Phil Leahy's Personal Blog.

Tickets on sale now! Professional eBay & e-commerce Sellers Alliance (PeSA)

2012-01-20T14:13:00.000+11:00

We're excited to announce that the 2012 PeSA Internet Conference is open for 'super' early-bird registrations. 2012 will be bigger than ever, with an additional HALF day of conference, a new networking event, a big exhibition and FIVE streams of content. All for the low super early bird rate of $395 if you book and pay before 28 February 2012.

What's different about PeSA Internet Conference?
Internet Conference is an established event with a six year history. Unlike other conferences, PeSA is focused on practicality; the HOW to sell online, not the THEORY of selling online.
PeSA is made up of experienced online sellers, ensuring that all Conference content is highly relevant to those in the business of online retailing. PeSA is the leading conference for small to large sized online sellers. [Learn more]

New Speakers and some favourites return
We're working on a huge line up for 2012! New keynote speakers include Gabby Leibovich - co-founder of Scoopon, Catch of the Day and Grocery Run, Steve Price - MTR Program Director and regular 7pm Project Presenter and Jim "Griff" Griffith's - eBay's first customer support representative in 1996, author of the Official eBay Bible and Senior Manager of Seller Advocacy at eBay (USA).We're also bringing back PeSA favourites, including John Lawson! [Learn more]

More Sessions
In 2012 we're getting bigger again! We've extended the Conference so that it kicks off a half day earlier, allowing for more sessions and a NEW networking night - Welcome drinks on the Wednesday night. We've also added another stream, so there will be keynotes plus FIVE content streams. All up we'll be running 60 content sessions. [Learn more]

** NEW ** Pre-Conference workshops
To continue to build the educational offering at the PeSA Internet Conference, this year we'll be staging two additional, special four hour intensive pre-conference workshops. Places at the workshops are strictly limited to forty people and will be filled on a "first booked, first served" bases. They are at an additional price of $250. The two workshops are Social Persuasion Commerce with John Lawson & SEO Essentials with Ash Nallawalla. [Learn more]

Why attend in 2012?
As an online seller, you're so busy meeting orders that you rarely get the chance to step away and work on your business, not just in your business. PeSA Internet Conference offers you the chance to learn from international & local experts, hear case studies, network, explore the exhibition, get inspired and leave ready for another great year. [Learn more]

How to register
First determine what ticket you'd like to purchase. Will you take advantage of a pre-conference workshop, or attend the popular gala dinner? You can view the various options here. Then you simply register and pay online via PayPal, Visa or Mastercard. PeSA can also accept direct deposit or Cheque. Register before 28 Feb, 2012 and you'll pay the super early bird rate. [Register now]

Online Retailer

2012-01-15T07:11:00.000+11:00

Online Retailer

If you are an online retailer or thinking about becoming online retailer then the PeSA Internet Conference is for you.

The PeSA Internet Conference is committed to providing the worlds best speakers and trainers that have demonstrated outstanding results. We dislike get rich quick & theorists. We are attracted to facts & best practices. We are made up of eCommerce entrepreneurs that have demonstrated success online. We believe in building an online business on a solid foundation with clear goals. The fact is it takes hard work and plenty of quality knowledge to be successful online. If you are serious about making money online then you must attend our conference.

There is great opportunity as an online retailer in Australia and knowledge is the Key to success. Australia’s best and most successful examples of online retailing have attended our events and shared their secrets. This includes businesses such as DealsDirect.com.au, Scoopon.com.au and CatchoftheDay.com.au

Knowledge is the Key.

My top 5 “Rock Star” moments of 2011

2011-12-29T16:32:00.012+11:00

My job brings me a fantastic opportunity to experience great moments, due to having a wide network of friends and my constant travelling. This year (according to my LinkedIn travelapp) I covered a distance of 240,088 km’s. Here are my personal Top 5 “rock star” moments for 2011

. #5 Meeting Dita Von Teese. 26/10/11

Our friend Michele Hamdorf invited my wife Jan-Marie and I to a special cocktail party for about 20 people to meet Dita Von Teese. She was amazing, a true Diva. Her dress range is exceptional, which I describe as classic sexy - like the lady herself.

#4 Thievery Corporation 2/8/11 at Metro Melbourne

My friend Jet Troth invited me to meet Rob from Thievery Corporation and Rob invited us backstage (and onstage) to watch them play to a packed crowd at the Metro in Melbourne, we then went bar hopping with the band. What a great night.

#3 The Book of Mormon - Broadway show 17/11/11 New York

The winner of 9 Tony awards this musical is a must see if you visit NYC. My friend Mindy Hersh and I had killer seats in the box overlooking the stage. The funniest show I have been to. Love it!

#2 Jim Stynes speaking at our charity event.

Each year Kimberly Palmer and I conduct a charity event. This year we raised close to $30,000 for the Reach Foundation. Jim Stynes gave a speech about his life and The Reach Foundation. Jim delivered an amazing speech that brought tears to most in the room.

# 1 Frank Lo Porto boxing World title fight El Paso Texas 11/11/2011

The best boxing gym in Melbourne, BoxingFit’s owner Mick Hargraves invited me to Frank’s world title fight in El Paso Texas. As I was due to fly from Vegas to NYC the same day - it was a no brainer. Mick is Frank’s trainer and about 12 other Australians travelled to El Paso to watch the fight.

