The heart of the matter – succession planning for the family business

Succession planning in a family business is a complex and often emotional process that involves more than just passing on company control to the next generation. It requires careful preparation, open communication, and a deep understanding of the emotional dynamics at play. Effectively managing these emotional dynamics is crucial to ensure both family harmony and business continuity. Understanding emotional dynamics Family businesses are a unique blend of personal and professional…  Read more

Unlock Sales Success

A solid sales strategy will help you consistently grow your business. It will give you a framework for generating more leads, closing more deals, and ultimately increasing your revenue. From nurturing existing accounts to thought leadership and effective pricing discussions, here are some actionable steps for a winning sales strategy. Nurture existing accounts:  Schedule regular check-ins with current customers to maintain relationships.  Use social media to engage with customers through…  Read more

Setting and tracking financial goals for small business success

Setting financial goals for your business may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader and business owner. Your financial goals serve as far more than wishful projections, they form the backbone of your road map for success, internal and external. Financial goals are something that every single business should possess regardless of its market, model or size. Let’s explore how you can set and track financial goals…  Read more

Business Update – 13 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia ‘not immune from trade tensions’, Chalmers says Australia’s economy will not be immune from escalating trade tensions, Jim Chalmers has warned, as the Albanese government prepares itself for an incoming Donald Trump administration. In a speech on Monday, the treasurer will outline the risks of an “uncertain world characterised…  Read more

How to use data to drive growth

Data is more accessible than ever. But how can small businesses leverage it effectively to drive growth? Let’s explore data-driven strategies that can help you make informed decisions, improve customer experiences, and ultimately, boost your bottom line. Why data-driven strategies matter Data-driven strategies are essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth. These strategies enable businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights rather than relying…  Read more

8 factors to consider before investing

Working hard can only make you more money but does not grow your money or keep it safe. And that’s where investing comes into the picture: it fights inflation, grows money multiple times, and can help secure your future. Here we have curated a list of eight factors that you need to consider before investing: Understand your investment objective This is the first step. Decide what your main investment focus…  Read more

5 proven techniques to slay procrastination

Procrastination can be a formidable foe for small business owners. With endless responsibilities, it’s easy to fall into the trap of putting off important tasks for later. But fear not! Here are some practical solutions that can help you slay procrastination once and for all.  1. Eat the frog first Ever heard of the saying “Eat the frog first”? It’s a productivity hack inspired by Mark Twain’s advice to tackle…  Read more

Protect your business: Outsmart fraud before it hits!

In the wake of the pandemic, many small business owners have become increasingly concerned about fraud. According to SAP Concur, a staggering 85% of businesses surveyed expect the risk of fraud to continue even after the pandemic. Making matters worse, many fraudulent acts originate from within businesses themselves. Below you will find some essential internal controls that you can implement to safeguard your business and mitigate the risk of financial…  Read more

Business Update – 9 October 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Banks ordered to refund millions of Aussies Nearly two million Aussies could soon receive hundreds of dollars after multiple major banks were ordered to issue more than $28m in refunds. A report by ASIC reveals that some banks have kept low-income customers in high-fee accounts, leading to financial strain.…  Read more

Financial statements showdown: what each report shows you about your business

Understanding financial statements might sound daunting, but it’s crucial for small business owners to stay on top of their game. Each financial report offers unique insights into different aspects of your company’s health. This listicle will break down the essentials, helping you make informed decisions and ultimately steer your business toward success. 1. Balance sheet What is it? The balance sheet provides a snapshot of your company’s financial position at…  Read more

Stop putting off the little things

As a business owner, you often find yourself pulled in different directions by competing responsibilities. It can feel daunting to classify tasks and tackle the most time-consuming ones first. But why is it so hard for us to start – or even finish – seemingly insignificant tasks? Why do these tiny tasks become the bane of our existence, tempting us into procrastination limbo? Let’s explore why we get stuck on…  Read more

How rising interest rates impact small businesses and ways to mitigate those effects

In the world of business, one constant factor you are likely to encounter is change, particularly in the financial landscape. One such change that can bear significant implications for small businesses is rising interest rates. Understanding how this impacts your business and identifying solutions to counteract these effects can be key to sustaining and growing your business. The implications of rising interest rates for small businesses Interest rates have a…  Read more

Why online reviews matter

In today’s digital age, online reviews can make or break a small business. With the ease of access to social media and review websites, customers can easily voice their opinions and experiences with your business online. As a small business owner, it’s essential to understand the importance of online reviews as they will impact your brand image, sales, and customer loyalty. Boost your brand image Online reviews are the first…  Read more

Decoding the language of financial ratios

As a small business owner, you’re likely already wearing many hats. But the hat of a financial analyst might seem a little oversized, particularly if your background isn’t in finance or accounting. However, understanding financial ratios can be a game-changer for your business, helping you assess your business’s financial health and make informed decisions. Financial ratios: what are they? Think of financial ratios as a thermometer for your business’s financial…  Read more

Business Update – 31 January 2024

Getting caught up on a week that got away? Here’s your weekly digest of some stories relevant to business and the economy. Data Privacy Day 2024: Aussies want transparency, businesses need action On Data Privacy Day, observed each year on January 28th, Australians and businesses are reminded of the vital importance of privacy. “Ironically, Data Privacy Day is a reminder that data privacy isn’t something a business can achieve in a…  Read more

Demystifying Inflation

Inflation – it’s a word that’s been on everyone’s lips recently. Rates are on the rise, and our small business community is feeling it the most. Increased supply costs, a lack of workforce, and dwindling profits are among the challenges faced.  Let’s demystify inflation and delve into its impact on small businesses. Grasping Inflation In essence, inflation is the uptick in the cost of goods and services. Whether it’s a…  Read more

Make life easier with AI

AI (Artificial intelligence) has been both a huge disrupter and enabler for businesses of all shapes and sizes. (AI) is no longer just a pipe dream of science-fiction. It has become a vital aspect of today’s world and has meant businesses or employees can and are becoming more productive by leveraging the many AI tools for business activities.  In the past, the application of AI was limited to big corporations…  Read more

Business Update – 12 July 2023

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. One of biggest defence deals in Australia’s history inked in Berlin Australia will export more than 100 Brisbane-made Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles to Germany starting in 2025 under a $1 billion deal. The military vehicles will be produced in Redbank and will secure around 1,000 jobs. Gas ‘plays a…  Read more

Business Update – 5 July 2023

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Electricity prices rising In May, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed that energy prices would rise by 19.6 per cent and 23.9 per cent in NSW, SA and southeast Queensland. Electricity prices are set to increase by up to 25% from 1 July. Chinese travellers invited to Come and…  Read more

Superannuation Guarantee Increase – 1 July 2023

Photo By Haley Owens For small business owners and payroll managers, staying up-to-date on the latest superannuation changes is essential. And, with the Australian Superannuation Guarantee (SG) set to increase from 10.5% to 11% from 1st July 2023, it’s important to understand what this means and how it could affect your business. As an employer, this increase, and subsequent increases, will have an impact on your payroll management and accounting…  Read more

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