About Angus Jones

Angus started his first small business in 1989 and has since gone on to have a successful career in marketing. He realised although there were many websites for small business none was addressing the question of how to. Angus has a passion to articulate benefits that add value to customers/readers.

Ergonomic Wave Keys keyboard

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Angus Jones

Logitech has unveiled Wave Keys and Wave Keys for Business, a wireless ergonomic keyboard to address the increased need for wellbeing and comfort at the desk. Wave Keys features a signature wave design in a compact layout for comfier typing that does not require relearning how to type, as well as an integrated cushioned palm rest for day-long support. As individuals of all ages spend more time in front of their computers, ergonomic needs are on the rise with a growth rate of 4.6% over the next seven years, according to the recent published market report by RationalStat.

“We believe that everybody deserves to feel good at the end of a day of work, so we set about designing workspace essentials that are as attractive and approachable as they are ergonomic,” said Art O’Gnimh, general manager of the Core Personal Workspace business at Logitech. “Wave Keys has workspace wellbeing at its heart, thanks to its science-driven design with a stamp of approval from leading ergonomists.”

Wave Keys’ unique wave shape places hands, wrists and forearms in a natural typing position, and the integrated cushioned palm rest gives more wrist support throughout the day. Its compact layout fits many home or office desks, with two classic colourways to complement your workspace setup – Graphite and Off-White.

Wave Keys is designed in line with Logitech’s goal to create product experiences that improve people’s lives. This means considering environmental and social impacts as part of every design decision. Wave Keys is certified carbon neutral, just like the rest of Logitech products, and the paper packaging comes from FSC™-certified forests and other controlled sources. The plastic parts in Wave Keys include certified post-consumer recycled plastic to give a second life to end-of-use plastic from old consumer electronics – 61% for Graphite and 46% Off-White.

This multi-OS compatible keyboard connects via Bluetooth®, or the included Logi BOLT receiver for enhanced security, to up to three devices at once, such as Mac, PC and iPad, and easily switches between them at the tap of a button. For smoother days at the desk, users can personalise their experience with the Logi Options+ App to assign productivity shortcuts, such as “Do not disturb” to remain focused in your work, and create Smart Actions that save time and keep work flowing, including a one-touch morning routine to help you easily start your day and a relax time that provides well-deserved rest throughout the day.

Wave Keys is the latest addition to Logitech’s ERGO Series, alongside Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse and other products for workplace wellbeing, and upholds the company’s human centred and science-driven approach to product design and experiences. The keyboard was carefully crafted with rounds of user testing including at Logitech’s Ergo Lab and has a stamp of approval from US Ergonomics.

Ready for Business

For companies that prioritise employee wellbeing, Wave Keys for Business introduces a new ergonomic keyboard, ideal for employees who are ergo-conscious and looking for a keyboard that is comfortable with instantly familiar typing. The keyboard is equipped with Logi Bolt secure wireless technology for reliable connections, even in congested wireless environments, and is engineered to meet today’s increasingly strict enterprise security standards. With Logi Bolt, IT teams can mass deploy a comfortable, easy-to-use keyboard to their entire global workforce and monitor the keyboards remotely through Logitech Sync to ensure their team’s devices are healthy and up to date, with global customer support for Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and other leading operating systems.
The Logi Options+ App is also available for mass deployment to employees for a customised user experience, including streamlining repetitive tasks with Smart Actions or configuring keyboard shortcuts.

Pricing and Availability

Wave Keys will be available in Graphite and Off-White beginning October 13, 2023 on www.logitech.com and at selected retailers for a recommended retail price of $149.95. Wave Keys for Business in Graphite will be available on www.logitech.com and through authorised resellers at $149.95 beginning November 2023.

Majority of Aussies report feeling stress

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Angus Jones

Over half (57%) of Australian workers admit that stress is affecting their work performance, as revealed in a new survey of over 1,400 Australian workers. The ADP® Research Institute’s People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View, also found that Australian workers say they are getting less support from their managers than last year.

Most worryingly, the proportion of Australian workers who say they feel supported by their managers when it comes to mental health at work has fallen from 66% in 2021 to 56% in 2022. 41% believe that their managers are ill-equipped to talk about mental health issues without judgement.

In terms of what Australian employers are doing to promote positive mental health at work, workers also report that employers are less likely than last year to check in with them, provide wellbeing days off, offer special counselling services or allow stress management breaks.

Instead, team-building activities and employee assistance programmes are gaining traction as mental health-boosting initiatives.

