Business Research & Insights

Helping out a local sports team with sponsorship can build strong relationships with potential customers – pharmacist Silvana Gittani bet her marketing budget on it. Her success proves how many business, regardless of size, can use strategic marketing to engage with their community and forge lasting business ties.

Heading overseas isn’t the only way to grow your business. Here are five ways to consider pumping up your revenue on home ground.

Could Australia be on the cusp of a start-up boom? Economic and social shifts mean the concept may not be as far-fetched as you might think.

It’s not just nutritional benefits and old-fashioned happiness behind the Sunny Queen egg story – the company’s embrace of digital marketing includes giving an egg its very own blog. The strategy is working.

At last count, the Australian pet industry was estimated at $8 billion. Business View looks at the changing nature of pet ownership and talks to three businesses tapping into the trend.

Australian fashion house Misha Collection has risen to international status within the space of three years. Fundamental to its success has been the approach of its founder, Michelle Aznavorian, a 27-year-old who has put her personal brand at the core of the company’s strategy.

The gruelling task that moving house can be was the inspiration for the online marketplace startup that’s now grown to be a household name and is attracting big investment. Business View spoke to the co-founders of Airtasker, Tim Fung and Jonathan Lui, about their journey.

Many farmers take control of their supply chain but few market the benefits to customers as successfully as Australian Grain Link. Over the past 16 years this strategy has helped them carve out lucrative specialty niches that show no signs of shrinking.

As Australia embraces digital, the business services sector is booming. Nimble and tech-savvy service providers are helping businesses reach their customers by bridging the gaps.

Third generation dairy farmer Tim Marwood was looking for a way to go from “price taker” to “price maker” when he saw an opportunity – premium artisanal ice cream.

Simplicity is about perception, authenticity and doing fewer things better. Former Apple creative director Ken Segall reflects on his time at the tech innovator to explain why simplicity is also the foundation of great business practice in today’s complex world.

Ken Segall is the author of the bestselling book Insanely Simple.

New healthy food trends favouring scratch baking and organic and raw produce have created a resurgence of interest in traditional pantry staples, and ingredients brand McKenzie’s is keen to spur on the excitement.

A once-neglected lavender farm, Bridestowe Estate is today a global tourist destination, celebrated for the romance and colour of its 200 kilometres of blossoming lavender rows.

What does it take to make it in online retail? The ability to put your head down, take risks and follow your vision, says THE ICONIC CFO Anna Lee.

If you want your marketing messages to have stronger impact and engagement, it might be time to consider gamification.

Launched in early 2016, Dad’s Oats is the brainchild of siblings Alicia and Peter Cain, who clocked the potential for the family farm to earn extra revenue by selling the cream of their crop direct to the public.

Are you a female entrepreneur or business owner in a regional area of the country? Then the beStella website could be for you.

In 2015, Ian Pratt led major changes to his family company, South Haven Group. He discusses its new branding, the decision to establish an independent board – and the all-importance of culture.

How Peter Barile grew his business from a cafe to the creator of a premium coffee roasting company with its eyes on the global market

Leadership... it’s not about being right the first time, it’s about being resilient. Wolf Blass and Andrew Abercrombie in conversation.

Launched 40 years ago, the now iconic Australian soft serve ice-cream brand Frosty Boy has grown to become a leader in the frozen dessert and beverage market both locally and overseas with exports to 48 countries.

Treating the Movember fundraising initiative like a start-up has helped its founders to grow it from a challenge among friends into a global event that has so far raised more than $650 million to help fight prostate cancer.

Listening to their customers’ needs and responding has helped husband and wife team Anoop and Fiona Anchal build a successful business specialising in custom-made corporate uniforms.

Nick Whitehead, Head of Marketing at Viocorp, and Tracey Atkins, Managing Director of Golden Eye Media, explain how SMEs can best leverage video content.

A host of new domain name extensions are providing health practitioners with new branding and search marketing opportunities, as well as creating a level of trust and credibility for the overall sector.

Nick Heywood-Smith and his wife Nikki explain how they built Wellness and Lifestyles Australia into a one-stop shop for allied health services.

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are probably not the first things that come to mind when you imagine setting up a new school. Principal Ian Hewitt describes how social media is fundamental to building the identity of a new school, and helping to foster a new community.

Six years ago, James Lillis founded the clothing label Black Milk, using the power of social media to grow a cult following. Now Queensland’s largest clothing manufacturer, with sales of more than 1000 garments a day, it’s now working on cracking the American market.

Mauro Porcini, the first ever Chief Design Officer at PepsiCo, shares what he’s learned at the World Business Forum.

Vet4Pets has created a community-centric social media strategy, tapping into its strong ties with the local area as well as bringing the brand’s motto, ‘Family Vets for Family Pets’, to life. Vets4Pets Business Manager Carole Benassy shares her top tips for using social media.

