A new report from Power Retail – the number one resource for Australian e-commerce news, content, data, and insights – in partnership with the Australian Loyalty Association (ALA) has exposed a significant challenge for the retail sector: nearly 50% of Aussies are unwilling to share their data with retailers, signalling a general distrust in the handling of their personal data.

Drawn from a survey of over 2,800 engaged shoppers, and exploring 44 retail-specific loyalty programs, the 40 page Loyalty Insights Report, released on Wednesday 19th June 2024, highlights what Australian consumers want most from loyalty programs and what retailers need to do to gain and maintain the trust and loyalty of their customers.

The report not only explores consumer rewards program preferences, but also highlights the challenges facing brands, namely, that even with incentives of all description, majority of shoppers are uncomfortable sharing their data with retailers. This demonstrates a pressing need for retailers to rebuild consumer trust in handling personal data safely. Increased consumer awareness around data security, following multiple recent data breaches from prominent Australian companies, has undoubtedly driven this sentiment.

Editor of Power Retail, Rosalea Catterson says, “Whilst data security is a major concern for consumers, it offers a key opportunity for retailers to adapt and re-build trust with their customers. An up-front approach that communicates clearly with consumers about where and how they use their data and the measures they take to protect customer data, can go a long way to building consumer trust and create opportunities for more personalisation, enhancing loyalty programs in ways that most benefit their customers.”

The report has also found that consumers overwhelmingly prefer email communications from retailers (81%), while SMS marketing has fallen out of favour with shoppers, again, likely due to heightened concerns around data scams.

Unsurprisingly, loyalty programs that helped Aussies to lighten the load on their wallets such as Woolworths Everyday Rewards and Coles Flybuys, were the most popular loyalty programs with all shoppers surveyed. Both of these specific programs offer discounts on spending, full payment of reward items using points, and cashback on spending, which are the most well-liked incentives for shoppers.

With spending on everyday essentials increasing by 5.4% last year, shoppers are on the lookout for any opportunity to save money, with one respondent saying, “Groceries are a big expense and being rewarded for buying products that are a basic need is helpful,” and another stating “All I care about is cash back or discount incentives, not special offers or exclusive deals.” (Corina, 43, Burleigh Waters).

The report also revealed that there is a huge opportunity for retailers to reward customer loyalty and invest in long-term customer relationships by understanding and being adaptable to their ever-changing needs. Failure by retailers and their rewards programs risk the same fate as the Flybuys program in New Zealand, which closed down in 2023, due to its lack of ability to keep up with rapidly changing demands of consumers.

When it came to generational preferences, surprisingly, the report found that 67% of Gen Z respondents believed that loyalty programs provided a high level of value. This generation also had the highest engagement with loyalty programs out of any generation surveyed. Respondents in this age bracket demonstrated a greater liking for tiered benefit programs, based on spending, such as the MECCA Beauty Loop, indicating that gamification can be an influencing factor in consumers of that age engaging with a brand loyalty program. Said one shopper, “These types of programs “give great value for money, both in discounts, points earned, and special offers and have unique offers that reward you for consistent purchases.”

Across all retail categories surveyed, the top ranked loyalty programs included:

· FMCG: Woolworths Everyday Rewards; Coles Flybuys; My Dan’s Dan Murphy’s and IGA Rewards.

· Homewares: MYER One; Amazon Prime; Cash Rewards; and IKEA Family.

· Beauty: Priceline Sister Club; MECCA Beauty Loop; and Sephora Beauty Pass.

· Fashion & Department Stores: MYER One; Cotton On, Rebel Active; David Jones Rewards Points; Bonds and Country Road.

· Other Retail: Amazon Prime; Bakers Delight Dough Getters; Supercheap Auto Club and Petbarn Friends for Life.

Factors such as the prioritisation of building trust with their customers, and offering long-term value, have allowed these retailers to achieve top rankings with their loyalty programs. CEO and Founder of Power Retail, Grant Arnott says, “Retailers that help shoppers easily earn, access and use rewards incentives to ease financial strains stand themselves in a strong place to gain favour with shoppers and achieve long-term loyalty. To achieve this, retailers need to focus on the most reported satisfaction drivers: easy-to-understand schemes, easy-to-use apps and website tools, as well as strong clear customer communication, all of which help to build trust and brand loyalty.

