All businesses around the world are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian retailers, whom were already suffering from the winds of change before the crisis, now face the toughest economic conditions in almost a century – particularly for our friends in brick-and-mortar.There has never been a more apt time for retailers to diversify their sales channels and use marketplaces to keep sales coming through. MyDeal recognises its importance as a vital sales channel to its sellers during these unprecedented times.Effective immediately, MyDeal is slashing the cost of its onboarding package. New sellers integrating onto the marketplace will now only pay $500 (exc. GST) to onboard with MyDeal. This 50% discount is eligible to all new sellers until 30 June 2020.The onboarding package will give sellers a fully managed integration and onboarding service accompanied with 2 email newsletter spots upon launch to get sales through the door right from launch.Please go to marketplace.mydeal.com.au to enquire about becoming a seller on MyDeal and making use of this discount.We are all in this together; and together we will get through this stronger, better and more united.

Imagine you’re a freelancer who spends their days on the keys, sipping on a skinny cappuccino and enjoying a plethora of various projects. Imagine you’re a multi-faceted company who delivers on campaigns for clients of all walks of life. No matter what kind of professional you are, you’ll have some way or format of coping with the influx of work. Your project processes and ability to navigate deadlines will have a set flow and nature, and as someone who works in your own specific field, you’ll know exactly what kind of expectations are placed around all of this.But when times get tough and deadlines are maxing out, how exactly do you take control of all the projects you have going on? Where can you find clarity when things are becoming overwhelming, and turning into a potential mess? From tools through to high-performing resources, professionals need to adopt efficient systems to cope with the ebb and flows.In this post, we walk through why the perfect solution can make all the difference to your business success. Scalability and customisationAny kind of agency management software can offer the kind of flexibility you need to successfully grow your business. Even if you’re a lone wolf, this kind of solution allows you to change roles rapidly, match shifting clients’ needs and customise the interface. If you’re a team with several people in it, this allows you to adopt the most efficient possible process to responsibilities, workflow and clarity. And if the scope of the project changes, your project management software can too.The ability to manage approvalsIn the digital age, streamlining the feedback and approval process – especially on creative assets – can get messy. From endless email threads to navigating the many stakeholders involved, this is where the ultimate agency management software solution really comes in handy. See historical data on who approved what, where feedback was positioned and what’s been delivered to date. Know exactly where delays are occurring or where work needs to be carried out.Productivity is keyWhen your teams know what exactly is expected of them, or can see how a project is on track, productivity can skyrocket. Instead of going in blind into any kind of project – whether you’re a blogger, salesperson or graphic designer – have a firm understanding of where you need to focus your efforts and why. The right system offers you the ability to see clearcut timelines in a clean, non-distracting interface; in the end, this can make or break the success of your workforce.ConclusionIf you’re not sure where to start, consider by asking yourself how your team could be better placed. Is there a lack of unity in goals? Is there a lack of clarity around responsibilities and roles? Do you sometimes feel lost when it comes to navigating feedback? All of these aspects play a crucial role in the success of your business. Luckily, however, it can all be easily mitigated with software that tracks each of these elements. It just takes a bit of research towards finding the right solution for you.