We arrived at the stadium and I noticed a sign that said. “No unlicensed firearms allowed” El Paso is truly in the Wild West. Mick invited us backstage to watch Frank’s preparation. The atmosphere was amazing, the tension and excitement you could cut with a knife. After about an hour we gathered with Frank to walk him up to the ring waving Australian flags and cheering him on. About 5,000 Texans were there support the local defending champion Austin “no doubt” Trout. We received a resounding boo from the locals as we approached the ring, marching to the sound of AC/DC’s Hells Bells. I was out of my skin excited! One of the local lads yelled as I was taking my seat ringside, “Send him back to Europe! In the excitement of the moment I turned to him and said, “It’s Australia you idiot not Austria! He then replied in true American fashion “Go F…. yourself”

Frank was touted by Australian & US newspapers as the "Rocky Story". He was not expected to win but had his chance at the title. Frank lasted 6.5 rounds before the referee called a TKO. Frank won the respect of the locals as the rounds past because he would not go down or give up against Trout, who was clearly a champion. I was proud to watch this great Australian athlete and who despite the pain - would not give up. Thanks Frank for providing me with inspiration to carry on into my fitness, family and work life into 2012 and beyond.

Thanks to Mick and his wife Selena the team and members from BoxingFit for what was a once in a lifetime experience.

BTW if you want to get fit and lose weight get down to Boxingfit. I have lost over 20 kilos in the last 2 years because of boxing and eating Jim Stynes Muesli.

Introduction of 4 hour workshops to PeSA 2012

2011-12-29T08:44:00.002+11:00

I am pleased to announce that the PeSA internet conference will be expanding to include 4 hour optional workshops.

John Lawson will conduct session stream A "Social Persuasion Commerce: How to establish authority, influence and sell more"

Ash Nallawalla will conduct session stream B "Seo Essentials"

We have a special early bird rate of $250 if you book and pay before January 30th. Please note that space is limited for the workshops.

Agenda:

10am - 12pm Morning session
12.00 - 1pm Networking Lunch
1pm – 3pm Afternoon session

At 3:30pm the general conference will begin.

We look forward to seeing you at PeSA 2012.

My experience of lending money to following (updated):

2011-12-29T05:43:00.004+11:00

Clinton (Clint) Gerbert: Principal
David Naparstek: Principal
Steven Mooney: Accountant
Robert John Rushford: Lawyer

29/03/2007

Steven Mooney approached me to help his client out namely Clint (Clinton) Gerbert and David Naparstek with a short term loan. I told him the only money I had was our deposit money for a home; a sum of $23,000.

I was offered good interest for this 30 day loan. I was assured by their lawyer Robert John Rushford about his clients: Clinton Gerbert and David Naparstek.

“Clint and David are property developments who have tens of millions in property holdings and plenty of assets. This is a no brainer and you will have the money back before the 30th day.”*

I asked the obvious question.

I was informed by Robert John Rushford and Steven Mooney that it was a short term cash problem for Clinton Gerbert and David Naparstek. They had a need to scrape together enough cash so they could do this other deal that would be a windfall for them.

I asked for and received Security by the way of a Caveat on a block of land valued at $60,000.

20/05/2008

It is now over a year and I still have not received my money back apart from $2000. The security is useless as others have taken out a Caveat on the same block. I was led to understand that the security offered was gold. I am not the only person that has been hit this way by these people.

The thing that really annoys me is that I have been promised dates for payment over a dozen times over the past 12 months or so. I am repeatedly told it will happen in the next few weeks. David Naparstek has made many appointments with me to talk face to face and never shown up for any of meetings.

11/05/2009

Another year has past and despite weekly promises nothing has been paid back or any written assurances. I know of at least 5 others in my suburb alone that have had the same experience.

20/12/2011 (Update)

Clinton Gerbert has never fronted to any meeting and is still doing business.

David Naparstek. I have many text messages from him promising a settlement and promising a letter from his lawyers outlying the settlement. However each time he has always failed to deliver. This man is not to be trusted.

Steven Mooney is currently servicing time in Jail for fraud on different matter.

Robert John Rushford is apparently in Albury and trading again.

DO NOT DEAL WITH THESE PEOPLE EVER!

Philip Leahy
*words to the effect

The PeSA Internet Conference 2012 update

2011-11-18T07:45:00.006+11:00

New website live by the end of November.

2012 event theme:

Multiple Channels. Multiple Opportunities.

In order to be a successful online merchant in 2012, businesses need to adopt a multi channel approach to selling online. Best practice dictates that selling only on eBay or your own website limits your sales opportunities.

The PeSA Internet Conference will be in its sixth year in 2012. From humble beginnings of approx 100 delegates per city in 2007, the Conference saw over 545 delegates in 2011. We expect this to in 2012, to 750 delegates. This will be achieved through a continually expanding program and a combination of promotional means, attracting both repeat and new delegates.

Unlike other conferences, PeSA is focused on practicality – the HOW to sell online, not the THEORY of selling online. Whilst we share some case studies and market data, the content is focused on helping people learn and immediately apply what they’ve learned to their business. This is not a future focused/trends conference – it is what’s happening NOW in the online retail environment.

Due to continuing evolution of the online retail market, 2011 saw PeSA make a shift towards a wider focus on Conference content, adding to traditional eBay, PayPal, shipping and mutli-channel tools focused sessions topics with:

· SEO

· Email marketing

· Analytics

· Social Media

· Online case studies

PeSA Internet Conference Pricing

The early bird pricing for PeSA Internet Conference is $395 till 28 February, 2012. The regular price is $495 till 30 April 2012.

Last minute sales will be at $595, as we need to advise venue of the final numbers by this stage.

PeSA Internet Conference Pricing is a combination of ‘eBay legacy’ and a commitment to affordability.

As eBay has been the key partner since launch, eBay have had a significant impact on the development of the conference. An early requirement of eBay was to keep the cost for delegates as low as possible. As the Conference has grown, and we’ve expanded the offering and continued to lift professionalism.