Kylie Baullo, Managing Director ANZ at ADP, comments: “Despite the significant support provided by many Australian employers towards mental health during the pandemic, it is crucial for them to remain vigilant as employees continue to face a tremendous amount of strain.”

“A workplace culture that prioritises empathy and overall well being holds immense value for both employers and staff. When individuals feel understood and able to take action towards ensuring positive wellbeing, they are more likely to perform their duties effectively, require less sick leave, and hold a more positive outlook towards the company they work for.”

“Implementing employee assistance programs is one way that Australian employers are formalising their wellbeing support systems. It is essential to integrate mental health and stress support mechanisms into the day-to-day working environment and train managers to effectively manage these issues.”

While more work needs to be done to improve the mental health of Australian workers, many now report that their employers are making progress on developing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. One in six (16%) say that creating an inclusive workplace culture is a key part of their employer’s support for positive mental health at work, up from 10% in 2021.

People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View explores employees’ attitudes towards the current world of work and what they expect and hope for from the workplace of the future.
For more insights, please read the ‘People at Work 2023: A Global Workforce View’ report

How entering awards propels your business?

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Angus Jones

Are you a small business looking to take your company to the next level? Entering awards is an often underestimated marketing strategy that is a fast track to recognition, success, and boosted team morale.

Awards might seem like a daunting task to the uninitiated, but the benefits they bring to your business can far outweigh the effort required. In this article, we’ll dive into why your business should start entering awards and explore the various business benefits that come along with it.

Elevating your business’s profile

Let’s start with one of the most common reasons for entering awards: providing your small business with a platform to shine. Winning or even being nominated for an award can significantly elevate your brand’s profile. Customers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that have received recognition, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

And if you win? Make sure your wins are obvious for all to see, however far into the future someone might be looking at it. Make them front and centre of your website, and ensure they’re added to your employees’ email signatures, too.

If you have multiple awards under your belt, try adding a block to the front page of your website with a list of all the awards you’ve won. If you have a regular e-newsletter, be sure to build your awards into the template so they’re visible every time you send an email.

Boosting employee morale

Awards not only benefit your business externally but also internally. They serve as a source of pride and motivation for your employees, especially if they were involved in the work that formed part of your entry, or if they are personally entered into an award.

Being part of an award-winning team can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and create a positive work environment. When your employees are motivated and proud of their workplace, they are more likely to go the extra mile, resulting in improved productivity and customer service.

Attracting top talent

Talent attracts talent. When your business gains recognition through awards, it becomes a magnet for even more incredible people to join your team. Talented people are more likely to seek employment with companies that are industry leaders and have a reputation for excellence – which is exactly what awards can bring. This influx of talent can help your business innovate and grow, ultimately contributing to its success.

Enhancing customer trust

Trust is everything in business, and customers are far more likely to trust brands that have been recognised by credible awards. Winning an award serves as a third-party endorsement of your business’s quality and credibility.

It gives potential customers confidence that they are making the right choice by choosing your products or services. In a competitive market, trust can be a game-changer that sets you apart from the competition.

A chance to reflect

Finally, remember that entering awards isn’t all about taking home the trophy. Entering awards often requires you to reflect on your business’s performance, strengths, and weaknesses.

This self-assessment can be a valuable exercise, especially for small businesses who are so often working in their business, that they rarely have the time to step back and reflect on their business. Writing an award entry forces you to evaluate your operations, strategy, and goals.

Even if you don’t win, the process of answering detailed questions about your business can provide insights and ideas for improvement. It’s a chance to fine-tune your business strategy and discover new opportunities for growth. What could be more valuable than that?

Provided by Ben Ice

Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbud review

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Angus Jones

My go-to earbuds have been the Jabra Elite 7 and, until now, Jabra’s premium earbuds. Eighteen months on, Jabra has launched the Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbuds. We start this review with excitement about what has improved.

What is a Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbud?

The Jabra Elite 10 earbuds are Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, rechargeable and support Dolby Atmos. The Elite 10 is the top-of-the-line in a range of earbuds from the Danish audio giant.

WHY should you buy wireless earbuds?

Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music or conversation without wearing traditional on or over-ear headphones. They are not bulky and will not mess up your hair.

Earbuds come with a case that, in most cases, also acts as an extra battery to charge your earbuds, allowing extended time away from a mains power source.

The compact size allows them to be discrete in your ear or easily carried in a pocket or handbag.

A big reason for wireless earbuds is that smartphone vendors no longer include wired earphones in the box, nor do most have a headphone socket. If you want to listen to audio without disturbing others, wireless headphones are your only option.

What is in the Box?

