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It just keeps growing
Posted on: Wednesday, 10 June 2009
By Claire Moffat
As I continued to delve deeper into the world of social media over the last week, I started to see opportunities for growing my business at every turn (I was reminded of the adage that what you focus on grows bigger).
It started with my decision to create a social media platform for my two websites www.connectedaustralia.com and www.connectedwomen.net.au. So, with the aid of team member Jason Davey, we started embedding our brands into Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and Linked In.
Like every type A personality, once I put my attention on the subject of social media I had to learn everything about how it applies to business. I had already been using Facebook and Twitter for personal networking but now the bar was lifted, I needed to know.
Not to waste any time, I attended Helen Crozier’s 90 minute seminar last week on ‘Getting a Handle on Technology’ and came away with more than I had intended. Along with accepting that there is nowhere to go but forward with social media as a primary business marketing tool, I was impressed with Helen’s ability to use technology efficiently and to her advantage: she built her website herself for less than $100!
In our Plugged In department today, our resident Twitter expert Darrin Bird asks you to consider Why you would follow a person or business like yours on Twitter? If you missed the first part of our must read Plugged In article by Darrin last week, you can re-read it by clicking here.
Then I suggest you start the day fresh with Darrin’s latest advice and be prepared to take action today. I know I will. |
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| Crossing to the spiritual side of technology
Posted on: Tuesday, 7 February 2012
When some of the world’s most important female leaders and entrepreneurs gathered in Bangalore, India Last week, their topic of discussion was not politics or poverty, but technology. ... Read More |
| Cheap alternatives are blowing up
Posted on: Wednesday, 1 February 2012
With the late arrival of summer this year, air conditioners around Australia are being switched on; unfortunately this could be a risky move for some. Last week I wrote an article for www.connectedaustralia.com about a number of recent house fires linked to faulty evaporative air conditioning units.
... Read More |
| Robots are not far off, but it’s nothing to be scared of
Posted on: Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Talk about robotic technology still conjures up images of Rosey the robot maid from the Jetsons for some, but the reality is robots are becoming more prevalent than we realise.
... Read More |
| Tech companies turn men on and women off
Posted on: Tuesday, 17 January 2012
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas gives members of the tech industry from around the world the chance to check out the latest gizmos, gadgets and scantily clad women. ... Read More |
| Cheap TVs mean we’re spoilt for choice
Posted on: Tuesday, 20 December 2011
As the TV industry battles with excessive price deflation, shoppers are in the hot seat when it comes to purchasing sophisticated new TVs for a fraction of their original price.
... Read More |
| The tech world keeps spinning
Posted on: Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Technology is developing at a rapid pace. If you turn your back for just one day, chances are you will miss out on the release of the latest sophisticated gadget.
... Read More |
| Will direct imports drive a retail revolution?
Posted on: Tuesday, 6 December 2011
When JB Hi-Fi launched it’s direct import online store a few weeks ago, online shoppers jumped with joy, and why wouldn’t they? It’s a cheaper place to buy electronics.
... Read More |
| Don’t forget online etiquette
Posted on: Tuesday, 29 November 2011
I walked away from my first Women’s Networking event in Sydney last week feeling very inspired. While spending the afternoon surrounded by women flying high on their business success, whether that was website design or financial services, I noticed technology was in abundance. ... Read More |
| Do we need to switch off to connect?
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Like many, I have experienced my fair share of technology catastrophes in the past, whether it’s losing unsaved work on my laptop or sending an embarrassing text message to a friend due to the iPhone’s auto-correct function. ... Read More |
| You can’t always get want you want, but you can online
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 November 2011
The war between tech giants Apple and Samsung continues to heat up this week, as a gutsy Australian retailer goes head-to-head with Apple as it continues to sell the banned Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 online.
... Read More |
| The double-edged sword of technology
Posted on: Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Having a smartphone constantly in reach means I can tweet on the go, and thanks to the mapping application I will never get lost again. This recent dependence on technology has got me thinking about the long-term effects, is it just making us lazy?
... Read More |
| Homes get connected: fresh tech trends from Grand Designs Live
Posted on: Tuesday, 25 October 2011
It was a renovator’s paradise at Grand Designs Australia Live last week, and although I’ll admit to being naïve when it comes to renovation, the expo provided a great look into the latest home tech trends.
... Read More |
| Accessorise with the hottest technology
Posted on: Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Early last Friday morning the Sydney CBD was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. I’m sure unsuspecting passers by would have guessed the crowds were waiting to see a rock band or Hollywood celebrity.
... Read More |
| Mourning moves online: Twitter abuzz with odes to Steve Jobs
Posted on: Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Whether you love or hate Apple, the shocking news of Steve Jobs’ death had an overwhelming impact on tech users around the world. I first saw the news on Twitter, and hoped it was a hoax.