However, we’re committed to keeping the conference affordable – and in fact PeSA Internet Conference is HALF the price of the nearest “competitor”, ensuring this is a truly democratic event within reach of small sellers.

PeSA has also avoided the tactic of offering “free” exhibition passes. Exhibitors are not simply buying space – we engage to ensure they are as integrated into the Conference program as possible. As such, exhibitors gain much greater exposure than simply those they engage with at their stand.

PeSA Internet Conference Location – Why the Gold Coast?

The decision to host the Conference in 2011 on the Gold Coast was due to a number of factors, including:

· Relative affordability of professional convention centre in comparison to Melbourne & Sydney

· Majority of delegates 60% and many sponsors travelling to either Melbourne or Sydney already (no firm “home” ground in either capital)

· 30% of PeSA delegates coming from Qld, but not having staged an event there previously

· Relatively affordability of travel to, and accommodation at, the Gold Coast.

· Lack of non-convention centre sized venues that were able to accommodate growing PeSA numbers

These factors combined to make the most successful PeSA event yet. In fact, the overwhelming feedback (70%) from both delegates AND sponsors was that they wanted to attend the conference on the Gold Coast again in 2012. The reasons supplied centered around the following:

· A chance to really focus on being at PeSA, away from demands of business/personal lives in a home city.

· Good range of affordable accommodation close to venue meaning people could easily walk.

· Cheap flights from all destinations to the Gold Coast

· Delegates more amenable to attending all elements of the conference, not skipping the start or end to catch flights

· Sponsors in particular felt they had a great chance to network with delegates and other sponsors.

· An opportunity to extend the stay by 1-2 days and enjoy a warmer weekend in the midst of winter.

Content: Proposed agenda

· Whilst the final speaker line up will take until early 2012 to finalise, below are some of our confirmed presenters, streams and our draft planned event schedule for 2012.

· New 2012 Speakers Confirmed

Gabby Leibovich – Catch of the Day
Simon Smith – Quantium
Griff – eBay’s 1st employee
Sheridyn Fisher - eBay success (fashion)
Modi & Melissa – JoeButton.com (fashion)
Steve Price – Radio MTR & 7PM project
Adam Hersh - Posterrevolution .com

Panelists
Amanda Suefong - Ecommerce Manager at Lenovo
Laura Yeomans - Country Manager, ShopStyle Australia (fashion)
Stewart Duff - General Manager Multichannel at Bevilles Pty Ltd
Jim Stewart – Stewarts Media
Paul Greenberg – Deals Direct

· Streams

· 1. All eBay

· 2. Online Retailing

· 3. Marketing & Social Media

· 4. Fully interactive

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Time	Content, Plenary, Breaks
6am-11am	Stand building by exhibition companies
11am-2pm	Exhibitor bump in/stand set up
2.30pm-3.30pm	Conference registrations open & Expo Exploration
3.30pm-5.30pm	Sessions: PeSA Welcome PeSA International keynote eBay opening keynote
5.30pm-7pm	Welcome Drinks & canapes & Expo exploration

Thursday 31 May 2012

Time	Content, Plenary, Breaks	Stream Sessions x 4
9am-9,30am	Final registration
9.30am	PeSA Welcome
9.40am	Australia Post Keynote
10.10am	Keynote
10.40am-11.10am	Morning Tea
11.10am-1.15pm	STREAM SESSIONS	4 streams / 3 sessions each (12 sessions)
1.15pm-2pm	Lunch break & Expo Exploration
2pm-3.30pm	STREAM SESSIONS	4 streams / 2 sessions each (8 sessions)
3.30pm-4pm	Afternoon tea & expo exploration
4pm-4.45pm	Panel
4.45pm-5.30pm	Keynote
5.45pm	Close day 1
7pm-11pm	GALA DINNER

Friday 1 June, 2012

Time	Content, Plenary, Breaks	Stream Sessions x 4
9.30am	PeSA Welcome
9.40am	Keynote
10.10am	Panel
10.40am-11.10am	Morning Tea
11.10am-1.15pm	STREAM SESSIONS	4 streams / 3 sessions each (12 sessions)
1.15pm-2pm	Lunch break & Expo Exploration
2pm-3.30pm	STREAM SESSIONS	4 streams / 2 sessions each (8 sessions)
3.30pm-4pm	Closing Keynote
4pm-4.15pm	Official Close
4.15pm-4.45pm	Afternoon tea & expo exploration
5pm-6pm	Exhibitor bump out
5pm	Networking Drinks (off site)
6pm-9pm	Expo company pack down

PeSA Internet Conference 2011 Video

2011-10-12T20:40:00.001+11:00

Google PageRank Disappears from my toolbar?

2011-10-10T17:02:00.006+11:00

Stay calm it’s still working …

I normally check every site that I visit to see their Google page rank and alexa page rank. I noticed from Thursday 6^th of October it was not showing up on my Alexa toolbar or SeoQuake toolbar. I did some research via twitter to see what was going; on only to see people saying Google has just stopped its PR feature!

As a result I visited Google and do some research & see what is happening. The problem isn’t with Google stopping its pagerank feature or that there was another update, the problem had to do with something else.

The Recent Google PR Server Change

The reason for the recent changes in Google PR is due to the fact that Google just changed its PR server and as a result also changed its query URL.

The old query URL is:

http://toolbarqueries.google.com/search?client=navclient-auto&features=Rank&ch=8f3b58e04&q=info:[URLHERE]

The new query URL is:

http://toolbarqueries.google.com/tbr?client=navclient-auto&features=Rank&ch=8f3b58e04&q=info:[URLHERE]

What that means is that any software addon such as Alexa or Seoquake, website or PR tool trying to use the old server to check PR won’t be working again.