In the box, you will find the charging case containing the two earbuds, a USB A to USB C cable and, for the first time, three extra sets (previously 2 with other models) of silicone ear gels. The ear gels are used to match different-sized ear canals to ensure you get the correct fit. These ear Gels are also oval (traditionally round) to better fit your ear shape.

Each earbud weighs 6 grams, and the charging case is 46 grams. The charging case dimensions are 65x24x47 mm.

The earbuds are charged via the case, which needs to be charged via the USB cable to a mains charger (not included), a PC, a car USB, etc. The charge time is up to 3 hours and will provide up to 36 hours of listening time by using the case. When fully charged, the earbuds will provide up to 8 or 6 hours with noise cancelling switched on. (same as Jabra 7). The case also supports wireless charging.

If you run out of power in the buds, 5 minutes in the case will give you one hour of listening.

Pairing these buds is super easy, with my phone and PC recognising them before I even tried to set them up.

Priced at $379, Jabra Elite 10 are available in 5 colours. The included warranty is 2 years, protecting you from failure due to dust and water if you register your product on the App.

Using the Elite 10 earbuds

A feature I like about the whole Jabra earbud range is the large physical button on each earbud, which allows various operations like pause, skip Siri/Google Assistant, etc. This button gives a reassuring click.

You can set these earbuds up with ten Bluetooth devices, such as a PC or smartphone, and easily change between them. Connection is done via Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of approx. 10m. Leaving my phone in the centre of my house, I can continue to listen in every room.

The earbuds can be used independently, just one, not two earbuds. However, with the hear-through technology, there is no real need other than personal preference to leave one earbud out. While wearing both earbuds, any media playback is immediately paused if you remove one. I find this a courtesy thing when talking to someone, as with the hear-through feature, you can hear just as well, leaving the earphones in.

Sound reproduction is excellent from a 10mm speaker, 33% larger than the Elite 7, providing excellent base (deep sounds). The big addition to these earbuds is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, which uses timing trickery to make your brain believe sound is coming from different directions beyond just left or right. Watching a movie or listening to music encoded with Dolby Atmos enhances your listening pleasure. I enjoy this feature, which is a reason to buy these earbuds. The jury is still out on the Dolby Head Tracking, which moves the sound around as you move your head to give the impression the sound comes from the same place. I find this a bit disorientating, and gives the sound an echo, which I don’t particularly appreciate when listening to podcasts.

Jabra promotes the Elite 10, having twice as good as “Jabra Standard ANC” (Advanced Noise Cancelation). Compared to Jabra’s cheaper models, this is no doubt true. Still, compared to the Elite 7, I found the Noise cancellation only slightly better.

Having tested many different headsets and earbuds, the most anticipated feature for me was how well the Elite 10 could handle voice calls in noisy environments. Having Six microphones (compared to 4 in the 7), I hoped for big things with this model and, unfortunately, was left still hoping. My standard test for headphones is my weekly call with my mother. I am exposed to construction noise, traffic, lawnmowers, etc. Manufacturers use multiple microphones to work out what your voice is and what is background noise. The technology then attempts to remove the background noise so only your voice is heard. The Elite 10s are okay, but headphones with a boom microphone with ANC built-in do a better job at this. Unfortunately, earbuds are still a work in progress.

The ear gels I found took a bit to get used to as it is a different feel to the round gels. I went to a bigger size but returned to the standard size and now happily wear them all day. Speaking of different shapes, the charging box is a new shape that fits your pocket better but must be held to reinsert the buds. The 7 had a flat bottom, so buds could be inserted without holding the case.

I wear earbuds as I do chores on a weekend and always worry I will drop a bud by accident into a bucket of water. To date, the buds have remained in place in my ears and only hit the ground with no damage from my fumbling fingers. If I were to drop a bud in a bucket, they are IP 57, meaning they should survive a quick dunking in water.

Our Take Jabra Elite 10 review.

The Jabra Elite 10 certainly are the best earbuds to date from Jabra. The sound playback quality and noise cancellation are exceptional for such a small size.

Suppose you are using these buds for work and play. In that case, there is definitely a bias towards play, as calls in a noisy environment are, unfortunately, still challenging for the other party.

The Dolby Atmos support is a standout feature and worth every cent of the $379 RRP of these buds, and with so much more content being consumed on a smartphone, it really enhances the experience.

If your budget does not stretch, look at the Elie 7 Pro reduced to $199, which is now a bargain.

