Knowledge Bank Articles

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By William Dunphy

You may have noticed that there has been a sharp increase in the number of content creators and influencers recently.  There are currently more than 45 million professional content creators as well as over 162 million amateur creators in 2024. But this surely cannot happen by coincidence so why has content creation become so big? Due to technological advancements, posting online has become a lot easier. 60.42% of the world owns at least one smartphone.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Vanessa Ledbury

Amidst Covid-19’s constraints, a wave of trends took over the world—endless TV binges, whimsical diets, and impromptu online splurges. Amongst this, a heartwarming shift unfolded: with falling birth rates and Millennials postponing milestones, pets stepped in, becoming cherished companions in the absence of traditional family roles.

According to researchers like Dr. Rita Eichenstein, a paediatric neuropsychologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers in Los Angeles, human beings have an innate desire to love and reproduce. However, in this digital era where social medias substitute real relationships, humans are lonely. 

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Yarin Barrett

Wellness travel has become an important part of the global tourism industry. The main aim of this form of travel is to promote physical and mental well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen people reassess their thoughts on health tourism. Factors such as a highly stressful workplace and fast paced living with a desire to slow down and simplify life have seen the emergence of wellness tourism as part of the growing wellness industry. One of the main reasons wellness travel has become an emerging trend is because of the increasing awareness of health, stemming from the rising occurrence of chronic diseases. This emerging trend is set to boost the wellness industry worldwide.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Marissa Leijen

Has your feed on social media been consumed with “Top 5 Side Hustles to Start” or “Easy Ways to Make Money”? From drop-shipping, online surveys, and freelancing to delivering food, side hustles are becoming more popular especially online. The hashtag #sidehustles is number 15 of the top hashtags in the financial service category on the popular social media platform, TikTok. With over 3,000 videos posted within the last 120 days, the emerging trend has likely appeared on your “For You” page. So, what has got everyone wanting to start a side hustle?

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Ksenia Lozbina

With the constant talk about the rising cost of living and the economy’s unpredictability post-global pandemic, it’s no surprise that ‘side hustles’ are becoming more mainstream. The emergence of “side hustles” isn’t just a trend, but a direct response to the need for self-reliance in these uncertain times.

If you’re anything like me, a thirty-something-year-old female juggling part-time online work whilst back at uni (again), you’ve probably noticed the explosion of YouTube videos, articles, and Insta posts promoting this lifestyle and various avenues you can take to “gain freedom” and take control of your life. Usually whilst sipping a coffee somewhere in Indonesia…

“The Actual Easiest AI Side Hustle of 2023 ($307k)” or “How I did over $945,000 My First Calendar Year on ETSY” are just some of the click-worthy YouTube headlines I’ve come across lately that make side hustles seem not only tempting but also apparently incredibly lucrative.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Emma Scanlan

Although awareness of environmental issues has become more prominent, only 15% of Australians are familiar with the term “circular economy”. The circular economy has emerged as a powerful trend that has become intertwined with the theoretical concept of sustainable marketing. In this blog, we will explore the emerging trend of the circular economy, its principles, and how it links to the relevant marketing theory of sustainable marketing.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Ella Warters

Step into a realm where the attraction of limitless beauty products and the excitement of shopping intersect, giving birth to a captivating trend: beauty hauls. With over 2.5 billion views under #beautyhaul on TikTok, it ponders the existence of ethical consumption all together. 

While the fashion industry has embraced the sustainable fashion movement, the social and environmental consequences of overconsumption within the cosmetics sector remain understudied and largely ignored by corporations, content creators, and consumers alike. According to a recent survey, the average person spends 722 USD per year on makeup and skincare. Excessive consumption often stems from societal pressure, advertising, and consumerism all together and is now causing detrimental effects to the planet and society. 

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Aliesha Boonman-Burns

Hey there, eco-conscious readers! Welcome to a world where resources never go to waste, where old things get a new lease on life, and where the way we consume is transformed. There’s a game-changing trend on the horizon that’s all about turning things around (quite literally)! We’re diving into this exciting concept of a circular economy, and trust me, it’s not just another buzzword. Get ready to discover how the circular economy is the superhero we’ve been waiting for, swooping in to make our world more sustainable. Stick with me as we break down the idea behind it and unveil how it’s set to create a brighter, greener future for us all.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Michelle Watts

For many Australians alcohol is a key part of the way they socialise, celebrate and connect.  With a pub on most corners and a strong emphasis on mateship drinking is deeply entrenched into the Australian culture.