So nothing has happened to your pagerank, and your site won’t be affected. The only thing happening is a recent change in the Google PageRank query URL which will soon be fixed in a lot of SEO tools and websites, and as a result you will soon be able to check your Google Pagerank again via your chosen tool.

If you want to check your Google pagerank now (to ensure everything is okay) you can easily install the new Google Toolbar on your Mozilla Firefox (version 4 or under) or Internet Explorer browser and you will be able to check it. To change the settings in SeoQuake: Open preferences, Click on "Parameters Tab", Double click "Google Pagerank" Replace: http://toolbarqueries.google.com/search?client with http://toolbarqueries.google.com/tbr?client.

Pubcon in Vegas November 8-10, 2011

2011-08-30T15:27:00.004+10:00

We are again attending my favourite US conference, Pubcon. The Australian contingent grows each year for this action packed 3-day event. Check out the session grid:

Australian Booking Discount = 15%:

Please contact me for the discount code. It needs to be added to the "offer code" box at the bottom of the first registration page. It reduces whatever the cost is at the time the person registers by 15% and is valid until October 21, 2011.

A Gold Pass for the event (if you book by September 15th) is US$722!

Our choice of Hotel:

Hotel ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter

We have not made a booking for this hotel as yet. Please let me know your interest and I will pursue a group-booking discount.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending this year.

Successful e-marketing...it’s about reputation

2011-08-30T13:41:00.004+10:00

Successful e-marketing...it’s about reputation
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has launched a new campaign aimed at assisting businesses that use e-marketing to more successfully promote their businesses, while complying with the Spam Act. The campaign, Successful e-marketing...it’s about reputation, offers useful information and advice to e-marketers, showing that e-marketing should not be a numbers game and that compliance with the Spam Act can go a long way to enhance an organisation’s reputation. Visit ACMA

e-marketing blog
What is the e-marketing blog?
The blog deals with different issues facing e-marketers, providing information about their obligations, as well as advice for making the most of their e-marketing campaigns.
Subscribe to the e-marketing blog

PeSA Internet Conference 2011 Survey Report

2011-08-29T11:41:00.005+10:00

Thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors for all their support in staging the most successful PeSA event yet, both in terms of attendance and audience feedback.

PeSA Internet Conference 2011 – Key Numbers

	2010	2011	% Difference
Number of paid delegates-Conference	362	381	5% growth
Attendees – Dinner	217	265	22% growth
Total Delegates	515	545	6% growth
Number of exhibitors	14	21	50% growth
Size of Business + $1 Million	18%	24%	34% growth
Conference price – EB	$249	$299
Conference price – Full	$299	$399
Real cost per delegate	$445	$667*
Amount raised for charity	$22,077	$28,435	28% growth

* The cost of running the event in a professional convention centre is higher. PeSA also chose to invest more in the event this year – and will continue to do so – to ensure a continually evolving, professional event.

Post Event Survey Results

The feedback from delegates is collected every year via an online survey. One hundred and fifty seven respondents took the time to provide their feedback. Overall, their experience was an extremely positive one, with both good ratings on key measures (show below) and excellent suggestions for 2012.

Can you please rate the following elements of PeSA Internet Conference?

Answer Options	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor	*total*
Content/Speeches (Quality, variety, etc)	40%	40%	14%	5%	1%	100%
Exhibition (Variety, business relevance, etc)	32%	35%	27%	6%	1%	100%
Catering (Enough food, quality, etc?)	51%	28%	12%	8%	1%	100%
Venue (Comfort, ability to see, etc)	57%	29%	10%	3%	1%	100%
Event Organisation (Professional, on time, etc)	69%	25%	5%	0%	1%	100%
Networking (Chance to meet others)	45%	39%	12%	3%	1%	100%
Gala Dinner	45%	32%	21%	1%	1%	100%
Value for money	40%	34%	17%	7%	1%	100%
Overall value to my business	46%	32%	16%	6%	1%	100%

Top 50 ALP Lemons

2011-08-27T17:22:00.002+10:00

1.. Carbon Tax - "There will be no carbon tax under the Government I
lead."