“Loyalty is a game-changer for retail, a means to create substantially and more value for customers. These insights show that while the appetite for loyalty from consumers is strong, there is substantial opportunity for growth and improvement for retailers who are prepared to invest in the right strategies and technology to deliver loyalty excellence,” said Arnott.

For more data from Power Retail and to review the full report, please visit: https://powerretail.com.au/resources/loyalty-insights-report/

Square 50 returns for a second year to recognise businesses around the globe that are reaching the latest milestones within their operations. New this year, Square 50 is now accepting nominations from customers, fans, community members and businesses themselves to find the best of the best for this year’s 50 select businesses.

Square 50 nominations are open now until July 18 across five categories:

• Innovation: Businesses that innovate within their industry, from diversifying their offerings to revolutionising their operations to stand out from the competition
• Growth: Businesses that made incredible strides to expand their reach through new location(s), increased revenue, international expansion and more
• Community: Businesses that enrich the communities where they operate, supporting charities, prioritising diversity in their employment, building inclusive spaces and operating with integrity
• Experience: Businesses that change the game in customer experiences and level up their operations to entice new and existing patrons
• Sustainability: Businesses that champion greener operations and promote social and cultural growth through their work

For more than 15 years, Square has been a trusted partner in enabling businesses to succeed, and understands firsthand what it takes to create a growing and thriving business. With millions of groundbreaking and innovative businesses choosing Square, the company is uniquely qualified to identify and spotlight the next wave of rising, must-know businesses around the globe.

Last year’s Square 50 honourees have seen their strong momentum continue, from opening new locations to expanding their offerings. From Australia, healthy fast-food chain Fishbowl opened its first international location (as Thisbowl) in the US in Spring 2024. Seafood restaurant Broad Street Oyster Company, recently opened a new location in Southern California and another in San Francisco as it expands to new territories. In the beauty and wellness industry, Savanna Boda Aesthetics in Lewisville, TX just signed a lease for a new, larger location given her growing business, and LaToyia Mays, owner of The Laya Center in Kansas City, MO recently launched her own book.

Whether opening a new location, growing revenue or building deeper relationships with communities and customers, Square 50 aims to showcase the diverse and impactful businesses achieving success – and the many different definitions of what success looks like.

By being selected for Square 50, honourees will benefit from visibility across the Square website and social media channels; from credibility as a Square-recognised, standout business; and from Square prizes to help winners celebrate and share the news. All applications to Square 50 will be considered for future marketing opportunities with Square for additional exposure.

Winners will be selected for how each business’s accomplishments relate to any and/or all Square 50 categories. Nominations can be made here until July 19. Honourees will be announced later this year.

 ASUS, in collaboration with Microsoft and Qualcomm^®, has today announced its first foray into the next generation of AI-powered computing with the sleek Vivobook S 15, available for pre-order today at ASUS E-shop and leading retailers.

Powered by the Snapdragon^® X Elite platform, the sleek device offers Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps that showcase the unique benefits of AI for Content Creation, Productivity and Learning. Its 3K 120 Hz ultra-large OLED display and immersive audio system is encased in a premium, all-metal 1.47cm thin, 1.42kg light body. It features a mood-setting single zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI assistance, revolutionising work and play.

Driven by Microsoft’s software excellence, the power of the Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, and coupled with ASUS’ Lumina OLED displays, design and innovation prowess, the latest Vivobook launch signals the dawn of a new era in computing. 

Speaking at the launch, Bradley Howe, Head of Consumer, ASUS Australia, said “AI has been building momentum as a technology, particularly with the use of personal assistance, and that is why we are ushering in a new era of AI computing where AI takes on a more integrated role in our lives and in the PC space, helping to make what Australians do on their PCs, easier, smarter and faster.  We’ve designed the Vivobook S 15 as an intelligent PC companion that makes creating, productivity and learning tasks more convenient and enjoyable for Australians.” 

With 53% of Australian professionals actively using or experimenting with generative AI at work, particularly by Millennials (63% use generative AI) and Gen Z (57%) — a substantial increase from the 36% of Australians reported to use the technology in 2023. ASUS believes the key use cases Australians will benefit when using a Copilot+ PC powered by the graphics capabilities of ASUS Lumina OLED technology are:

• AI for Content Creation: With Copilot at the touch of a button, the Vivobook S 15 makes AI-powered content creation near-instant and more convenient. 
• AI for Productivity: The Vivobook S 15 streamlines work by automating repetitive processes and removing the need for manual tasks. From managing emails to organising files, AI ensures efficiency without compromising accuracy.
• AI for Learning: Whether you’re a student, researcher, or lifelong learner, this laptop allows you to have access to quick and easy learning tools at your fingertips, ensuring learning is digestible and accessible no matter where the individual is.