Brisbane rules. Our winters are less severe than southern capitals, dress shorts are acceptable business attire, you can find a carpark within two minutes of your destination and if you jump into your car and get driving you’ll find yourself at some of the world’s best beaches in no time.Brisbane property is also top quality. We have a median house price that would barely secure a rancid carport in Melbourne or Sydney. Furthermore, our allotments are so large that scoring a “six and out” in backyard cricket requires a knock Bradman himself would be proud of.All this said, successfully investing in Brisbane property can be treacherous without a little insider knowledge.Here are three tips for ensuring success. 1. Life is Different HereProperty Pursuit Buyers Agent director Meighan Hetherington says investors must avoid imposing out-of-town rules on our chilled Brisbane lifestyle. She believes homes benefit from our relaxed outdoor living.“The important things are the layout of the property and how it flows out to entertaining areas.”“We’re also not that fussed about having lockup car accommodation — a carport is quite acceptable. I find a lot of push back from interstate investors not understanding that that’s completely acceptable and won’t negatively impact potential for capital growth or the rentability of a property in Brisbane.”Air conditioning is now vital for renters and owners too, Ms Hetherington said.“Tenants used to be quite satisfied with ceiling fans, but it’s become a must to have it (air conditioning) installed in about the last 18 months.” 2. Know Your WantsCharacter homes differ between Brisbane and other states, according to Ms Hetherington.“Brick and tile low set on concrete slabs are not as well regarded by owner-occupiers who are hopefully the future buyer of your property and where your capital growth will come from.”Character Queenslanders up on stumps are the most sought-after, despite potentially greater maintenance costs.“Properties with the tin roofs and the timber walls and the cracks in the walls and the air coming through the window (joinery) — those sorts of properties. While they look like a nightmare to an interstate investor, they’re probably the ones that are most sought after by future buyers,” said Ms Hetherington. 3. Hill Living is Good LivingAlthough homeowners in other parts of the country like a cruisy stroll on low-lying property, us Brisbanites love a good ascent (and, of course, corresponding descent). Ms Hetherington said hills are a great aspect of Brisbane’s charm with natural light and improved airflow being great benefits.“So sometimes those areas that are down flat and quite walkable are the areas that might suffer from flooding or rising water.” Looking to Invest in Brisbane?If you are looking to purchase property in a beautiful, relaxed city, a pre-handover inspection Brisbane is vital. Building inspectors Brisbane can ensure that your potential property is of the highest standard and that you’re not paying too much for a property with defects.Building inspections Brisbane is the best way to ensure you are paying the right amount for your property. A thorough building inspection Brisbane will find if there are any problems that the current owner is trying to hide – ensuring you don’t get caught out in the overall sale price. 

What makes a happy, memorable customer experience? Ask a handful of different demographics and you’re likely to get a dizzying array of diverse answers.However, it is generally accepted that good customer service ticks the following boxes:Great Communication SkillsA friendly smile and some amusing banter can make a customer’s day and put a spring in their step. Human beings are tribal and quite loyal by nature. If a customer enjoys the great communication they receive at an establishment, they’ll keep coming back for more.However, “great communication skills” can sometimes mean knowing when not to talk. If a customer is on the way to work or in the middle of a difficult day, hearing what the barista had for breakfast may not be exactly what they’re looking for. Having great communication skills means tuning into the needs of the customer.Product KnowledgeThis is a big one. Whether it is a supermarket, a café cart or a silver service restaurant, there’s nothing more frustrating for customers than asking seemingly simple questions that can’t be answered.Schedule regular meetings with your staff to bring them up to speed with any product changes. There’s nothing more impressive than a waiter who knows the menu back to front, plus can recommend complementing dishes or drinks from a place of knowledge.Patience and Problem SolvingPatience is a really important component of good customer service. There are going to be times when things unexpectedly break down or go wrong. Train your staff (and yourself) in alternative solutions, dealing with complaints and being calm as the proverbial cucumber under pressure.EfficiencyThis last point is arguably the most important. The world we live in feels busier and busier…so no-one likes to be kept waiting. One of the key things you can offer is well-planned efficiency.Your staffing is key – make sure all your employees know which areas they are covering, and what their core responsibilities are.Beyond all that, consider this: ever have a lovely meal and then had to wait half an hour to pay the bill? No matter how delightful the food, this kind of experience can leave a sour taste. Make sure your payment systems are as slick as the service. Your Point of Sale (POS) systems are key to this process, i.e. the apparatus and software you have in place.Luckily, there are hospitality POS systems that are tailored to the needs of this industry. Utilise special features such as the ability to split the bill or track inventory to improve your overall efficiency and impress customers into coming back.If your customer service and efficiency are ticking the above boxes, you’ll be on the right track to success. 