2.. NBN - $50 billion but no cost-benefit analysis

3.. Building the Education Revolution - The school halls fiasco

4.. Home Insulation Plan (Pink Batts) - Dumped

5. Citizens Assembly - Dumped

6.. Cash for Clunkers - Dumped

7.. Hospital Reform - Nothing

8.. Digital set-top boxes - Cheaper at Harvey Norman

9.. Emissions Trading Scheme - Abandoned

10. Mining Tax - Continuing uncertainty for our miners

11. Livestock export ban to Indonesia - Over-reaction

12. Detention Centres - Riots & cost blow-outs

13. East Timor 'solution' - Announced before agreed

14. Malaysia 'solution' - Only just agreed

15. Manus Island 'solution' - On the back burner

16.. Computers in Schools - $1.4 billion blow out; less than half
delivered

17. Cutting Red Tape - 12,835 new regulations, only 58 repealed

18. Asia Pacific Community - Another expensive Rudd frolic. Going
nowhere

19. Green Loans Program - Abandoned. Only 3.5% of promised loans
delivered

20. Solar Homes & Communities plan - Shut down after $534 million blow
out

21. Green Car Innovation Fund - Abandoned

22. Solar Credits Scheme - Scaled back

23. Green Start Program - Scrapped

24. Retooling for Climate Change Program - Abolished

25. Childcare Centres - Abandoned. 260 promised, only 38 delivered

26. Take a "meat axe"' to the Public Service - 24,000 more public
servants

27. Murray Darling Basin Plan - back to the drawing board

28. 2020 Summit - Meaningless talk fest

29. Tax Summit - Deferred and downgraded

30. Population Policy - Sets no targets

31. Fuel Watch - Abandoned

32. Grocery Choice - Abandoned

33. $900 Stimulus cheques - Sent to dead people and overseas residents

34. Foreign Policy - In turmoil with Rudd running riot

35. National Schools Solar Program - Closing two years early

36. Solar Hot Water Rebate - Abandoned

37. Oceanic Viking - Caved in

38. GP Super Clinics - 64 promised, only 11 operational

39. Defence Family Healthcare Clinics - 12 promised, none delivered

40. Trade Training Centres - 2650 promised, 70 operational

41. Bid for UN Security Council seat - An expensive Rudd frolic

42.. MySchool Website - Revamped but problems continue

43. National Curriculum - States in uproar

44. Small Business Superannuation Clearing House - 99% of small
businesses reject it

45. Indigenous Housing Program - way behind schedule

46. Rudd Bank - Went nowhere

47. Using cheap Chinese fabrics for Defence uniforms - Ditched

48. Innovation Ambassadors Program - junked

49. Six Submarines - none operational

50. Debt limit to be increased to $250 billion - to pay for all of
this and much more

9 out of 10 of Australian website design companies are crap!

2011-08-23T16:40:00.003+10:00

Be careful your website might have the same retail exposure as this store.

Every one in this business calls themselves an expert. My pet hate is website designers. 90% of them have no right using the word “website” with “design”. They may claim the title of design but including website in the title is misleading.

What is the use of building a website if it cannot be found online? I see examples everyday from sites that have cost the owners anywhere from $5,000 to $120,000 that lack very basic search optimisation principles. I would rather have an ugly website that gets traffic before a beautiful one that doesn’t.

The 1^st thing that needs consideration before building any website is keyword research and a strong SEO framework.

Basic checklist for building a website.

· Plan & Goals (is it an ecommerce website or for lead generation?)

· Keyword research

· Onsite SEO framework

Are the basics covered? Has the site got the following?

· Google analytics installed with goals set up within the system to track conversions.

· Webmaster tools

· Submission to Google local

· Site map submission via Webmaster tools

· Privacy policy

· Title tags

· Description tags

· Images tags

· H1 tags

· Google Data feed submission

Remember design is design and website construction is a different skill set. When building a house you don’t let the interior designer lead the architect. The problem we have with most “website designers” is the claim to be experts in both.

Always ask to see examples of other website work they have undertaken. Check out the Google page rank and Alexia rank of the sites. Speak to the website owner and ask questions. Does the site generate business? Is the CMS system user friendly and productive? Don’t just be dazzled by a company that has a big brand on their books. I have seen some companies who have monster clients who also have crap onsite SEO and poorly planned websites.

The best websites are the ones that don’t require constant interaction with the design companies after completion. Some website companies still operate on the business plan of you having to return to them to update the site. Some also charge high prices for website hosting. Beware.

If you are a website designer and you feel that you might be guilty (most don’t because they think they know it all) get your self on a plane and attend industry conferences and start reading about eCommerce & SEO.

Reach Foundation Charity Night

2011-08-16T14:01:00.004+10:00

2011 was the first time we ran the event outside a capital city (Melbourne or Sydney). This decision was made due to several facts, including that the majority of delegates were already travelling, a mid-winter event would be more attractive in a warmer “destination” location and that we needed a more professional event space to handle our growth. Of course, there was also some risk involved in choosing a regional centre, but it proved a risk worth taking. We were still able to grow attendee numbers and the feedback from delegates (and exhibitors) has been excellent.

The Gala charity Dinner enjoyed a 22% increase with 270 people in attendance this year.

The highlight of the Gala night was Jim Stynes inspirational speech about his career, life and being the founder of the Reach Foundation. This year we raised $28,500!

Jim Stynes

Jan-Marie Henry, Nancy Leahy, Ross & Mariana Kennedy

Phil Leahy & Jim Stynes

Poster King Adam Hersh

Steve Vallas, Linh Hoang, Frank Karaberas

Jim Stynes Special Guest at PeSA 2011 Charity Dinner

2011-07-08T16:20:00.002+10:00

I am thrilled to announce that Jim Stynes will be our special guest at this years gala charity dinner. Jim is the founder of The Reach Foundation. If you have not booked your ticket you have until Wednesday 13th of July to book your ticket.

Conference update

2011-07-08T11:42:00.000+10:00

Agenda: The final PeSA Agenda is now available for download as a PDF. We recommend you take the time to review this in advance and plan which stream sessions you're planning to attend. Also note that registrations open on Thursday 21 July at 8.15am.

Tickets : There are no physical tickets issued for PeSA Internet Conference. Your name will be on the door and it's advisable to bring a copy of your payment receipt just in case.

Gala Dinner: This year's Gala Dinner is presented by Australia Post & Channel Advisor. If you haven't bought tickets, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you do so. This is a fantastic networking night & great value - three course meal and all drinks for $99. Use the form to the right to buy a ticket.

(You WILL NOT be able to purchase at the Conference, we have to advise venue of final numbers the week prior).

Special dietary requirements?: Make sure you advise us in advance, if you haven't already, so we can do our best to accommodate you. Contact

Neroli@brazen.com.au

Like your site/listing reviewed by the experts?: As part of our interactive panels, our experts will be doing LIVE reviews of websites and eBay listings. If you'd like to submit your business for consideration, please send your details to: Phil@onlinemarketexperts.com

Donate & gain great exposure - We'll be again holding a charity auction, this year to benefit Reach. We're seeking businesses willing to donate items for the auction or raffle. The better the prize, the better your exposure. The major prize will be a 12 month eBay Store Subscription.