Introducing ASUS Vivobook S 15, Your First Copilot+ PC

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 marks a significant leap forward in AI-powered computing, reaffirming ASUS’ commitment to innovation, excellence and setting a benchmark for ASUS’ upcoming range of Copilot+ PC. 

The Vivobook’s 3K 120 Hz ultra-large OLED display and immersive audio system is encased in a premium, all-metal 1.47cm thin, 1.42kg light body, allowing the benefits of AI to be more portable than ever. It features a mood-setting single zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI assistance, revolutionising work and play.

TOP-Notch Performance

Powered by Windows 11, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 combines a sleek, modern aesthetic with unmatched performance. The Snapdragon^® X Elite Processor, a dedicated AI chip, delivers peak performance in multi core tasks, providing a more productive laptop experience. 

ST Liew, Vice President of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies Asia-Pacific Pte. Ltd. and President of Qualcomm Taiwan & SEA, Australia, New Zealand, echoed the sentiment: “The PC is reborn with Snapdragon X Elite, and we are excited to collaborate with ASUS to put incredible innovation like the ASUS Vivobook S 15 in the hands of users, making a formidable range of AI devices that meet the needs of consumers now and in the future.”

The Qualcomm® Hexagon™ NPU delivers ultimate productivity with 45 TOPS AI processing speeds. This ensures peak AI performance that is able to run directly on-the-device, rather than through the Cloud. This calibre of performance allows more responsive and smooth multitasking, guaranteeing a seamless experience with all AI tools and tasks without compromising battery life.  

Dan Johnson, Windows & Microsoft 365 Category Lead for Microsoft ANZ, highlights the benefits of Edge AI: “We believe the richest AI experiences will only be possible when the cloud and device work together in concert. Now with the introduction of the Copilot+ PCs, I’m excited that together with our partners, such as ASUS, we can set the frame for the next decade of Windows innovation.”

The Vivobook S 15 is fast, offering instant boot-ups, capacious up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and an impressive 32GB of lighting-fast 8448 MHz LPDDR5X memory, which ensures the user is able to navigate daily tasks with speed and efficiency. 

The Vivobook S 15 uses ASUS IceCool thermal technology – two 97 ice blades, two heat pipes and two exhaust vents – which allows for efficient heat transfer and exhaust to ensure the user can tackle demanding tasks without impacts on performance. 

In line with Microsoft’s qualifications for a Copilot+ PC, the Vivobook S 15 also has a CoPilot key on the keyboard to ensure this AI tool is easy and quick to access, helping to make Content Creation, Productivity and Learning easier than ever.

Exclusive ASUS AI Software

To ensure Australians feel empowered by AI in all aspects of their daily lives, ASUS is launching a range of exclusive software, reflecting the company’s belief in how AI can revolutionise Australians’ daily lives:

• ASUS StoryCube: An AI-powered digital asset-management tool, which can automatically organise photos and videos. 
• ASUS AI Noise Cancellation:  This leverages a deep-learning database to reduce background noise in meetings and calls, for clear audio.
• ASUS Adaptive Dimming: A technology that recognises when a user looks away and dims the screen, which helps to maintain power consumption. 
• ASUS Adaptive Lock: With this feature, the laptop will be automatically locked when the user moves away and unlocked when they return, helping to ensure greater security.

Superior Audiovisuals 

ASUS Lumina OLED displays boast superior visual capabilities to ensure Australians can experience the benefits of AI better. With Lumina OLED, users can enjoy:

• More Accuracy: Due to being Pantone^® Validated and factory-calibrated to Delta E < 1consumers can experience a wider array of vivid, true-to-life colours. With an ultra-wide 89% screen-to-body ratio, cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 600 certification. This can benefit individuals using AI to create visual and video content to drive more precision and accuracy on their content. 
• More Adaptive: ASUS Lumina OLED provides customisable visuals, power-saving solutions and sharpened playback. ASUS Tru2Life technology is a video enhancement feature that analyses each pixel of the video being displayed, adjusting brightness, contrast and sharpness to ensure the best, most vibrant viewing experience for consumers. 
• More Reliable: With people spending hours working, playing and creating in front of laptops, ASUS has ensured its OLED line-up has OLED Care and TÜV Rheinland 70% less blue-light certification, which means the devices can help to reduce strain on eyes caused by prolonged exposure to blue light

In addition to the device’s visual capabilities, its audio system is Harman Kardon-certified with immersive, multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound, elevating the overall audiovisual experience when working or playing.

