Australia, it's time to get real about the internet.

For years now we have put up with our smaller businesses trotting out the same old excuses for not improving their substandard web presence(s).

"Its just a fad", "We prefer personal service", "It doesn't work for us", "It's too expensive", "We're not really that tech savvy" and that old chestnut – "It's just another advertising ripoff".

If this sounds like you, let's cut the ribbon now. Because it's official. You are in online denial.

Every small business owner knows how hard it is to score your first few clients. Just being a small business is enough for some prospective partners to automatically dismiss you, and getting your foot in the door isn't an easy task...

By Patrick Stafford @ SmartCompany.com.au - Read the article

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"It may not have the visceral open-road appeal of Cars & Transportation, the looking-good-while-being-green glow of Fashion & Beauty, the geeky goodness of Science & Technology, or the slick style of Design & Architecture, but when it comes down to it, Business & Politics is the backdrop upon which the entire ongoing green drama is played. We can do all the changing of lightbulbs and installation of solar panels, wearing of organic clothing and eco-coiffing, bicycle riding, and sustainable furniture sitting we like, but that type of personal action is only one part of the story. Without serious change at the political and business level, the transition to a low-carbon, ecologically sustainable future simply won't happen. Here are some of the best examples of people and organizations who blazed a trail for the rest of us to follow during the past year."