... Read More |
| More power to the shopper: Gasp service gaff goes viral
Posted on: Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Last week one woman’s negative retail experience captured a momentous amount of media coverage. While most of us have probably been in a similar situation involving a pushy sales assistant, Keara O’Neil turned to social media to vent her frustration. ... Read More |
| Why are women missing from BRW’s Young Rich List
Posted on: Wednesday, 28 September 2011
I’m sure you have noticed a different face to the column this week, and I’m delighted to have the chance to connect with you personally while Claire is off on a well-deserved break. In the six months that I have been writing for ConnectedWomen I have discovered just how much I rely on technology, and how much I love it. Technology means I can type this column up on my MacBook Pro while riding on the train. Without technology, I wouldn’t be in this job at all.
... Read More |
| Technology wins Emmy accolade for local designer
Posted on: Wednesday, 21 September 2011
On the same day that Premier Investments Mark McInnes blamed the government for not doing enough to help retailers, designer Johanna Johnson was overwhelmed with online sales on her site which she re-launched just two weeks ago.
... Read More |
| Google: technology magician
Posted on: Wednesday, 14 September 2011
I imagine that you are reading this column because a part of you (whatever size) is deeply attracted to the world of technology. At its very esoteric, technology delivers a degree of magic into our lives that makes us all feel better.
... Read More |
| When is an iPad not an iPad?
Posted on: Wednesday, 7 September 2011
When it is a Samsung Galaxy Tab. At least that’s what a Dusseldorf court ruled this week when Samsung attempted to display its new tablet at IFAthe world’s largest electronics show IFA in Berlin. ... Read More |
| Buying power shifting into your hands
Posted on: Wednesday, 31 August 2011
I was sitting with a group of friends last week who were discussing the poor state of Australian retailing and they were genuinely concerned, although none actually worked in the industry. ... Read More |
| It’s more fun to be in front
Posted on: Wednesday, 24 August 2011
One of my favourite sections of this newsletter is the ConnectedWoman of the Week. The profile always reminds how amazing women are when they put their minds to starting and running businesses. ... Read More |
| No good TV deals at supermarkets
Posted on: Wednesday, 17 August 2011
A few years ago, a male relative bought a large LCD TV from a supermarket. Yes, hard to understand, but he believed that he would get a good deal because it was cheap.
... Read More |
| Female bloggers = power + influence
Posted on: Wednesday, 10 August 2011
If you are blogging then not only are you ahead of the curve, you are now part of the most powerful and influential groups of women in the world.
... Read More |
| Put yourself (and your business) at the top of the list
Posted on: Wednesday, 3 August 2011
I felt more relief yesterday when I heard that the Reserve Bank had decided not to lift interest rates than I have on other occasions. Then I realised it wasn’t only due to the impact on my business, but on the hundreds of small business operators, particularly women for whom an increase would be unbearable.
... Read More |
| Make the time to stay aware
Posted on: Wednesday, 27 July 2011
I think every parent needs to read this piece published in www.smh.com.au on Monday. The subject matter is something we read about every day, but it was the extreme frustration voiced by the Commander of the Australian Police that stayed with me.
... Read More |
| Apple grows amidst a withering retail landscape
Posted on: Wednesday, 20 July 2011
I overheard a group of women talking on the train last week about the sorry state of Australian retailing. They were genuinely concerned that retailers were suffering and seemed puzzled about what they could do. ... Read More |
| Technology: handle with care
Posted on: Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Have you noticed how much news revolves around technology these days? Our world is awash with it so it’s not surprising that we are starting to see kick back in a big way from its misuse.
The News International hacking scandal has, at its nucleus, calculated and unfettered abuse of mobile phone technology, which is experiencing one of the most voracious growth paths of any technology on the planet.
... Read More |
| Give me my coffee!
Posted on: Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Congratulations to Kate Hearps from Ulverstone, Tasmania, who has won the ConnectedWomen Nespresso Coffee Moment Prize.
... Read More |
| Are you a digital nomad?
Posted on: Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Everytime I speak with Womens NetworkAustralia CEO Lynette Palmen, it seems she is on the move, either hosting one of her national women’s business lunches in Sydney Melbourne, Tasmania, Perth or her home town, Brisbane.
... Read More |
| Women are making a difference
Posted on: Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Tomorrow afternoon, along with two other senior consumer electronics’ female executives, I will speak to delegates at the Photo Imaging Conference in Sydney’s Covention Centre. What is newsworthy about this event, badged “Women Making a Difference in the Camera Industry” is that to my knowledge, it is the first time women have been offered such a high profile at what will be one of the largest CE events on the Australian calendar.
... Read More |
| Women outpace men in SME start-ups
Posted on: Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Women are leaving corporate roles and taking the risk of starting up their own business at an unprecedented rate (7% over the past five years) and are outpacing men who are only jumping ship at the rate of 1.9%.
... Read More |
| Keeping in the loop, digitally
Posted on: Tuesday, 7 June 2011
It’s tech-head and gamer heaven over in the US this week, with the Apple World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) and Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, kicking off in San Francisco and Los Angeles. And while most of us probably aren’t lucky enough to score invites or be able to drop everything and scoot over to the States to check out the latest developments from our favourite electronics brands, there are some easy digital ways to stay in the loop. ... Read More |
| Head over to Cebit and pick up an idea
Posted on: Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Like many women, visiting a business technology exhibition is not top of my list of Things To Do: but I also don’t want to be left behind when it comes to learning the latest trends and how to apply them to my business. ... Read More |
| Is your iPhone a product of blood, sweat and tears?