Incredible Design and Connectivity

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 has been designed with portability and connectivity in mind, making it a great companion for users on the move. It is 14.7 mm slim in design and lightweight all-metal construction weighing 1.42 kg Equipped with 70 Wh battery providing over 18 hours of work or play, users can stay connected throughout the day, with support for fast charging and ASUS USB-C® Easy Charge for convenient charging.

The premium design features a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard for personalised aesthetics, while the dedicated Copilot key grants instant access to Windows AI-powered tools conveniently.

Additionally, the large and smart gesture touchpad offers easy navigation, enabling users to control various tasks from optimising screen brightness to adjusting audio.
Combined with its comprehensive array of I/O ports, including two USB4® ports, the Vivobook S 15 ensures blazing-fast connectivity and enhanced productivity wherever you go. With WiFi 7 technology and Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 technology, the device enables lightning-fast wireless connections – up to 4.8x³ faster than the previous generation.

Ultimate ASUS Durability and Security

ASUS Vivobook S 15 is tested to the rigorous MIL-STD 810H military standard, encompassing high and low temperature, shock, vibration and altitude tests to help ensure reliability and durability. 

The Vivobook S 15 also has security and privacy in mind. With the IR camera, the user is able to unlock the device in an instant. Privacy can be safeguarded with a physical webcam cover and an integrated privacy shield that slides over the webcam for instant protection against prying eyes.

Pricing & Availability

Pre-orders on the Vivobook S 15 S5507 Model are available from 3pm on May 22 from the below participating retailers across Australia and New Zealand AEST. The pre-order campaign will run from 3pm on 22^nd May to 9am on 18^th June. 

From June 18^th the Vivobook S 15 will be available in-store and online from participating retailers and the ASUS E-shop.   

Specifications 

A lack of career progression, upskilling opportunities and flexible work options are making it difficult for local businesses to retain staff as Australia lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to using AI in the workplace, according to a global survey by specialty talent solutions provider Kelly. 

The fourth annual global workforce report from Kelly, titled Building a Resilient Workforce in the Age of AI, has revealed Australian businesses have the lowest capability and resilience score out of 13 countries surveyed. 

One in two Australian executives (49%) find it difficult to source and retain the right talent, resulting in missed business opportunities, while only 43% believe AI will be critical to strengthening the capability of their workforce, the lowest percentage in the 13 countries survey. 

“These findings are eye opening,” Pete Hamilton, vice president and managing director, APAC at Kelly, said. “Australian businesses are least likely to use AI to measure productivity, efficiency and engagement when compared to businesses globally, and a third have no plans to do so.” 

“Australian businesses need to develop long-term workforce strategies that focus on career development, meaningful employee engagement, and thoughtful implementation of AI tools that combine the best of human talent and technology,” said Mr. Hamilton.  

A third of Australian executives believe the Return to Office (RTO) has had a negative impact on workplace culture (32% vs 18% globally) and still plan to offer greater flexibility. 

Despite the ongoing skills shortage Australian workers say their top frustrations are a lack of skills development opportunities (32%) and lack of a career progression (32%).  

Australians are also most likely to say their organisations have poor leadership skills (25% vs. 19%). The report also found that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are failing, with underrepresented workers quitting as a result. 

Australia is ranked last in the Workforce Resilience Index, which reveals how best-in-class businesses are building agile, capable, and inclusive teams that thrive in the age of AI.  

The Index identifies a group of Resilience Leaders (7% of companies surveyed) who report better results across both core business metrics and key people indicators compared to Mid-Market Performers (85%) and Laggards (8%). 

About the Survey
Kelly surveyed 1,500 senior executives, including C-suite leaders, board members, department heads, directors, and managers, as well as 4,000 workers at all levels across 13 countries and eight industry sectors in Q2 of 2024. The 13 countries include the United States, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and Singapore. The eight industry sectors include Consumer Retail, Education, Energy, Engineering, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Technology. 35% of respondents were from organizations with 10,000+ employees; 35% were from organizations with 5,001-10,000 employees; and 30% were from organizations with 1,000-5,000 employees. Read the report here. 