In 2016- 2017 Aussies drank the equivalent to 186 million litres of pure alcohol, an astronomical amount one would think but according to the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics ) it was the lowest amount recorded since the 1960’s and Australian’s Youth are leading the charge towards abstinence.

The research has shown that patterns of alcohol use are influenced by familial connections, passed down for generations. Although Recent data suggests that many young people are drinking less than their parents or grandparents did or are choosing to abstain altogether lending to the idea that young people are more informed, health conscious and engaging in less risk taking behaviour whilst living a more meaningful lifestyle.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Charisma Faber

In March 2021 nearly half (48%) of Australians surveyed either have or are planning to start a side hustle. This upcoming trend has turned the heads of many Australians wishing to transform their passions into profit. Side hustles have been around since the 1950s when they were referred to as moonlighting, it is an opportunity to generate a second income and progress towards financial freedom and independence.

Although this concept has been around for many years it has gained popularity since the covid-19 crisis, due to many individuals working from home people discovered how their laptop could work for them to create an additional employment opportunity outside their full-time job. A side hustle gives the individual more freedom and control over what they do, when they do it and how many hours they devote to it.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Mayah Kanigowski

In today’s world people are starting their own side hustles. As a new and exciting trend within the always-changing business world, helping people achieve their goals of being financially independent and pursuing their passions.

Side hustles are freelancing side gigs people do in addition to their regular jobs to earn their income. The growing development of social media platforms has significantly helped people’s ability to earn money on a flexible basis from their interests and talents. Within today’s fast-paced world of business gaining a competitive edge is critical, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional. Within this blog, we will explore how side hustles might provide you with the competitive advantage you need to succeed.

1 Adaptability

Success in the ever-changing corporate environment depends on one’s capacity to adapt. Working side hustles requires you to be quick-witted, open to trying out new concepts, and flexible when needed. You are always exposed to shifting consumer tastes, market dynamics, and technological advancements while running a side hustle. This skill might prove to be a great advantage for both your primary career and your side hustle. Whether it is navigating shifts in customer behaviour, responding to emerging trends, or quickly adjusting your business model, your experience in your profession can sharpen your ability to adapt effectively resulting in success. Setting you apart from others in your industry who may be resistant or hesitant to change, helping you stay relevant and in demand.

2 Quality Matters

In an abundance of options, quality is what makes a difference. A side hustle generally begins as a passion endeavour where you may focus on quantity over quality. Your side hustle, whether it’s making handcrafted items, providing customised services, or producing content, might serve as evidence of your dedication to quality. Quality isn’t just about producing a superior product or service it is also about attention to detail, customer care and consistency. Your side hustle can be the first stepping stone for learning and perfecting these qualities, which can be implemented into your primary career making you stand out as a professional that delivers quality.

3 Customer Engagement is Key

Customer engagement is the foundation of every successful business. You have a rare chance to communicate with clients or consumers directly via your side hustle. You may develop a devoted clientele by showing your engagement by continually seeking out feedback, learning about their wants, and adjusting your products appropriately. Customer engagement is about actively listening to your customers’ concerns, responding promptly, and making them feel heard. By developing engagement skills in your side hustle, you can also use them in your primary career, improving client relationships and developing your professional reputation within the business.

4 Diversifying your skill set

Successful professionals often have to diversify their skills. Your side hustle will help you experience and learn new skills you hadn’t thought about trying before. Whether you’re in the field of business, studying project management, finance, or marketing, these skills can help you advance in your primary career. While your primary career may focus on specific skills, your side hustle allows you to explore different areas of work. Branching out can develop your skills to be a well-rounded professional capable of tackling a wide range of challenges. Showing your commitment to personal and professional growth and development.

5 Risk management

Side hustles might serve as a safety net. They provide an extra stream of revenue that may be quite helpful in hard times. You may take measured chances in your main profession or even investigate other prospects thanks to your financial stability. Also, you lessen your reliance on single employment and increase your resilience to economic downturns by diversifying your sources of income. Studies have shown that by diversifying your income, you can reduce your dependency on a single job making you less vulnerable to unpredicted economic downturns. Multiple incomes can also be a strategic advantage as it provides stability allowing you to break down financial challenges more effectively. Side hustles can act as a testing ground for new innovative ideas, giving you the confidence to grow as an entrepreneur and possibly become self-employed.