Posted on: Tuesday, 24 May 2011
As an Apple tragic sitting in front of a Macbook Pro and with her iPhone 4 in arms reach, this is isn’t the easiest of editorials for me to write, but in light of recent events I feel its important we give more thought to the realities and people behind the gadgets many of us struggle to imagine life without. ... Read More |
| Is your iPhone a product of blood, sweat and tears?
Posted on: Tuesday, 24 May 2011
As an Apple tragic sitting in front of a Macbook Pro and with her iPhone 4 in arms reach, this is isn’t the easiest of editorials for me to write, but in light of recent events I feel its important we give more thought to the realities and people behind the gadgets many of us struggle to imagine life without. ... Read More |
| Like, comment, status update and shop ... on Facebook
Posted on: Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Last week I wrote an article for www.connectedaustralia.com’s Retail News edition about the growing trend for consumers to spend their dollars on Facebook at virtual shopfronts set up by retailers like J.C.Penney, Express and Game Stop. As many Australian retailers continue to move at a snails pace in their transition into e-tailers, I have little doubt that becoming an f-commerce player sits at the very bottom of their to-do lists.
... Read More |
| How seriously do you take your online safety?
Posted on: Tuesday, 10 May 2011
The perils of handing sensitive personal details over to companies has been brought to the fore in the past fortnight, with the hacking of Sony’s PlayStation Network, Qriocity and Online Entertainment services. The idea that over 100 million people’s personal details are in the hands of hackers willing to sell them might seem a bit surreal, but for those affected the breach of trust is palpable. ... Read More |
| It’s a fabulous time to be female
Posted on: Tuesday, 3 May 2011
It’s no secret women have a harder time in the workforce than do our male colleagues; as we battle to balance our needs and those of our partner, children and wider family (in short, our role as society’s care-givers) with our career ambitions and aspirations. It’s little wonder then that we so regularly need to be reminded about the most simple career-building concepts, which apparently hold strongest when imparted by those we look up to in our working lives - our role models.
... Read More |
| Is your TV smart enough?
Posted on: Tuesday, 19 April 2011
In the consumer electronics world, between March and April each year the “big guys” of the TV industry (i.e. Samsung, Sony, LG and Panasonic) launch their new audio-visual products onto the market. In 2010, 3D was the focus but this year, it’s all about making TV’s “smarter” by making them internet-connected. This means giving users the ability to view internet pages on their TV, access to social networking accounts, watch video content streamed from the net and in some cases, play games. But as ... Read More |
| What’s the deal with Harvey Norman Big Buys?
Posted on: Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Yesterday ladies, you could have scooped two packs of Maybelline XXL Extensions Mascara for just $10 on Harvey Norman’s new Big Buys website, and last week the new site was offering a Playtex baby hip hammock for $28. Confused? I was too. ... Read More |
| Let’s really get talking about technology
Posted on: Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Late last week, one of this country’s most influential female bloggers created a place for her readers to voice their tech issues and questions in the hope her online community might help each other out with some easy to understand solutions.
... Read More |
| All we want is a good experience
Posted on: Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Last week, I travelled to Byron Bay with Canon for the experiential launch of its latest digital cameras, DSLR’s, video cameras and printers. To get me acquainted with its new products, Canon put them in my hot little hands and set me loose to play in a range of environments, lights and settings – including 1km skywards in a hot air balloon. ... Read More |
| Finally, a list for working women worth noting
Posted on: Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Gender equality in the workforce has been on our minds since the centenary of International Women’s Day (IWD) a few weeks back, with much said about the need to lessen the wage gap, boost the number of women on boards and improve flexibility for working mothers. Many lists identifying the ideal employers for women/working mothers have surfaced in the weeks following IDW, but none has sparked my interest more than the National Association of Female Executives’ Top 50 Companies for Executive Women ... Read More |
| What’s the cost of a mouse click?
Posted on: Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Microsoft misjudged the temperament of its twitter followers this week, facing backlash in the twitterverse after it promised to donate US$1 to the Japanese quake appeal, up to US$100,000, for each retweet of its message in support of the devastated country. ... Read More |
| Numbers don’t lie, equality isn’t a reality
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Yesterday, women all over the world celebrated the centenary of International Women’s Day by reflecting on our gender’s achievements at breakfasts, late lunches and other ladies only events. Here in Australia, the occasion saw a revival of the debate about the number of female board members, with both Governor-General Quentin Bryce and shadow treasurer Joe Hockey calling for quotas to be forced upon corporations to ensure they up the number of women on boards. ... Read More |
| It's time to celebrate International Women’s Day properly
Posted on: Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Next Tuesday, March 8, marks the centenary of International Women’s Day – a day every woman should use to reflect how far our gender has come in the last 100 years. Though there is much more to achieve yet in the quest for gender equality, each one of us should take some time next Tuesday to celebrate the steps forward us gals have taken so far.