We'll be listing & linking to you on our website for the remainder of 2011, so it's both good karma & good Google Juice! (Minimum donation value $250). Send a description & image of your proposed donation to Neroli@brazen.com.au

Last year's charity auction was exciting, raising $23,000 for the Alanah & Madeline Foundation.

Like us on Facebook: Get social with us and like us on Facebook so you're kept updated on all details about the Conference in the coming days.

Internet Access: Free access is not provided by the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. You can purchase wireless access at the Conference, but it will be more cost effective for you to bring your own modem. Download directions here on how to access wireless at the Centre.

Substitutes only: As we are less than 30 days out from the Conference, and we've had to pay the venue, there are no refunds that can be offered on tickets. You are welcome to send a substitute if you can no longer attend. Please advise Neroli@brazen.com.au

Flights & Accommodation: If you're travelling to PeSA and have yet to make travel arrangements, we suggest you act on this as soon as possible. Check out the detailed travel information on our site.

If you are arriving the morning of the event, you can bring your bags into the main plenary room and then at the first break, we can place in the organisers office (sorry, as it's a public venue, we'll aim to keep them safe but can't offer a guarantee).

Tax Invoice: Please find below an updated version of your tax invoice. An error was on those previously sent, as they did not specify the ticket prices as GST inclusive. Our apologies.

You can review booking conditions online. We look forward to seeing you there for another inspiring and informative Summit.

Best wishes

Phil Leahy - PeSA Australia

The World’s Leading and Only eBay Certified Design Firm visits Australia!

2011-06-28T10:36:00.000+10:00

Visiting Australia in July, Frooition are truly excited to be hosting their first exhibit ‘Down Under’!

They’re attending the Professional eBay and Ecommerce Sellers Internet Conference (PeSA) at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 21st and 22nd July.

The event will have many exciting attendees discussing the latest on eBay and eCommerce including Deborah Sharkey (Managing Director eBay Australia & New Zealand), John Lawson (CEO of Online Urban Clothing), Mark Gray (Managing Director of Channel Advisor Australia), Andrew Main (Co-Founder Frooition) and many more so it will come as no surprise this is set to be the biggest PeSA Event to date!

You will be able to find them on stand 3 (left of the entrance) where there specialist team including Andrew Main (eBay Strategist) will be exhibiting. As their frontline expert, you will have the privilege to draw on his knowledge during a panel speaking conference at the event.

Why not stop by and say hello?
If you miss the chance to quiz Andrew during the panel conference, swing by their exhibit where Andrew and the team will be free to talk to you about the latest developments on eBay and how their designs are proven to increase sales by a massive, 30%! (on average).

As an exciting addition, Frooition’s CEO, Phillip Molloy, will also be joining the Frooition team at this prestige event. Creating a unique opportunity to meet the CEO of the World’s Leading and Only Certified eBay Design Company. And what’s more, they are even providing complimentary popcorn – now that’s service!
If you’re unable to attend and miss the event, don’t worry, as you will be able to follow them on Twitter for the latest event activities! So keep watching and prepare for the latest on eBay and eCommerce.

Frooition brand eBay Stores for eBay Sellers all across the world, from your small eBay Hobby Seller right up to your large internationals such as Calvin Klein, Karen Millen, Speedo and many more. They have the proven knowledge and skills to enhance your eBay Store and increase your average sales by up to 30%! They also design ecommerce websites, and produce facebook designs.
Simply visit Frooition.com and see how, as the only eBay Certified Store Designer they can help you!

SnapShop - Finding, Visualizing and Sharing Furniture from your iPhone

2011-06-21T16:04:00.001+10:00

Frooition Create Free eBay Category Feature Finder

2011-06-21T10:25:00.001+10:00

eBay Category Feature Finder - Helping eBay Sellers Everywhere

In efforts to help eBay Sellers everywhere, frooition has created this fantastic FREE tool!

Not only will this exciting new tool help you get the most out of eBay, but with the upcoming July changes to eBay categories, you will be able to find out exactly what you need for each product listing!

“This tool is a brilliant solution to the latest eBay Changes, acting as guidance and support with the new Category Updates”

Key Highlights

· Find product listing requirements for any eBay category

· Filter for required Item Specifics, Multi-variations, mandatory Item Conditions, Product Catalogue Availability, and Parts Compatibility

· Dynamically updates with new eBay changes

· Works with all eBay sites and Countries

· All in a single web page for intuitive and easy use

You can use this great tool to find what fields are required for each product category and what advanced features are available in each category (Products Catalogue, Multi-variation, required Item Specifics etc). Knowing these details will help you to not only prioritise your product loading onto eBay, but will also help you meet the new field changes in July’s updates.

This intuitive tool is so easy to use, you simply select the eBay category you want to list in, and it returns all of the category’s requirements. If you prefer, you can simply enter the eBay Category ID into the search box for quick location.

frooition has made this tool future proof, to ensure you can get the most out of its functionality. Every time there is an eBay Category Update, the software will update automatically, so you have one point of contact for all future listing efforts.

As a seller, how does this help me?

· Helps you meet new eBay Category Seller updates

· Helps you to establish what is required for each product listing
(Main category to micro categories)

· Helps you understand category listing requirements

· Helps you to find out what categories can have multi-variations

· Helps you to maximise your listing potential

· Helps you to become a Top Rated Seller and supports your search standing as a Top Rated Seller!