Two cyclists Cameron Harrison and Thomas Treloar are behind The Rolling Fix, a mobile bicycle service company that’s mending bicycles for a growing number of corporate clients.

Queensland podiatrist and physiotherapist Caroline McCulloch launched FRANKiE4 after spotting a gap in the women’s shoe market for styles that are both comfortable and fashionable.

A growing number of SMEs are putting their staff through meditation workshops as a way to improve health and wellbeing and increase productivity. We talk to two meditation teachers about the benefits as well as a business that’s reaping the rewards.

E-commerce consultant Chris Vincent shares his tips for building an effective e-commerce site

Fern Mallis is the founder of New York Fashion Week and has variously been described as an industry titan, doyenne, and The Godmother of Fashion. So her words of advice to those who want to work in fashion, with its reputation for attracting egotistical designers and haughty models could be considered surprising: “Be nice.”

Jodie Fox is revolutionising the footwear industry, but she has a bigger vision for the fashion sector. Custom manufacturing is the way to keep up with evolving customer demands – and one day consumers will be able to 3D print their shoes at home.

Sisters Beth and Tessa MacGraw are riding on a high after winning a prestigious design award at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. They share their story.

Renzo Rosso outlined his approach to fashion and business at a business forum supported by NAB as part of the recent Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. He discussed inspiration and especially the importance of originality and innovation.

Fashion supremo Nicola Formichetti has some unusual advice for businesses about marketing. Asked for his top tip, he said “to not think about marketing”.

Melbourne Fashion Festival chief executive Graeme Lewsey reveals all the planning that goes into making sure it’s alright on the night - the models and fashion houses, set builders, sound and lighting, caterers, makeup artists and drivers.

Social media has opened a world of opportunity for businesses – to engage with customers like never before, to publicise their products through a range of channels and to sell online.

It may traditionally have been known as the Apple Isle, but Australia’s smallest state is earning an ever-growing reputation for its production of fine single malt whisky that’s being hailed as some of the best on the planet.

The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) explains how it’s using Twitter to interact with members and influencers in its sphere.

The digital world offers big opportunities for Australian small businesses, and a few simple tips can help you make the most of your online efforts. Panellists at Xerocon Melbourne 2015, discussed the opportunities in a session called “Defining your digital world”.

Launching a casual home-style Mexican restaurant in Swan Street, Richmond, in 2011, Fonda now has four restaurants in Melbourne with 160 staff and annual turnover of $15 million.

Australia has proven to be particularly fertile territory for British-based Specsavers since it arrived here in 2008, famously opening 100 stores during its first 100 days down under.

After representing Australia as a professional skier, Pete Forras wanted to start a business based on his love of snow sports. Forras shares a day in the life of running XTM Australia from his beach house in Torquay.

Uniting under a single ‘True Aussie’ brand could give Australian farmers more visibility, more bargaining power and higher farm gate returns. Simon Talbot, Chief Executive Officer of the National Farmers’ Federation, discusses the opportunities and how farmers can make the most of them.

Over a decade of cultivating relationships and building up the Tangalooma brand, the number of Chinese visitors has increased tenfold.

Many of the great companies in technology were started by partnerships. Wozniak says when you have great ideas you need some other people to ripple it off, and at least one key friend who believes in it.

This edition highlights some of Australia’s successful businesses. Our cover story reveals the secrets to Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s successful partnership. We also chat to John Bertocchi and Peter Paolino of Bertocchi smallgoods and Fonda co-founders David Youl and Tim McDonald.

A growing number of general practitioners are using social media to attract new patients and secure their loyalty. Helena Athans from NAB Digital and David Bacon from the Healthy Thinking Group discuss the potential benefits and how to make the most of them.

Social media can be a great way for community organisations to engage with their supporter base and encourage donations from the wider community. But many don’t know where to start. Todd Copeland, NAB General Manager Digital, shares his top tips.

In 1992, Charles Davidson was living in Japan enjoying their local hot springs when he heard that hot geothermal water had been discovered just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Today, his team at Peninsula Hot Springs welcomes on average more than 1,000 people a day, all year round.

An elevator pitch can be a powerful selling tool you can use in any situation. We ask an expert about the importance of having a great elevator pitch and share their tips for crafting a concise and compelling overview of your business.

The latest issue of Business View magazine celebrates successful Australian business women. In our cover story we talk to top horse trainer Gai Waterhouse about overcoming barriers and what underpins the success of her business. We also chat to Collette Dinnigan and Lisa McGuigan.

Creative thinking has all sorts of benefits, not just for marketing and promotion, but also for solving business problems and innovating. Advertising executive Carolyn Miller shares tips on how small businesses can benefit from creative persuasion.