New research reveals that greater financial support, regulatory change and government-led initiatives that make it easier to start a business are seen as the most important changes needed to grow Australian entrepreneurship. Doing so could help unleash the potential of millions of aspiring entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic prosperity for the nation. 

New research from Shopify of 2,220 Australians and 480 business owners, conducted by Censuswide, shows a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit across the country:

• Almost three-quarters of Australians (70%) express a desire to own their own business if all other factors were equal. 
• This interest spans across age groups, with younger demographics showing the highest entrepreneurial enthusiasm – a substantial 84% of 16-24s have entrepreneurial ambitions. 
• One in five Australians (21%) already own their own business, and an equal proportion (21%) have seriously considered starting one. 
• Three-quarters (76%) of aspiring entrepreneurs in Australia say they have wanted to start their own business for three or more years².

Entrepreneurial motivations are diverse

Among Australia’s aspiring entrepreneurs, the top reasons cited for starting their own business are: 

• The opportunity to earn more money (58%)
• A desire to be their own boss (50%)
• Work flexibility (40%) 

Alongside the pull of higher income and independence, some factors push Australians into entrepreneurship:

• 13% of those seriously considering owning a business are driven by concerns about perceived job obsolescence due to technological advancements.
• 16% of business owners in Australia started their venture after being made redundant from their previous job. 

Financial constraints and government support are holding aspiring entrepreneurs back

The appetite for entrepreneurship is prevalent but the barriers to entry remain high. Among those who have thought about starting a business, but do not have serious plans in place:

• 50% cited financial obstacles as a key issue
• 35% said they lacked confidence
• 34% said they lacked knowledge
• 24% were concerned about their skillset

When asked which factors would make them more interested in starting a business, Australians who had briefly considered it said:

• Government programs to support potential business owners could sway them (58%)
• A decrease in the cost of living would encourage entrepreneurship (43%)

While the majority of Australians want to be their own boss, their ability to fund the business could be limiting.

• 73% would be prepared to invest their own money
• 43% expressed a lack of money to start
• 20% highlighted high interest rates on business loans as a key challenge

Shaun Broughton, Managing Director, APAC at Shopify comments: “Australians are enthusiastic entrepreneurs, particularly younger Aussies. Addressing financial obstacles is essential to unlock a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and unearth the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs across the country. By enhancing access to funding, reducing financial risks, and encouraging people to start a business, we can help reduce barriers to entry for Australian entrepreneurs to drive stronger economic growth, innovation and employment for all.”

The path to entrepreneurship is not linear

Building a business rarely follows a predictable trajectory, and the path to entrepreneurship doesn’t necessarily mean going all in from day one. The research found: 

• 27% of Australian business owners went full-time into their company from the offset
• 37% started their business as a side hustle
• 20% turned their side hustle into a full-time venture
• 16% started their business after leaving the workforce (i.e. retirement or after maternity leave).

Moreover, though initial failure isn’t unusual in the entrepreneur community, it doesn’t hold them back from building new businesses.

• Over a third (38%) of Australian business owners previously started a business that was unsuccessful
• 46% of entrepreneurs had at least one previous business before achieving success 
• 32% of successful business owners had two to three unsuccessful businesses first

Encouragement and experience can be powerful enablers

Support networks and prior experience in their chosen field were seen as strong enablers for entrepreneurship:

• 40% of Australian business owners — more than any other country surveyed — said that encouragement from people they knew was particularly helpful when they started out. 
• 41% of aspiring entrepreneurs also recognise the role of family and friends support in helping them start a business
• 38% of aspiring entrepreneurs said prior work experience in the field would help them start their business
• 24% said they would lean on their personal and community networks to start their business.

– Intuit Inc. , the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, today released a new report, “Brand Trust In the Age of Information Overload”, which focuses on the evolving relationship between brand and customer, consumer spending motivations, and how businesses can best connect with customers in today’s climate. Sourced from a survey of 10,000 consumers across nine countries—including 1,000 in Australia—the results revealed that brand trust and connection (46%) is the number one factor that drives sales with Australian shoppers.  
 
