. Here’s how you can turn it around: 1. Ensure you have a clear brand and social media strategy It’s essential to ensure you have a clear brand and social media strategy. This forms the foundation of your online presence. Without a solid strategy ..read more

The rise of UGC (user-generated content) has transformed the way we market to our audience, allowing brands to leverage the relatability and the organic nature of creators to develop on-demand content. But with this surge in creator-generated content comes the challenge of oversaturation. As every brand continues to jump through hoops for engagement, small businesses must navigate this crowded space strategically. But how? Become a visual salesperson Video continues to dominate digital platforms and overall marketing initiatives, which means a video-first approach will continue to be highly ef ..read more