Welcome to The Business Plan, a fortnightly podcast brought to you by LeasePlan, where we discuss the latest issues and trends that are affecting the Australian business landscape.

In today’s business climate, it’s important to get different perspectives that can offer new ways of thinking. Whether you’re a high-flying corporate or a passionate small business operator, new perspectives present opportunities for fresh ideas that can be beneficial to the way your business runs. The Business Plan podcast is a handy tool bundled in a neat and digestible package intended to make gathering new perspectives that little bit easier.

If you’ve never downloaded a podcast before, it’s actually really easy. Just right click the mp3 file below and save it to your computer. In case you’re a little confused, podcasts are audio files (think mini radio shows) that you can download to your computer and listen to on a portable music device or through your computer’s speakers. If you like what you hear, then it’s important to subscribe to the podcasts so you don’t miss any in the future.

Subscribing is pretty simple too. You can either search ‘LeasePlan’ in iTunes and click the ‘subscribe’ button. If you don’t have iTunes, look up ‘feed reader’ in Google and figure out which is the best program for you. Most mail applications have a feed reader inbuilt too. Once you’ve chosen your desired feed reader, paste this link [http://www.clickcaster.com/channels/thebusinessplan.xml] into it and wait for a new Business Plan podcast every fortnight.

Episode 8: Securing Funding in Uncertain Times

In this final episode for 2008, Belinda examines the options for businesses looking to secure funding during the current economic downturn.

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Episode 7: Carbon Emissions Scheme

In this episode, Belinda discusses the Australian Government's current carbon emissions scheme and highlights the situation's outlook in the near future.

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Episode 6: Australia's Economic Situation

In this episode, Belinda highlights the tough economic situation Australia is currently facing.

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Episode 5: Staff Retention and Gen Y

This week, Belinda looks at what initiatives businesses are undertaking to attract and retain Generation Y employees.

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Episode 4: Green Vehicle Considerations

In this episode, Belinda discusses the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles, and what actions drivers can take to become more environmentally responsible.

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Episode 3: Free Trade Agreements and China

In this episode, Belinda looks at how proposals for a free trade agreement with China could affect the Australian car industry.

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Episode 2: Fuel Prices

This week, Belinda looks at the issue of fluctuating fuel prices, and what initiatives governments are taking to restore consumer confidence.

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Episode 1: Enterprise Resource Planning

In this episode, Belinda Smart investigates how LeasePlan and other companies are implementing enterprise resource planning software in order to improve efficiencies.

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