Hybrid model work reality

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Angus Jones

The landscape of work has shifted in Australia, with the rise of the hybrid work model. According to a recent study by tech giant, Logitech ANZ, 60% of Australian office workers now embrace the flexibility of working both in the office and remotely. However, the study also highlights a glaring issue: only 12% of these individuals feel they possess the right tools to work productively in this new hybrid model reality. It’s time for Australian businesses, large and small, to take a fresh approach—one that puts employee satisfaction AND productivity front and centre.

The truth is, that the success of the hybrid model isn’t just about where employees work; it’s about how they work. As the Logitech study reveals, when working from home, employees report feeling more creative, relaxed, and concentrated compared to being in the office. But here’s the catch: they also acknowledge the lack of superior technology at home, which is readily available in their traditional office setup.

This is where Australian small businesses can make a difference. It’s not just about sending employees home with a laptop and calling it a day. It’s about investing in the right technology that empowers them to be their best, regardless of their location. Collaboration tools, high-quality webcams, ergonomic home office setups—these are not just niceties; they are essential tools for success in the hybrid era.

Moreover, it’s crucial for small businesses to listen and consult with their employees continually. The evolving hybrid model demands flexibility, and this means engaging in an ongoing dialogue with your workforce. What are their needs? What tools and support do they require to thrive in this new work environment? Small businesses that prioritise employee feedback and adapt accordingly will be the ones that truly succeed.

Gen Z, the digital-native generation, is at the forefront of this shift, with 51% of Zoomers working from their bedrooms at least one day a week. Their preferences and needs differ from previous generations, and it’s essential to cater to their expectations. This generational shift underscores the importance of staying attuned to the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce.

Australian small businesses need a new focus in the era of hybrid work. Prioritising employee satisfaction and productivity means maintaining an open line of communication with your workforce and investing in the right tools and technology. By doing so, businesses can create a work environment where content and efficient workers thrive, regardless of where they choose to work. The future of work is hybrid, and it’s time to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Online spending dips $2.9 billion

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Angus Jones

A spending downturn in the retail and e-commerce sector drove a $2.9 billion YoY nation-wide drop in online spending, according to the Q3 Digital Economy Index from leading global financial platform Airwallex.

The quarterly Airwallex Digital Economy Index records year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter snapshots of the digital economy by state and industry.

The Index highlights online spending has dipped YoY across all sectors from 1.29 per cent for the digital and technology sector, to nearly 7 per cent for education, 7.9 per cent for insurance and self-managed investments and 8.02 per cent for retail and e-commerce. Online travel spending has been spared the downturn, recording 12.75 per cent growth YoY and 6.49 per cent since Q2.

The consistent factor leading the decline in each state was retail spending, with travel spending in Queensland helping make that the only state not to record a YoY decline in the Index.

Airwallex’s Australia and New Zealand Vice President of Growth, Matt Sek, said the upcoming Q4 would typically see an upswing in digital spending as Australians take advantage of the peak sales season.

“Official data shows Australians have collectively around $250-300 billion in their savings accounts. Savvy businesses will seek ways to maximise the upcoming sales season to get customers spending again,” Sek said.

“Australians have been spooked by the economic environment over the past 12 months but as things have stabilised we can see they’re taking the time to do their research and hunt for the best bargains before they part with their hard-earned cash.

“As business revenue has declined, companies have been pulling back on their own spending, with digital and technology spending dipping 1.29 per cent YoY driven by lower online advertising. It shows businesses are looking carefully to maximise the return on investment from each dollar they spend.

“The latest Digital Economy Index suggests Australians have been taking a collective big breath before the usual uptick in spending and activity we see in Q4 each year.

“The businesses that do the best over the next three months will be the ones that find the savings and efficiencies in their cost base to offer the sorts of discounts and deals Australians are used to during peak sales season.”

Sek said Airwallex would today host a summit of retailers and online businesses in Sydney to look at the impact of recent consumer spending trends and discuss ideas and solutions to the challenges retailers expected during the upcoming peak sales season. The 250 person event for retail professionals will also feature Airwallex partners including Afterpay, Wayflyer, Refundid, Elephant Room, BigCommerce, Marketplacer and Shipbob.

“There’s a sense of optimism that the signs are there for a spending turnaround and online businesses are keen to learn how they can replicate the success and resilience in spending the travel sector has seen,” Sek said.

The ‘Your Passport to Beyond Black Friday’ summit is free and will take place from 4.30pm, Thursday, 5 October at Watersedge at The Rocks in Sydney. In addition to various speaker sessions, the summit will also feature a Peak Season Partner Marketplace where attendees can ‘shop’ and come away with goodies and solutions to help companies maximise the sales season.