The report also identified other primary characteristics consumers look for when making purchasing decisions: free delivery (47%), regular discount codes and rewards (45%), excellent customer service (41%), free returns (38%) and quick shipping (38%). The results differed across the generations surveyed. For those aged over 65 the key purchase drivers were trust (60%) and excellent customer service (55%); while those aged 18 to 24 were also led by trust (40%), they were driven by other characteristics such as discounts (39%) and environmental impact (36%). 

And while the report underlines a handful of insight-informed tactics to roll out, it also pinpoints marketing mishaps to avoid. Some of the top reasons that lead Australian consumers to unsubscribe from brand emails include repetitive or unimaginative emails (49%),  unsubstantiated claims about brand purpose (43%), not being able to view an email properly on their device (43%) and biassed/partisan commentary on social or political issues (35%). Findings also reveal the quantity threshold: Australian consumers will unsubscribe if a brand sends more than three emails per week, the lowest number of all countries surveyed.   

“As businesses continue to grapple with a challenging economic environment, it’s never been more important for Australian brands to build trust and engage with their customers. Our latest research findings have uncovered a profound shift in consumer expectations – beyond just great products, Australians crave trust in the brands they choose,” said Adam Anger, Chief Sales Officer at Intuit Mailchimp. “By embracing authenticity, relevance, and personalisation, brands can forge deep connections with their audience, nurturing connections that transcend passing trends.”  

Despite trust coming out top, nearly a third (34%) of shoppers have started trusting in brands less amidst the rise of misinformation. So, with trust on the decline but its importance ever-paramount, what can brands do to instil this from the outset, and maintain it? 

Marketers can build Brand trust and drive sales with these data-led marketing tactics: 

1. Focus on quality service: A proven track record of excellent customer service ranks highly as a driver for both purchases and engagement. This ranked higher in importance for older generations, with over half (55%) of those aged over 65 versus one in three aged 18 to 24 saying it was a primary purchasing factor.  

2. Ask for data and provide value: While four in five shoppers need to be assured by brands that they’re using their data responsibly, nearly half (43%) are happy to share it with brands they trust. However, more than three-fifths (62%) want to see more value and greater personalisation in exchange for sharing data, and only just over a third (35%) feel they’re currently seeing the value of doing so. So while personalisation has some way to go it’s encouraging to hear that more than one in three mention it’s currently stopping them from “missing out on products” and that they are being shared information “they’re genuinely interested in”. 

3. Galvanise brand advocates: The report revealed word-of-mouth recommendations via friends and family are the most trusted endorsements (55%), followed by customer testimonials and reviews (33%) – both much higher than content creators and influencers (10%). These findings underline the real value of brand advocates—true unbiased, unpaid fans. Not only will the brand benefit from the fan’s repeat purchases but also from their authentic following’s purchases (and perhaps advocacy) too. A marketing-savvy way to harness this push power and incentivise and reward can be through recommend-a-friend schemes. It’s worth underlining that a key way to restore brand trust when lost is through customer testimonials, as well (41%). 

4. Communicate transparently: For Australian consumers, the primary way to rebuild brand trust when lost is through transparency of company actions (62%). Notably, in the face of inflation, 53% stayed loyal to a brand that raised its prices transparently.  
    

5. Live up to brand promise: The report reveals the most important factor that significantly impacts purchasing decisions for shoppers is “a company with values to match my own” (36%), so spending time on brand-building content to underline company ethics can quite literally pay off. Findings show that on the whole, customers care more about sustainability than affordability. 26% said they were more inclined to buy from a brand that has a positive impact on the environment, versus 16% who said they were more inclined to buy from a brand that is affordable but less sustainable.  

6. Leverage smart discount strategies: Discount codes are an unequivocal sales driver. Nearly half of Australian consumers (49%) will look for a discount code before making any online purchase and nearly a quarter (22%) will delay purchases over $190 until they can get money off. But while discount codes support customer purchases and engagement, they eat away at a company’s profit. The Mailchimp report reveals the discount sweet spot for Australian shoppers: 15%. This is the lowest site-wide discount that would entice shoppers to click through to the website to explore potential purchases. 

Adam continues: “It’s crucial for marketers to align with Australian customers’  evolving preferences and needs, shaping strategies that foster enduring relationships. Brands dedicated to understanding their customers and maintaining brand integrity are not only poised to earn trust but reap rewards.” 