The Winter edition of Talking Shop covers a range of topics designed to help your business prepare for a successful festive season including keeping your business safe, accepting UnionPay and harnessing the power of Facebook. There’s also tips for making the switch to PIN.

Social media can help you grow your business, deliver advice from international experts, even provide practical ways to help fix your tractor – but how do you know where to start? Digital strategist Tim Gentle explains how to develop a strategy for making the most of online opportunities.

The Wine Liquidation Centre promoted a flash sale on Facebook for the first time, and it delivered $7,000 worth of sales in the first 24 hours! With help from Tiger Pistol, they also noticed an increase in foot traffic at their warehouse sales and in subscriptions to their newsletter.

Facebook can be good for business, but many business owners aren’t sure how to use it effectively. Steve Hibberd, co-founder of Tiger Pistol, discusses ways to make the most of Facebook by getting your message to the right people, as well as a special offer for NAB Business customers.

Michael Worthington, Chief Executive Officer of PMA Australia-New Zealand, says the produce sector is ripe with fresh opportunities for fruit and vegetables growers of all sizes – as long as they keep pace with their customers’ changing needs.

From deep within the Victorian Mallee, the de Pieri and Carrazza clans are as renowned for blending family and business as they are for blending a great beer. Mildura’s popular brewers and restaurateurs, Stefano and Donata, talk to Business View about achieving the right mix.

In this edition, Business View magazine highlights the success of businesses working with, inspired and supported by family. Our cover story features how Mildura Brewery owners Stefano de Pieri and wife Donata Carrazza successfully blend family and business.

After an unexpected invitation to the Pentagon to discuss how the US could improve its international image, Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi was introduced to the concept of VUCA, a world which is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

In today’s increasingly digitised world, consumers are sharing data in unprecedented ways. Andreas Weigend, a Professor at Stanford University, has coined the term Social Data Revolution to represent this deep shift in how people make purchasing and lifestyle decisions.

Software and services firms will have a good year in 2014 according to The Economist Intelligence Unit. Software spending by businesses and government will rise by 6.2%, while the canny consultants who explain how to use the stuff will enjoy revenue gain of 5.7%.

Discount sales strategies have become commonplace across Australia as cost-conscious consumers are herded into shops by big signs promising reductions and great deals. But here are five strategies to boost your local sales without slashing prices.

Marketing can help you to build a practice, run it successfully and ultimately make a profitable exit. Jason Borody, Managing Director of Vividus Marketing, talks about opportunities, challenges and how the internet has made communications a priority for the healthcare sector.

There’s been a lot for Aussie businesses to talk about recently - from community newspapers to consumption of whiskey. Here's a selection of recent business insights to help you uncover the opportunities across all business sectors.

Pitching for new business is a fine art. For the last six years, as CEO of the Victorian Major Events Company – which has won such iconic events as the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2010 Cycling World Championships and the Formula 1 Grand Prix – Brendan McClements knows how to get it right.

Through our partnership with Kochie’s Business Builders, David Koch speaks with NAB Chief Economist of Markets, Rob Henderson about his outlook for 2014. Join them as they discuss some of the big trends in the economy that may impact small business.

From property development to motorsports, Betty Saunders Klimenko is used to changing landscapes with an entrepreneurial spirit, a business mentality and people power. The colourful owner of the Erebus Motorsports team discusses the business of motorsports.

As Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) reforms continue to roll out, many pharmacists are taking a broader approach to boosting profits. Pharmacy owner and Managing Director of Rx Management, John Loveridge, discusses the changes and strategies for mitigating their impact.

Farmers’ Markets are helping to bridge the gap between the city and the farm. Jane Adams, National Representative of the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association, explains how farmers can benefit from selling directly to their consumers.

Aviation businesses are notoriously expensive and, when you're flying a seaplane, there's an extra layer of complexity. Tim Robertson discusses how he and fellow aviator Christiaan Durrant overcame the challenges to make Tasmanian Air Adventures an award-winning success.

Best known for her BBC TV series, Mary Queen of Shops, Mary Portas shared her top tips for small businesses during her recent visit to Australia to promote Support Small Business Day - a Victorian Government initiative in partnership with NAB.

Wine sales in China are expected to increase 50 percent between 2013 and 2016. Australian wine producers have the opportunity to differentiate themselves from international competitors by concentrating on marketing more premium vintages in China.

Only 50 percent of Australian businesses have a website, according to a recent poll commissioned by Google Australia. Your website can be a real revenue earner if you build it the right way. We share some very simple but crucial elements to include in your website.

It was a tough sell, but Cyril Callister, inventor of Australia’s beloved spread, Vegemite, overcame a disappointing beginning to shape the taste of a nation. Read how Vegemite went from being spectacularly unsuccessful to remarkable.

It’s time for Australian businesses to start thinking more about how they can tap into China’s booming e-commerce market. Lisa Goodhand, Director at China Blueprint Online shares some steps businesses can take to help boost their sales.