You can find out more about Airwallex’s approach to Black Friday and beyond here.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Tab S9 FE & Buds FE

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Angus Jones

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is announcing the latest FE series additions to the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem — the new Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+, and Galaxy Buds FE. Known for their iconic designs, performance, cutting-edge camera and audio capabilities, and so much more — these are the most epic FE devices yet. For those who want to experience Galaxy flagship devices for the first time, the new FE devices are the perfect entry point.

“At Samsung, we are committed to bringing world-class innovation to everyone through epic mobile experiences that fit their lifestyle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our new FE devices are packed with crowd-pleasing capabilities that, on their own or as part of a connected ecosystem, let Galaxy users maximise their creativity and productivity.”

Galaxy S23 FE: The Galaxy S Series’ Iconic Design, Pro-Grade Camera and Smooth Gaming Performance are Designed to Elevate Your Everyday

Galaxy S23 FE stays true to the iconic S series design with its new floating camera and premium finish protected with IP68ⁱ water and dust resistance for an even sleeker display. Offered in new, vibrant colours, Galaxy S23 FE allows users to select the device colour that best fits their style.

Everyday moments come to life on Galaxy S23 FE with pro-grade camera features to help you capture amazing photos and videos. See sharp details with a 50MP high-resolution lens, and 3X optical zoom. After dark, Nightography on Galaxy S23 FE lets you take clear selfies and portraits in lifelike colours. With advanced digital image stabilisation (VDIS), take steady shots on the go using the rear camera with optical image stabiliser (OIS) angle.

When it comes to creating perfectly sharable content, Galaxy S23 FE is like an editing studio on the go. In Pro Mode, controls for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more can be manually adjusted to your preferences. Capture customised shots with the Camera Assistant appⁱⁱ and choose which automated features to use for a fully customised shooting experience. With the freedom to create and customise, Galaxy S23 FE camera has the AI-powered editing tools to help elevate your creations.

For gaming and streaming, Galaxy S23 FE’s powerful processor makes every action rapid and fluid with a vapor chamber that helps to control heat and sustain performance. The long-lasting 4,500mAh battery intuitively adjusts to conserve energy and all this power comes to life on a bright, super-smooth 6.4-inchⁱⁱⁱ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Based on your surroundings, Vision Booster technology on Galaxy S23 FE automatically detects bright lighting conditions, keeping the screen vivid just like flagship models.

The Galaxy S23 FE series is available from AU$999 in modern, bold colours, including Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple. Indigo and Tangerine are also available exclusively at Samsung.com.

Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+: Large Screen Viewing, IP68 Durability, and S Pen Boost Possibilities for Creativity and Productivity

Whenever inspiration strikes, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ deliver essential entertainment, expressive creativity, and seamless productivity. With two portable and powerful devices to choose from, even more users can experience the versatility of the Galaxy Tab S series. Digital creators, entrepreneurs, busy students, artists, gamers, and more will explore their passions and get work done with improved device speed and even better performance^iv compared to the previous FE Series.

Responsive and immersive viewing and creating can happen at home, at work, on campus, or even at the park on Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s 10.9-inch and Tab S9 FE+’s 12.4-inch displays^v — featuring an automatic refresh rate that adapts up to 90Hz. Sunlight is no match for Vision Booster, which enhances visibility in outdoor environments by optimising colour and contrast especially in the dark area of screen. Plus, Tab S9 FE+’s long-lasting battery with up to 20 hours^vi of video playback on a single charge means work and play won’t keep you tethered to a cord.

Like the Galaxy Tab S9 series, the Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ include a wide variety of creative tools and apps, including fan-favorites like Goodnotes^vii, LumaFusion^viii, Clip Studio Paint^ix, and more. Easily keep class notes, sketches, videos, and more with up to double the storage^x, plus the option to upgrade to 1TB with a microSD card.

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is available from AU$749 in four fashionable colours^xi: Mint, Silver, Grey and Lavender.

Galaxy Buds FE: Incredible Sound, Powerful ANC and Ergonomic Design Expand the Excellent Audio Experience to More Users

Galaxy Buds FE bring Samsung’s innovative sound experience to more users. Its powerful bass offers deep and rich sound that allows you to enjoy music the way the artist intended, while powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound enable you to hear more of what you love and less of what you don’t. Also, automatic personalised beamforming of the advanced three microphone system, along with AI-powered Deep Neutral Network (DNN), separates your voice from unwanted background noise for clearer calls.