... Read More |
| Technology brings down retail book-ends
Posted on: Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Last week, news broke of the demise of two of this country’s biggest book retailers in the very same day. Some people were surprised by this happening, but users of Amazon and e-readers weren’t. Both Borders and Angus and Robertson have now been placed into voluntary administration, leaving just a couple of large book retailers alive. But thanks to the ever-changing world of technology, the question begs: how long can they survive without evolving?
... Read More |
| When a mobile phone camera just doesn't cut it
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 February 2011
This Connected Woman is writing to you this week from the stunning New Zealand city of Queenstown, where Panasonic is launching its 2011 range of LUMIX digital cameras and camcorders. ... Read More |
| Kambrook is on the right track, when will other CE brands follow?
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Earlier this week I heard all about Kambrook’s new(ish) blog from company marketing manager Adam Tacey; who explained that the small appliance maker established http://aperfectpantry.com.au late last year to foster open and two-way communication between consumers and its home economist Cassandra Heneghan. ... Read More |
| You should never judge an e-book by its cover
Posted on: Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Last week I encountered a charming and similarly tech-minded woman during my evening commute home on the bus. Aged in her early 70’s, we shared a seat and had exchanged little more than a polite smile when she pulled out her Kindle e-reader and settled in with a good e-book for the hour-long bus trip. I’m not sure why this caught me by surprise – perhaps because I consider myself pretty “techy” and yet I haven’t given any thought to buying an e-reader. ... Read More |
| Delivery proves just as important as intention
Posted on: Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Twitter and Facebook erupted into a frenzy last week when Bing Lee and Appliances Online launched their Queensland Flood Relief promotions, in which both retailers promised to donate $1 to the appeal for every person who “liked” their Facebook pages. ... Read More |
| GST debate rages on, leaving many "stung" in its wake
Posted on: Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Many heated words have been exchanged over the past fortnight as to whether the government should begin to impose GST on goods bought for less than $1000 on overseas internet sites. Heavyweights of the retail industry were blaring their opinions on the matter across multiple media channels and via a paid advertising campaign last week, leading to outrage from people in all walks of life. The statements of these old-world bosses, led by Gerry Harvey, served to prove what many of us have long sus ... Read More |
| Is it love? Or are we having a brief and torrid affair with our appliances?
Posted on: Tuesday, 14 December 2010
When I attended the MasterChef Live theatre show last Friday as a guest of show sponsor Sunbeam, I was again (rather loudly) reminded of the impact this hugely successful franchise has had on people of all ages. The teenage girl sitting beside me during the live show came surprisingly close to losing all control when George Calombaris, Gary Meighan and Matt Preston walked on stage. ... Read More |
| What an R18+ classification will mean for the industry, and your family.
Posted on: Thursday, 9 December 2010
Debate has intensified this week on the introduction of an R18+ classification for computer and video games; just a week after the link between violence and video games was once again found to be inconclusive – this time in a review commissioned by the federal government. ... Read More |
| It’s time we better supported the little guy
Posted on: Tuesday, 30 November 2010
I heard a great deal about the many difficulties the imaging industry is battling when I attended the PMA Digital Life Expo earlier this year; the biggest being how it can match the competition posed by large CE retailers who have entered the imaging market, and are able to undercut prices. But as is so often the case – seeing is believing. And over the past week I’ve seen first-hand the effect the “big guys” are having on the small, family owned camera and imaging stores. ... Read More |
| The multi-million dollar question: Will you be buying technology online this Christmas ?
Posted on: Tuesday, 23 November 2010
As Christmas draws ever closer, I know I’m not alone in wondering how to get my shopping done in time, whilst balancing a full-time job and what seems like a hundred other things. So why not head online, I thought, and get some of it knocked over from the comfort of my own home. And even better, have it done 3 weeks before I’d usually be joining the crowds for that last minute frenzied gift-buying rush. ... Read More |
| Time to log off, power down and take a breather
Posted on: Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Yesterday I interviewed the general manager of Digital Camera Warehouse, Sharyn McKissock, and I found myself in complete agreement with her message about embracing technology. According to McKissock, women shouldn’t feel bogged down by technology and instead appreciate the ways in which it improves our everyday lives. Her comments got me thinking about how technology impacts on my daily life – something I’d been considering for some time prior to yesterday. It was the views of lifestyle experts ... Read More |
| Sony engaged me, made me laugh and now I’m hooked
Posted on: Wednesday, 10 November 2010
When I attended the launch of the MUBI app for PlayStation 3 last week, I was blown away not just by the product, but also by the way it was delivered. Very often, when attending product launches with other journalists from the technology industry, the brain can be left buzzing with features, specifications and techy jargon – most of which means very little to the consumer ear and can be difficult and time consuming to translate. ... Read More |
| Accessorising the tech world
Posted on: Wednesday, 3 November 2010
When Claire asked that I write her Upfront column this week, I must admit that I initially felt apprehensive. I wondered – will anyone really be interested in what I have to say? When I considered my subject matter however, I breathed a sigh of relief. Because, let’s face it, as women we all like a little something that differentiates us from others, something that adds some much-needed sparkle into our everyday lives – accessories. ... Read More |
| Apple/Sony rumours spooked me, briefly
Posted on: Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Last night I must admit that I was spooked for a few hours after reading the speculation that Apple was poised to buy Sony. As a result, shares of Sony Corp rose nearly 3% at one point on Tuesday, and I personally felt that the world would never be the same again. ... Read More |
| Are you ready to go from a cook to a chef?