A new 2024 Small Business Report launched by VistaPrint reveals 59% of Australians that have a hobby have considered or already have turned it into a business, despite barriers such as financial constraints and lack of marketing skills. In response, VistaPrint has launched a “Hobby to Hustle” competition, offering $30K to help Aussies turn their hobbies into legitimate businesses.

The data reveals a staggering 86% of Australians have at least one hobby, with one-in-seven (15%) having already turned those hobbies into a business, and almost half (44%) are either willing or have thought about turning their hobby into a source of income. This adds to over a third (36%) of working Australians who already have a side hustle, with over half (53%) linked to their hobbies.

Australia appears to be the perfect breeding ground for starting a business, with only 4% of working Australians having a clause in their work contract that prevents them from starting a side hustle. Not only that, but Australian society and workplaces appear to be conducive to business ideation, with over one-in-seven (15%) side hustlers and business owners having come up with their entrepreneurial idea while at their previous job, and over a quarter (28%) doing so through talking to family and friends.

Fear of failure and a marketing skills gap

Despite this enthusiasm, starting a side-hustle is still met with a healthy amount of fear and trepidation. Over a third of Australians (38%) anticipate a fear of failure when starting a business in the current landscape, and over half (54%) anticipate economic uncertainty and instability.

In addition, there appears to be a significant skills gap that currently exists, with over half (55%) of the population describing themselves as “not skilled at all” or only “slightly skilled” in branding, marketing, and design. To compound the issue, over a fifth (22%) of business owners and side hustlers don’t know where to look if they need design and marketing support. This is creating a significant barrier to starting and growing a business. Marcus Marchant, CEO of VistaPrint Australia and founder of Bondi Joe Swimwear: “Australians are clearly passionate about their hobbies and are eager to turn them into legitimate businesses. Our research does, however, highlight a design and marketing skills gap and other barriers that are getting in the way of people feeling confident to start a new business. As a small business founder myself – I founded Bondi Joe Swimwear following my passion for

both fashion and the allure of Sydney’s iconic beaches – I know how rewarding it is to nurture a hobby into a successful business venture, and I’m grateful for the journey it has taken me on. I now want to help others in the same position – which is why we are today launching VistaPrint’s Hobby to Hustle campaign.”

VistaPrint launches Hobby to Hustle Competition

To support Australia’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, VistaPrint’s has today launched its inaugural “Hobby to Hustle” competition to help Aussies turn their passions into thriving businesses. Participants will be in to win prizes including $15K, $9K, and $6K worth of VistaPrint credit and logo design, alongside access to and support from industry experts including CEO Marcus Marchant and former COSBOA CEO, Alexi Boyd.

All participants must do is submit a two-minute video explaining what their hobby is, why they want to turn it into a business, and how they plan to do so. The entries will be judged by a panel of respected business leaders and advocates for small businesses across Australia: former CEO of COSBOA and industry leader, Alexi Boyd; CEO of VistaPrint Australia and founder of Bondi Joe Swimwear, Marcus Marchant; and media personality and entrepreneur, Jules Lund.

The entries will be judged on a mix of criteria, including the potential for the idea to be turned into a successful business; the credibility, charisma and business potential of the entrant; and their reasoning behind wanting to start a business. Submissions are open today and close June 25th, 2024 at 6pm AEST.

For more information about the competition and how to enter, visit HERE.

For many small trades businesses, the end of the financial year (EOFY) tax return process is a nightmare. Pushing paperwork to the side for “later” always results in a frantic scramble as EOFY approaches. This habit of postponing is typical among tradies—but it’s got to stop.

According to research from Fergus, many tradies are still stuck in the dark ages. Nearly half (49 per cent) haven’t adopted job management software and a whopping 43 per cent still rely on manual paperwork and spreadsheets. This stubborn attachment to outdated methods is exactly why tradies find themselves in a bind during tax season. Sticking to these inefficient practices makes tax preparation more painful and time-consuming than it needs to be.

Dan Pollard, founder, Fergus, said, “Tradie business owners can avoid late nights and stressful searches for lost paperwork by embracing technology, like job management software, before the new financial year kicks off. Job management platforms can do a lot of the heavy lifting and make tax time much less stressful by ensuring transactions are systematically recorded and organised from the start. This can save tradies their sanity and streamline the EOFY process.”