There’s much more to side hustles than simply making a little extra cash. They may provide you with useful skills such as adaptability and enable you to engage with customers on a personal level. Acknowledging and embracing side hustles will provide you with a competitive edge in the ever-changing landscape of the modern workforce. It’s time to unlock your full potential and start that side hustle.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Millie Stocks

Technology. An ever growing, ever evolving concept that we scramble to adapt to every day. One of the latest changes? Robots. Specifically social robots.

Robots in their most basic form have been around for some time now. But now we are seeing an increase in humanoids – like ElliQ, iPal and Pepper – and animal-like robots – such as aibo and Paro, that provide aided living and the ability to read or react to human expressions. These social robots use artificial intelligence to interact and communicate with humans on an emotional level. So, what is the risk or reward of these robots? Are they as helpful as they seem? Or are there underlying concerns preventing them from being effective and safe?

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Kevin Sim

Good morning, class! I’m ZX03-E9, your new high-tech teacher, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of social robots and how they’re changing education while gaining a competitive advantage in various industries. Let’s explore this exciting topic together.

The marvels of artificial intelligence

We live in an age where technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence, are nothing short of astonishing. What used to be the stuff of science fiction movies is now part of our daily lives. We’re surrounded by virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Cortana, who reside in our homes, phones and computers. Remember the famous line from The Terminator, “I’ll be back”? Well, artificial intelligence and social robots have indeed arrived and are here to stay.

The pandemic’s call for innovation

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Precila Selui

Do you have a fur-ever friend? Just the one or five? That you call your babies?

My daily routine begins with a pup smile.

It is okay I get it, having a dog, cat, or another fur pet spending time together with them and cancelling your plans last minute is the definition of owning a furbaby. The bond we have as pet parents makes us happy.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Vanessa Makuare

The emerging trend of side hustles is becoming more popular among Australians. Side hustles provide an extra source of income outside of regular work hours and occupations for those looking for more. Most side hustles are pursued by people who find something they are passionate about and are motivated to promote this product or service.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 958, 600 Australians hold multiple jobs, those based in community and personal services were more likely to hold multiple jobs. There is no better time to start than now. Side hustles can include freelance work, Uber driving and even signing up for temporary positions at big events such as the Brisbane Ekka.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Lea Wickremeratne

Reconciliation describes a growing movement within the Australian cultural and political macroenvironment, that involves repairing relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australian communities and building a shared future with mutual goals in mind to benefit all Australians. This movement has been gaining traction over recent years,^{(1) (2)} especially with the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament. If successfully implemented, the Indigenous Voice would provide a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say in matters that affect them, including policies and legislation related to small businesses.^{(3) (4)}

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Amber Henry

With the rise of globalisation, individuals are now more aware than ever before of how their actions affect both the environment and society. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have taken centre stage in recent years as a crucial step towards sustainability worldwide. In this piece, we will explore what these goals entail. We will highlight their importance and explore ways everyone can contribute to achieving them. It’s imperative to note that the SDGs are not just about environmental sustainability, but also social and economic development.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Megan Edwards

When looking at the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I don’t blame you, there are 17 of them in total and the nature of some of the goals feels bigger than what the average Aussie could achieve in their lifetime. For example, ending world hunger. However, goal 12, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, is something that a lot of Australians are already doing or at least are curious about and leaning towards.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

The new kid on the block in how we discover our music.

By Julian Kelly

No matter how much things change, some things stay the same. Such can be said for music, which has always been, and will remain, a way for individuals and groups to establish and mould their personality. What has changed though with music, is the methods of discovering it. Gone are the days of discovering music through MTV and destroying your parent’s computer internally with platforms such as Limewire. In an increasingly technologically dependent world full of brand collaborations and influencers, the ability to discover new artists, new music, and new expressions of personality has never been easier.

Our PR Director, Michelle Smytheman, is passionate about helping emerging professionals in the communications industry and teaches at the University of the Sunshine Coast. As part of an assessment task this year, there have been some excellent blogs written by first-year students about emerging business trends. We are proud to share their work.

By Mikaela Wilson

Why spend money on marketing when an app can do it for you? The upcoming artists best friend when it comes to music marketing.

What if I told you, an emerging artist, that within minutes of uploading a new song you could reach thousands of people, propelling your music career from bedroom artist to Coachella headliner. That just a small sound bite of your song will reach the ears of current fans, new fans, potential fans and even the ‘haters’ who may end up helping promote your music for you. This is exactly what the highly addictive app TikTok is making possible for upcoming artists all over the world.