· Helps you to maximise your listing sales potential, increasing your sales!

Did you know, if you identify what product categories use multi-variations, you can maximise your listing potential and sales reach. Simply prioritising these in your listing efforts will give you maximum sales impact whilst using minimal effort.

Key Benefits for you using multi-variation listings:

· Saving Time: Listing once, instead of multiple times

· Saving Money: You’ll pay fewer insertion fees, and get special pricing for pictures with variations

· Gaining more visibility: As buyers start purchasing from your multi-quantity listings, your listings can appear higher in Best Match search results

What do I need to do as a seller?

· Start using this great tool now, and prepare for the July eBay updates

· Start proactively listing in multi-variation categories to maximise your return

· Bookmark this great tool for future use to help you with future eBay updates

Top Tips

· Use this tool to prioritise your listing efforts, improving efficiency and maximising listing impact

· When launching new products onto eBay, research new product category requirements to allocate resource requirements. i.e. is this product supported by eBay Product Catalogue?

· Keep ahead of eBay category updates through using this tool and meeting future mandatory field requirements (Updated live by eBay)

With such a great tool, you may ask yourself, why have we produced it and why is it completely FREE?

As the only eBay Certified Design Company in the world, we have a special relationship with eBay, and as part of that relationship we want to help you sell more online, we want to provide you the best support tools possible, and so, this FREE tool will help you do just that!

Click Here to Start using this great free tool

Australian eBay sellers face global challenge.

2011-05-30T14:41:00.007+10:00

Media Release

Issued by: Profession eBay (& eCommerce) Sellers Alliance

30.5.11. For Immediate Release

eBayAustralia will utilise eBay's global network in a bid to attract more people to its down under site - but what does it mean for Australian sellers?

eBay Australia recently unveiled new plans to make US and UK listings more prominent on eBay.com.au in a bid to attract more buyers to the site. The online auction house believes utilising eBay's global network to fill in product gaps down under will draw in and retain more Australian buyers.

"Displaying relevant listings from the UK and US will increase the likelihood that shoppers will find what they are looking for on eBay.com.au, and continue to shop and buy from eBay.com.au sellers," eBay Australia announced on its website.

"Australian consumers are buying more online yet local ecommerce sellers do not offer full product ranges online to enable shoppers to find what they are looking for locally. Hence, buyers are turning to overseas websites."

eBay Australia also stated that the new change will only affect categories where "inventory gaps" exist, as well as categories where statistics show Australians already buy a high proportion of goods from overseas sellers. But the ambiguity surrounding these affected categories is leaving Australian sellers confused and in the dark.

SelbyAcoustics owner Shaun O'Brien finds eBay Australia's lack of information regarding what categories are affected and how they are affected a real concern.

"It's hard to identify the impact on Australian sellers if we don't know what these categories are," says Mr O'Brien. "If we see the site flooded with competing products that are well represented, of course Aussie sellers will lose out. Only time will tell."

Since eBay Australia launched, it always appeared to stick by a policy where local listings had preference and were advertised separately to foreign items. The new makeover means international listings are now intermingled amongst regular search results which raises questions on how clear it is going to be to the Australian buyer that they're buying overseas.

In Mr O'Brien's experience with offshore selling, many buyers on eBay.com think they are buying from America, and he believes the same thing will happen in Australia."International buyers started complaining after it took so long to receive something from Australia. They didn't realise they were buying from here and it turns out to be a negative experience."

DirectShopSolutions owner Nathan Huppatz says the overall change may be positive for buyers, but it does not bring any positive benefits to sellers.

"Often international sellers are larger in volume and size; especially more mature markets in the US and UK. They will sell the same product for a cheaper price with cheaper shipping," says Mr Huppatz. "The Australian sellers aren't at fault. It's due to obtaining cheaper manufacturing prices overseas and cheaper postage."

Mr Huppatz thought it would have been nice if eBay Australia made the product gaps known to Australian sellers so they could keep an eye out on the site.

"Australian markets would have liked the opportunity to know which gaps need to be filled, rather than taken over by US and UK sellers. eBay Australia should identify gaps in the market and give sellers three months notice to supply products in the required broad categories."

Really, is it fair of eBay Australia to bring these changes down under at a time when the media is reporting that Australian sellers are crying out for online retail sales declining due to the high Australian dollar? Giving international listings more visibility on the Australian eBay site isn't going to benefit sellers here, that's for sure.

American retailers winners in Australian GST debate.

2011-05-10T12:41:00.006+10:00

Media Release

International online retail businesses are celebrating the effects of the ongoing campaign by local retailers for the Government to lower the $1000 GST threshold for imported goods.

ShopNewYork.com.au* Australian founder, Mr. Phil Leahy, says that since the debate his sales have jumped. “We are up over 180% on last year & the website traffic has increased by 40% in the last month alone.”

“This campaign is toxic for Australian retailers” says Phil Leahy. “The public is against lowering the threshold because what they want is low prices & choice. It also had the unintended effect of alerting Aussie consumers to the great value & selection available off shore” continued Leahy.

Leahy believes one positive of the campaign is that Australian businesses are now more focused than ever in investing online. “Harvey Norman’s Gerry Harvey had a recent about face on the issue and now has a number of sites rolling out over the course of the year. I think Mr. Harvey’s focus is late but nevertheless is a leading example to other traditional retailers of the course to take”.

Leahy’s potentially controversial approach is that protectionism is not the answer to the challenge. Mr. Leahy’s message to proponents of more tax. “Give up while you’re behind and get creative about delivering a better online business. If not, keep your current path and wait to see your business decline.”