With July 1 just around the corner and new incentives announced from the 2024-25 Federal Budget, now is the perfect time to embrace the latest technology and avoid the EOFY scramble.(1) The Federal Budget has introduced initiatives to support small businesses, including a $10.8 million investment in mental health programs for small business owners, direct energy bill relief, an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off, and $290 million in cash flow support. There’s no excuse not to take advantage of these benefits and make the annual tax return scramble a thing of the past.

Here’s how job management software can save your business:

Ditch the paperwork nightmare

Paperwork is a bloody nightmare, especially when it piles up. But with job management software, you can kiss those headaches goodbye. Forget those boxes marked “receipts” and “invoices.” This software tracks everything—your quotes, invoices, and supplier invoices. Come EOFY, there’s no need to scramble through filing cabinets or the truck’s glove box. All the documents and transaction records needed will be neatly organised and easily accessible online.

Get your finances in order

Keeping track of finances is crucial, and it’s even better when it’s hassle-free. The integration between job management software and accounting systems like Xero means your financial data is always up to date. When an invoice is updated in the software, it instantly reflects in Xero, providing a clear, real-time view of the business’s financial standing. This feature offers quick access to vital financial summaries, from what’s owed to the details of all invoices. It’s about ensuring you have a complete and clear picture of your business finances, without the extra legwork.

Track every job down to the last detail

Ignoring your finances makes tax time harder than it needs to be. Understanding the importance of real-time updates when an invoice is modified in the job management software is how to set yourself up for success. This feature delivers instant access to critical financial summaries, from outstanding balances to detailed invoice information.

Dan Pollard said, “EOFY doesn’t have to be a nightmare if everything’s set up right. Don’t get caught in the next EOFY rush. Moving to a digital management platform, and even better if it’s one designed for tradies, not only means ditching the box of paperwork, but it also simplifies the process of storing key information for tax returns.

“But the key is to get your business organised before July 1 so when the next EOFY happens you’re entirely ready to go.”

Contributed by Dan Pollard, founder, Fergus

Reference:
(1) https://budget.gov.au/

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity, has unveiled its first consumer security solutions tailored to safeguard against emerging threats in the era of AI PCs. Trend will bring these advanced capabilities to consumers in late 2024.

Carla Rodriguez, VP and GM of Client Software Ecosystem Enabling at Intel: “We are pleased to collaborate with Trend Micro on AI solutions leveraging our next generation Intel Core Ultra processors (code name Lunar Lake). Specifically, Trend will be the first to utilise Lunar Lake’s 48 NPU Tops on their email defence feature to run scans locally, increasing user privacy and security while lowering latency. Intel enables a broad and open ecosystem and brings unmatched scale and channels for AI ISVs like Trend Micro. We look forward to driving their solutions to those seeking to adopt AI capable PCs rooted in security.”

Trend’s ecosystem expanding this week to include Intel is a testament to its focus on innovation without boundaries. As Trend continues to focus on AI and other emerging technologies, collaboration with industry peers is critical.

Kevin Simzer, COO at Trend: “We are not only leveraging AI for security, but also securing AI itself. The value of this AI era will ultimately depend on how secure it is, from the enterprise level to the individual consumer. Trend is addressing both, while many in the industry are not yet doing either.”

AI PCs powered by neural processing units (NPUs) allow consumers to run AI applications locally on their device rather than in the cloud, providing benefits from privacy to performance. As PC manufacturers rapidly bring new AI PCs to market, consumers will be presented with both new opportunities and new risks. Trend is committed to addressing these risks through its new capabilities being showcased at Computex 2024:

• AI application protection: Traditional cybersecurity solutions for PCs are not enough when it comes to protecting consumer AI applications from malicious activity. Methods such as model tampering or knowledge base poisoning can result in an AI application being directed to put users at risk of losing sensitive personal information or becoming a victim of misinformation. Trend’s AI application protection capability is designed to address this risk and is set to launch for device security products in 2024.

• NPU-powered email security: Previously, email content had to be sent to the cloud for analysis due to computing power requirements. Trend can now run email scam protection locally on an AI PC. This offers a better user experience and removes data privacy friction from the process. Trend expects to see a 100% increase in usage of this feature on AI PCs, which will be available as part of its device security solutions in 2024.

Trend is showcasing its AI application protection and NPU-powered email security at booth K0028 at Computex.

To find out more about Trend Micro’s commitment to protecting consumers in the age of AI, visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/consumer-ai