Galaxy Buds FE provide up to 8.5 hours of playback with earbuds, and total up to 30 hours including the charging case^xii. Even when using ANC, users can get up to 6 hours of playback with earbuds, and total up to 21 hours including the case. Inspired by the iconic and ergonomic design of the series, Galaxy Buds FE are engineered to be comfortable enough to wear for a long time, and enable a more customised fit with three different sizes of ear tips and two different sizes for wingtips.

Galaxy Buds FE are available for AU$199 in two distinct, modern colours: Graphite and White^xiii.

One Seamlessly Connected Galaxy Ecosystem

With new FE devices, it’s easier than ever to experience the full power of the connected Galaxy ecosystem. Productivity is intuitive with Multi Control^xiv, which enables users to drag and drop content easily between multiple Galaxy devices. Copy and paste or drag and drop between smartphone and tablet. When creativity strikes, simply transfer videos or images from smartphone to tablet with Quick Share, for easier editing.

When it is time for immersive entertainment, Galaxy Buds FE are the perfect companions. Auto Switch intelligently switches sound between your smartphone, tablet, and even watch and TV – based on your usage with no manual adjustments required^xv. Also, SmartThings Find helps you track down misplaced Buds and also sound an alarm should they be left behind^xvi.

All these devices and connectivity capabilities uphold Samsung’s commitment to providing secure and private experiences. Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are backed by Samsung Knox protection, meaning personal information is kept that way, by default.

Galaxy FE availability

Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Buds FE will be available in Australia from Samsung.com/au and select retail and telco partners from 12^th October.

To learn more about Galaxy S23 FE, please visit: http://www.samsung.com/au/galaxy-s23/

To learn more about Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, please visit: http://www.samsung.com/au/tablets

To learn more about Galaxy Buds FE, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/audio-sound/

Superannuation Guarantee and SuperStream

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Angus Jones

One day, you look forward to retiring and enjoying the Superannuation you have earned throughout your career. From 1 July 2022, you must pay Super to all employees. The only exception will be employees under 18 who work less than 30 hours. The Super payment is known as the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contribution and is paid into a superannuation fund as part of their wages. In this guide, we will explain what you must do and how you go about paying Superannuation.

The superannuation guarantee scheme requires employers to provide sufficient superannuation support for their employees. Employers must contribute a minimum percentage of each eligible employee’s earnings (ordinary time earnings) to a superannuation fund or retirement savings account (RSA).
ATO

WHY do I have to pay Superannuation?

Superannuation is a government requirement to help workers provide for their retirement.

The SG is currently calculated at 11% of an employee’s ordinary time earnings.
The super guarantee rate increased from 10.5% to 11% on 1 July 2023.
Businesses will be fined if they do not pay Superannuation or pay super at the correct rate.

WHAT else do I need to understand?

The employer must pay the SG at least four times yearly by the quarterly due dates.

you must pay (via electronic funds transfer or Bpay) and report super electronically in a standard format, ensuring you meet SuperStream standards
your superannuation payments must go to a complying superannuation fund – most employees can choose their own fund
if you don’t pay the SG on time, you may have to pay the superannuation guarantee charge
This does not apply if you are self-employed or a sole trader, and your super contributions are only for yourself
Due dates for the contribution payment each quarter are 28 January, 28 April, 28 July, and 28 October

Super Administration

Whilst the SG is a cost to the business from a wages perspective, the good news is that the administrative part of the process has been made simple for small businesses. Instead of making individual payments to each employee’s super fund, you make a single payment totalling all employee contributions. You have these choices:

If your Payroll software is SuperStream compliant, you can use it for the process. Ensure that the system covers both the SuperStream-compliant information and the payment.
The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) offered by the ATO is a free service you can use to make superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions. Eligible businesses have 19 or fewer employees or an annual aggregated turnover of less than $10 million. The big benefit here is they will split the payments across all the different super choices your employees may have made.
Large Super funds have the facility to do it for you. Check with your fund to see if this is possible for your business.
A messaging portal can take your information and make it SuperStream compliant, then send it to the relevant funds. You also provide them with a single payment to cover all employees.

HOW do I pay an employee Superannuation?

When a new employee starts who falls into the SG, you should:

Offer your employees a choice of funds and provide them with the standard choice form.
Provide them with information to help them understand Superannuation and investment options. Note: You cannot provide investment advice unless you are a licensed advisor.
Provide the employee Tax File Number to their fund
Keep records showing you have offered a choice and have paid. These records must be in English and kept for five years.

HINT

This process will be further simplified if you use an automated payroll tool (see our essential guide on payroll software).

Employees may also make additional salary sacrifice contributions that will be taxed at a concessional rate of 15% up to a limit at which point extra tax must be paid. (This might have the benefit of reducing the employee’s tax obligation). You are required to report this through the same mechanism above as an employer.