Posted on: Wednesday, 20 October 2010
This week is a busy one for the ConnectedWomen team. Yesterday, we launched a new blog site www.portableappliances.com, designed to keep not only the Australian appliance industry informed about the latest news, products and promotions, but also to give consumers a site to go to that comprehensively covers this category. Let’s face it, we are almost always in the market for a small appliance and with Christmas approaching these products usually move to the top of the list. ... Read More |
| Think carefully before you buy a $4 frypan
Posted on: Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Did you know that there is around 35% penetration of ‘homebrand’ products and appliances within the Australian market? These are products which are sourced by a variety of players who don’t necessarily need to have any experience in product development, production or marketing but, whom could form a connection with a factory in China, for instance and begin to import products with their own label on them.
... Read More |
| Is Pink the best choice for me?
Posted on: Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Now that we’re back from the long awaited refreshment of October long weekend in New South Wales and the fever of the ‘footy’ season has passed, we are well and truly hurtling towards the intensity of Christmas preparations. Bring it on!
But before we begin to scale that mountain, Australian women now have to transverse October, which due to the efforts of the Breast Cancer Foundation, is notable for the transformation of all things into pink.
... Read More |
| Now the pressure is on us to stay informed
Posted on: Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Over the past two months my business, and I suspect many others owned by women, has experienced a mini-boom. And the reason is obvious: we now have the ultimate role models in female authority, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Governor General Quentin Bryce sending a direct message that women leaders are capable, strong and successful.
... Read More |
| Woman shows she has more guts than global giant
Posted on: Wednesday, 22 September 2010
I was in television overload last night and managed to watch, surf and mute the news across four channels, ABC1, SBS, Channel 10 and Channel 7, not a usual event I can assure you. But it was worthwhile because I caught up on a piece about a mother who, being sick and tired of online stalking has created a mobile phone app which provides a solution to this worrying social problem. ... Read More |
| New female leader, old status quo
Posted on: Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Today we all wake up to the new reality: Australia is now lead by our first elected female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. This is unequivocally a game changer as much for men as it is for women in our society. ... Read More |
| The future lies in cheap, tinier chips
Posted on: Wednesday, 1 September 2010
This week I am writing my Upfront column as I am berthed at the port of Kotar in Montenegro. I am aboard the Seabourn Spirit with around 180 of Australia’s leading executives from the consumer electronics industry attending an annual business Seminar. ... Read More |
| We need a worldclass connectivity platform, now
Posted on: Wednesday, 25 August 2010
If the nation was confused last week, then our sense of security is really being tested now with the fact that for only the second time in history Australia is facing a Hung Parliament.
Unfortunately, this situation isn’t good for anyone’s business, either large or small, as most people tend to put major decisions on “hold” until they feel settled about the government. But it will be the smart operators who continue to invest in their technology training and continue to plan for the long term ... Read More |
| Don’t be fooled: cheap is cheap
Posted on: Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Last Friday night I was appalled and angry as I watched the TV Wars segment on Today Tonight. It was a segment devoted to maverick CE retailer Ruslan Kogan (how many female businesswomen would love that opportunity?) who at 27 makes his living from going to China and producing cheap TVs at Asian factories where he claims that the leading brands also make theirs.
... Read More |
| How a cat (and a mouse) turned a business into a winner
Posted on: Wednesday, 11 August 2010
There’s something energising about standing in a room about with a hundred businesswomen, keen to hear about how to grow their online presence.
That’s how I felt last night at the monthly Social Media Women event, listening to the online expert Valerie Khoo speak animatedly about her success also helped.
... Read More |
| Women’s stories hold the seeds of greatness
Posted on: Wednesday, 4 August 2010
There will be businesswomen around Australia right now attending a conference, workshop or seminar with the goal to improve their personal and business lives. It must be one of the country’s strongest growth industries, for women who are hungry to learn the best way to lead. ... Read More |
| We need to stay connected today and tomorrow
Posted on: Wednesday, 28 July 2010
There wouldn’t be a woman reading this newsletter whose life isn’t significantly impacted by the internet. If there is, I would love to hear from you.
... Read More |
| The oven which is just like a mobile phone
Posted on: Wednesday, 21 July 2010
When I hear the term technology, my mind automatically goes to anything digital: phones, TVs, computers. It’s not something that I associate easily with those appliances that I take for granted in the kitchen and laundry. ... Read More |
| There's a reconnection in there somewhere
Posted on: Wednesday, 14 July 2010
I had a meeting with some of my great networking mates on a rainy day in Sydney last week and one aspect of the conversation that really impacted me was the discussion about our technology lives: what blog program we were using, what platform was best for supervising our online tasks and of course, what app to use for managing all our social media channels.