Phil Leahy is also the founder of the Australian Chapter of the Professional eBay Sellers Alliance, which runs an annual Internet Conference. The fifth annual event, due to run in July this year, will attract 600+ online retailers to the two day event (internetconference.com.au).

* ShopNewYork.com.au features thousands of shoes by partnering with a Manhattan based online retailer. Shoes are sourced from top brands and designers located in New York City. Shop New York offers shipping for $10 and a local address for returns. The store has Australian size charts and is in Australian dollars.

Internet Conferences eBay PeSA May Update

2011-05-09T19:23:00.001+10:00

PeSA Internet Conference now in fifth year!

2011-05-03T12:39:00.006+10:00

Media Release

PeSA Internet Conference now in fifth year!

Issued by: Profession eBay (& eCommerce) Sellers Alliance

3.5.11. For Immediate Release

The PeSA Internet Conference continues to gain momentum, with 2011 being the fifth year of the event. Registrations are growing strongly, with over 350 delegates already registered to attend the event at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on the 21-22 July 2011. The Conference is expected to attract 600 delegates from around Australia, who are existing or budding online retailers.

“I was inspired to bring PeSA to Australia in 2007 by the amazing events that I attended in the US” says PeSA Australia founder Phil Leahy. “There just wasn’t an annual event that serviced smaller sellers in Australia, who are really at the coalface of online retailing in Australia. Thirty percent of our sellers turnover under $70,000 but another 18% turn over more than a million. So we have something for everyone.”

“This year we’re excited to bring out first time presenter Channel Advisor CEO Scot Wingo, whose company handles almost 3 Billion in sales on behalf of its customers. We’re also proud to bring back conference favourites, like social media guru John Lawson, who a previous delegate told me inspired her to set up a Facebook page that she credits with tripling her sales.” Adds Leahy.

The PeSA Internet Conference has been developed with the small-medium sized online retailer in mind. As such, the registration prices have been kept extremely low ($399 for two days), with the event largely funded by exhibitors.

2011 exhibitors include: eBay, PayPal, Australia Post, Temando, Alibaba, DHL, Terapeak, Channel Advisor, My Online Business, exalt, Quantium Solutions, IFS, Cellnet Logistics, Fastway, Frooition, Ship2Anywhere, SEO Moves, Dejan SEO, ACMA & Ideas Culture.

More information about the PeSA Internet Conference can be found by visiting: www.internetconfernece.com.au

Australia's best conference for online retailers

2011-04-20T17:12:00.006+10:00

Just a reminder that if you've yet to register, earlybird registrations close 30 April.

Over 250 delegates (of a total 600 expected) have already registered for the event, now in its fifth year.

Learn more online about how PeSA 2011 is shaping up, forward to a friend, or read on!

What's new in 2011?

We've got more content - and more range of topics covered - than ever before. In addition to some outstanding keynotes, we're running four streams across the two days, allowing you to customise your PeSA experience: You select the content that best suits your business needs.

All eBay & PayPal stream - With content for both budding and new sellers through to larger and more established sellers.

Marketing & Social Media - How to get and keep customers, including search engine optimisation, email marketing, digital PR, Twitter, blogging, Facebook and video.

Online Retailing & Stores - Covering everything involved in running a successful online retail business, including multi-channel tools, automation, shipping, product sourcing, case studies and business growth & management strategies.

Fully interactive - Day 2 will feature a stream of live site & listing reviews, with experts evaluating what is successful and where improvements can be made.

The detailed PeSA Agenda will be available for download late April. The (draft) structure can be viewed now.

We've also added a casual networking event at the conclusion of the conference, for some final networking opportunities. This is not a ticketed event, drinks are at bar prices.

We'll be in Queensland for the very first time, at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. If you'll be travelling to the Gold Coast, check out our travel advice page for a selection of hotels, and serviced apartments, that are a short walk from the venue. We recommend staying Wed-Fri nights to make the most of your Conference experience.

What's back in 2011?

The PeSA exhibition, where you'll have the chance to meet with suppliers picked for their relevance to your business. We'll have more exhibitors than ever before too!

The gala dinner - Our popular networking initiative that allows you to relax, build relationships and support a great cause, The Reach Foundation.

Several of our most popular keynotes, with their own special insight, are returning including:

Jonathan Garriss - who heads two businesses, Gotham City Online and Poster Revolution, that have shipped more than two million items!

John Lawson - the most passionate presenter you'll see, delivering his ongoing insight into how to do more with social media and other marketing tools to build your online business.

Please do pass this invitation on to other online retailers! Let people know you're attending too, on your own website, twitter feed and Facebook page!

Look forward to seeing you at PeSA 2011.

InternetConference.com.au goes live!

2011-04-04T15:44:00.012+10:00

PeSA-Events.com.au now re-directs to InternetConference.com.au.

I have set up a new brand, “Internet conference” to assist the PeSA Australia brand to be found via natural search. Internet Conference is easier to remember and is also valuable in terms of monthly searches on Google.

It will also provide the opportunity to grow our conference offering for our attendees. When I founded PeSA (Professional eBay Sellers Alliance) in Australia 5 years ago less than 10% of our attendee’s owned a website. Last year attendee’s reported a figure of 35%. I expect this figure to surpass 50% this year.

This year we are expanding our content to reflect the changing marketplace. This includes expanding our breakout sessions, offering content on SEO, Social media and ecommerce websites. The eBay marketplace remains our core focus for the conference, as we believe that it is the best platform for beginners and enterprise businesses to trade and brand.

Each year our focus is to deliver outstanding speakers, content and experience for our attendees, and this year’s conference will be no exception. If you trade on eBay or are contemplating opening an eBay store, then this is an absolute must for you to attend this year.