Darwin has plenty of drawcards itself but for a truly memorable Northern Territory wilderness experience, you really should do some of the incredible day-trips which are within easy reach of this laid-back tropical coastal city.Even if you’ve only got a limited amount of time, day trips from Darwin allow you to experience all the rugged beauty, fascinating wildlife, history, culture and extraordinary natural phenomena of the NT’s top-end. Here are our faves that will have you gasping in disbelief and definitely wanting MORE!Litchfield National ParkThis beautiful wilderness area is located an easy hour’s drive from Darwin and is known for its spectacular waterfalls and crystal clear natural swimming pools, monsoonal rainforests, weird and wonderful rock formations, magnetic termite mounds, sculpted cliffs, towering sandstone pillars of the Lost City and historic sites. There are also plenty of bush trails and boardwalks showcasing the natural beauty and abundant fauna and flora of this 1500km2 park.Kakadu National ParkAlthough Kakadu covers an area that is larger than the entire country of Slovenia, you can still get a taste of all that this amazing 20 000km2 park has to offer during a day trip from Darwin. If you’re travelling by road, you can reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site in around two hours from Darwin and it’s possible to visit some of its famed attractions in one action-packed day! Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie and Ubirr, cruise down Yellow Waters and look for crocs, walk through canyons and forests, driver over rugged escarpments, be amazed by flocks of migratory birds on the wetlands or take a helicopter trip for an incredible bird’s eye view.Mary River RegionIf you travel about 100kms east from Darwin, you’ll find the Mary River wetlands which aren’t just home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocs, they’re also a great spot for bushwalking (with trails to suit all fitness levels) and wildlife spotting in the vast waterlily-rimmed billabongs. One of the most popular activities here is a Jumping Crocodile Cruise in the Corroboree Billabong where giant reptiles leap from the water to grab the dangling buffalo meat - just remember to keep your hands to yourself!And if birds are your thing, don’t miss the Fogg Dam wetland area which you’ll find en route from Darwin to Mary River. It’s home to over 30 different species of our feathered friends including egrets, jabirus, kingfishers, brolga, kites, whistling ducks, magpie geese, sea eagles and black cockatoos. You can also visit the Windows on the Wetlands on the way, a panoramic look-out point perched on the crest of Beatrice Hill, one of the highest points on the Adelaide River floodplain as well as enjoy the interactive exhibits at the visitor centre.Sweets LagoonFor the ultimate in Top End action and excitement, a half-day trip from Darwin to Sweets Lagoon and the surrounding floodplains with Outback Floatplane Adventures is a must. They offer a scintillating combination of a scenic floatplane experience, a relaxing billabong cruise and a heart-pumping airboat ride - all in the one outing. And in addition to the scenic aerial views and the dramatic glory of Sweets Lagoon, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the biggest crocs in the NT too (completely safely of course!). And if you’re really lucky, your chopper will be piloted by TV star, animal expert and owner of Outback Floatplane Adventures, Matt Wright.Tiwi IslandsIf you’re after an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience, you should visit the Tiwi Islands, situated a mere 80kms north of Darwin. The ‘Island of Smiles’ is an easy day trip from Darwin and offers the perfect blend of nature and culture. Learn about traditional art and burial rituals, experience totem dances and a smoking ceremony and enjoy a spot of fishing or a relaxing stroll in the stunning surroundings.With its wild and wonderful attractions within easy reach, Darwin is the perfect launching pad for experiencing all the action, adventure, excitement, amazement and of course, awe-inspiring beauty of Australia’s remote northern territory. But with so much to choose from for your Top-End itinerary and so many awesome discovery trips from Darwin on offer, it can be a challenge knowing where to start!Choosing a reputable tour operator is key. The Northern Territory is spectacular and has so much to offer, but there are some important things to consider including the timing of your visit, safety and sensitivity to local culture and customs. An experienced operator with extensive local knowledge is your best bet, plus they’ll know where to find the hidden treasures and secret spots.For more information or to book your day trip from Darwin with the most experienced local tour operator, Outback Floatplane Adventures. They offer a range of action-packed half-day and full-day tours from Darwin as well as an exclusive overnight adventure which showcases the very best of the Northern Territory.