... Read More |
| It’s never to late to dig out the dirt
Posted on: Wednesday, 7 July 2010
It may be the dead of winter, but that doesn’t mean that our homes aren’t crying for a good clean (I know mine does). For some reason, it always seems harder to get down to the nitty gritty when it’s colder. ... Read More |
| We all need to be heard
Posted on: Wednesday, 30 June 2010
I was almost beside myself last Wednesday evening when news of a leadership challenge by Julia Gillard to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd broke on the ABC. I remained glued to the TV and my twitter account twitter.com/connectedclaire. Not only was it exciting but an extraordinary opportunity to use social media to engage, comment and generally keep everyone up-to-date with events as they unfolded. ... Read More |
| David Jones: a history lesson
Posted on: Wednesday, 23 June 2010
I believe that many women shop for their small appliances, and major kitchen and laundry purchases and of course latest flatscreen technology at David Jones, because over the generations, the retailer has created a very safe place for women to shop. Women tell me that David Jones is peaceful, uncluttered and respectful to the female shopper , and that is certainly my experience. When women are in that store they feel that their greatest need is being met: to be heard and understood.
... Read More |
| Citizens media alerts customers
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 June 2010
When retail trading gets tough, it sometimes brings out the need by sales staff to meet targets at any cost. This isn’t new. If you follow the recent forum posts covering the sales of iPad accessories at JB Hi Fi this is certainly how it appears. ... Read More |
| No need to fear, an AV specialist is near
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 June 2010
So you’ve bought the latest AV system only to bring it home and find the mountains of cables and connections beyond not just yourself, but beyond your partner’s comprehension too. Or you may be contemplating designing a new system for the home or office, and it all just seems too hard. It will come as a relief for many then, to discover that one Connected Woman has taken note, started her own AV systems design and integration business and best of all – she’s just a phone call away. ... Read More |
| Win over the Boomer and everyone else will follow
Posted on: Wednesday, 9 June 2010
During the past week, I was a fortunate to be a guest at the ‘Sony House’ launch of the company’s 3D range before making my way to fog blanketed Melbourne for the annual photographic exhibition: Digital Life Expo.
To say that 3D was the hot topic during both events is unnecessary, but was obvious to me is that some technology companies at least are slowly coming to the realisation that the consumers of their products are multi-dimensional, and come in all shapes, sizes and gender. ... Read More |
| Is lack of insight into women’s markets making us luddites?
Posted on: Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Tomorrow afternoon I will take part in a media panel hosted by PMA Australia at the 2010 Digital Life Expo & Conference, Melbourne. My contribution will be to answer questions about how photographic retailers can better connect and sell to women.
To my knowledge I will be the only woman on the panel with four other media players. While the PMA needs to be acknowledged for its commitment to bringing the women’s perspective to the table, when are we truly going to see balanced representation?
... Read More |
| Why Haier’s CEO took a sledgehammer to 79 fridges
Posted on: Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Today I am feeling reconnected and energised after spending a week touring the southern Chinese cities of Beijing, Qingdao, Huangdao and Huangzhou. I was there courtesy of China’s largest appliance manufacturer Haier, which now owns 20% of New Zealand company Fisher & Paykel and is set on an expansion track in Australia. ... Read More |
| Jessica: gracious, gifted and not afraid of technology either
Posted on: Wednesday, 19 May 2010
I was glued to the plasma on Saturday waiting for the redoubtable Jessica Watson to make her gracious entry. On a beautiful Autumn Sydney day, it opened up yet another vision into the gifts that so many women possess.
... Read More |
| Can it all be in the question?
Posted on: Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Late last year I listened to Dr Happy aka Dr. Timothy J. Sharp at a business breakfast, he made a lot of sense then about why we are suffering from an unhappiness epidemic ( much has to do with the fact that we don’t get enough sleep). ... Read More |
| Camilla, kaftans and the bloggers
Posted on: Wednesday, 5 May 2010
On Monday I enjoyed another of the joys of being a media owner: I was seated in the front row of the 12pm Camilla Franks show on the first day of Australian Fashion Week courtesy of Sunbeam, one of Franks major sponsors. ... Read More |
| Female online literacy hurting big brands
Posted on: Wednesday, 28 April 2010
For the 86% of women who are using social media and the 72% who log onto the internet at least once a day, it will come as no surprise to learn that women are making their voice heard about poor products and lacklustre customer service. And appliance manufacturers are firmly in their sights.
This trend is abundantly clear when we look at the US website www.consumeraffairs.com which enables unimpressed consumers to fill out ‘complaint forms’ which are published online. ... Read More |
| First, I wanted an iPad, now it has to be a 3DTV
Posted on: Wednesday, 21 April 2010
It’s really hard for me to go past the trending topic of 3D technology this week, especially since I spent yesterday encased within the Melbourne Exhibition Centre being exposed to the onslaught of 3D products about to arrive in the country courtesy of global CE company Panasonic.
... Read More |
| Gender intelligence is vital
Posted on: Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Over the past week, I have been working from Langkawi, Malaysia where the national specialist group, Camera House has been holding its Half Yearly Meeting. ... Read More |
| I just want one
Posted on: Wednesday, 7 April 2010
I’ve heard it called sumptuous, dazzling and strangely likened to a ‘gorgeous women’ and if I’m honest, I really want one.