Your obligation to pay Superannuation to any one individual is capped. Current rates can be found here.

SUMMARY – Superannuation Guarantee

Superannuation is compulsory for all employees earning more than $450 a month. Employees can choose their fund, and you must report all payments to the ATO, which offer a special service if you have under 19 employees. Remember to budget for this cost in your business calculations.

7 risks and challenges for online retailers

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Angus Jones

Online retail purchases are forecasted to make up 21 per cent of all retail purchases this year and 24 per cent of all purchases by 2026. As online purchases continue to grow and digital technology evolves the sector, Davie Fogarty, founder of The Oodie and former AFR Young Rich lister, and Shark Tank Australia 2023 judge, shares his insights on 7 risks and challenges for online retailers in this competitive market.

Davie began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 23 with just $500 in savings and an idea of a wearable blanket, he became an eCommerce success, with The Oodie having sold more than 8.1 million units, exceeding $500 million in revenue.

Yet despite his resounding success, Davie acknowledges that he reached this point after several failed business ideas and startups, but his determination and hunger for results led him to acquire extensive digital skills. He taught himself the algorithms and systems of major social media platforms, growing Instagram accounts to 600,000 followers. Beyond his own ventures, he shares his insights and strategies on social media to assist aspiring digital entrepreneurs. He says: “There are a lot of challenges, risks and dangers that come with launching and growing a business online. Some of these are, unfortunately, out of a brand’s control – but there are things you can do to lessen their risk and prepare for the potential roadblocks on the path to brand growth.”

Davie now shares his valuable learnings with start-ups looking to achieve the same level of success, through his mentoring service, Daily Mentor.

7 risks and challenges for online retailers are likely to encounter in their business journey:

1. Scam sites, counterfeit products and intellectual property fraud. In 2023 alone, Australia reported 182,593 scams, resulting in losses totalling $328,655,604 . Fraudulent activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing a threat to both brands and consumers. Davie recommends businesses establish robust monitoring and reporting processes to identify activity that is potentially harmful to their brand. Websites with fake brand products mimicking established brands are on the rise, can damage the reputations of original brands and make it hard for them to build consumer trust in the online space. Davie reveals, “We have recently come across a fake website imitating The Oodie. These scammers are advertising their sites on Google despite the brand being trademarked. Hundreds of people are being scammed daily, and despite doing everything we can, scammers are smart and are finding ways around the systems we have in place. It is proof that even big brands are not immune.”

2. Online reviews tarnishing brand reputation. Negative online reviews can tarnish a brand’s reputation, with 93 per cent of consumers admitting that online reviews influence their purchasing decision. While businesses cannot control customer reviews, they can monitor reviews online and respond to negative reviews with the aim of resolving them as quickly as possible and turning an unhappy customer online into a satisfied one. An escalation in negative reviews can point to an operational or product or service issue. Ongoing, brands would be wise to identify customer pain points and do everything they can to reduce them to avoid negative reviews in the first place.

3. Intense competition. There are an estimated 12-24 million eCommerce sites in the world, giving 2.64 billion online shoppers^[5] the ultimate in choice but fierce competition for brands. “Take time to research the product you want to sell and how you will sell it. You can research on social media platforms and on drop-shipping sites to identify what products are currently saturating the market. Tools like AI and other online software had made this process faster. Make your product and brand stand out. You want to be the consumer’s first choice,” Davie says.

4. Poor user experience (UX) and customer experience (CX). A seamless and user-friendly website along with efficient customer service is essential for sales conversions. Davie says complex navigation and slow loading times will turn customers away, and poor customer service processes will prevent them from coming back. Ensuring a positive user and customer experience can impact overall business success.

5. Low visibility on search engines. Google has 4.3 billion users worldwide and over 3.5 billion searches take place per day. In such a highly competitive online market, it’s essential for target customers to find brands easily on Google and other search engines. Poor search engine optimisation (SEO) can prevent customers from finding a product to meet their needs.

6. Scaling and meeting demand. Rapid growth, while desirable, can strain a business’s infrastructure, supply and operations. Davie says, “Have a plan in place to prepare for the growth of your business. It can be challenging to maintain consistently high service quality, adequate inventory and efficient fulfilment when scaling rapidly. Networking with other entrepreneurs and remaining transparent with suppliers and your team can all help mitigate the risks associated with unprepared growth. Growth is exciting, but that also means it can be easy to drop the ball.”