The Winter edition of Talking Shop has a new look in addition to the usual insights from industry experts on the latest security, technology and industry developments. We look at how to generate more sales, how to reduce the risk of online fraud and more.

Pharmacists are helping to reduce pressure on the health system and improve quality of life. President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Kos Sclavos, discusses the importance of pharmacists retaining their sustainable competitive advantage in the face of growing retail competition.

In the lead up to the Australian events for Australia China Business Week, we bring you part two of our series and reveal more of the insights discussed at last month’s Shanghai event. If you’re considering doing business with China then read on to learn more about the Chinese market.

Networking via social media can be a cheap, fast and effective way to grow your business or a complete waste of time if it’s done the wrong way. Here, business growth expert and mentor Mike Boorn Plener shares some simple strategies for success and flags the traps you need to avoid.

Understanding the steps that lead to a purchase can help you to market your business more effectively. Mark Fletcher, Principal Consultant at ShopScience, shows how to map the ‘customer journey’ for your target markets and make the most of the insights this provides

The internet has created a new breed of empowered and informed shoppers who know what they want and won’t settle for less. ShopScience’s Principal Consultant, Mark Fletcher, shares his insights on how they think, and how to make the most of their changing expectations.

This month in Agribusiness View, we have an in-depth talk with food producer Maggie Beer, hear about Asia’s growing demand for milk and dairy products, and learn how grain growers can manage their risk. We also give you a new view on women in the agricultural industry.

In this edition of Business View, we talk to Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan and hear from some of Australia’s most unique and successful business owners, including Maggie Beer. We also offer new angles on pricing, marketing, self managed super funds and creativity in the workplace.

How can your business use advertising to get your brand noticed? We get the inside scoop on ways to make your business marketing savvy in our interview with Australia’s biggest ad buyer, Aegis Media’s Executive Chair, Harold Mitchell.

Thinking of expanding offshore? Head of Think Global Consulting, David Thomas, gives the inside scoop.

Following another successful Australian Open, Tennis Australia CEO, Steve Wood shares his strategies on how to succeed during a tougher economic climate.

To respond quickly to online customer queries, artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by businesses, from retailers to publishers. My CyberTwin CEO, Liesl Capper-Beilby (pictured), explains this trend.

If executed correctly, loyalty and reward programs can encourage customers to return to spend again and again. Here’s how.

Find out how to convert advertising into commercial strength for your practice.

Increasingly, Australian agribusinesses are competing with supply from South America and Africa to feed Asia and the northern hemisphere. NAB’s 2010 Agribusiness Leader of the Year, Alan Winney, explains how to profit from this trend.

China, the food bowl of Asia and the world’s fastest-growing economy, offers valuable trade opportunities for our beef and dairy sectors. We outline some of those opportunities, from westernisation of the Chinese palate to animal husbandry.

Working with a partner can take your agribusiness brand to the next level. Using Certified Australian Angus Beef as a case study, we highlight how entering into a brand partnership can sharpen competitive edge.

Improving your business-to-business sales and marketing technique can deliver significant returns. The trick is to put yourself in the customers’ shoes.

In an era when consumers are constantly bombarded with advertising messages in myriad forms, the challenge for businesses is how to break through the marketing ‘noise’ and create measurable, lead-generating opportunities.

Whether you’ve been asked to perform your first keynote, or you just want to face a fear, speaking in front of a crowd can be enormously empowering. It can also increase your visibility as a business leader. Fortunately, the speakers’ stage is not reserved for veteran CEOs. What audiences want The one demand Australian audiences […]

With Australia’s constantly evolving population, cultural diversity should be firmly fixed on the radar of every business in this country, according to Lena Belin, founder of intercultural consultancy and training company, Cultura Franca.

Would you use a product or service if someone you respected recommended it? In most business cases, personal recommendation is the source of a long-lasting relationship with the customer. This is why social media marketing has taken the business world by storm in recent years.  It aims to open a dialogue with the customer rather […]

In challenging times, it's no surprise that marketing budgets tend to be reduced. However, research suggests that businesses who either maintained or increased their marketing in these times were able to recover more quickly as the environment improved.

Driving website traffic to your business is all about using the right search engine strategies. Business owners considering an investment in search engine marketing (SEM) can often feel like they’re drowning in a sea of marketing acronyms and lingo. It comes down to making sure that your business is at the top of the list […]

Today’s marketing environment is constantly evolving. And for many businesses, particularly smaller businesses, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to devote the resources and time needed to maintain a consistent, strategic approach to marketing and customer communications. Relieving marketing pressure and allowing a business to focus on its core competencies are the obvious benefits of bringing in […]

A strong brand is more than a well-designed logo that opens the door to a business. The experts will tell you a brand is what your customers think, feel and say about your product and service.