I know have iPad fever, caught by the ease with which I run my mobile communications on my iPhone and inflamed by the thought that I can actually have a business tool which is responsive to my needs. I understand now why ed_dale implemented Operation iPad with such enthusiasm. I just wished I had thought of it. ... Read More |
| Camera made just for us: about time
Posted on: Wednesday, 31 March 2010
When I heard from our ConnectedWomen reporter Lorna Brett last week that Sanyo had developed a video camera that was specifically designed for women, I had to make a reality check. Honestly, I was initially doubtful and not without cause. This was the first CE brand I knew about that appeared to have actually researched what women wanted in a video camera, briefed the designers, made it through the factory manager in Asia (often the problematic gatekeeper) developed a marketing strategy and was ... Read More |
| Don't take risks with anything electrical
Posted on: Wednesday, 24 March 2010
During a conversation with Lee Cummins on CoffeeChat FM on Monday morning, Lee asked me what tips I would give to her female listeners who may be about to shop for consumer electronics. ... Read More |
| Sometimes it’s all about the colour
Posted on: Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Several weeks ago I was a presenter at a conference in Sydney for the consumer electronics buyers of Australia’s leading buying group Narta International. My topic was ‘Connecting To Women’ and as part of the delivery I covered off the apparent reluctance by many leading CE retailers to stock products which are stylish, colourful and created specifically for the female consumer (who, as we know, controls 72% of the household budget). ... Read More |
| It’s never too late to learn how to iron
Posted on: Wednesday, 10 March 2010
It was sweltering above 30 degrees in Sydney’s CBD yesterday when I headed off in late afternoon traffic with the ConnectedWomen team towards Bondi Beach for the launch of the first new Sunbeam Iron brand in a decade. ... Read More |
| It’s great to be on the cusp of another Day
Posted on: Wednesday, 3 March 2010
As international Women’s Day approaches (along with all the celebratory lunches) next Monday, March 8, I’ve already begun to review my achievements over the past year, personally and professionally. ... Read More |
| Building a bridge to success
Posted on: Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Yesterday I spent several hours with a group of remarkable women who all had one factor in common: they had a burning desire to succeed through changing their present state of mind. ... Read More |
| Game hacker is responsible
Posted on: Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Does the father of James Burt, the 24 year old who illegally downloaded a Nintendo game, then distributed it and now owes the company $1.5million really believe his son is an innocent in this matter? ... Read More |
| Are you missing out on the Holy Grail?
Posted on: Wednesday, 10 February 2010
As we move closer towards one of the most important dates in the diary: International Women’s Day, Monday March 8, there is a great opportunity for male marketers to take stock and consider just what they can do to improve their marketing to women.
This event alone delivers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contributions that women make on a personal and corporate level.
... Read More |
| What were they thinking?
Posted on: Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Early last Thursday morning, I was posting to my Twitter feed and checking on the news of the day. You may recall that the dominant trending topic was the launch of the iPad and all the analysis which followed.
What I wasn’t prepared for but which quickly began to flood through my Twitter tribe was the women’s reaction (there are more women using social media than men) to the branding of this latest technology advance.
... Read More |
| Congratualtions to Ronni Kahn: local hero
Posted on: Wednesday, 27 January 2010
There’s nothing more uplifting than watching one of your networking mates honoured, especially on our national day. When I heard yesterday morning that Ronni Kahn CEO of Oz Harvest had been given the Local Heroes award in the Australia Day Honours, it was a great start to the morning. ... Read More |
| When you get the mic, keep it
Posted on: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
No-one would disagree that the share of voice of women to men in business remains disparate.
While I’m not an expert on gender issues, I do have some experience as a media owner and technology advocate and I am becoming increasingly concerned that tech savvy women are still not raising their voices to the same pitch as their male colleagues. ... Read More |
| 2010 opens door to tech savvy women
Posted on: Wednesday, 13 January 2010
While most Aussie women were recovering last week from the holiday festivities (not to mention the entertaining) the international world of consumer electronics was converging on Las Vegas.
It’s a tradition within the CE industry that the year kicks off with a bang at CES Las Vegas and this year was no exception. But what has piqued my interest is the focus placed on women and their use of technology at this year’s event. ... Read More |
| Keep checking credentials and stay safe
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Like many of you, I am also drawing a sigh of relief that we are leaving the tumultuous months of 2009 behind us and heading into an exciting new decade. But it seems that in the world of consumer electronics, the year is going out with a bang and certainly not a whimper. In less than a week there have been two significant recalls of household products.
... Read More |
| Be prepared, it could get stormy
Posted on: Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Over the past week I have heard consistent murmurings of concern by both male and female business leaders that we are headed into another storm in the first quarter of 2010.
We all know that Australia has weathered the GFC well, but the minute rise in October retail sales, and the slamming of interest rate rises by the banks last week, indicates that we are all still in a fragile state.