7. Marketplace dependence – having your own platform. Approximately 27 per cent of online retailers use drop-shipping to fulfil customer orders , which offers an inexpensive way to run an online business. Heavy dependence on big online marketplaces for operating an online store can limit brand development. As a brand grows, having its own website and operation systems allows for greater brand control and a personalised customer buying journey.

What is CGI and 3D rendering?

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Angus Jones

What is CGI and 3D rendering and how can it help my business?

For businesses, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the competition and take advantage of innovative solutions.

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant shift with consumers demanding more content than ever to inform their purchasing decisions. Nowadays in our highly digital world, it takes much more to leave a lasting impression. With so much content available at our fingertips, businesses are under pressure to provide a continuous stream of content across various marketing platforms whilst at the same time managing tight budgets.

This is where Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) and 3D rendering emerge as game-changers for businesses, avoiding the expenses and limitations that traditional photography brings. With these digital solutions businesses can meet evolving consumer demands, maintain a competitive edge and drive sales.

What is CGI and 3D rendering?

CGI refers to the use of computer graphics and digital techniques to produce high-quality visual content. This versatile process allows for the creation of product shots, lifestyle imagery, 360 spin, benefit imagery, Virtual Reality plus long and short form video. It really is a one-stop shop for all your content needs.

Better still, once your product is set up for CGI, executing additional content is a very cost and time-efficient process. With photography, you would never book a photoshoot for one additional image. With CGI, you absolutely can.

For brands that sell products, CGI is replacing the need for photo and video shoots.
As more businesses begin to embrace digital transformation and harness the benefits of CGI and 3D rendering, those brands that don’t move with the times risk being left behind.

Cost and time efficiency

CGI and 3D rendering can save businesses substantial costs and time in product marketing. By eliminating the expenses involved with traditional photography and videography, CGI and 3D rendering significantly cut down on operational costs and resources.

The ability to digitally create and alter images with ease not only saves time but also removes the need for reshoots. This process allows businesses to enjoy quicker turnaround times and produce more content for less. While budgets tighten amidst current economic uncertainty, businesses need to be looking for a greater return on investment. CGI provides this by efficiently producing a constant stream of content to keep customers engaged.

Resonate with audiences through purpose-built content

In contrast to traditional photography and videography, CGI can provide greater possibilities for content creation. Often, online customers are met with an oversaturation of generic content, with traditional white background static images showcasing a product. This is where CGI and 3D rendering shine – with the ability to produce purpose-built content that specifically caters to each customer’s needs and preferences.

This flexibility allows brands to maintain fresh and relevant content in their product marketing with faster responses to changing consumer trends and behaviour.

At Insite, we help brands identify the product imagery that most suits the target audience, thereby maximising impact and using client budgets as effectively as possible.

Customisable Features

Consumers can also benefit from the customisation services that CGI and 3D rendering make possible. Potential customers can interact with virtual product models and personalise features according to their preferences. This engagement provides the opportunity to visualise a product before making a purchase, providing greater satisfaction, and influencing their commitment to buying a product. CGI can strengthen the connection between consumers and brands, instilling confidence in purchasing decisions and fast-tracking sales.

Consistency in content to increase brand awareness

CGI and 3D rendering offers brands a powerful way to increase brand awareness among consumers. Businesses can effortlessly achieve visual consistency on products from every angle and ensure that all future products have imagery that is 100% consistent. Something that is very difficult to achieve with photography.

With this, your brand can establish a stronger and more memorable presence in the minds of audiences ensuring that your brand’s identity and messaging remain consistent across all marketing platforms.

Experiences to foster brand loyalty and drive sales

Experiential CGI content can play a pivotal role in creating an emotional connection with customers to further sales growth. With experiential CGI content, customers are offered the opportunity to envision themselves interacting with the product in a real-world context, elevating their shopping experiences and informing their purchasing decisions. Immersive visuals that tap into the senses can resonate with audiences on a deeper level, going beyond merely showcasing a product’s features and benefits. Engaging in these experiences establishes a stronger connection between customer, brand and product to streamline the sales process.

As more businesses seek to elevate their product marketing, CGI and 3D rendering provide the most cost and time-effective solution for content creation. This technology allows you to create more content for less, stay ahead of digital trends and explore new opportunities to resonate with audiences. By harnessing CGI and 3D rendering, businesses can navigate the evolving marketing landscape with confidence, making a lasting impression in a world driven by fast-paced innovation and consumer engagement.

Author Bio:

Tim Morison is the Founder and Creative Director of Insite Imagery (‘Insite’). With over 20 years’ of experience, Tim works with global brands and creative agencies to produce best in class imagery.