The A-Z of SXSW 2012 (a beginners guide)

So you’re considering attending SXSW. Awesome. I had my first experience of this melting pot of cutting edge start-ups, countless bands, good ol’ fashioned Texas BBQ and handguns earlier in the year and I can’t wait to get back for another go. Time to drop any preconceptions, decide on your badge, bock some flights, and prepare yourself for a huge couple of days. So what do you need to know to get the most out of your experience? Here are a... Read More

Bank of Melbourne – *Is* better banking closer?

Big news out of bankland this morning is the Westpac announcement that they will be resurrecting the Bank of Melbourne to replace St George’s presence in Melbourne. The Bank of Melbourne brand has been absent from Victoria since 2004, following acquisition by Westpac in 1997. By relaunching this brand the Sydney based Westpac is making a strong statement of commitment into traditionally ANZ and NAB held retail and business heartland, investing... Read More

Banking reforms and the fifth pillar – what it really means?

  Following tireless lobbying by the Australian people (via the news.com.au reader comments section), the government has finally acted on the unscrupulous fat cats in bank land, with Wayne Swan yesterday announcing sweeping, industry transforming reforms aimed at increasing bank competition and establishing a “fifth pillar” of financial service.    Oh wait. No he didn’t. No, instead of any real, decisive change, the Treasurer has introduced... Read More

Aussie Corporate Social Media – Old business; big opportunity

A couple of days back a colleague mentioned that our organisation was considering what internal and external opportunity might existing in regards to Social Media. This is coming from an organisation who let HR shut down Yammer, so it’s fair to say we’re a pretty old-world operation here. But it got me thinking, how can traditional business get itself started in the social space, and what are the opportunities and risks they will... Read More