... Read More |
| Tech experts have cotton wool in their ears
Posted on: Wednesday, 2 December 2009
According to author of Marketing to Women: How to Increase Your Share of the World’s Largest Market, Marti Barletta, one of the most important aspects that women look for when they enter a consumer electronics store is to be recognized and above all ‘heard’.
It doesn’t sound groundbreaking, but it can make the difference between a retailer making a sale on the day and possibly many more in the future.
Yet, despite all the intelligence that abounds about sales and customer service, women are ... Read More |
| Techno girls powering forward and winning
Posted on: Wednesday, 25 November 2009
The women have really impressed with their technology skills in the past week, with ConnectedWomen’s very own reporter Dannielle Ryan winning the Sony’s Guitar Hero play off last Thursday. Not only was she the only woman to win, she was the only woman who entered! Which just goes to show that we often hold ourselves back unnecessarily, particularly when it comes to technology. ... Read More |
| Men want to conquer the appliance while women just want to use it
Posted on: Tuesday, 17 November 2009
As the staggering array of consumer electronic Christmas promotions just keep coming, I can’t help thinking that there are going to be enormous amounts of gadgets lying around the house come late January that will end up as e-waste.
Although most of the products and services are excellent value, such as the TVs that come with a fridge and great holiday destinations, buying novelty gadgets for Christmas gifts is commonplace. In fact, many companies develop these ... Read More |
| It’s a dealers paradise
Posted on: Wednesday, 11 November 2009
If the Global Financial Crisis has left any benefits, it’s the amazing number of the promotional deals available on consumer electronics products that leading brands are offering between now and Christmas. ... Read More |
| Twitter lists: get on board
Posted on: Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Just when you think it’s safe to go back to your keyboard, Twitter and Facebook start making changes to their platforms. It’s all designed to make our social media strategies easier, but for some of us these take a little longer to implement. ... Read More |
| David Jones takes the lead by reaching out
Posted on: Wednesday, 28 October 2009
At the beginning of this month, we reported on the support that large companies put behind the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and to date, the world’s leading consumer electronics companies have been coming up short.
NBCF head of fundraising, Libby O’Neill believes that this may have some bearing on deeply held beliefs within those organisations that supporting women’s causes somehow misses their core demographic of 18-34 year old males.
My conversations with marketing executives wi ... Read More |
| Consuming too much…info?
Posted on: Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Whenever I mention the term “tweeting” to women who own their own business or are managing large teams, a disturbed look often comes across their face, which is then followed by a statements such as “I am not even interested in that.” ... Read More |
| Why change?
Posted on: Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Last Friday GUD Holdings, the parent company of Sunbeam made a Takeover Offer for the Breville Group (see our story in Breaking News). Sunbeam is a direct competitor to Breville and both brands hold sizeable marketshare. ... Read More |
 | Nobel winner lights our path
Posted on: Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Congratulations to Tasmanian born Elizabeth Blackburn who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine this week. Not only is Blackburn the first Australian woman to win the prestigious award, but it was made as a result of her work in molecular science which has revealed key findings for the prevention of cancer and ageing. ... Read More |
| Bring on the robots, quickly
Posted on: Tuesday, 29 September 2009
While millions of women on Australia's east coast continue to wipe red dust out of every corner of the house, our thoughts go to something that is beyond the average spring cleaning 'to do' list. One of the things that are top of our minds (I know this to be true because it was a hot topic at the Network Central breakfast last Thursday) include: where are the robotic vacuum cleaners and how can I get one quickly? ... Read More |
 | We need to model functional online behaviour
Posted on: Wednesday, 23 September 2009
When I started receiving bullying emails several months ago I felt shocked and angry…so much so that I reported it to the police who explained that this type of behaviour was, unfortunately on the rise. ... Read More |
 | Have socket, will travel
Posted on: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
While the ability to plug in my appliances into an electric powerpoint is something that I know I take for granted, I had to think again when I heard that I could be plugging in my car to the socket shortly. ... Read More |
| My favourite IFA things
Posted on: Wednesday, 9 September 2009
There’s no better time to be a women who is interested in technology than today, as the world’s largest technology expo: IFA has been held in Berlin, Germany over the past week. ... Read More |
| Technology is meant to serve
Posted on: Wednesday, 2 September 2009
It’s difficult for me to comprehend that there are women in countries not far from Australia who don't have a refrigerator which can keep their food fresh. ... Read More |
| Ask the expert
Posted on: Wednesday, 26 August 2009
The one thing I know for sure is that women are experts at shopping. I actually believe it is socially implanted into us when we are very young because we grow up becoming the surrogate shoppers for all the family and that's not to mention birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and of course Christmas. ... Read More |
| Privacy matters
Posted on: Wednesday, 19 August 2009
It’s probably not surprising that given the outstanding capacity of social networking sites and the internet to open our lives to the world, that women, in particular are placing an extremely high value on their privacy.
I was alerted to this recently, when due to a technical hitch, ConnectedWomen subscribers were inadvertently sent an edition of our business-to-business newsletter. I discovered then that many of our 15,000 database of women are clear about what they do and do not want to r ... Read More |
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